Fortaleza, Brazil

Fortaleza is the state capital of Ceará, located in northeastern Brazil. Its warm climate, warm ocean waters and the sandy beaches attract tourists. In recent years, many of the old hotels have been replaced by European-owned international resorts. Nightlife is full of festivities with bars, restaurants and shows as the primary attraction.

The Praia de Iracema (Iracema's beach), the first urban nuclei of the city, is home to many bars and restaurants. It includes the Ponte dos Ingleses (Bridge of the Englishmen) which is an ideal location for watching the sunset and spotting dolphins.

Fortaleza's urban beaches are complemented by the jangadas (small rafts used by many of Ceará's fishermen) for catching seafood for the Ceará cuisine. The Praia do Futuro (Beach of the Future) is a popular location with many beachside restaurants, built in the local style using carnauba straw and called "Barracas de Praia" (Beach Huts).

Things to see and do

* Praça do Ferreira - the main city square
* Theatro José de Alencar
* Praça José de Alencar - place to watch street performers
* Praia de Iracema and Meireles beaches
* Schooner cruises

Cruise Season - Jan - Dec
Currency - Real (R$) (BRL)
Language - Portuguese
Population - 3,400,000 approx
Land Area - 313 km²
Electricity - 2 perpendicular flat pins USA style
Time - GMT minus three hours
International Country Telephone Code - + 55

Port Location - The Port of Fortaleza is an artificial port located in the Mucuripe inlet.

Transport Links - The modern international airport Pinto. Airlines fly to almost every major city in Brazil and also other capitals of South America, mostly via São Paulo.

The main bus station has buses to most all of the country, often via connections. Expresso Guanabara has the most extensive network from here. Note that most lines within the state of Ceara have their last coach leaving around 6-7 PM. Buses to neighbouring towns, within some 100 km, often leave from the train station in the centre.