Ceará Travel Guide

Ceará Tourist Guide

Discover Ceará’s coastline, with its white sandy beaches, dunes and cliffs, as well as its national parks and vibrant culture. Here you’ll find the top destinations, itineraries, practical tips and suggestions for accommodation and excursions.

In this guide

Top destinations in Ceará
Suggested itineraries
Practical tips
Food and culture
Must-see tours and experiences
Frequently Asked Questions

Top destinations in Ceará

Fortaleza: Praia do Futuro, the Dragão do Mar Centre, street markets and nightlife along the Beira-Mar. The gateway to the coast.
Jericoacoara (Jijoca): Lagoa do Paraíso, Duna do Pôr do Sol, kitesurfing and a charming village.
Canoa Quebrada: Colourful cliffs, the famous ‘Broadway’, buggy rides and water sports.
Beach Park (Aquiraz): A leading water park, ideal for families.
Morro Branco / Beberibe: A labyrinth of cliffs and picturesque beaches.
National parks: Jericoacoara National Park and Ubajara National Park for hiking and ecotourism.

Praia do Mucuripe em Fortaleza — Mucuripe Beach in Fortaleza

Pedra Furada em Jericoacoara — Pedra Furada in Jericoacoara

Canoa Quebrada em Aracati — Canoa Quebrada in Aracati

Praia de Morro Branco em Beberibe — Morro Branco Beach in Beberibe

Parque Nacional de Ubajara — Ubajara National Park

Suggested itineraries

A weekend in Fortaleza: Praia do Futuro + Dragão do Mar + dinner on the seafront.
4–7 days on the north coast: Fortaleza → Cumbuco → Lagoinha → Jericoacoara (including lagoons and buggy rides).
Cliff Route: Morro Branco → Beberibe → Canoa Quebrada, with stops for walks and viewpoints.
Cultural Cariri (3–5 days): Juazeiro do Norte and Crato — pilgrimages, museums and handicrafts.

Practical tips

Best time of year: The dry months (September to December); strong winds from July to January for kitesurfing.
Transport: Hire a car to visit remote beaches; there are shuttle services and minibuses to Jeri. Check the condition of the dirt roads during the high season.
Accommodation: Guesthouses, hostels and hotels — book in advance during the high season.
Safety: Follow local advice on beaches with strong currents; avoid displaying valuables.

Food and culture

Try the seafood, carne-de-sol with cassava, baião de dois and tapioca. Enjoy local festivals, forró performances and lace and pottery crafts.

Must-see tours and experiences

A buggy ride through the dunes and along the cliffs.
Kitesurfing and windsurfing in Cumbuco and Jericoacoara.
Crystal-clear lakes and raft trips.
Sunset from viewing points and on the dunes.

Frequently asked questions about Ceará

What are the main tourist destinations in Ceará?

Fortaleza (the capital), Jericoacoara, Canoa Quebrada, Beach Park, Morro Branco/Beberibe and the Jericoacoara and Ubajara National Parks are among the most popular destinations, offering a mix of urban beaches, dunes, colourful cliffs and nature trails.

When is the best time to visit Ceará?

The driest months, from September to December, tend to have less rain and more sunshine. Kitesurfers and windsurfers, on the other hand, prefer the season of strong winds, between July and January, especially in Jericoacoara and Cumbuco.

Is Cariri (Juazeiro do Norte and Crato) worth a visit?

Yes. It’s a very different experience from the coast: the region is home to religious pilgrimages, museums (such as the Cariri Museum in Crato) and a strong tradition of handicrafts, making it a good addition to a beach holiday itinerary.

Which beaches in Ceará have cliffs?

Morro Branco and Beberibe, on the east coast, and Canoa Quebrada, in Aracati, are best known for their colourful cliffs, sandstone labyrinths and natural viewpoints.

Fortaleza or Jericoacoara: which should you visit first?

Fortaleza is usually the gateway to the region, with its airport, nightlife on the Beira-Mar promenade and urban beaches such as Praia do Futuro. Jericoacoara is best suited to those looking for dunes, lagoons and the laid-back atmosphere of a beach village — many itineraries include a few days in each.

Do I need to hire a car to visit the beaches in Ceará?

For more remote beaches and itineraries along the east or west coast, a hire car offers greater freedom. For Jericoacoara, there are also regular transfers and minibuses leaving from Fortaleza, which are useful for those who prefer not to drive on sections of unpaved road.

What else is there to do in Ceará apart from visiting the beaches?

Buggy rides through the dunes, kitesurfing and windsurfing, raft trips on crystal-clear lagoons, as well as the local cuisine (seafood, carne-de-sol, baião de dois, tapiocas) and the culture of forró, alongside lace-making and pottery.

Plan your trip

Browse the posts in this category for detailed itineraries, maps and accommodation tips.