Published on January 16, 2013 · Updated on October 18, 2026

Home » Ceará Travel Guide » Beaches on the West Coast of Ceará: A Complete Guide

The beaches on the west coast of Ceará stretch from Tabuba all the way to the border with Piauí, offering a rich diversity of landscapes. So, if you are planning a trip along this coastline, this guide brings together all the towns, beaches and practical, up-to-date tips to help you build the perfect itinerary.

While some beaches, such as Bitupitá, see few tourists, others, like the famous Jericoacoara, attract visitors from all over the Brazilian Northeast and the world.

Town	Distance from Fortaleza	Highlight
Caucaia / Cumbuco	~30–35 km	Kitesurfing and easy access from the state capital
São Gonçalo do Amarante (Taíba, Pecém)	~50–58 km	Natural pools and seafood cuisine
Paracuru	~88–90 km	Pedra Rachada and sunset on the dune at Praia das Almas
Trairi (Flecheiras, Mundaú, Guajiru)	~130–145 km	Reef natural pools and nightlife
Itarema (Almofala)	~210 km	Igreja dos Tremembés, the church that was once buried by the dunes
Jijoca de Jericoacoara	~300 km	Dunes, lagoons and an iconic sunset
Camocim	~365 km	Buggy tour and Ilha do Amor
Bitupitá	~430–450 km (via Camocim and Barroquinha)	Unspoiled fishing village on the border with Piauí

Approximate road distances from Fortaleza. Travel times vary depending on road conditions and your starting point in the city.

Landscapes, culture and access to the west coast

In general, the beaches and villages of this region stand out for the hospitality with which they welcome visitors and for preserving a traditional culture closely tied to the sea.

In addition, the dunes and the winds play key roles in this setting. For example, the village of Tatajuba was literally swallowed by a moving dune and, therefore, relocated to Nova Tatajuba.

From Fortaleza, the best way to reach the beaches on the west coast of Ceará — known as the Costa do Sol Poente (Sunset Coast) — is via the highway called the Estruturante.

Main Towns and Beaches on the West Coast of Ceará

1. Municipality of Caucaia
2. Municipality of São Gonçalo do Amarante
3. Municipality of Paracuru
4. Municipality of Trairi
5. Almofala (Itarema)
6. Municipality of Jijoca de Jericoacoara
7. Municipality of Camocim
8. Bitupitá (Barroquinha)

1. Municipality of Caucaia

Caucaia is part of the Fortaleza Metropolitan Region and stands out as one of Ceará’s main tourist hubs, attracting a large flow of visitors, above all thanks to the influence of the metropolis of Fortaleza and of Praia do Cumbuco.

Caucaia’s Coastal Region includes the beaches of Iparana, Pacheco, Icaraí, Tabuba and Cumbuco.

Moreover, the municipality is one of the leading centers for wind sports, especially kitesurfing.

Cumbuco, about 30–35 km from Fortaleza, is Caucaia’s main tourist destination, known worldwide for its natural scenery, which includes lagoons, rivers and dunes, as well as for water sports such as kitesurfing and surfing.

Cumbuco also stands out for offering a wide variety of accommodation, including an international-brand resort of Portuguese origin. Incidentally, its proximity to the Fortaleza Metropolis is a major draw.

With 44 km of coastline, Caucaia has 28 km of coastal localities in Caucaia-Sede (the main district), while the remaining 16 km belong to the districts of Guararu and Catuana, located within the Área de Proteção Ambiental do Rio Cauípe (Cauípe River Environmental Protection Area) and the Estação Ecológica do Pecém (Pecém Ecological Station).

In fact, its beaches are among the most popular, both for the mild, clear waters of the South Atlantic and for the sand dunes, coconut groves, mangroves and natural lagoons.

1.1. Caucaia’s Beaches: Hideaways Surrounded by Nature

Beyond the beaches, Caucaia is very popular with fans of extreme sports. Thus, the town offers a variety of activities, such as windsurfing, dune tours, jet skis, kayaks and banana boats. Above all at Praia do Cumbuco and Lagoa do Banana, sports tourism and adventure attractions abound, with trails and a range of excursions.

On many of its beaches, in fact, coconut groves and dunes are a constant, as at Praia do Cumbuco, one of the most visited in town. Other beaches that also stand out include:

• Praia de Icaraí: famous for its carnival and also for hosting several surfing championships.
• Praia de Barra do Cauípe: very popular for kitesurfing and buggy rides. In addition, don’t forget to visit Lagoa de Cauípe.
• Praia de Barra Nova: ideal for families looking for calm waters; the sea is so still that it looks like a lagoon!
• Pico das Almas: perfect for surfers and for anyone who wants to connect with nature. However, the lack of infrastructure is made up for by the rustic beauty of the scenery.
• Praia de Tabuba: located at the mouth of the Sapucaí River, it offers natural pools as well as beachfront bars.

2. Municipality of São Gonçalo do Amarante

São Gonçalo do Amarante, also known for its Praça da Matriz (main church square), pays tribute to the Church of São Gonçalo do Amarante, the town’s patron saint.

After all, life revolves around the square, where couples meet for a date, retirees gather for a chat, the faithful strengthen their religious ties, children play, teenagers grab a snack and adults enjoy a cold beer.

The square also has an illuminated fountain, benches, kiosks, snack bars, internet, parking and play equipment. In other words, it is the place where everything happens.

2.1. Praia da Taíba

Praia da Taíba, a former fishing village, has become a major tourist hotspot thanks to its natural beauty. At the same time, its hospitable people are always ready to welcome visitors with the friendliness and cheerfulness typical of the place.

Its sea is ideal for water sports such as surfing, windsurfing and bodyboarding. On the other hand, the nights are festive, full of forró, pagode and samba dancing.

Along the beach, the beach shacks serve, for example, crab, fried fish, shrimp and lobster.

In addition, Taíba has become known for escargot farming, which has even inspired its own food festival.

The landscape is also striking, with the blue sea, the golden sunshine and the beach with sands tinged green by the coconut groves.

That is Taíba: a place where neighbors get together for a pleasant chat, and therefore ideal for a visit to Ceará.

2.2. Praia do Pecém

Praia do Pecém, located between the beaches of Cumbuco and Paracuru, lies 58 km from Fortaleza, in the municipality of São Gonçalo do Amarante. Access is via the Rodovia Costa do Sol Poente, better known as the CE-085, which, incidentally, is in excellent driving condition.

Pecém offers a beautiful tourist setting, made up of coves and saltwater natural pools, as well as coconut groves, jangadas (traditional rafts) and white dunes that contrast with the green of the sea.

With inviting waves, Pecém is also an excellent spot for surfing.

3. Municipality of Paracuru

Paracuru lies about 88–90 km from Fortaleza and has roughly 20 km of coastline with a great diversity of landscapes.

Praia do Farol is the municipality’s main beach and the busiest, because it is the closest to the Praça da Matriz (main church square).

When the tide goes out, Pedra Rachada also turns into a postcard view thanks to its natural pools.

On the other hand, for those seeking more excitement, Praia do Quebra Mar is ideal, with winds that can reach 40 km per hour, creating perfect conditions for kitesurfing and windsurfing.

At dusk, then, the view becomes even more beautiful. In fact, the sunset is not to be missed from the highest point of the dune at Praia das Almas, a practically untouched spot.

3.1. Praia de Munguba

Praia de Munguba: a busy urban beach in Paracuru, which also has traditional fish corrals.

3.2. Praia do Ronco do Mar

Ronco do Mar is the favorite spot of surfers and young people, with a cluster of beach shacks. It is also known as Praia da Igreja Velha.

3.3. Pedra Rachada

This beach sits in a small cove with coconut palms, reefs and natural pools. In addition, there are fish corrals in the sea and a good selection of beach shacks.

3.4. Praia da Bica

At Praia da Bica, visitors from neighboring beaches often bathe in the freshwater spouts, and the spot also serves as an anchorage for boats.

3.5. Praia da Lagoinha

Lagoinha is a well-defined cove with a red dune covered in coconut palms. At high tide, the waves crash against the rocks, and it gets crowded in high season and on weekends.

4. Municipality of Trairi

Trairi lies on the state’s coastal strip, west of Fortaleza, about 130–145 km away, depending on which beach you are heading to.

Praia de Flecheiras is the town’s main attraction, known for its natural pools formed by coral reefs at low tide.

In addition, in Trairi visitors will find good beachfront pousadas (guesthouses) and can take long walks along the shore.

That is why tourists who spend their holidays in this Ceará town return home recharged.

For those looking for buzz and fun, there are also options in Flecheiras.

Bars, restaurants and live music venues, for example, liven up the nights. Festivals and sports championships are also held frequently.

During the day, however, tourists can climb the dunes to enjoy the view and visit small and large lagoons in the middle of the sands. In short, Trairi is synonymous with fun, joy, good food and parties.

Another tourist attraction is Praia de Mundaú, where the river, the sea, the dunes and the coconut groves meet.

A boat trip along the river, for example, is a great way to discover the local beauty; however, those who prefer can drive around and take a close look at the lagoons and the vegetation that lines the coast.

It is also well worth visiting Praia de Guajiru, with its shifting white-sand dunes, interdune lagoons and a vast stretch of sand framed by coconut groves.

At low tide, moreover, tourists and locals enjoy a delightful swim in the natural pools.

4.1. Praia de Embuaca

Praia de Embuaca: a fishing village that preserves wattle-and-daub houses built next to the dunes and coconut palms. Moreover, the sea has a dark color because of the waters of the Mundaú River.

4.2. Praia de Guajiru

Praia de Guajiru: a quiet beach framed by coconut groves, with a calm sea and natural pools as well.

4.3. Praia das Flecheiras

Praia das Flecheiras: it has a wide stretch of firm sand, with beach shacks, pousadas and hotels; in addition, it is good for swimming.

4.4. Praia de Mundaú

Along the shore of Praia de Mundaú, the sea near the Mundaú River has dark waters. The seafront also has pousadas, coconut palms and a stretch of firm sand.

5. Almofala, in Itarema

The small beach community of Almofala, a district of Itarema located between the Aracati-Mirim and Aracati-Açu rivers, holds a treasure: the Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Conceição dos Tremembés, a church built in 1712 on the lands of the Tremembé Indigenous people and buried by the dunes in 1897.

Later, in the 1940s, the winds uncovered the church, revealing its beautiful Baroque features.

In the square of the little church, listed as a heritage site by Iphan (the national heritage institute) in 1980, the villagers celebrate the feast of Our Lady of the Assumption in the first week of August and, in the first week of December, also the festivities of their patron saint, Nossa Senhora da Conceição (Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception).

Finally, Almofala, 12 kilometers from Itarema, is reached via the BR-402 and CE-434 highways.

6. Municipality of Jijoca de Jericoacoara

Among its attractions are Lagoa Azul and Lagoa do Paraíso, ideal for windsurfing thanks to the constant winds.

The water in the lagoons shows various shades of green depending on the depth; they are perfect for free diving and sailing, and they are also great for relaxing while taking in the beautiful dune-ringed landscape.

The lagoons are fullest right after the rainy season, which runs from February to May. Therefore, the best time to visit them is usually between June and August.

For windsurfing, however, the best period is from July to November, when the winds are strongest. Even so, it is important to remember that motorized equipment is banned across the entire area of the lagoons.

6.1. Jericoacoara

Jericoacoara, located in the municipality of Jijoca de Jericoacoara, about 300 km from Fortaleza, is a former fishing village with sandy streets and little street lighting, ideal for those seeking peace and quiet and paradise-like landscapes.

The village, affectionately called Jeri, is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil and has become a cosmopolitan destination. However, the village can only be reached by jeep, 4×4 pickup or buggy, which helps preserve its isolation. In addition, those coming from far away can fly to Jericoacoara Regional Airport, in Cruz, about 40 minutes from the village.

Visitors will also find sophisticated restaurants and a variety of tours on offer.

So, to explore the region properly, a stay of at least four days is recommended. Besides, Jericoacoara is perfect for sports such as windsurfing and kitesurfing, with its calm-wave beaches and strong winds.

How much accommodation costs in Jeri

How much does it cost to stay in Jeri? Prices vary considerably depending on the season and location: hostels and shared rooms from about R$ 70 per night; mid-range pousadas and hotels between R$ 250 and R$ 600; and luxury hotels and resorts, generally above R$ 1,500 per night. Since Jericoacoara is the most sought-after destination on the west coast, it also tends to be the most expensive in the region — smaller towns such as Paracuru, Camocim and the beaches of Trairi usually have more affordable places to stay, especially outside high season (December to February and the year-end holidays).

National Park and visitor fees

In February 2002, the area was declared Parque Nacional de Jericoacoara (Jericoacoara National Park), covering 8,863 hectares and protecting dunes, lagoons and mangroves. Since January 2024, the management of visitation and tourist infrastructure in the park has been under a 30-year private concession to Consórcio Dunas, the winner of a federal auction, although the land remains federal property.

Note the fees: since 2022, the municipality of Jijoca de Jericoacoara has charged the Taxa de Turismo Sustentável (TTS) (Sustainable Tourism Fee), of approximately R$ 41.50 per person for stays of up to 10 days (2026 rate, plus R$ 4.15 for each extra day) — however, children up to 12 and seniors over 60 are exempt. On the other hand, the specific National Park entrance fee has gone back and forth in the courts and is currently suspended. Therefore, before traveling, it is worth checking the latest situation on the official channels of ICMBio or the Jijoca de Jericoacoara City Hall.

6.2. Pedra Furada

Pedra Furada is one of Jericoacoara’s postcard sights, reached by a half-hour walk along the beach. In addition, Praia Malhada, right next to it, is ideal for a swim.

You should walk to the rock at low tide, but it is also possible to get there by buggy, passing by Lagoa da Jijoca.

6.3. Buggy Tours

There are two buggy tour options from Jericoacoara. One covers 12 km to the east, including Praia do Preá and dunes. The other, however, heads west, covering 20 km and passing the beaches of Mangue Seco, Guriú, Tatajuba Velha and Tatajuba Nova. In general, both tours last about five hours.

6.4. Duna do Pôr-do-Sol

Every day, at around 5 p.m., visitors and locals climb the Jericoacoara dune to watch the sunset from 40 meters up. Then the sky takes on shades ranging from violet to orange. At the end, the spectators applaud, while some slide down the dune.

7. Municipality of Camocim

Camocim lies 365 kilometers from Fortaleza, close to the famous village of Jericoacoara and to the border with Piauí.

In addition, with 62 kilometers of beautiful beaches, some deserted and others with good infrastructure, its great attraction is its natural beauty.

Traditional fishing canoes are part of the typical scenery. The town also has adequate tourist infrastructure, including pousadas, hotels and restaurants, which are especially busy during carnival and the October micareta (off-season carnival).

Lovers of ecotourism and water sports, such as kitesurfing and windsurfing, will find plenty of options. Incidentally, renting a buggy is the main way of getting around between the beaches.

Camocim’s main beaches and attractions

Among the attractions, for example, the Coreaú River Estuary stands out, with boat trips that let you spot birds and mangroves.

Praia de Maceió is lively during carnival, but offers peace and quiet the rest of the year, with calm, warm waters.

Praia da Tatajuba, famous for its white dunes and Lagoa da Torta, is another major attraction. It is reached by boat or buggy; moreover, the spot is ideal for extreme sports enthusiasts.

Praia da Barrinha is a quiet fishing village, perfect for relaxing, while Praia do Xavier is one of the loveliest and practically deserted. On the other hand, Praia das Barreiras, with its cliffs, offers an incredible panoramic view.

At Barrinha, in fact, the immense coconut grove adds even more to the beauty. Further along lies Praia Barra dos Remédios, where the Remédios River meets the Atlantic Ocean, which is also one of the last deserted beaches in the state.

Incidentally, Praia das Barreiras is only 3 kilometers from downtown Camocim.

Finally, Ilha da Testa Branca, or Ilha do Amor, is reached by ferry and offers stunning views, as well as places to swim and culinary treats such as fresh crabs.

7.1. Buggy Tour

The buggy tour in Camocim is one of the most enchanting experiences among the beaches on the west coast of Ceará. It can last all day or be done in a shorter version. First, after crossing the river by ferry, you reach Ilha do Amor, where there is a long sandy beach.

Next, the route includes crossings through mangroves, dunes and lagoons. Then a stop at Duna do Funil leads to Lagoa Verde, followed by Duna Encantada and Praia de Tatajuba, which has Lagoa da Torta, ideal for swimming.

Finally, visitors can wait for the sunset on Duna Encantada or extend the tour to Guriú, where the river forms pools of warm water. It is a famous postcard view, and anyone who wishes can then continue on to Jijoca de Jericoacoara.

7.2. Nova Tatajuba

Nova Tatajuba is a fishing village 32 kilometers from Jericoacoara, built in the 1980s after the old village of Velha Tatajuba was covered by dunes.

Today, the village remains simple, with wattle-and-daub and masonry houses and few streets, where buggies are the main means of transport. At the same time, the landscape is marked by coconut palms and tall dunes, with Duna Encantada being the most impressive, at more than 30 meters high.

Surrounded by legends, Duna Encantada offers a spectacular view and is also a landmark for fishermen.

8. Bitupitá, in Barroquinha

Bitupitá is a district of the municipality of Barroquinha, on the border between Ceará and Piauí.

It is a rustic fishing village, ideal for a day trip, because it has no infrastructure for overnight stays.

The village is known for its currais (fish corrals), underwater traps made of logs and nets in which fish get caught. When the tide goes out, the fishermen remove the fish and then sell it on the beach.

There are about ten corrals near the shore of Bitupitá beach, with others up to 10 kilometers off the coast. Thus, visitors can watch the fishermen at work and savor fresh fish at the local beach shacks.

To get to the village, take the BR-402 from Barroquinha, which is 40 kilometers from Camocim, and then drive about 35 kilometers to the village. However, since road conditions change, check beforehand whether the stretch requires a four-wheel-drive vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Beaches on the West Coast of Ceará

When is the best time to visit the beaches on the west coast of Ceará?

July to November is the best period for those looking for strong winds for kitesurfing and windsurfing. Meanwhile, the lagoons of Jericoacoara and the surrounding region are at their fullest and most beautiful right after the rainy season (February to May), between June and August.

How many days do you need to explore the west coast of Ceará?

To explore the main towns at a relaxed pace — from Caucaia to Jericoacoara — ideally set aside 7 to 10 days, spending at least one night in each destination. On the other hand, those with less time can focus on Cumbuco, Paracuru, Flecheiras/Mundaú and Jericoacoara, the places best equipped for tourism.

How do you get to the beaches on the west coast of Ceará from Fortaleza?

The Estruturante highway is the main access route from Fortaleza, connecting the capital to the towns on the west coast. Public transport between the municipalities is limited, so renting a car or using tourist transfers is the most practical way to get around between the beaches.

What is the difference between the east coast and the west coast of Ceará?

The east coast (Costa do Sol Nascente, or Sunrise Coast) has beaches with colorful cliffs and is closer to Fortaleza in several stretches. In contrast, the west coast (Costa do Sol Poente) is marked by vast dunes, interdune lagoons and better-preserved fishing villages, with Jericoacoara as its highlight.

Do you need to rent a buggy or 4×4 to visit the west coast of Ceará?

For most towns (Caucaia, São Gonçalo do Amarante, Paracuru, Trairi), a regular car is enough. However, for more isolated stretches, such as the route to Bitupitá or tours across the dunes between Camocim and Jericoacoara, a buggy or 4×4 vehicle is highly recommended.

Do you have to pay a fee to visit Jericoacoara?

Yes. Since 2022, the municipality of Jijoca de Jericoacoara has charged the Taxa de Turismo Sustentável (TTS), or Sustainable Tourism Fee, of about R$ 41.50 per person for stays of up to 10 days (2026 rate). However, children up to 12 and seniors over 60 are exempt. As for the specific National Park entrance fee, it is currently suspended by court order — so it is best to check the latest situation before your trip.

Is Jericoacoara National Park still run by the government?

The land remains federal property, but since January 2024 the operation of visitation and tourist infrastructure in the park has been granted, for 30 years, to the private sector (Consórcio Dunas), the winner of a federal auction. ICMBio, however, remains responsible for oversight and environmental conservation.

Learn more

• Cumbuco: A Must-Visit Destination for Kitesurfing
• Paracuru: Beaches and Water Sports
• Costa dos Ventos: Discover Ceará’s Hidden Gems
• Jericoacoara (Jeri): Complete Guide and 5-Day Itinerary
• Fortaleza: A Complete Guide to Ceará’s Capital
• Ceará: Must-See Tourist Destinations in Brazil