Jericoacoara: A Paradise for Kitesurfing and Windsurfing

Jericoacoara in Ceará: The natural paradise you need to know

Jericoacoara is a village in the municipality of Jijoca de Jericoacoara, located 300 kilometres from Fortaleza, on the western coast of Ceará.

Origin of the name

The origin of the name “Jericoacoara” is quite interesting and has to do with the local culture and history of the region. The name is derived from the indigenous term “Iriquixaba”, which means “place where hammocks are made”.

The word “jara”, meaning “sand”, is also part of the etymology, as is “cora”, which means “place” in the indigenous language.

Historically, Jericoacoara was a fishing village and over the years the name was adapted and incorporated into the Portuguese language, resulting in the current form. This combination reflects the rich cultural heritage and connection with nature that characterise the village and its stunning landscape.

Natural beauty

Vila Jericoacoara boasts incredible natural beauty and year-round sunshine, creating a cosy atmosphere with a rustic touch, made up of dunes, sea, lagoons and mangroves.

A natural spectacle

With its rustic beauty, Jericoacoara – or simply Jeri – is a true spectacle of nature.

Jericoacoara National Park

The Jericoacoara National Park is located 280 kilometres west of Fortaleza and brings together all the natural beauty of different biomes to form a unique and unforgettable place.

The perfect holiday destination

The small town of Jijoca de Jericoacoara is the perfect destination for the quiet holiday you’ve always dreamed of.

Activities for the adventurous

Jericoacoara is the ideal place for those who love sailing and practise kiting and windsurfing, due to the strong and constant winds that favour these activities.

Cultural experiences

With bare feet, as shoes are no match for the unpaved and sandy streets, you can explore delicious restaurants, take part in lively festivals and shop in local craft shops.

Must-see attractions

The most famous attractions include Pedra Furada and Duna do Pôr do Sol, where you can enjoy the unique spectacle of the sun saying goodbye to the sea, creating an unforgettable experience.

Videos – Tourist information about Jericoacoara

Jericoacoara no Ceará
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Mapa Turístico de Jericoacoara no Ceará
Tourist map of Jericoacoara in Ceará State
mapa de Jericoacoara
Map of Jericoacoara
Parque Nacional de Jericoacoara
Jericoacoara National Park

Attractions in Jericoacoara

A trip to Jericoacoara is not complete without a visit to the region’s beautiful lagoons, where hammocks are set up just above the warm, calm waters.

You’ll need a 4×4 to get there, so this is the perfect excuse for a fun jeep ride. You can also enjoy the beaches and sports such as surfing and kitesurfing.

1. Windsurfing and kitesurfing in Jericoacara

Windsurfe e Kitesurfe em Jericoacoara
Windsurfing and Kitesurfing

Jericoacoara is one of the best places in the world for kitesurfing and windsurfing.

Fortaleza is already known as a very windy spot, receiving the trade winds that blow from the African continent. However, Jericoacoara really stands out for the intensity of its winds.

In Jericoacoara, kitesurfing and windsurfing enthusiasts are guaranteed a spot with strong winds of up to 40 knots.

The Jericoacoara beach is considered one of the best for practising and learning these sports.

Another important point about Jericoacoara and Preá is that many restaurants have already adapted their structures to the needs of tourists who love water sports.

There are currently several kitesurfing schools with trained and accredited professionals offering top quality equipment.

They also offer transport to the best spots in the region and equipment storage services.

The sport can be practised in places with different characteristics, such as the flat waters of the lagoons or the slightly rougher sea in the Preá region.

In addition, the breathtaking scenery and the presence of a welcoming community make Jericoacoara an unmissable destination for water sports enthusiasts.

2. The Lagoons

Jijoca’s lagoon is divided into two: Lagoa Azul and Lagoa do Paraíso.

A Lagoa Azul e a do Paraíso em Jericoacoara
The Blue and Paradise Lagoons in Jericoacoara

The Lagoa do Paraíso is the most colourful lagoon in the region, with hammocks in the water for relaxing.

3. The beaches

Praia de Jericoacoara
Jericoacoara Beach

Jericoacoara Beach has a spectacular landscape overlooking the dunes.

Depending on the tide, natural pools of calm, warm water form in the morning. They are perfect for relaxing and playing with children.

Praia da Malhada em Jijoca de Jericoacoara
Malhada beach in Jericoacoara

Malhada beach is popular with surfers and is on the way to Pedra Furada.

Preá beach has very strong winds and is therefore popular with kite surfers.

4. Sunset Dune

Duna do Pôr do Sol em Jericoacoacara
Sunset Dune in Jericoacoacara

This high dune, which is very popular in the evening, is next to the village of Jeri.

From there you can watch the sun set over the sea, a beautiful sight. Many people also take the opportunity to go sandboarding (a sport in which you slide down the top of a dune on a board, performing radical manoeuvres).

5. Pierced stone

Pedra Furada em Jericoacoara
Pedra Furada

One of Jericoacoara’s postcards, Pedra Furada has a crevice in the middle and is best reached at low tide.

If you walk along the edge of the beach, you’ll see caves and natural pools along the way.

At high tide you can walk along the Serrote, a high hill from where you can see Pedra from above.

6. Mangue Seco and Tatajuba.

The tour includes several attractions around the village.

Visit a natural seahorse nursery in Mangue Seco and take the ferry through Velha Tatajuba, a village swallowed by the sand.

Then, in Nova Tatajuba, stop for lunch at the lagoon with its calm waters.

When to go to Jericoacoara

You can visit Jericoacoara in Ceará all year round. Average temperatures vary between 35°C in summer and 22°C in winter. The rainy season is from January to June, when the beautiful lagoons form. In August, the winds in Jericoacoara become stronger, ideal for sailing.

Tourism and travel guide of Jericoacoara in Ceará

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