The growing appeal of the sprawling capital of the northeastern state of Ceará can be attributed to its thriving economy, sunny beaches, a colourful and safe nightlife, delicious local fare, and rich and engaging Brazilian culture. Despite being the smallest state in the country, Ceará has one of the longest coastlines, with Fortaleza providing a number of urban beaches for tourists to enjoy. Sightseeing includes the Centro de Turismo, an atmospheric, converted 19th-century jail housing a museum that showcases the best of Ceará arts and craft, and the impressive Centro Dragão do Mar de Arte e Cultura, a complex offering two museums, a planetarium, quaint cafés, and performance areas.
Sometimes referred to as the 'pearl of the east coast of Ceará', Canoa Quebrada (which means 'broken canoe' in Portuguese) is a resort town exquisitely placed among pink dunes, red cliffs and a winding river southeast of Fortaleza in Brazil's northeast coast. When you're not enjoying a number of outdoor activities, including wind- and kitesurfing, sandboarding, mountain biking, sailing or dune buggy rides, take a wander down the main street, 'Broadway', where you'll find accommodation, eateries and shops.
The state of Rio Grande do Norte is located on the northeastern tip of Brazil. A popular destination for local tourists, the tropical shorelines of Rio Grande do Norte (such as those in the municipality of Maxaranguape) are famously pristine - boasting, as a 2011 NASA study indicated, the 'cleanest air in the Americas'. The state’s capital, Natal, is home to two wonderful beaches (Praia de Ponta Negra and Praia dos Artistas). It is highly recommended to walk to the Forte dos Reis Magos - the 1598 fort that led to the establishment of Natal - which offers great views of the city, the shoreline, and the nearby Rio Potengi.
Sao Miguel do Gostoso lies in the Rio Grande do Norte province of Brazil, on the eastern coast. The friendly fishing village boasts several beaches, each with something different on offer. The calm waters are ideal for diving at Tourinhos Beach, which also has an interesting rock formation. The flat waters and soft sands at Maceio Beach are ideal for relaxing strolls. Strong winds at Ponta de Santo Cristo Beach are perfect for windsurfing and kitesurfing - the skies there are often filled with the bright colours of kites. Xepa Beach, the tourist spot with its gently swaying palm trees, is a sundowner paradise. There are also several festivals throughout the year at Sao Miguel do Gostoso with music, dancing and fireworks, and a growing number of attractive restaurants, quaint shops and pretty guesthouses.
