In the first three months of 2013, the northeastern state in Brazil has received 27.69% more foreign tourists than in the same period of last year.

Among the countries that send the most tourists to Ceara, ranks first Italy (5397 tourists), Portugal in second (3,722 tourists) and the United States (1,137). France and the Philippines, with 1,069 tourists and 1066, respectively, complete the list.

The Pinto Martins Airport saw an increase of 7.82% in the number of foreign passengers, also in this period.

According to Bismarck Maia, secretary of tourism in Ceará, the increase is seen since 2012, when the state began to receive a direct flight from Italy, besides the strong advertisements in airports of Lisbon and Madrid.

Iracema Beach

Iracema Beach, the bohemian’s beach, as it is known, is near the downtown. At right, a breakwater divides with Iracema Meireles Beach. On the south side, to the English Bridge (Metallic), the old port of city. It is the beach where there is the largest concentration of restaurants, nightclubs and bars. It is optimal for night on Tabajaras Street.
There is also the cultural center and the Sea Dragon Pirate nightclub, which are references for residents and visitors to Fortaleza.
As Mucuripe and Meireles, the Iracema beach is not recommended for  seabath, the existence of dangerous reefs there are problems with water quality. For bathing is bether to choose  Praia do Futuro.

Meireles Beach

The Meireles Beach stay between Iracema and Mucuripe. It is located on Avenida Beira Mar, where are some of the best hotels in Fortaleza. The region has several restaurants with national and international cuisine such as Japanese, Italian, fast food and “tents” along the boardwalk Avenue. The beach of Meireles is most used for walking and hiking. The wide sidewalks and and many commercial and tourist. There is a Handcraft Market, which works every day. Fortaleza has a very strong local commerce in handcrafts from various regions of the Northeast of Brazil,  as a family tradition work the prices are relatively low. The Feirinha Beira-Mar, or the Nautical Feirinha in Fortaleza, is one of the most traditional visitation of tourists are hundreds of stalls.

Praia de Mucuripe

Mucuripe is the beach of the rafts. Walking the boardwalk, you’ll see a large fleet of “rafts” their colorful sails, usually small fishing boats, used as a means of sustenance of life for many fishing families. You’ll can observe the fishermen helping each other in the light manual labor and using rafts behind the boards plump. It’s a beautiful show of cooperation and teamwork. On the beach there Mucuripe the Lighthouse Museum, opened in 1846, it is a lighthouse that has worked for 111 years until it was closed in 1957. At end of the beach avenue, where people will buy fish, lobster, squid and shrimp fisheries fruits of fishermen.

Praia do Futuro

The most popular beach for sea bathing in Fortaleza is the Praia do Futuro(Future Beach) the only one where you can bathe in the sea without worries – water pollution is a reality in almost every urban stretch.
The beach is located on Dioguinho Avenue, and is the most popular of Fortaleza, famous for its crabs, fried fish and baked fish stew called. It is also permeated by good live music with jazz, blues and MPB(typical brazilian music). The Praia do Futuro also has the famous tents of Avenida Diogo Zeze, who have shows forró bands, another typical regional rythm. Every Thursday night, it happens the traditional Caranguejada (several kinds of food prepared with Crab).
The Praia do Futuro is approximately 7 km long and, in addition to the bather, is preferred by surfers. Clear waters and stronger waves set the tone sea Ceará.

On the Seaside Avenue, kiosks offer options for those who want a cold drink or taste the tipical seafood of region. At the craft fair, many stands from work in lace and leather to jewelry and regional food. Of the urban beaches in Fortaleza, Futuro is the most frequented and is characterized by restaurants in tents along the waterfront, each with its own musical style and decoration.

The sunset on the Ponte dos Ingleses(English Bridge), also known as Metal Bridge in Iracema Beach, is a mandatory program for all.

The Tourism Center in Ceará 104 stores that guarantee the supply of craft items, can also be found at the Central Market, with about 300 stores. Parking and snack bars are available at these sites, which works every day. Another good tip is a visit to Craft Center of Ceará (CEART), where artisans from around the state working alive, in the production of handcrafts tipical of Ceará.

An important place for cultural activities, Dragão do Mar Art and Culture holds the Culture Memorial, the Contemporary Art Museum and Rubens de Azevedo Planetarium, as well as cinemas and theaters. Besides this, many old warehouses and warehouses was recovered for the operation of bars and restaurants surrounding the center with endless dining options and concerts at night.

The schedule includes bars, nightclubs and restaurants for all tastes, open throughout the week and be differentiated by the famous comedy shows that have already revealed artists of national expression.

Fortaleza is home to one of the off-season carnivals country’s most famous, the Fortal, which happens in July. With a remodeled structure, this year the event has parking lots, bleachers, boxes and food court. Four days of animation where around 1.5 million people enjoy the sound of ax music bands of national renown.
Fortaleza is also home to one of the most important music festivals in Brazil, Ceará Music. The annual event brings together local artists in three days and international pop rock stars. Around 25 thousand people enjoy the fun and several concerts, electronic music tent and fashion shows.

Source: Government of Ceará