Getting Started in Fortaleza
So, I decided to check out Fortaleza. Flew in, got to my place near Iracema. First impression? Hot. And busy. Wasn’t quite sure what to expect, heard mixed things, you know? Some people love it, others say be careful. Decided to just dive in.
Hitting the Beaches
First thing on my list was the beach, obviously. Headed straight for Meireles beach, right there on the main drag, Avenida Beira Mar. It was packed. Like, seriously packed. Lots of activity, folks selling everything you can imagine – shrimp, cheese, hats, sunglasses. You name it, they had it. Had to constantly say ‘no thanks’.
Spent some time just walking the Beira Mar boardwalk. Nice views, sure, but you gotta keep your wits about you. Felt okay during the day, but I didn’t hang around too late at night based on what locals hinted at. Later, I gave Praia do Futuro a shot. People said it was the place for beach huts, the famous ‘barracas’. And yeah, they were huge! Like full-on restaurants on the sand. I did this:
- Found a barraca, rented a chair.
- Ordered some fried fish and a cold beer.
- Tried swimming but the waves were pretty strong. Mostly just waded.
- Watched the kite surfers out in the distance.
It was decent, definitely a different vibe from Meireles. More spread out, less frantic selling right in your face.
Food and Market Stuff
Food-wise, I tried to avoid the super touristy spots right on the main avenue. Found some smaller places a few streets back. Had some really good tapioca for breakfast one morning. Simple, but hit the spot. Evenings, mostly grilled fish or shrimp. Nothing too fancy, but fresh.
Made my way to the Mercado Central one afternoon. Man, that place was a maze. Loads of stalls selling hammocks, cashew nuts, clothes, souvenirs, leather stuff. It’s huge. You definitely need to bargain if you want anything. I picked up a hammock, probably paid too much, but whatever. It felt like a must-do tourist thing, but honestly, a bit overwhelming.
Just Wandering Around
Didn’t do any big tours, like Jericoacoara or Canoa Quebrada. Heard they were nice but involved long bus rides or expensive 4×4 trips. I wasn’t feeling that ambitious. Mostly just explored the city area near the coast.
Walked around the Dragão do Mar Center of Art and Culture area one evening. Looked cool, modern buildings, some bars and restaurants. Seemed like a popular spot for locals to hang out.
Overall, Fortaleza was an experience. The beaches are the main draw, especially Praia do Futuro with those massive barracas. But it’s a big city, feels rough around the edges sometimes. You enjoy the sun, the food, but you definitely gotta stay aware. It wasn’t just lazy beach days, more like navigating a lively, sometimes chaotic, scene. Glad I went, saw what it was about.
