Praia do Futuro

The principal attractions on these eight kilometers of wide, sandy beach are the numerous barracas (beach kiosks), lined up one after the other—more than 50 of them—and spread over most of the eight kilometers. Amazingly, each barraca manages to create its own style, from the kind of beach furniture it uses to the surrounding trees (or lack thereof). Most of these establishments are permanent structures with kitchen facilities in which they cook their seafood marvels, featuring those small Brazilian crabs (only about R$3 each). The most popular of these barracas are Chico do Caranguejo and Tropicália, which pack in the beachgoers and provide food and cold beer, live music, fashion shows, and massages. These also provide table safes for storing your valuables while you dip in the water (the only unpolluted beach in the city). Shady umbrellas, tables, and chairs are a given all along this beach. Vendors are less aggressive here and you can actually have a casual conversation without being interrupted every few minutes. Still, you have to practice saying não and wagging your finger to fend them off.

The ocean here is blue and beautiful, but, unfortunately, a bit too rough for any real swimming or water sports. But the water is warm, so don’t be afraid to go in up to your waist or thereabouts. The festivities go until around 3:30 p.m. when, tanned and stuffed with crab, the crowd makes its way back to Meireles and Iracema. Thursdays, the main kiosks go on until late evening with live music productions. Grab a cool, outdoor shower at one of the beach bars and get ready for round two.

One warning: Do not walk all the way to the east end of the beach (toward the lighthouse) past the last of the kiosks, as this part can be dangerous due to risk of assault. Just inland from this area is a fairly large slum. You can walk as far as your legs will take you in the other direction.

You can get to Praia do Futuro by taxi (about R$12 from Iracema) or bus (catch one along Avenida Abolição). Look for the Top Bus line Centro/Praia do Futuro. It seems like there should be more options for getting between Praia do Futuro and Meireles, but transportation options are somewhat limited in Fortaleza.