The Costa do Sol Nascente begins with the unspoiled beaches of Porto das Dunas and Prainha, located in the pretty historic town of Aquiraz (www.aquiraz.ce.gov.br [1]). Founded in the early 1700s by Jesuit priests, Aquiraz served as Ceará [2]’s first capital.
Sights here include a lovely old church and an intriguing 19th-century meat market. The town is particularly reputed for the intricately detailed embroidery and lacework made by local rendeiras. Porto das Dunas is the famous home of Beach Park (Rua Porto das Dunas 2734, tel. 85/4012-3000, www.beachpark.com.br [3], 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. daily in the summer, Thurs.–Mon. during off-season, R$80).
This much hyped Disneyesque theme park will thrill kids. Included among the 18 water rides are giant slides to “river” pools with simulated currents, and “ocean” pools with simulated waves. If they don’t want to join in the fun, adults can veg out at the mega-barraca on the beach, which serves succulent crab.
From Fortaleza [4], take the coastal bus marked “Beach Park” that leaves from a stop on the corner of Avenida Domingos Olympio and Avenida Aquanambi.
Links:
[1] http://www.aquiraz.ce.gov.br
[2] http://www.moon.com/destinations/brazil/the-northeast-coast/fortaleza-and-ceara
[3] http://www.beachpark.com.br
[4] http://www.moon.com/destinations/brazil/the-northeast-coast/fortaleza-and-ceara/fortaleza