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Aracati is well known for its natural beauty, with the Canoa Quebrada Beach as its postcard.
Aracati, “Land of the Good Winds”, is a municipality in the state of Ceará, in Brazil, 150 kilometres from the capital of Ceará Fortaleza.
Its coastline is famous all over the world, especially for the famous Canoa Quebrada beach.
In addition to its coastline, the city of Aracati has an architectural complex listed by IPHAN, a testimony to the time when the natural harbour received Portuguese traders and those from other Brazilian states in search of sun-dried meat.
The beauty of the dunes and cliffs provides the backdrop. Nights are very lively throughout the state of Ceará, with restaurants of various international specialities, bars and nightclubs.
Canoa Quebrada Beach was discovered in the 60s and 70s – a time when the place was inhabited only by an indigenous tribe and a few fishermen. Here, hippies (mostly from European countries) found an almost inaccessible place with simple, hospitable people.
Since that time, the region has maintained its beauty and has greatly evolved its receptive structure.
The rafts ply the coast, using artisanal fishing as their main livelihood, and now also serve the town’s many restaurants and bars.
Also noteworthy is the Jaguaribe River, which runs alongside the town, forming a beautiful setting of enchanting natural beauty. The symbol of Canoa Quebrada beach was carved into the beach cliffs.
It is one of the most popular beaches in Ceará, receiving many tourists during the summer.
Its beautiful scenery and infrastructure are ideal for enjoying a great day at the beach.
The nightlife is also lively, pleasing those who like to have fun and stop off at a bar or restaurant.
The city of Aracati has a good infrastructure, with hotels, inns and restaurants serving typical local cuisine.
The practice of sports is favoured, and for those who like adventure, hiking along the cliffs in Canoa Quebrada is a good option. It’s an ideal place to relax, recharge your batteries and enjoy a beautiful weekend.
Aracati is also known nationally as the best carnival in Ceará, featuring the traditional Street Carnival with blocos, the beach carnival and the Trio Elétrico.
Videos – Tourist information about Aracati CE
Praia de Canoa Quebrada e Praia de Majorlandia
Canoa Quebrada CE
Canoa Quebrada - Drone
Aracati no Ceará - Guia Turístico07:00
Aracati, located in the state of Ceará, Brazil, is a charming city known for its historical importance and beautiful natural attractions.
Tourist Attractions in Aracati CE
1. Historical Centre of Aracati
The Historic Centre of Aracati is one of the jewels of Ceará’s cultural heritage, offering a rich historical and architectural experience.
- Highlighted are the Matriz and Nossa Sra. do Rosário dos Pretos churches, the Central Market, and the Jaguaribano Museum – the former residence of the Baron of Aracati.
- Matriz Church of Our Lady of the Rosary – A straw-covered chapel gave rise to the church built between the first years of the 18th century and the second half of the 19th century. However, the church collapsed in 1745 and was rebuilt in 1761. The church has some images and a communion table made of rosewood, a flag on the baptistery door (carved with a knife point), and a doorway made of Bahian sandstone, with cushion doors in relief, finished with phytomorphic motifs. In front of the church is a large cross with the symbols of the sufferings of the Passion of Christ, dating from 1859.
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- Aracati Town Hall and Jail – Built in the second half of the 18th century to serve as a town hall, audience centre and jail for men and women. One of the most important documents for reconstructing the history of the building is a watercolour by José dos Reis Carvalho, which belongs to the National History Museum. A pupil of Debret’s at the Imperial Academy, and a painter for the Scientific Exploration Commission, Reis travelled around Ceará under the direction of the botanist Freire Alemão between 1859 and 1861.
- Sobrado do Barão de Aracati (current Museu Jaguaribano) – Built in the 19th century, with four floors, it was the residence of the Baron of Aracati, José Pereira da Graça. From 1889, after the baron’s death, the sobrado housed a school, club and hotel. The main façade is decorated with embossed Portuguese tiles and the walls of the rooms are decorated with numerous paintings. In the large spaces, wooden and masonry structures are preserved, as well as handcrafted pieces such as the snail staircase on the first floor.
The Historic Centre of Aracati is the scene of various cultural events throughout the year, including religious festivals, music and dance festivals, as well as craft fairs. These celebrations are great opportunities for visitors to experience the local culture in its most authentic form.
2. Natural Attractions
- Jaguaribe River: The river offers opportunities for boat trips, fishing and enjoying the scenic landscapes.
- Cliffs: The multicoloured cliffs along the coast are a unique geological feature, providing picturesque views and excellent photo opportunities.
3. Cultural Activities
- Local Festivals: Aracati hosts various cultural events and festivals throughout the year, celebrating local traditions, music and gastronomy.
- Crafts: Visitors can explore local markets and shops selling traditional crafts, lace and souvenirs.
4. Gastronomy
- Fruits of the Sea: Being a coastal town, Aracati offers a wide variety of seafood dishes, influenced by regional culinary traditions.
- Local Cuisine: Enjoy typical Ceará dishes such as carne de sol, baião de dois and tapioca.
5. Ecotourism
- Nature Trails: For those interested in ecotourism, there are trails and ecological parks where you can explore the diverse flora and fauna of the region.
- Environmental Preservation: Efforts are made to preserve the natural beauty and biodiversity, making it a great place for sustainable tourism activities.
6. Beaches
Aracati, in Ceará, is blessed with some of the most beautiful and visited beaches in Brazil. As well as the famous Canoa Quebrada, the region has other lovely beaches that are well worth exploring. Here is a guide to the main beaches in Aracati:
1. Canoa Quebrada Beach
- Description: The most famous of them all, known for its colourful cliffs, clear sand and warm waters.
- Attractions: Moon and star symbol carved into the cliffs, vibrant nightlife on “Broadway” with bars and restaurants, buggy rides and water sports.
2. Majorlândia Beach
- Description: Less busy than Canoa Quebrada, Majorlândia offers a quieter experience.
- Attractions: Known for its naturally sculpted cliffs, it also has rafts and artisanal fishing. The beach is ideal for walking and relaxing.
3. Quixaba Beach
- Description: A small fishing village with a lovely beach and breathtaking scenery.
- Attractions: A rustic and peaceful environment, perfect for those seeking peace. It offers buggy rides and beautiful views of the cliffs and dunes.
4. Lagoa do Mato beach
- Description: Known for its high dunes and natural lagoons, it is one of the most serene beaches in the region.
- Attractions: Excellent for buggy and quad rides, swimming in the lagoon and walks along the dunes.
5. Retirinho Beach
- Description: A lesser known and less busy beach, ideal for those who want to avoid large crowds.
- Attractions: Calm, clear waters, perfect for swimming and relaxing. The beach also offers picnic and rest areas.
6. Fontainha Beach
- Description: A picturesque beach with unspoilt natural landscapes and a fishing village.
- Attractions: Tranquil sea ideal for swimming, raft trips and direct contact with the local culture.
Common Activities on the Beaches of Aracati
- Buggy rides: Very popular on almost all the beaches, buggy rides through the dunes offer panoramic views and moments of adventure.
- Kitesurfing and Windsurfing: The wind conditions on many of these beaches are ideal for water sports such as kitesurfing and windsurfing.
- Hiking: The cliffs and dunes offer stunning trails for hiking and exploring.
- Gastronomy: Try fresh seafood and typical Ceará cuisine in restaurants and beach huts.
Tips for Tourists:
- Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Aracati is during the dry season, from July to December, when the weather is more favourable.
- Transport: It is accessible by road from Fortaleza, the capital of Ceará, with regular bus services and car hire options available.
- Accommodation: There are several accommodation options, from luxury resorts in Canoa Quebrada to more economical inns.
Aracati, with its combination of natural beauty, historic charm and vibrant culture, offers a diverse and enriching experience for travellers.
Travel and Tourism Guide to Aracati, Canoa Quebrada and Majorlândia in Ceará