Fortaleza is the capital of the state of Ceará, and the fifth largest city in Brazil with 2.5 million people. It is also Brazil's closest major city to North America and Europe.
Fortaleza has approximately 25 kilometers of urban beaches, with average daily temperatures of 27-28°C throughout the year. With a pleasant climate, warm ocean temperatures, and beautiful natural landscape, Fortaleza has become one of Brazil's major tourist destinations.
The city's most popular beach is Praia do Futuro, an 8 kilometer stretch that features a variety of barracas, beachside restaurants that offer regional food and a comfortable setting for enjoying the surroundings. At the end of the day, people congregate along Avenida Beira Mar, a oceanfront avenue containing hotels, restaurants, and an evening market. Nearby, the Dragão do Mar Art and Culture Center holds the Contemporary Art Museum and Rubens de Azevedo Planetarium, as well as movies, theaters, restaurants, and bars.
In 2014, Fortaleza will host matches of the FIFA World Cup at Castelão Stadium. The biggest stadium in northeast Brazil, Castelão is likely to feature important games in later rounds of the World Cup.
Fortaleza is increasingly becoming a center of commerce as the Brazil's northeast region experiences an economic boom cycle. The Pinto Martins International Airport connects Fortaleza with major Brazilian cities and also operates international flights. The Fortaleza area features two major ports: one in the city and another 50 km north in the town of Pecém. The Pecém port is undergoing a massive expansion, promising considerable economic growth to the region for the next decade.
