-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

PRAIA DO FUTURO
Many restaurants and show houses are located along this 5 km long stretch of sandy beach on the easternmost side of town.There is Praia do Futuro, comprising the eastern coast of Fortaleza. This is a 3 mile stretch of sand, surf, beach soccer, attractive women, and plenty of service from the barracas, or huts, that divide up the beach. The buildings on the beach - called "barracas de praia" (beach huts) are made of wood and covered with roofs of carnauba palm leaves. The beach is lined by a wide promenade where a busy nightlife unfolds featuring live music (forró), stand-up comedians and local food specialties (like whole cooked crab). This is the locals' favorite beach. The barracas are less like huts and more like open bars, with chairs laid out in the sand under palm frond canopies, where you can buy everything from jewelry to cds to fresh lobsters and crab (logosta e caranguejo) from the peddlers walking by. The barraca of choice for our circle of friends was Biruta, which means windsock. The surf at Praia do Futuro isn't bad. If you want to try surfing, or windsurfing, this is the place to do it. Praia do Futuro's barracas also often have parties at night, either with bands or music, another awesome way to enjoy the beach. And, it leads me to my next topic.