Fortaleza is famous for its urban beaches, Praia de Iracema and Praia Meireles, where you can enjoy swimming or simply lazing in the beachfront bars and people watching.

Fortaleza has a typical tropical climate, with warm to hot temperatures and high relative humidity all throughout the year. Ethnic Groups: 97% white and mixed (majority Portuguese descent, minority Italian and Spanish descent), 3% black or Afro-Brazilian.

Fortaleza is the capital of Ceara, Brazil. Its name is Portuguese for "fort," one of which was built in the area in 1649 by Dutch settlers who had encroached upon Portuguese territory. The area's original name, reflecting this, was Fort Shoonenborch.

La Fortaleza has served as a fortress, an arsenal, a prison, and residence of the Governor-General, and today as the seat and residence of the Governor of Puerto Rico.