If you’re longing for more remote beaches, your wish will be fulfilled by traveling to the tiny fishing villages of Flexeiras and Mundaú, around 130 kilometers (81 miles) from Fortaleza [1] (near the town of Trairi). Along this stretch of coastline, tourism is still in its nascent stages. Flexeiras boasts sweeping white sands and reef protected waters that are ideal for swimming. Mundaú offers more of the same, with the addition of the freshwater pleasures of the Rio Mundaú, whose banks are lined with tangled mangroves.
Both towns possess friendly little restaurants and modest pousadas. For simple, clean accommodations right on the beach, try Pousada Cabôco Sonhadô (Rua das Malvinas, Mundaú, www.caboco.com.br [2], tel. 85/3351-9047, R$60–80 d), where you’ll be lulled to sleep by the sound of the breeze in the surrounding palms.
Viação Paraipaba (tel. 85/3256-5100) has bus service from the rodoviária to Trairi and Mundaú.
Links:
[1] http://www.moon.com/destinations/brazil/the-northeast-coast/fortaleza-and-ceara/fortaleza
[2] http://www.caboco.com.br