Pontal de Maceió:
the village on every Fortim postcard

Colourful houses around a little church, jangada boats on the sand, cliffs over the sea and calm sea caves: Pontal de Maceió brings together almost everything people remember about Fortim.

At a glance

A real fishing village

Pontal de Maceió is the most distinctive part of Fortim: colourful houses around a little church, a small square and the shore where the jangada boats are moored. Small-scale fishing is still part of daily life, and early in the morning you can watch the fishermen head out and come back.

In recent years kitesurfers from many countries arrived for the wind and some of them stayed. That is why such a small village has a French bakery, chef-driven cooking and kite schools with instructors from abroad.

Cliffs, lighthouse and the lookout

The contrast between the cliffs and the sea makes the most photographed view in Fortim. To see it from above, the two best spots are the Pontal lookout and lighthouse, which are also good places for the late afternoon.

Do not confuse it with the Farol da Barra, which is on the other side, closer to the river mouth.

Sea caves with natural pools

Towards the Jaguaribe River, tide and wind have carved caves into the rock. Inside them, pools of calm, clear water form: the best spot in the area for snorkelling, and good for children because there is no current.

Access is easier at low tide. Wear shoes that grip on wet rock: flip-flops slip on the Pontal rocks.

Fortim's kitesurfing base

Pontal is home to schools such as Pontal Kite School, One Launch Kite House and Duotone Pro Center Fortim, plus equipment rental shops. The windy season runs from July to January.

School contacts are on the Tours page, and our kitesurfing guide to Fortim explains how to choose lessons and gear. You can also try wingfoiling here.

Pontal de Maceió at night

After dark, village life moves to the church square: stalls, crafts and live music, with a small-town feel where locals and visitors mix.

Around the square there are cafés, pizzerias and bars, many of which only open late in the afternoon. In low season some places open fewer days, so it is worth checking before you go.

The village also hosts the Feirinha do Pontal at night, with stalls of clothes, crochet and crafts under strings of lights (see the photo). Check the days with your guesthouse before you go.

Pair it with

Where to eat nearby

Pontal has most of Fortim's restaurants: the French bakery Zeste Pontal and Estação do Pontal, with a Ceará-style breakfast, in the morning; and at night places like Café das Artes, on Rua Isidoro Isídio, and Praia Pub Pontal. See the lists for breakfast, dinner and bars.

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Frequently asked questions

Other beaches in Fortim

Plan the rest of your trip

Tours, restaurants, weather and places to stay: it is all in the Fortim guide.