This popular beach is the postcard-quality tropical paradise of your dreams. Once an ancient hiding place for French pirates, today Lagoinha is a quiet fishing community where you can relax and admire the view from a commanding position overlooking the bay.

Located 64 miles (104 km) from Fortaleza in the district of Paraipaba, Lagoinha is one of the largest attractions along the Sol Poente Route. French pirates once used the cove's shelter and sweeping views to hide out in between raids, and today Lagoinha hosts a community of fishermen in an exuberant landscape of coconut trees, white sandy beaches, red dunes, and lazy waves lapping the shores of the natural bay.

For an extra charge, the bars and restaurants offer optional boat trips to the Almécegas Pond, combined with rides in a pau-de-arara, an open truck favored by local migrants.