Located in the northernmost municipality of the Brazilian state of Ceará, Jijoca de Jericoacoara sits near the city of Cruz. This destination is widely celebrated for its eponymous coastal beach and the surrounding national park. Visitors can reach the region via the Jericoacoara Airport, an accessible transit hub that officially opened in 2017 to serve travellers coming to explore Ceará's northern coastline.
Jericoacoara is defined by its sheltered coastal bay, which has attracted seafarers for centuries. Historically recorded as an anchorage site for Vicente Yáñez Pinzón, captain of the Nau Niña from Christopher Columbus's fleet in 1499, the bay offers an evocative setting where land meets the sea. The area's original indigenous Tupi name translates directly to 'lair of turtles,' highlighting its natural significance along the coast.
As both a popular beach destination and an official national park, Jericoacoara appeals to travellers seeking coastal scenery and historical natural sites. Its designation as a national park highlights its environmental significance, while its serene coastal layout makes it an inviting stop for visitors looking to experience the historic bay and unique northern Brazilian shorelines.
01 Highlights & things to do
What makes this stretch of coast worth the trip — from the water to the walks, wildlife and the views.
Compiled from Wikipedia · conditions vary with weather, tides and the season.
Beach map & the area
The free OpenStreetMap layer below shows the beach and its surroundings — the coastline, access roads, nearby towns and where to park. Zoom in for detail, or open it live in a full map.
Map: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL, free).
02 Getting there
| Option | Detail |
|---|---|
| Flight | Fly directly into Jericoacoara Airport, which opened in 2017 near the city of Cruz. |
Getting there · Last updated: 2026-09-12 · always double-check access & ferries
03 Nearby & around
Other beaches, coves, towns and sights within easy reach — worth stringing together into a coastal day.
Good to know
- The destination is part of a protected national park environment.
- The area is directly accessible via the Jericoacoara Airport, which opened in 2017.
- The name Jericoacoara originates from the indigenous Tupi phrase meaning 'lair of turtles'.