beach · Cruz, CE
Praia do Preá
A long, windy beach, one of the most popular in the country for kitesurfing. It is on the way between the airport and the village of Jericoacoara.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Praia do Preá
Praia do Preá (beach) is in the municipality of Cruz, on Ceará's west coast, about 12 km from the village of Jericoacoara. It is a long, open beach of pale sand, with a small fishing village by the sea.
What made Preá famous was the wind. It blows strong and steady for much of the year, and the beach has become one of the world's main kitesurfing hubs. A little over two decades ago, village life revolved around fishing. Today jangadas (wooden sailing rafts), kite schools, pousadas and restaurants coexist there, with a vibe that is even simpler and quieter than Jericoacoara's.
On the beach, the thing to do is watch the sky full of colorful kites, walk along the water's edge and swim in the warm sea. If you want to learn, there are schools with instructors and equipment rental. In the late afternoon, the sunset over the village is one of the most beautiful moments.
The strong wind, which is great for kiting, can bother people who just want to stay on the sand. The beach is flat and easy to reach, with no trails or climbs.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
A stop of one to two hours is enough to see it; people who come to kitesurf usually stay several days.
Best time
The wind is strongest and steadiest in the second half of the year, the best time for kitesurfing. If you don't ride, late afternoon is the most pleasant time, with beautiful light and the sunset over the village.
How to get there
It is in Cruz, near Jericoacoara Airport, and about 12 km from the village of Jericoacoara. You can get there by car or transfer from the airport, or by buggy or 4x4 along the beach from Jericoacoara.
Tip
If you want to learn to kitesurf, take lessons with a certified school and tell them your experience level. Bring a light windbreaker and sunglasses, because the wind kicks up sand.
A look at the place
Praia do Preá in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Praia do Preá
Where is Praia do Preá?
In the municipality of Cruz, on Ceará's west coast, near Jericoacoara Airport and about 12 km from the village of Jericoacoara.
When is the best time for kitesurfing at Preá?
The second half of the year, when the wind is strongest and steadiest. But it is windy for much of the year.
Can I learn to kitesurf at Preá?
Yes. The beach has schools with instructors and equipment rental for beginners.
Can you swim at Preá?
Yes, the water is warm. In strong wind the sea gets choppy, and it is best to stay away from the kitesurfing area.
Is it worth staying in Preá instead of Jericoacoara?
If you kitesurf or want peace and quiet, yes: the village is smaller and calmer. If you want buzz and nightlife, Jericoacoara is usually the better choice.