"Ian doesn't like beaches"...

... is something my better half often tells other people. Only problem is, that the statement is not true, or at a minimum,  it needs to have a significant qualifying statement. She should say, "Ian doesn't like some beaches, and he tends to hide from the sun on the other ones."

That is important background for our 14 days in Northeast Brazil, where we have stops at 4 seaside places, Prea, Jericoacoara, Barreieinhas, and Atins. All are relatively small places, and they have none of the horrible things you find in big resorts like Fortaleza. (Ugly high rises, crime, grinding poverty, and slums). 

What they do have is enormous sandy beaches, huge sand dunes, and sometimes pretty freshwater lakes just behind the shore front.

So far, we have been to Prea and Jericoacoara. The two towns are about 14km apart, and you reach Jeri only with a 4x4 drive straight along the endless beach. Prea is a chilled place, which has become a windsurfer paradise. Jeri is fashionable, with lots of little but pricy shops. A bit of a Brazilian Capri.

Needless to say, we all preferred Prea, but the girls do get a little excited about the shopping. However, except for Nora, the shopping is a flop. (The budget is happy).

The thing that undoubtedly gave Prea a large advantage was the B&B ("Pousada") where we stayed. Lotus is owned and run by Markus (Swiss) and his Brazilian partner Solange. It was for a budget place really sensational,  and the couple were great hosts. The place has little cottages with terraces, around a luscious green courtyard, and unlike most budget places, everything works and is clean and fresh.

So how did Ian ( doesn't like beaches) get on? The answer is pretty good, I liked both.  Yes, I did mostly hide from the sun, but I did go to the beach each day, maybe because they met my two critical criteria.  1. Shade 2. Drinks. On top, the prices are low, very low. Large beer $1.5, Caipirinhas $2.Read more