Preá Beach

Fishing village

Preá is a small fishing village which is still relatively untouched by modern civilisation. Fishermen go out in the evening on their wooden sail-boats equiped with little more than fishing nets and a gas lantern only to come back the next morning (or a few days later) with just about enough to sell and eat for that same day. Until a couple of years ago, the most common transportation means in Prea were horses and donkeys, today you will still see some roaming freely on the beach or litteraly walking in front of the hotel.

A few natives have started to get involved with the modern way of living by driving buggies, teaching kitesurf lessons or starting up simple restaurants, but many still live off the land, growing vegetables & fruit or breeding cattle and poultry, in addition to fishing shrimp. Vila Prea is located right on the water, on the East side of town where there is less traffic (even during the day), so you can walk out of your hut and instantly be either on the beach or walk up prestine sand dunes around and behind the hotel.

Fisherman picking up nets at sunrise, on Preá beach

Kitesurf heaven

Guaranteed wind!

Side onshore

Warm water

No rocks

The coast of Ceara has been the “guaranteed wind” destination for windsurfers since they discovered Jericoacoara in the late 90´s. As kiting developped in the early 2000′s, kitesurfers started flying to the windy coast seeking the same consistancy and tropical setting.

The key difference with kitesurfers is the wind direction which is important for safety. Because issues on the water can happen (loosing your board or crashing your kite, and not being able to relaunch), making sure the wind will bring you back to the beach rather than out into the Ocean is key! That is why side onshore winds are important for a safe kite spot. Luckily, Prea benefits from constant side-on-shore winds every day from 11 am to 6 pm, July through January!

Additionally, white sand, tropical temperatures and no obstacles or rocks on the beach make it safe for both beginners and advanced kiters to improve without fear of hurting themselves.

The constant wind conditions are a result of a combination between the South-easterly trade winds and the local sea-breeze created by the National Park ‘s arid climate. Keep in mind that while Jericoacoara is a better spot for windsurfers (with a wave created by the point and offshore winds), the side-on-shore wind direction makes Preá a safer spot for kiting.

: Side onshore winds blowing all along Preá beach

Where is Prea?

Located 3 degrees South of the Equator, on the Northest coast of Brazil , Prea is a small fishing village bordering the National Parc of Jericoacoara, about 280 km West of Fortaleza, the capital city of the state of Ceara.

With the development of Jericoacaora (12 km West of Prea) and the new National Park in the early 2000′s, Prea first became known for it’s tranquility and it eventually turned famous due to kitesurfing, the fastest growing water sport since 2006.

Prea now is a destination for those seeking both peace and nature-related activities. Over the last couple of years, it has become one of the most appreciated kitesurfing spots in Brazil because of it’s perfect wind direction and constant sea-breezes.