Fernando de Noronha is a tiny group of islands 340km from the Brazilian coast. This archipelago consists of twenty small islands and one large one. All of them have beautiful beaches with the most amazing marine life in its clear waters. You will find your Fernando de Noronha Hotel on the large island which is also the starting point for tours exploring the outer islands.
With a population of only 2100, Fernando de Noronha is developing tourism in a sustainable way, finding a balance to preserve the beautiful ecological sanctuary.
Its sheer distance from the mainland has kept this archipelago as beautiful as it was five centuries ago, when it was discovered by the famous Portuguese navigator Americo Vespucio. It is located some two hundred miles off Natal on the north eastern coast of Brazil. The islands are governed and administered by the State of Pernambuco.
It is only recently that Fernando de Noronha has been zeroed down on as a holiday destination and a dream getaway. Its distance from the shore does not seem to be a limiting factor as the islands are attracting tourists with regularity, even if it is to just see the sun setting on the sea.
Formed as a result of volcanic activity of the mountains from the Atlantic, the archipelago spans an area of only 17 square kilometres and is 545km from the coast. With a population of only 2100, it is developing tourism in a sustainable way, finding a balance to preserve the beautiful ecological sanctuary.
To do full justice to your holiday to Fernando de Noronha, a minimum of five days is required. It is only then that you can enjoy the abundance of natural beauty that Noronha has to offer. Plan your holiday at Noronha after considering the several options available with tour operators and you can select what appeals to you the most.
The early settlers on the island were the Portuguese who came in when Americo Vespucio claimed the land in 1503 for them. They built a fortress at Vila dos Remedios, which is now in ruins. Vila dos Remedios is also the most inhabited town in the island, and where you will find most of your accommodation options. The islands were initially used as a prison. Later it was used as a stopover for flights headed to Europe. During the Second World War, Noronha was also a location for an airbase, which the Brazilian Air Force uses even today.
The islands are teeming with all types of wildlife. However, human habitation is quite low and even tourism is restricted to a mere 420 people at one time on the island. The number is further controlled by the fact that the longer you stay on the islands the higher the permit fee.
The island is also home to Brazil's shortest national highway, the sole paved road here. Although there is only one hotel in Noronha, many pousadas cater to visitors and are up to full capacity in the summer. Our interactive map shows all of our Fernando de Noronha hotels. Earlier, lodging was available in some rustic inns and in the houses of residents of the island. However, lately some upmarket hostels have come up to house the island's tourists.
It was in 1970 that nearly three-fourths of the archipelago was included in the National Marine Sanctuary of Fernando de Noronha. Called the PN Fernando de Noronha, this was aimed at conserving and protecting both the marine and land environments of the archipelago. The conservation effort has been particularly helpful in protecting the sea turtle population.
These islands are indeed Brazil's hidden treasures and today Fernando de Noronha is a benchmark in environment protection. The clear and warm waters of the equatorial region around the islands beckon snorkellers and divers and also underwater photographers. There are nearly 16 beautiful beaches you can choose from. One can view at least two hundred species of fish, other than sea turtles, dolphins, and sharks.
Apart from offering a range of underwater activities, Fernando de Noronha is also a great place for surfers. The beaches, especially those facing Brazil's Atlantic coast, are full of Brazilian surfers who ride waves which are nearly two metres high and which sometimes reach even five metres in height. Beaches which are superb for surfing in Fernando de Noronha include Bode Beach, Boldró, Cacimba do Padre, Meio and Conceição. There are other beaches which are more remote and you can reach them either by mountain biking, walking or riding. Trekking in the interior of the islands is another popular activity you can enjoy. This way you can partake of some of the best views in Brazil.
To delve into the past of Noronha, a visit to the hundred-year-old chapel Capela de Nossa Senhora da Conceição (Our Lady of Conception) and the many fortresses present on the island is a must. A visit to the fortress also ensures that you get some of the best views of the archipelago. A visit to the museum called Memorial Noronhense - Espaço Cultural Américo Vespúcio will acquaint you with some of the islands' stories and legends.
There are many other interesting sites on Fernando de Noronha. For instance, the Baía dos Porcos beach has some remarkable rock sculptures. If you are visiting during the rainy season, then do go to the waterfall at Praia do Sancho. There is a divine looking natural swimming pool too nestled amongst the rocks at Praia do Atalaia. The highest point on the island is a rocky structure called Morro do Pico, standing 321 metres high (1,053 feet). The sunset at this point is a real treat.
Through the year the island has an even and pleasant temperature which hovers around 26°C (79°F). The rainy season from February to July is also a refreshing part of the year at Fernando de Noronha.
