General Information

Fernando de Noronha is one of the most beautiful places on earth. This statement, which may sound somewhat pretentious, can be confirmed by anyone who has visited the archipelago. That’s why, in 2015, Baía do Sancho – one of its main beaches – was elected for the second time as the most beautiful beach in the world, by Trip Advisor Traveller’s Choice.

Made up of volcanic rock and located 545 kilometres from Recife, Fernando de Noronha is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The main island is the only one that is inhabited and is where São Miguel Palace, the administrative centre, is located.

Before becoming an important environmental preservation and research centre, Fernando de Noronha was a prison. Part of the facilities built to house the prisoners can still be visited. Later, the archipelago was a military base during World War II. 

Discovered by Américo Vespúcio in 1503, the archipelago was donated in the following year by king D. Manuel to Fernão de Loronha. That is the origin of the archipelago’s name, which was also the first inheritable captainship of Brazil but was never occupied by its donators.

Today, Fernando de Noronha Archipelago is a charming ecological sanctuary. It has marvellous beauties and is an example of environmental conservation, which amazes people from all over the world. With only 2,100 inhabitants, tourism is a sustainable activity, allowing the perfect encounter between man and nature.

Infrastructure for tourism

There are many lodging options in Fernando de Noronha – around 100 establishments. Many inns are located in native houses, converted to receive tourists. It is essential to remember that camping is prohibited on the island.

Noronha also has several restaurants, bars and snack bars, some of them sophisticated, but most of them have simple installations and services, besides tasty homemade food. Do not miss the typical local dish: tubalhau, small balls made with salted shark meat!