Fernando de Noronha, Brazil
Island paradise 345 km off the coast of Brazil
The lost Atlantic island of Fernando de Noronha, hundreds of kilometers off the coast of Brazil is full of pristine beaches and chic hotels.
The small archipelago of Fernando de Noronha sits 545km off the coast of Recife, Brazil and National Marine Park.
Fernando de Noronha was discovered in 1503 by Amerigo Vespucci and were a pirate hideout for many years. The Portuguese took control of the islands and built a fort (Forte dos Remedios) and church which remains of can still be seen. The island was temporarily occupied by the Dutch (which called it "Pavônia") in the XVII century and by the French (which baptized it as "Ile Delphine") in the XVIII century.
The main island, also called Fernando de Noronha covers ninety percent of all land area. All building is rigorously controlled by Ibama (Brazil’s Environmental Protection Agency), however, a number of luxurious hotels, some of the nicest and beautiful anywhere can be found here. Unspoilt beaches and excellent scuba diving dominate most activities on the island. From December to March, when the seas are rougher, surfing draws quite a few visitors. The sun shines year round.
It’s an island paradise with an average temperature of 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit). The rainy season runs from January to August. Nearly people living on the island are involved in tourism and food is transported from the mainland, therefore Brazilian food is double compared with anywhere else in Brazil. Fishing is illegal in the area as well, therefore fresh seafood is hard to come by except at Ecologiku’s restaurant.
Hotels
Pousada Maravilha (Phone: 3619-1290, www.pousadamaravilha.com.br) - This ultra chic hotel has just 8 forty meter square bungalows in a beautiful ocean front setting. This is very high style. There’s an infinity pool, first class restaurant, and full tour capabilities around the archipelago.
Pousada Teju-Açu (Phone: 3619-1277; www.pousadateju-acu.com.br) - has just 12 eucalyptus bungalows that resemble tree houses with unique Brazilian touches such as onion-skin lamp shades and paintings from Recife Artist Zé Som.
Zé Maria (Phone: 3619-1258, www.pousadazemaria.com.br) - Another one of Brazil’s top hotels, Zé Maria sits beside the Morro de Pico, the postcard perfect rock that has become the symbol of this lost Atlantic isle. Rooms aren’t as stunning as Pousada Maravilha, but have all the amenities you could ask for.
Getting there: Transport to the island is limited to just two plane loads a day. Prices begin at about $350 roundtrip from Recife. There is a daily tax of $15 a day the first week you are an island.
For more information: Contact the official Website of the island administration: www.noronha.pe.gov.br/eng/ctudo-tourism-intro.asp
