The fact that it remains so for most people is not only due to the costly journey (by flight from Recife or Natal) but also to the price level of accommodation and restaurants. This varies considerably depending on the season, although Fernando de Noronha can be visited all year round. The archipelago is the final part of our “Great South American Trip” itinerary.

Only one of the islands, Fernando de Noronha, which is considered as the main island with an area of 17km², is inhabited (approx. 4000 inhabitants). The rest of the islands and water world as well as almost half of the main island are designated as a national park and are under strict protection. Thus, the number of visitors is limited. This has the advantage that the beaches are never overcrowded even in high season. The offshore waters are an excellent diving and snorkeling area due to their biodiversity.

A special feature is the large number of dolphins and sea turtles, for example the Baía dos Golfinhos, named after its inhabitants, holds the world record for the largest count ever of dolphins living together. Employees of the Foundation that guards the bay have already registered more than a thousand spinner dolphins here. The richness of the marine environment is also responsible for the fact that the archipelago has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001.

The only significant settlement on Fernando de Noronha is Vila dos Remédios. The majority of restaurants, bars, car and buggy rentals and most pousadas can be found here.
These small, mostly quite simple guesthouses make up the majority of the accommodation. There are hardly any classic or even large hotels on the island.

Historically Fernando de Noronha, similar to other “dream islands” like Panama’s Isla Coiba, looks back on a dark past as a penal colony.
The archipelago owes its name to a Portuguese who became rich through timber trading. In 1503, he took part in the expedition of the Portuguese Gonçalo Coelhos as a representative of the trading house of the Fuggers on the Iberian Peninsula, during which the island was discovered.