Fernando de Noronha, Brazil: Ultimate Travel Guide to a Paradise Island
Fernando de Noronha, Brazil Ultimate Travel Guide to a Paradise Island
Located in the Atlantic Ocean, off Brazil’s northeastern coast, lies Fernando de Noronha, a remote archipelago with some of the most beautiful beaches in the world and absolutely stunning landscapes. It has been considered a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its unique ecological importance and rich marine life. I recently visited Fernando de Noronha and I immediately felt in love with it, so I’ve prepared my Fernando de Noronha Brazil Ultimate Travel Guide to a paradise island.
Fernando de Noronha is part of Pernambuco state of Brazil. Its faraway location at approximately 350 quilometres from the coast and its distinctive nature, makes it one of the most beautiful and unspoiled island destinations in the world. The archipelago consists in 21 islands and islets, with the largest island being the only one inhabited.
Even if it is relatively small, with only 26 quilometres square, Fernando de Noronha offers to visitors a huge amount of experiences and places to explore, as well as unparalleled scenarios that you won’t find anywhere else. Exploring Fernando de Noronha feels like stepping into another world where nature reigns supreme. With turquoise waters, dramatic cliffs, breathtaking beaches and preserved ecosystems, it offers the perfect paradise island getaway.
The island’s landscape is dominated by the omnipresent view of the iconic Morro do Pico, which is visible from almost all corners of Fernando de Noronha. With approximately 320 meters high, this peak is a volcanic rock formation originated from a large underwater mountain system with more than 4000 meters deep.
How to get to Fernando de Noronha
Reaching Fernando de Noronha is part of the adventure. Getting there may require some planning, but this is exactly what keeps Fernando de Noronha pristine and makes every step towards arrival feels like part of the reward.
The only way to arrive is by plane from mainland Brazil. Daily flights connect the island to Brazilian cities like Recife, Natal or São Paulo. I flew from Recife to Fernando de Noronha, a journey that takes about an hour. Tickets sell out quickly, especially in high season, so it’s wise to book well in advance.
It’s important to consider that all visitors must pay the Environmental Preservation Fee (also known as TPA), a daily environmental fee that helps fund the conservation fn the island. It can be paid online in advance or upon arrival at the airport.
If you plan to explore the island’s Marine National Park, home to many of its most beautiful beaches and trails, you will need a separate pass. This can be purchased online or at the ICMBio Visitor Center on the island, and it’s valid for 10 days. It is totally worth it! You will be rewarded by unforgettable landscapes and you will be contributing to preserve this stunning environmental heritage.
How to move around Fernando de Noronha
The island is small and it’s very easy to move around it. There are different options available to explore Fernando de Noronha. Public buses run regularly along the main road, making them an affordable way to reach the island’s key spots. For more flexibility, taxis are widely available, while private tours offer the comfort of a guided experience with local insights.
Many travellers choose to rent a car or, more commonly, a buggy. That was exactly my choice. I rented a buggy for two days, which allowed me to navigate both paved roads and sandy paths with ease. In the rest of the days I just walked around Vila dos Remédios area and I took taxis a couple of times, which is also a reliable and affordable option.
Best Time to Visit Fernando de Noronha
Fernando de Noronha is a year-round destination. But depending on what kind of experience you are looking for, the season you choose can shape your trip. Regardless of the season, the island’s beauty is constant and you will have an amazing time around.
The dry season from August to January is the island’s most popular time to visit. Days are sunny, skies are clear and the sea is calm, making it perfect for snorkelling, diving and relaxing on the beach. I’ve visited Fernando de Noronha in August and I couldn’t recommend it more.
If you’re into surfing, December to March is the surf season when Fernando de Noronha becomes a hotspot for waves. The island attracts surfers from around the world to challenge the legendary swells at Cacimba do Padre Beach.
From February to July, rain season arrives with some more frequent showers, but they are usually short and followed by sunshine. The island feels greener and quieter, with fewer tourists around. It’s a good time if you prefer a more laid-back atmosphere.
Fernando de Noronha Ultimate Travel Guide - Bucket List Experiences not to miss
Explore Sancho Beach, the most beautiful beach in the world
Often considered the most beautiful beach in the world, Sancho Beach totally deserves this recognition and it is the perfect definition of a beach paradise. Located in Marine National Park, it offers stunning landscapes, emerald crystal clear waters and golden sands.
The descend to get there can be quite challenging, as you need to take two steep vertical ladders inside a narrow rock crevice, and continue down a staircase in the cliff to the beach. There are specific timetables for going down and going up the ladder that you also need to consider. It’s definitely not easy, but I assure you it’s totally worth it. In alternative, it’s also accessible by boat.
The beach secluded location and the fact that it is a conservation area within the Marine National Park, keeps it pristine and untouched. This is a must visit in the island and one of the most amazing beaches I’ve ever been. Don’t miss the great perspectives from the viewpoint close to the ladders taking to the beach.
Admire the views to Morro dos Dois Irmãos
Morro dos Dois Irmãos (which means Two Brothers Hill) is undoubtedly one of the landmarks of Fernando de Noronha. The twin volcanic peaks rise dramatically from the turquoise waters, creating one of Brazil’s most breathtaking postcard views.
One of best spots to admire Morro dos Dois Irmãos is Cacimba do Padre Beach. The golden sands and rolling waves from this beach perfectly frame the peaks in all their glory. Another great spot is the viewpoint inside the Marine National Park, very close to the entrance to Sancho Beach. Easily accessible through a wooden walkway, it offers a sweeping perspective over the coastline.
For an even closer encounter, make your way to the stunning Porcos Bay. To reach it, you need to walk along Cacimba do Padre Beach and take the Porcos Bay trail. In the beginning of the trail, a guide provides helmets to visitors and controls the access. Then you need to follow a short rocky trail that leads to the bay, where natural pools of emerald water await right in front of Morro dos Dois Irmãos. I didn’t do this hike, but I’ve read it’s a great experience.
Hike the amazing trails of Marine National Park
Hiking enthusiasts will have the time of their life in Fernando de Noronha. There are numerous trails available in the island, with different lengths and levels of difficulty. They are a perfect way to explore the island and to admire its natural beauty.
Some of the most known trails are inside Marine National Park, like Capim Açu trail or Pontinha Caieira trail. Please consider that some of them require booking in advance, especially the ones with natural pools in order to protect the surrounding environment. You can have more information about the attractions and the trails in the official website.
I’ve done the trail connecting the scenic Dolphin Bay’s Viewpoint to Sancho Beach (Golfinho – Sancho Trail) and it was a great experience. It takes approximately 45 minutes and it is quite easy. You will walk through the forest and a trail close to the cliff, passing several viewpoints with incredible views to the sea and to Sancho Beach.
Visit secluded beaches like Sueste Bay and Leão Beach
Located in the Outer Sea at the south coast of the island, Leão Beach and Sueste Bay are also unmissable places in the island. Part of the Marine National Park, both beaches are really close to each other.
Sueste Bay is a natural sanctuary where the island’s marine life thrives in abundance in a reef environment. Its biodiversity is impressive with sharks and turtles going to this beach for feeding and resting. It also hosts the only mangrove found on oceanic islands in the South Atlantic, which was settled more than 2000 years ago. When I visited it, sea activities were suspended, but it was possible to walk through the beach and observe the sea and the mangrove.
Leão Beach is one of the wildest and most secluded beaches in Fernando de Noronha. Named after the lion-shaped rock that guards its shore, this vast stretch of sand offers a breathtaking scenery to visitors. It’s also an important conservation area, as green sea turtles go there from December to May for nesting. Despite its beauty, this beach has strong sea currents, so when I visited it was not allowed to swim or to do other sea activities. Nevertheless, it was totally worth to walk in the beach and to see the reef benches at low tide.
Walk around charming Vila dos Remédios
Vila dos Remédios is the historical heart of Fernando de Noronha and the perfect starting point to explore the island. Beyond its historical significance, as Vila dos Remédios was the first settlement in the archipelago, it is also its main hub. It offers now a variety of shops, restaurants and accommodation options. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, whether you are savouring the local delicious cuisine, browsing for handicrafts or simply having a drink after a beach day.
Strolling through its quiet streets, you will find Nossa Senhora dos Remédios Church, built in the 18th century in colonial style. It stands out for its simplicity with white walls and yellow details, as well as the privileged views of the sea. The village also enjoys direct access to some of the best beaches in Fernando de Noronha.
Beach hopping in Cachorro Beach, Meio Beach and Conceição Beach
You don’t need to go far away from Vila dos Remédios to find some amazing beaches that are walking distance from the village. Those are not part of the Marine National Park, which means that you can access them even if you haven’t bought the pass for this park. All of them provide the option of renting umbrellas and sunbeds. But in alternative there is a lot of space available, so you can easily just lay down your towel in the sand.
The first beach which is closer to the village is Cachorro Beach. Located at the end of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios Church street, it is accessible by a staircase. Known for its crystal-clear calm waters and natural pools formed between the rocks, it is a perfect spot for a refreshing swim. The views from the cliff above the beach are some of the most idyllic in Fernando de Noronha.
At the left side of Cachorro Beach entrance there is a small but very scenic trail into the forest and through some cliffs taking you to Meio Beach. Its name means literally “in the middle” of two beaches – Cachorro Beach and Conceição Beach. With around 500 meters of golden sand, it has great views to the famous Morro do Pico, especially at sunset.
After Meio Beach you get to Conceição Beach, another favourite in the island. I loved it so much that I went there several times. Its is one of the largest beaches in Fernando de Noronha with more than one quilometre, framed by soft golden sand and turquoise waters. At Conceição Beach you feel like you are inside a postcard. With the imposing Morro do Pico rising dramatically in the background, it offers one of the island’s most iconic landscapes.
Stay in a hotel with the most amazing views to Morro do Pico
One of the most unique experiences in Fernando de Noronha was staying at Hamares Boutique Hotel. Perfectly positioned to frame the iconic Morro do Pico, the hotel offers guests front-row views of one of the island’s most striking landmarks. When I arrived to Hamares Boutique Hotel, I felt like stepping into a private paradise, where every detail has been carefully designed to showcase the island’s natural beauty, blending luxury with tranquility.
One of the highlights of the hotel is its stunning infinity pool, that seems to merge seamlessly with the horizon. This is the perfect spot to slow down and simply enjoy a sunny day by the pool, or to soak up the island’s golden light while enjoying one of the breathtaking sunsets that make this destination so unforgettable.
For those seeking an elevated experience, the hotel’s exclusive villas redefine comfort and island luxury. Some villas feature a spacious terrace and a private plunge pool with panoramic views to Morro do Pico. This was probably the most beautiful hotel room view ever! The lush outdoor garden areas enhance the feeling of being immersed in nature, while the attentive and personalized service ensures every stay is as relaxing as it is memorable.
Sail around Fernando de Noronha
A boat tour around Fernando de Noronha offers a completely different perspective of its natural beauty. From the sea the dramatic cliffs, lush vegetation and golden beaches reveal themselves in a breathtaking panorama that you simply can’t appreciate from the land.
As the boat sails along the coastline, you will get the chance to admire famous spots like Sancho Beach, Porcos Bay or Morro dos Dois Irmãos, each more stunning from the water. The tour often extends to other islands in the archipelago, giving a rare opportunity to see the more remote islets that are part of this protected paradise.
One of the highlights of the excursion is the possibility of having a magical encounter with dolphins, which are frequently spotted swimming alongside the boats. Many tours also include stops for snorkelling in vibrant coral reefs, where colourful fish and marine life abound. Some other water activities in Fernando de Noronha include diving, surfing or renting an Hawaiian Canoe.
There are several local operators offering boat tours and they usually start at Porto Beach, located near the harbour where you can also find shops and restaurants. In this area there is a Fernando de Noronha colourful sign, allowing to perfectly frame Morro do Pico views.
Watch the most beautiful sunset in the world
Sunsets in Fernando de Noronha are nothing short of magical. They were undoubtedly some of the most beautiful in the world I’ve ever seen. As the sun dips into the Atlantic, the sky turns into a canvas of fiery orange, pink and purple, creating unforgettable moments beautifully framed by the island’s dramatic and rugged landscapes.
There are several spectacular spots to enjoy this daily show. Every day I saw the sunset from a different place, and everyday I was amazed about how breathtaking the sunset is in Fernando de Noronha. São Pedro do Boldró Fortress is perhaps the most famous spot, with a privileged view of Morro Dois Irmãos silhouetted against the glowing horizon.
Meio Beach and Conceição Beach are equally popular, with the wide stretch of sand becoming the perfect stage for the sun’s descent. In this area the lively Bar do Meio is a popular option for watching the sun going down while enjoying a caipirinha, a typical Brazilian cocktail.
For a touch of history, Nossa Senhora dos Remédios Fortress provides a charming and less crowded setting. And watching the sunset from the sea on a cruise around the island lets you see the cliffs and beaches bathed in golden light from a completely different perspective.
The most unforgettable sunset I’ve seen in Fernando de Noronha (and probably ever) was from my terrace in Hamares Boutique Hotel, with the sun going down framed by the breathaking Morro do Pico.
For more travel inspiration about amazing beach paradises in America, visit my articles The Ultimate Panama Bucket List and 10 Unforgettable Curacao Experiences.
