Ascension Island, Volcanic island in South Atlantic Ocean, Saint Helena territory
Ascension Island is a volcanic formation in the South Atlantic, part of the Saint Helena territory. Its surface features several volcanic cones, with Green Mountain rising to 858 meters above sea level and surrounded by dry lava fields.
Portuguese sailors discovered this remote spot in 1501, and British forces established a naval base here from 1815 during the Napoleonic Wars. Since then, the place has served as a military and communications hub, taking advantage of its strategic position in the middle of the Atlantic.
The community consists of British military personnel, civilian workers from Saint Helena and American specialists living in a small international settlement. Residents gather at local clubs and sports facilities, where you can feel the relaxed atmosphere of an isolated outpost with just a few hundred people.
Entry requires permission from British authorities, as only limited flights connect to Saint Helena and the Falkland Islands throughout the year. Visitors should prepare for a dry climate, strong winds and limited infrastructure, as facilities are mainly intended for the resident population.
The island hosts one of the largest colonies of sooty terns in the world, which return to its rocky coasts by the thousands every year. It is also surrounded by a vast marine reserve almost twice the size of the entire United Kingdom.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
