Fernando de Noronha, Island in the Atlantic Ocean, Brazil
Fernando de Noronha is a small island chain in the Atlantic Ocean, off the northeastern coast of Brazil, recognized as a Marine National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site. It consists of one main island and several smaller uninhabited rocks, with volcanic cliffs, sandy coves, and coral reefs just below the surface.
The island was claimed by Portuguese sailors in the early 16th century and served over the following centuries as a fort, a prison, and a military base. The old colonial fortifications are still visible on the island today.
Fernando de Noronha takes its name from a Portuguese merchant who was granted the island in the early 16th century. Today it draws Brazilian travelers looking to step away from daily life for a few days of sun and open water.
The island is best reached by plane, with most flights departing from Recife or São Paulo. Once there, a rented buggy or walking are the easiest ways to get around, since the roads are short and easy to follow.
Although the island sits far out in the Atlantic, it keeps a time zone one hour ahead of the Brazilian mainland. This means that at sunrise, visitors here see the light before almost anyone else on the American continent.
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