Fernando de Noronha looks like it has been plucked straight out of a Bond movie. This stunning archipelago, consisting of twenty-one islands, islets and atolls lying 200 miles off Brazil's Atlantic coast, is jaw-droppingly beautiful; as are the best places to stay on the main and only inhabited island of Fernando de Noronha. Interestingly, it's named after a 16th-century merchant who discovered these islands, and who was gifted the archipelago in return for importing Brazilian wood for the Portuguese government.

Given its location, Fernando de Noronha is part of a unique special state district that's not attached to any other municipality; instead, it's run directly by the government. Be warned though that due to environmental preservation, visitors have to pay a daily fee to enter the island and another fee to visit the National Park attractions. Since 2001, Fernando de Noronha has been a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site due to the importance of its environmental biodiversity.

It's strange to think about, but all of Fernando de Noronha's islands are in fact just the visible tops of submerged mountain ranges. These islands attract an incredibly rich array of wildlife: sea turtles, spinner dolphins, albatrosses, humpback whales, and more. For scuba divers and snorkelers it's an absolute paradise.

This archipelago can, unsurprisingly, draw a crowd, so in order to ensure a room at one of the best places to stay in Fernando de Noronha we recommend planning your trip well in advance.

The best places to stay in Fernando de Noronha

For luxury

• Pousada Maravilha is just above a stunning beach on the south side of the island with just six romantic, airy open plan apartments overlooking the sea, and boasting spectacular views. With a fine dining restaurant to boot, it's the ideal spot for a quiet honeymoon, complete with spoiling spa treatments.

For an eco vibe

• Pousada Teju-Açú is an eco-lodge a short walk from Conceição Beach. Their chilled out bungalows have four poster beds and balconies and there's a social vibe around the central pool.

Centrally located

• Pousada Maria Bonita, a short distance away in the middle of the town, is a highly popular, unpretentious family run boutique hotel with impeccable service. Its pool is small, but rooms are elegantly fitted out, and it's an excellent base for exploring the island.

• Pousada do Vale, on the edge of the town and just yards from Praia do Meio beach, is an equally unpretentious hotel surrounded by lush vegetation. They have a great restaurant and spa. Rooms are modern with wide balconies and wooden flooring.

Family Budget

• For a hotel that won't break the bank, Pousada Zé Maria is a larger property with a range of rooms to suit all budgets, ideal for a family vacation. The kids will love the pool. The family bungalows cost a bit more but offer a lot more privacy. There's a good restaurant here too.

For a guesthouse or holiday home

If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Want to fly to Fernando de Noronha?

• You can fly into Fernando de Noronha AIrport from Recife and Natal, with the journey lasting between one or two hours.
• Fernando de Noronha is permanently warm, with the temperature basically staying around 27°C year-round. However, there's more rain in the winter (from February to July) so you might want to avoid coming at this time.
• If you want to fully explore all that the island has to offer, hire a car with Rentalcars.

Still not sure?

• Browse through our entire list of the best places to stay in Fernando de Noronha.
• Widen the net to include our recommendations in Rio Grande do Norte.
• Or feel free to contact one of our friendly gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Fernando de Noronha