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Fernando de Noronha - Archipelago in the south Atlantic...
 
Fernando de Noronha
Considered an ecological sanctuary, the Fernando de Noronha archipelago is located some 500 kilometers off the coast from Recife, and is made up of 21 islands and islets, home to several animal and plant species, some endangered with extinction. The purpose of the Fernando de Noronha National Marine Park, established in 1988 is to protect this microcosm, preserving the flora, fauna and other natural resources. Moreover, it provides visitors unequalled opportunities for leisure, and environmental awareness. The Fernando de Noronha archipelago is like a paradise on Earth and is highly ranked as an international tourist attraction. Hundreds of people arrive every day, and visitation is strictly controlled in order to ensure preservation of the environment.
Morro do Pico, 323 meters high, can be seen from any spot on Fernando de Noronha Island, access is forbidden to visitors, but can be done via steps carved into the rock cliff. The beaches of Boldró, Cachorro, Atalaia and Sancho are four great attractions of Fernando de Noronha. The other main attraction is Baía dos Golfinhos (Dolphin Bay), the largest natural aquarium in the world, where dolphins mate and raise their young. Other attractions are Leão beach, ecological haven for protection of sea turtles, and Pedra da Viuvinha, resting area for several bird species, besides ruins of old fortresses, silent witnesses of four centuries of history.
 
The Magic of the North Coast
Still within the Metropolitan Region of Recife, just beyond the city of Olinda, the beaches Maria Farinha, Nova Cruz, the Coroa do Avião and Itamaracá islands represent the largest leisure and water sports center in the Northeast. There are so many options; you might begin with a boat or catamaran ride past mangroves towards Coroa do Avião or fly a hanglider over Itamaracá Island with stopover in the city of Itapissuma to eat some oysters and delicious seafood. Another way to get acquainted with the North Coast is to go by car and visit the historical towns of Igarassu (old convents, large old mansions), the first church built in Brazil – Santos Cosme e Damião. You must not miss the picture gallery of the Santo Antônio Convent, the museums, old sugar mills and Vila Velha – seat of the Itamaracá captaincy, the Manatee Preservation Center and to take a boat tour from the Itapissuma docks. The landscape is breathtaking throughout the journey and is further enriched by several options of seafood-based dishes along the way.
Itamaracá Island, 50 minutes from Recife has 16 kilometers of beautiful beaches and a rich historical and cultural heritage. The Dutch invaders built Fort Orange in 1631 on the island. Decades later, the fort was rebuilt by Portuguese colonists and nowadays is a landmark of Itamaracá, with its centuries-old cannons pointed towards the sea.
Another beach of unequalled beauty is Maria Farinha, in Paulista. It is one of the newest tourist attractions of the State, with its immense and untouched mangroves and freshwater canals, through which you reach the open sea.
Coroa do Avião is an islet that emerges during low tide– it is also one of the most popular with tourists. The spot is ideal for water sports, like jet ski and windsurfing. Visitors flock to the many small stands with regional foods, beverages and seafood.
The hangliding tours over the Pontal de Maria Farinha, Fort Orange and Coroa do Avião represent yet another leisure option for visitors. Following further up the North Coast, we come to Catuama Beach, in the city of Goiana. Catuama is pure sun, white sand and semi-deserted beaches and calm waters. Tourists can enjoy lobsters, crabs, fried fish and other local seafood’s. Ponta de Pedras Beach is also in Goiana, with extensive coconut groves, natural pools, fishermen’s huts and small restaurants.
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