Ilha de Fernando de Noronha Off The Beaten Path

Air France is not a typical noronha beach....located near the Bay of Santo Antonio, the shore is covered in vulcanic stones, but just like all others, the water is deep blue. From this beach you will see the islands of Rata and Sela Genete, the smaller unpopulated islands of the archipelago.
A real good place to find complete peace....

Caracas is a type of low cliff located at the island´s border, it´s the point of encounter between the ocean and the "continent" sea...from this place you will be able to see the strength of the open ocean, as it shoks itself against the island´s border....the sound of the waves coming is really strong.
It´s a bit far off the vilage, so you might need a buggy man....the visit to this place is usually included in packages, where you will see other beaches on the way as well...

Praia do Atalaia is a very interesting beach....there is a long rock wall that separates it from the open sea, so when the tide is low a huge natural pool is formed, with hundreds of different fish. It´s a great place to snorkel, even for those who fear swiming since you can walk the whole "pool" with our head off the water. A wonderful experience, to see all those curious fish staring at your glasses! Definately you can´t mish it!!!
From the beach you will see the so called Ilha do Frade (Priest´s Island)...a small island that has the perfect shape of a high priest sitting in a chair, with hat, long beard and everything, looking directly at the beach...=)
There are just some warnings....first of all, the IBAMA (the governamental enterprise that deals with preservation of natural patrimonium) authorize the entrance of aprox. 30 people per day only...this means waking up early and asking for a buggy man to take you. And if you get late, you might loose your chance to go!
Second, you must take care with the fauna....sun protector in the water is not allowed, just afterwards....don´t take anything out from the sea...
To avoid accidents there are two more advices: try to avoid snorkelling over the areas with many rocks and plants, since there are mooreas and they won´t feel at ease with you over them. And also, DON´T climb up the rock wall......the sea can be aggressive over there and if a big wave comes you won´t have control anymore. This happened to my mother went she went there in 1980...she had to grab herself to the rock for not to be taken away...
I´ve heard some rumors that they are planning to close the access completely...hope this doesn´t happen....

When you reach the little bar at Praia do Meio, ask for directions for the " hidden" swimming pool just on the rocks in front of you... (look for TULIO, the bartender)
at low tide you can reach just by the rocks, at hight tide, you'll need go swimming !!!
take your time and enjoy a nice talk with locals, usually at sunset there's a happy hour...
The pool is awesome...really good if you want some privacy...

The standard way to get to Vila dos Remedios from the port is to follow the main road to the other asphalt road leading to the village. The old cobblestone road, "Estrada Velha", leading from the main road to the church, the entrance to the hilltop fort, and to Praia do Cachorro is now little used and is a nice place to wander on a lazy late afternoon.

The island is a tourist attraction and I don't think there is any off the beaten path in the island, but I do consider the entire island of Fernando de Noronha as off the beaten path!

You can build a whole big album only from the pictures you can take from the hills!

What a point,found by coincidence!