Ascension Island Travel Guide

Surrounded by turquoise waters and dramatic volcanic landscapes, Ascension Island is a remote British Overseas Territory located in the South Atlantic. It was named after the Christian holiday Ascension Day, when Portuguese navigator Afonso de Albuquerque is believed to have rediscovered it in 1503, though earlier sightings by fellow Portuguese explorer João da Nova may have occurred in 1501.

Most visitors stay in Georgetown, the island's capital and administrative centre. It's home to a handful of pubs with quirky hours, meaning their opening and closing times often vary in ways that reflect the island's relaxed pace of life, a small Catholic church and several historic colonial buildings add character to the settlement.

From January to May, green turtles come ashore to lay their eggs, leaving sweeping tracks along the beaches. Scuba diving, deep-sea fishing for marlin and tuna, and even a small golf course offer activities for adventure seekers.

The arid island features over 40 dormant volcanic craters and contrasts dramatically with its lush interior. At the heart lies Green Mountain National Park, which has walking trails and panoramic views. The park showcases the island's unique ecological transformation, with vegetation introduced during the 19th century creating a microclimate unlike anywhere else on Ascension.