Sao Tome and Principe

São Tomé and Príncipe is the ultimate “unplugged” sanctuary. Floating in the Gulf of Guinea on the equatorial line, these two tropical islands are a symphony of wild, primary rainforest, towering volcanic plugs, and crumbling 19th-century Portuguese roças (plantations). It is a destination that feels like a discovery—a place where parrots outnumber people and where the beaches remain so pristine they feel entirely yours.

Whether you are tasting world-class single-origin chocolate in a restored manor or watching sea turtles nest on a starlit shore, São Tomé and Príncipe offers a rare, slow-paced luxury that celebrates the raw power of nature.

Why we love São Tomé and Príncipe

We love these islands for their “lost world” quality. It is a place where nature has reclaimed the colonial past, with jungle vines wrapping around historic manor houses to create something hauntedly beautiful. We love the “leve-leve” philosophy—a genuine cultural commitment to relaxation and mindfulness. It is the ability to stand in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres simultaneously on Ilhéu das Rolas, and the feeling of total seclusion in what is truly one of the world’s last great secrets.

The Most Beautiful Places in the Archipelago

From the “Needle” of the south to the bays of the north:

1. Príncipe Island (The UNESCO Jewel)

The smaller of the two islands is almost entirely a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. It is a world of jagged phonolite towers and secret coves. Sundy Praia, a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World, offers ultra-luxury tented villas hidden in the canopy, providing the ultimate base for exploring the island’s wild interior and the iconic Banana Beach.

2. Pico Cão Grande

Perhaps the most iconic landmark in West Africa. This dramatic, 663-meter volcanic plug rises vertically from the dense primary forest of the Ôbo National Park. While climbing it is a feat for professionals, seeing its silhouette emerge from the morning mist while driving south is a cinematic experience you will never forget.

3. Roça Sundy & The Cocoa Route

Step back in time at Roça Sundy, a beautifully restored cocoa plantation. It was here in 1919 that Sir Arthur Eddington proved Einstein’s Theory of Relativity during a solar eclipse. Today, it is a boutique hotel where you can learn the history of the “Chocolate Islands” and walk the trails between the jungle and the sea.

4. Ilhéu das Rolas

Located precisely on the Equator off the southern tip of São Tomé, this tiny islet is a paradise of coconut palms and turquoise rock pools. Stand at the Equator Landmark for a photo with one foot in each hemisphere before retreating to the island’s secluded beaches for world-class snorkeling.

5. Baía das Agulhas (Bay of Needles)

Only accessible by boat, this bay on Príncipe offers a view of the island’s most spectacular geology. A series of jagged rock spires (the “needles”) rise from the rainforest, dwarfing the tiny, deserted beaches below. It is a prehistoric landscape that feels like a scene from Jurassic Park.

Highlights of a Tour Through the Islands

  • The Chocolate Experience: Visit Claudio Corallo’s workshop or the CECAB cooperative to taste what many consider the best chocolate on Earth. Learn the “bean-to-bar” process that has been the islands’ lifeblood for centuries.
  • Marine Marvels: Between July and October, Humpback Whales migrate through these warm equatorial waters. From November to March, witness Green and Leatherback turtles nesting on the remote beaches of Praia Jale and Praia Grande.
  • Canoeing the Mangroves: Take a traditional wooden canoe through the Malaranza Mangroves in the south of São Tomé. It is a silent, mystical world of tangled roots and rare birdlife, including the endemic Giant Sunbird.

Essential Travel Tips

  • When to go: The best time for hiking and beach weather is the “Gravana” (long dry season) from June to September, or the shorter dry spell in January and February.
  • Getting around: Domestic travel between the two islands is via a short 35-minute flight (sit on the right side for the best views!). On land, private 4×4 transfers are the best way to navigate the winding, forest-lined roads.
  • Health: The islands are a low-risk malaria zone, but precautions are recommended. The “leve-leve” pace extends to the sun—it is powerful on the Equator, so high-SPF protection is a must.
  • Language: Portuguese is the official language. While English is spoken at the luxury lodges (especially those in the Príncipe Collection), a basic grasp of Portuguese or French is very helpful in the towns.