São Tomé e Príncipe
Featured locations
The most hidden gem of Africa.
Where the 2 hemispheres get together and people live a ‘leve-leve’ (slow-slow) lifestyle.
Nestled off the coast of Africa, on the Guinea Gulf right in the Equator line, lies São Tomé and Príncipe, a tropical paradise with a rich history and a promising future.
This island nation, consisting of São Tomé and Príncipe and a cluster of smaller islets, has a story that unfolds like a captivating novel.
From the late 1400s, Portugal established its presence on São Tomé by settling convicts and creating sugar plantations with the labour of enslaved individuals from the mainland.
Fast forward to the 1974 coup in Portugal, which recognized São Tomé and Príncipe’s aspirations for independence.
In 1995, the island of Príncipe gained autonomy, further shaping the nation’s unique identity.
Today, São Tomé and Príncipe is striving to reduce its reliance on donors and cocoa exports by exploring offshore oil resources.
Situated on the Equator, 225 kilometers west of Gabon, São Tomé and Príncipe is Africa’s second smallest country, making it a hidden gem for travellers seeking something refreshingly new.
Accessible only by five weekly flights via Lisbon, these far-flung tropical islands offer a paradise of unexplored jungles, crystal-clear waters, palm-lined beaches, and delectable Portuguese-Creole cuisine.
What sets São Tomé and Príncipe apart is its commitment to sustainability and eco-conscious travel.
As a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Príncipe boasts distinctive biodiversity, making it a haven for rare and endangered bird species, such as the Dwarf olive ibis, São Tomé fiscal, and São Tomé grosbeak.
While São Tomé and Príncipe may not be a typical beach destination, it offers unbelievably beautiful and pristine beaches and a wealth of experiences for nature enthusiasts and culture lovers alike.
In the main island – São Tomé – there is 3 different regions:
· South, with paradise pristine beaches.
· North, with a complexity of different landscapes. Started with the sacred Angolan’s landscape and Imbondeiro trees, incredible blue sea beaches to the dark sand beaches and high cliffs
· Central, with the rainforest, the beautiful waterfalls and pristine wildlife and the ruins of old plantations that allows to explore the heritage of this amazing country.
Explore magnificent rainforest trails, observe rare birds, engage in turtle-watching and snorkelling, savour traditional cuisine, and immerse yourself in the warmth of the local community.
A holiday in São Tomé and Príncipe is a harmonious blend of nature, beach, and culinary delights.
Today, São Tomé and Príncipe welcome travellers with its enchanting remnants of the past, where Portuguese remains the official language, Superbock beer flows in local bars, and hotel rooms are priced in Euros.
Tomé and Príncipe are a dream destination for any fan of Africa’s undiscovered corners.