Travel off the beaten path in São Tomé and Príncipe

Verdant jungle, volcanic peaks, quiet beaches, swaying palm trees, coral gardens, cacao plantations, and a truly laidback lifestyle have placed the two-island African nation of São Tomé and Príncipe on the bucket list of more adventurous travellers.

Set close to the equator, this tropical paradise is sometimes called the African Galapagos, and its biodiverse landscape seems almost untouched by the outside world. The former Portuguese colony receives between 15,000 to 35,000 international visitors a year, making it one of the least popular countries in the world – but in this case, that’s a good thing. 

São Tomé and Príncipe is the second-smallest African nation and the islands are part of a volcano chain with rugged black rock formations, lush rainforests, and sandy beaches. The two islands float in the Gulf of Guinea off the coast of Gabon.

Interested in visiting São Tomé and Príncipe? We’ll plan you a custom itinerary – just say hello to our team at info@epic.travel

What’s it like to visit São Tomé and Príncipe?

“From the moment you arrive, the air is filled with a distinct aroma—a rich, nutty scent that evokes tales of chocolate and the lush cacao plantations that carpet the land. Each breath draws you deeper into this remote paradise, where the earth’s bounty is a daily reminder of the island’s abundant blessings,” says Epic’s Head of Growth Rachel Laidler.

Rachel instantly fell for the remote island nation’s incredible landscapes and friendly locals on her first visit in 2021, and again on subsequent visits. While the African islands were named by Lonely Planet as one of their top destinations to visit in 2019, the destination still feels very much off the beaten path.

“It’s not just the landscapes that captivate – it’s the people, so warm and welcoming, whose smiles light up even the cloudiest of days,” says Rachel. “Their hospitality is genuine.

“The streets pulse with local life. You’ll see fishermen haul in their catch, then hear the sizzle and crackle of fish meeting flame. The island’s culinary heritage revolves around the art of simple, yet delicious cooking. An invitation to share a meal is a feast of flavour and storytelling. Here there’s a sense of slowing down and enjoying the simplicities an island life can offer.” 

In terms of tourism, the two islands are still largely unexplored, making this a true off-the-beaten-path destination. We work with some incredible and carefully selected partners, but there’s still a rawness and authenticity that comes with visiting a developing country with limited resources. 

Fortunately São Tomé and Príncipe, its government and tourism businesses, realise the opportunity here to do sustainable ecotourism and nature conservation the right way. 

The difference between São Tomé and Príncipe

The larger island, São Tomé, is mostly covered by the thick jungles of Ôbo Natural Park, and here you’ll find Lagoa Azul lagoon and the famous Pico Cão Grande, volcanic column of hardened magma that shoots 663 meters into the sky. It’s the former centre of a volcano whose softer outer has long eroded away, and it’s one of many on the islands that give off a Lost World vibe. 

Set close to the equator, São Tomé and Príncipe is sometimes called the African Galapagos, and its biodiverse landscape seems almost untouched.

São Tomé is much larger and more developed of the two islands, with a population of around 200,000 people. While tiny Príncipe feels even more remote with dense forest covering the small 50sq mile island that’s home to just 7,000 locals. Both are unique and it’s worth spending time on the two, perhaps starting on the larger island before a few quiet days on Príncipe.

What’s the history of the islands?

São Tomé and Príncipe were uninhabited when they were found by Portuguese explorers in 1470. Gradually the Portuguese settled the islands and used them as a center for the Atlantic slave trade. Here the rich soils and warm climate proved perfect for sugar plantations, and later coffee and cocoa. 

The islands achieved independence in 1975 after the fall of Portugal’s dictatorship, and since then São Tomé and Príncipe have remained one of Africa’s most stable and democratic countries. The primary language is Portuguese, and you’ll see a legacy of Portuguese culture, customs, music, architecture and Christianity. 

Unique experiences and things to do on São Tomé and Príncipe

Seek out beautiful beaches

São Tomé and Príncipe are famous for their pristine sandy beaches, and both islands are surrounded by bays of golden and white sand that are usually uncrowded, especially during the week. On São Tomé you should swim at Praia dos Tamarindos on the northern coast, and go surfing at Praia Santana near the city. Over on Príncipe Island, the beaches are straight from a postcard. You can’t miss Praia Banana, which was once used in Barcardi Rum ads.

Surf with the SOMA girls

São Tomé and Príncipe are famous for their pristine sandy beaches and uncrowded waves. You’re more likely to see fishermen out there than surfers waiting for perfect swells – but one local project is changing that. Every Epic trip gives back to local causes, and we’ve been supporting SOMA Surf for the past few years. This non-profit uses surf therapy to empower young women, giving them confidence and showing the community that women can “be more”. Get out there and ride the waves with the local girls who are tearing up traditional stereotypes.

Read next… Travel for good: Why every Epic trip makes a difference

Stand (and sleep) on the equator at Rolas Island

Go in search of the Equatorial line, jetting out to the Ilhéu das Rolas (Rolas Islet) with a local fisherman. Along the way, we often stop to swim with sharks, including hammerheads and whitetip sharks, plus colourful fish. On the islet, we’ll set up cosy bell tents for the nights. Here you’ll grill wild-caught fish and stargaze with zero pollution. The next morning, set off in search of the Equatorial mark.

Eat with a local family

After a surf session, there’s nothing better than a hearty lunch. One of the best experiences is to join a local family and help them prepare the dishes in their home kitchen. You’ll get an insight into how the local live and connect with a family while learning about the gastronomy.

Watch local sea turtles hatch

Did you know there are only seven species of sea turtles and five of them pass through São Tomé and Príncipe? If you visit between November and March, both green hawksbill and leatherback turtles visit in great numbers to lay eggs on the beaches. An NGO called Tatô Association helps monitor and track the nests, and protect them from wild dogs and crabs. If you’re lucky you might see them laying eggs or hatching.

Hike through the jungle interior

Swap the salty sea water for the sweetness of a refreshing waterfall. Both islands are covered in tropical rainforests with diverse fauna and flora to explore. The most famous and jaw-dropping sight is Pico Cão, a 663-metre-high column of hardened magma, which you’ll see from many angles while exploring the interior. Keep an eye out for special birds endemic to the islands. 

Explore the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Príncipe

While parts of both islands look like they’re straight from a movie, it’s the famous Baía das Agulhas on Príncipe that could be a location in Jurassic Park. The postcard-perfect “bay of Spires” is home to a number of phonolite towers, dense jungle, and a picturesque tropical beach. Unmissable if you’re on the island.

Taste locally-grown chocolate

In the early 20th century São Tomé and Príncipe was the world’s largest cocoa producer, thanks to fertile volcanic soils. While a lot of the plantations were abandoned after the country gained independence in 1975, many have recently reopened. Visit Claudio Corallo’s chocolate lab to learn about the bean-to-bar process, taste chocolate from the island, and buy cocoa nibs and bars.

How to reach São Tomé and Príncipe

You’ll always land on São Tomé Island, where the main airport lies. It’s fairly rustic and small, with just a handful of flights arriving each day. There’s a direct flight from Lisbon that lands and takes off every Saturday. Otherwise you’ll have to fly in via mainland Africa. To reach the neighbouring island of Príncipe, you can take a 35-minute flight between the two.

When to visit

These islands near the equator experience hot and humid temperatures year round. You can expect little variation in daily temperatures, with the average hovering around 27°C (80°F) by the coast, and 20°C (68°F) in the higher altitude inland areas. The rainy season falls from October to May.

Where to stay on São Tomé and Príncipe

There are a handful of fantastic hotels on both islands. On Príncipe, we’re fans of HBD Príncipe, a sustainable ecotourism and agroforestry company that runs a handful of hotels. Its most premium is Sundy Praia on the northern tip, with 15 luxury tented villas, private beaches, and infinity pool, and forest-to-plate cuisine.

There’s Roça, a hotel within the restored 18th and 19th-century buildings of what was once the island’s largest cacao plantation. And finally Bom Bom Island, where wooden bungalows sit between swaying palms by the beach.

On São Tomé, Omali Lodge is close to the airport with 30 rooms and a palm-fringed swimming pool.

If you’re interested in visiting São Tomé and Príncipe, say hello to our team at info@epic.travel and we’ll plan your custom tropical island itinerary.

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