PRÍNCIPE ISLAND

Príncipe Island, regarded by many as one of the last hidden gems, is located off the coast of West Central Africa and is part of the twin island nation of São Tomé and Príncipe, Africa’s second smallest country. Príncipe, the smaller sister island of São Tomé, is renowned for its idyllic and pristine environment. It is considered even more beautiful than its big sister island. This fascinating island spans 142 km² and has a population of around 7,000. It boasts a unique and authentic character, shaped by a rich blend of influences from various countries, reflected in its language, culture, gastronomy, and traditions. Just a short 30-minute domestic flight from São Tomé, Príncipe is perfect for relaxing on stunning beaches. However, the island offers so much more than just beautiful beaches. Visitors can easily explore deserted farmsteads (called ‘roças’), cocoa plantations, and lush rainforests. Depending on where you are staying, there are various unforgettable activities and experiences for you to enjoy. To fully experience São Tomé and Príncipe, be sure to include Príncipe Island in your itinerary. You will be amazed!

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Príncipe is a paradise especially for nature lovers and those seeking tranquillity amidst stunning landscapes. Its remoteness and volcanic origins have led to exceptionally high levels of endemism, with over 40 unique animal species found nowhere else on earth. In terms of nature conservation, Príncipe is the most advanced of the two sister islands. The small island boasts over 140 square kilometers of lush, diverse greenery. Around 53 percent of the island is designated as a natural park, providing a protected habitat for a wide array of wildlife. In 2012, Príncipe Island and its surrounding islets were confirmed as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.

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The island's capital, Santo António, is affectionately known as the smallest city in the world, with a population of just over 2,000 inhabitants. This charming city features numerous beautiful examples of colonial architecture. 

The colonial-era ‘Roças’ offer a journey back in time, with old buildings, cocoa and coffee plantations, stunning sunset views, and abundant nature. The four most notable are Roça Sundy, Roça Belo Monte, Roça Paciência, and the largest, Roça Porto Real.

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The first of them, Roça Sundy, was once the island’s largest cacao plantation. It was exactly here, where on May 29, 1919, British astronomers led by Arthur Eddington observed and photographed a total eclipse of the Sun, confirming Einstein's general theory of relativity for the first time experimentally. More than 100 years later, Roça Sundy has been elegantly refurbished into a charming boutique property that offers a nostalgic, step-back-in-time experience and allows you to experience a special flair of Príncipe. As part of their investment to transform the Roça into a hotel and a resort, the HBD group – the biggest investor in the island, for which many community members work for – agreed with the community to improve their housing and living conditions. The project “Terra prometida” aims to implement the voluntary and sustainable resettlement of the community of Roça Sundy into a new neighbourhood. 

 

Situated on one of the most beautiful spots of Príncipe on a hill surrounded by rainforest, overlooking the flame trees and jungle canopy to the ocean, is Roça Belo Monte. As of 2014 the Belo Monte Hotel opened its doors in the renovated former plantation. Currently under renovation, it is set to reopen in September of 2024. The roça’s museum serves a starting point to various excursions that the hotel offers and gives you an insight into Príncipe’s stunning nature and unique culture. 

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A short distance away is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, ‘Praia Banana’ the Banana Beach, world-famous because Bacardi filmed the “Bacardi Feeling” TV commercial here in the 90s.

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Another historical site is Roça Paciência. At the peak of Príncipe’s cacao exporting era, Roça Paciência operated as a satellite plantation of Roça Sundy. Today, the place is used for the production and marketing of artisanal organic products, such as coconut oil and chocolate. Weekend markets are also held there from time to time.

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The largest of the former plantations is Roça Porto Real. Today, you can visit mystical places such as a former hospital whose buildings have been completely taken over by nature. Here you can also see the dramatic mountain peaks of Pico Papagaio, Picos João Dias Pai and João Dias Filho.

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Another interesting historical point-of-interest is Ribeira Izé. It is believed to have been one of the first towns on the island of Príncipe. It was abandoned after some time because it was so easy for pirates to invade its shores in colonial times. As a result, there is practically nothing left, apart from a ruined church and the remains of a farmhouse. Besides visiting this old town of Ribeira Izé, you can visit the beach and the cave of the same name.

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Apart from these historical sites, Príncipe has a lot to offer for nature lovers. O'Quê Pipi for example, which is one of the most beautiful waterfalls on the island. It has a natural pool that allows for cool and relaxing baths, with the right to be exfoliated by the island's prawns.

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Príncipe's hotel landscape is dominated by the HBD Group. Apart from the already mentioned Roça Sundy, it includes the unique luxury resort Bom Bom Island, which is partly located on the offshore island of the same name (set to reopen in September 2024) as well as the newest and most exclusive luxury hotel on Príncipe, the Sundy Praia. However, we also recommend a stay in the various guesthouses and local apartments to come into direct contact with the warm-hearted locals and get to know the real, true Príncipe.

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If you love beaches, make sure to visit these stunning spots: Praia Banana, Praia do Bom Bom, Praia Sundy, Praia Grande, Praia Macaco, Praia Boi, and Praia Burra. These are just a few options, but it's worth visiting them all!

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You can also take a boat tour to Baía das Agulhas, a stunningly beautiful bay. It is one of the most beautiful boat trips on Príncipe Island. The tour offers breathtaking landscapes and pure nature surrounded by volcanic domes and peaks.

Between September and February, you are able to witness a special event at Praia Grande, but you need to get up early. Príncipe is an important breeding and feeding area for five of the seven species of sea turtles that exist in the world. At night, the female sea turtles come up onto the beach to leave their most precious possession, their nests, which will give rise to the next generation of turtles. After 2 months of incubation in the sand, the sea turtle hatchlings are born. With the help of a guide, you can experience this unique natural phenomenon up close.

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These are just a few of the countless things to discover in the unique island paradise of Príncipe. Keep in mind that your trip to STP is only complete if you include Príncipe Island in your itinerary. We are sure you will love it!

 

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Remember to always respect the local culture and environment during your visit. We will provide you with a local guide to enhance your experience and support the community of São Tomé and Príncipe.