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São Tomé & Príncipe

Floating in the Gulf of Guinea, this two-island nation, Africa's second-smallest, blends natural wonders with a gripping history. São Tomé & Príncipe (STP) is amazingly safe and welcoming to visitors, particularly ecotourists, for whom the advancing jungle is a delight. This is particularly true on tidy and unspoiled Príncipe, an island of just 7000 people. A canopy of green broken by spires of primordial rock, Príncipe is a magnificent Lost World, offering fantastic beaches, jungle exploration, snorkeling, fishing, birdwatching and a handful of interesting (if expensive) accommodations. While both islands have their natural rewards, Príncipe should not be missed.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

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    Praia Banana

    São Tomé & Príncipe

    Once the subject of a world-famous Bacardi advertisement (you'll remember it when you see it), this picture-perfect tropical beach is located on the…

  • Pico Cão Grande in Sao Tome and Principe, nature landscape. Travel to Sao Tome and Principe. Beautiful paradise island in Gulf of Guinea. Former colony of Portugal.; Shutterstock ID 1193588719; purchase_order: 65050; job: ; client: ; other: 1193588719

    Cão Grande

    São Tomé

    The Great Canine is the poster image of São Tomé, and an awesome sight. An enormous tooth of rock 663m high, it is a hardened column of magma, the remains…

  • Lonely Planet Traveller Magazine, São Tomé & Principe, November 2017, Issue 107 x-default

    Baía das Agulhas

    São Tomé & Príncipe

    The spectacular Bay of Spires is not just Príncipe's top attraction, but STP's as well. It's best seen from the water, where the postcard view of the…

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    Claudio Corallo Chocolate Factory

    São Tomé

    Claudio Corallo is both an extraordinary person and a local institution. For over 40 years this native Italian has pursued an overriding passion for…

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    Praia dos Tamarindos

    São Tomé

    One of the island's best beaches, a beautiful white crescent facing an emerald sea, with excellent swimming. An easy drive from the capital, it's empty…

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    Praia Bateria

    São Tomé

    So perfect it stops you in your tracks, this cute little beach is a scallop of sand wedged between long walls of rock. Swimming here is like being in your…

  • Praia Café

    Praia Café

    São Tomé

    In the running for island's best beach, Praia Cafė is a short walk from the pier, and should not be missed. A beautiful arc of sand, it also offers…

  • Praia Boi

    Praia Boi

    São Tomé & Príncipe

    A postcard tropical beach, with turquoise water, swaying palms and no people. You will need to bring your own food, but it is perfect for a picnic…

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Articles

Latest stories from São Tomé & Príncipe

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View from Rio Caué at South of São Tomé e Principe with thw Peek Cão Grande as backgroumd,Africa; Shutterstock ID 2413453015; purchase_order: 65050; job: Lonely Planet Online Editorial; client: Sao Tome & Principe FT guide; other: Brian Healy 2413453015 africa, african, beautiful, biosphere, blue, cao, caue, cauÈ, country, countryside, dog, environment, forest, grass, green, greenery, gulf of guinea, hiking, island, jungle, land, landscape, mountain, mountain landscape, national park, natural, nature, outdoor, palm, peak, pico cao, pico cao grande, portuguese, principe, river, sao tome, sao tome and principe, scene, scenery, scenic, sky, tourism, travel, tree, trees, tropical, vacation, view, water, west africa View from Rio Caué at South of São Tomé e Principe with the Peak Cão Grande as background, Africa

Beaches

A first-time guide to São Tomé and Príncipe

Sep 15, 2024 • 9 min read

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Go Beyond

São Tomé & Príncipe and beyond

Beyond São Tomé & Príncipe
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