8 São Tomé & Príncipe highlights

1

Santo António

The self-proclaimed ‘world’s smallest capital’ is a warm, smiling place. Sip a cold Rosema beer in a shack bar or dance in a weekend disco to kizomba (from Angola) and kadançe (from Angola and Cape Verde).

2

North-east beaches

Praia Boi, with its squeakyclean golden sand, and Praia Banana are among the planet’s most photogenic beaches.

3

Pico Papagaio

‘Parrot Mountain’ lives up to its name: on the steep, hike to the top of Príncipe’s iconic 680m summit you’ll hear grey parrots and kingfishers.

4

Roça Sundy

Just one of the island’s visitable historic estates, this former plantation offers an insight into the colonial system, as well as a chance to understand modern life for many islanders.

5

Baía das Agulhas

A boat trip to the broad Bay of Spires provides vistas of volcanic pinnacles looming from the dense rainforest that cloaks the south of the island.

6

Praia Grande

A focal point of turtle conservation efforts; between September and April green, olive ridley, hawksbill and leatherback turtles return to their natal beach to nest.

7

Água Izé

São Tomé’s largest plantation is a bustling mini-city, an intriguing place to wander and meet the descendants of serviçais (contract workers).

8

Pico Cão Grande

The coastal journey south to this 663m-high phonolitic outcrop traverses Angolar communities and the dense forest of Obô NP, revealing a cross-section of island life.