Forget the Maldives. Forget the Caribbean. Somewhere on the Equator, in the warm waters of the Gulf of Guinea, lie two forgotten islands, covered in emerald-green jungle, fringed with golden sand, and wrapped in the sweet scent of cocoa and orchids. This is São Tomé and Príncipe – Africa’s last Eden.

This is not a story of mass tourism, of all-inclusive resort wristbands, or of fighting for a spot on the beach. This is an invitation for an intimate escape into a world where time flows differently, guided by the philosophy of leve leve (slowly, slowly). It is a journey for curious souls, for those who want to hike through the rainforest to hidden waterfalls, explore crumbling colonial plantations that tell stories of wealth and sorrow, taste one of the world’s best chocolates at its source, and marvel at dramatic volcanic peaks that pierce the sky.

This guide is your treasure map. We will lead you through the “Chocolate Islands,” from the larger and more adventurous São Tomé to the smaller, untouched paradise of Príncipe. We will reveal why this is one of the most special places on the planet and why, once you visit, you will want to keep its secret all to yourself.

Why São Tomé and Príncipe? Discover the Last Paradise

In a world that has become “small,” this island nation remains one of the last unexplored destinations.

• Raw Authenticity: This is Africa without the clichés. No crowds, no pushy vendors. Just untouched nature, sincere smiles, and the feeling that you’ve discovered something truly special.
• The Leve Leve Philosophy: More than a saying, it’s a way of life. “Slowly, slowly” is a reminder to slow down, breathe, and enjoy the moment. It’s the ultimate antidote to the stress of modern life.
• A Living History of Plantations (Roças): The islands are full of fascinating, old colonial coffee and cocoa plantations. Some are romantic ruins being swallowed by the jungle; others have been converted into charming hotels and restaurants. They are living museums of a rich and complex history.
• A Paradise for Chocolate and Coffee Lovers: This is the cradle of some of the highest quality cocoa and coffee varieties in the world. You can visit the plantations, participate in the process, and taste the products at their source.
• Incredible Biodiversity: The smaller island of Príncipe, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is home to a huge number of endemic species of birds, plants, and animals. It is a nature lover’s paradise.
• Dramatic Volcanic Landscapes: From the sharp, needle-like peak of Pico Cão Grande to the green calderas of old volcanoes, the landscape is surreal and perfect for adventurers.

The Story of the “Chocolate Islands”: From a Golden Age to Freedom

When Portuguese explorers discovered these islands in the 15th century, they were uninhabited. Recognizing the fertile volcanic soil and ideal climate, the Portuguese soon established sugarcane plantations, bringing enslaved people from the African mainland to work them.

The true “golden age” came in the 19th century when coffee and cocoa seedlings were brought from Brazil. The climate proved perfect. Huge plantations, known as roças, sprang up across the islands, and São Tomé and Príncipe briefly became the world’s largest producer of cocoa. However, this wealth was built on the backs of contract workers (serviçais) who toiled in slave-like conditions. After a long struggle, the islands gained independence from Portugal in 1975. Today, the roças stand as monuments to that complex period.

Practical Guide: Navigating To and Around Eden

• Getting There: The main gateway is São Tomé International Airport (TMS). The primary connection to the world is via Lisbon on TAP Air Portugal. The only practical way to get from São Tomé to Príncipe is a short domestic flight (about 35 minutes).
• Visas: Policies are becoming more liberal. Citizens of the EU, US, UK, and many other countries can stay for up to 15 days without a visa. However, always check the latest visa information for your specific nationality before you travel.
• Getting Around:
  • São Tomé: To truly explore the island, renting a 4×4 vehicle is highly recommended as roads in the south can be poor.
  • Príncipe: The island is much smaller. Transport is usually organized through your accommodation (hotel/lodge).

São Tomé: The Big Island of Adventure and History

The larger and more populated of the two islands, São Tomé is where you’ll spend most of your adventure.

1. São Tomé City: The Charming Capital A small, sleepy capital with faded but charming colonial buildings, a vibrant market, and a beautiful location on a bay. Walk past the Cathedral, the Presidential Palace, and the National Museum housed in the old fort.

. The Roças: A Journey Through Time Exploring the old plantations is the essence of a visit to São Tomé.

• Roça Agostinho Neto: The largest and once most powerful plantation on the island. The sight of the huge, abandoned hospital on a hilltop is surreal.
• Roça Monte Café: The heart of coffee production. It houses a Coffee Museum where you can learn about the history and process of cultivation.
• Claudio Corallo Cacao e Chocolate: This isn’t an ordinary chocolate factory tour. Claudio Corallo is a legendary Italian who produces arguably the best chocolate in the world. The tour at his lab in São Tomé city is a masterclass in cocoa. A must-do for gourmands.

3. Natural Wonders: From North to South

• The North: Visit Lagoa Azul (Blue Lagoon), a beautiful bay with impossibly blue water and giant baobab trees, perfect for a picnic and snorkeling.
• The Center: Head into the heart of the island, into Obo National Park. Hike through the dense rainforest and swim beneath the São Nicolau waterfall.
• The South: The wildest and most beautiful part of the island. The journey south is an adventure in itself.
  • Pico Cão Grande (Great Dog Peak): The absolute symbol of São Tomé. This dramatic, needle-like volcanic plug rises over 300 meters straight out of the jungle like a tower from another world.
  • Praia Jalé: One of the most beautiful and remote beaches, known as a sea turtle nesting site (nesting season is mainly from November to March).
  • Ilhéu das Rolas: A small islet south of São Tomé, famous for the Equator mark that crosses it. You can visit the monument and stand with one foot in the Northern Hemisphere and the other in the Southern.

Príncipe: The UNESCO Jewel and an Untouched Paradise

A 35-minute flight takes you to another world. Príncipe is quieter, greener, more exclusive, and even more untouched than São Tomé.

• UNESCO Biosphere Reserve: Almost the entire island and its surrounding waters are protected. It is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet.
• Dream Beaches: The beaches on Príncipe are the definition of a tropical paradise. The most famous is Praia Banana, named for its shape and made famous by a Bacardi commercial in the 1990s. Expect empty stretches of golden sand, turquoise water, and palm trees.
• Luxury Eco-Tourism: Accommodation on Príncipe is focused on luxury eco-lodges perfectly integrated into nature, such as Sundy Praia or Roca Sundy (located on a historic plantation).
• Nature and Adventure: The focus here is on nature. Hiking through pristine rainforest, bird watching, diving on coral reefs, and exploring hidden bays.

Leve Leve: The Experience and the Tastes

• The Philosophy of Leve Leve: To understand the islands, you must understand leve leve. It isn’t laziness. It is a conscious slowing down, an acceptance that things happen in their own time, without stress or rush. It is the greatest souvenir you will take home.
• The Gastronomy: The cuisine is based on fresh fish (especially tuna), tropical fruits (breadfruit, bananas, papaya), and vegetables. Many hotels on the roças offer tasting menus of 7 or more courses, where you can try incredible local specialties.
• Marine Life: During the season (mainly July to October), you can go on humpback whale watching tours. Dolphins can be seen year-round, and during certain months, you can witness the nesting of four different species of sea turtles.

Planning Your Intimate Escape

• Option 1: The São Tomé Taster (8 Days)
  • Days 1-2: Arrive, settle into São Tomé city. Explore the capital and visit Claudio Corallo’s chocolate workshop.
  • Days 3-6: Explore the north, then rent a 4×4 and head south to see Pico Cão Grande and the beaches, with an overnight stay in the south. Include a day trip to Ilhéu das Rolas.
  • Day 7: Return north, visiting Roça Agostinho Neto. Farewell dinner.
  • Day 8: Departure.
• Option 2: The Ultimate São Tomé and Príncipe Escape (12 Days)
  • Days 1-6: Follow the “São Tomé Taster” plan, exploring the island in detail.
  • Day 7: Morning flight to Príncipe. Settle into your lodge.
  • Days 8-11: Surrender to paradise. Explore the beaches (Praia Banana), take guided rainforest hikes, go diving, or simply enjoy the leve leve way of life.
  • Day 12: Flight back to São Tomé to connect with your international flight.

Conclusion: The Call from a Forgotten Eden

São Tomé and Príncipe is not a destination for everyone. It’s not a place for those seeking nightlife, shopping malls, or fast service. This is a place for travelers, not for tourists. For those who are ready to slow down, disconnect, and reconnect with nature in its purest form.

You will leave with the feeling that you have discovered one of the last great secrets of the planet. And with the leve leve philosophy in your heart, which will help you deal with the world when you return.