Overview

Sao Tome and Principe © Maria Cartas

The remote island nation of São Tomé and Príncipe in the Gulf of Guinea is a land filled with breath-taking scenery, but far removed from mass tourism. From volcanic peaks to underwater caves, São Tomé and Príncipe is the perfect destination for a tropical holiday.

These two archipelagos form Africa's second-smallest country that were both uninhabited before the Portuguese arrived in the 15th century. Travellers can head to the colonial capital of São Tomé to admire the distinctive architecture, or visit the fortress museum at São Sebastião to discover colonial art and religious artefacts.

Trek through well-preserved rainforests and explore the waterfalls, enjoy the sandy beaches, or dive and snorkel in turquoise waters. Visitors can appreciate the islands' natural biodiversity by doing some bird-watching, or by visiting the turtle-nesting grounds at Obo National Park and the Boca do Inferno Blowhole.

Savour the islands' Portuguese-Creole culture and enjoy the local island flavours by tasting it's delicious seafood, fresh fruit, and some of the world's finest coffee. Visit the colourful São Tomé market, or one of the many old plantations, where slaves once toiled to produce cocoa, coffee, and sugar. With only a handful of tourists arriving per week, visitors can be sure to enjoy this island holiday.

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