Príncipe

A volcanic rainforest island in the Gulf of Guinea. The entire island is a biosphere reserve, and with Banana Beach, century-old cocoa estates, and sea turtles, it is one of Africa's most secluded islands.

Príncipe is the second-largest island of São Tomé and Príncipe. It lies in the Gulf of Guinea, about 150 km northeast of São Tomé Island, covers about 140 square kilometers, and has fewer than 10,000 inhabitants. In 2012 the whole island was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Most of the south is pristine rainforest, while the north has colonial-era cocoa estates, golden bays, and fishing villages. It is one of Africa's most remote and unspoiled islands.

Activities fall into three groups. Beaches: Banana Beach, Macaco Beach, and the Bom Bom islets off the north coast, where you can swim and snorkel. From November to February you can join night turtle-watching tours. Estates and history: Roça São João, where Eddington observed the 1919 solar eclipse that confirmed general relativity; Roça Bela Vista; the Terreiro Velho chocolate estate; and the ruins of Porto Real. Rainforest and coast: birdwatching at Obô Natural Park, climbing Pico Papagaio or Pico do Príncipe, and a boat trip to Baía das Agulhas on the west coast, with its needle-like rock formations. The capital, São António, is a small colonial-style town that can be explored on foot.

The climate is hot and humid, with temperatures of about 25–30°C year-round. June–September has a short dry season, and December–February is drier, making both the best times to visit. Turtle nesting season runs from November to February, and humpback whales may be seen from July to October.

Getting there: Fly first to São Tomé, then take an STP Airways small plane for about 35 minutes. There are several flights per week, but schedules change often. Occasional ferries also run. Roads on the island are mostly dirt, and hotels usually arrange vehicles and guides. Accommodation is limited and expensive, so book early. Chinese passport holders can apply for an e-visa. Plan 3–5 days.

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Where to eat