Príncipe Holidays

Once you’ve had your fill of São Tomé’s lively charm, hop on a short 35-minute flight north to Príncipe – a smaller, wilder island that feels worlds away. Home to just 8,000 people, Príncipe is a rare find: remote, pristine, and utterly peaceful. Visiting here feels like joining a very exclusive club. Few travellers make it this far, and that’s exactly what makes it so special.

Life on Príncipe is centred around nature. In 2012, the island was named a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, thanks to its untouched forests, birdlife and rich marine environment. The beaches are extraordinary – golden sands framed by swaying palms and warm, turquoise waters. You can wander for hours without crossing paths with another soul. Inland, former cacao plantations are slowly being reclaimed by the rainforest, their moss-covered ruins offering a glimpse into the island’s past. Some estates are still active, and visiting one is a great way to connect with the local flavours you’ll later find on your plate.

If you’re up for adventure, take a boat along the dramatic coastline, snorkel in quiet bays, or hike to hidden waterfalls. Birders will be in heaven, with the Príncipe kingfisher, African grey parrots and dozens of other endemics never far away.

When it comes to where to stay, you’re spoiled for choice. Sundy Praia is the island’s most luxurious hideaway, known for its extraordinary bamboo dining pavilion and eco-conscious design. Roca Sundy blends history with comfort in a lovingly restored plantation house, while Bom Bom offers laid-back island charm with unbeatable beach access. All are part of a thoughtful conservation and community initiative led by South African philanthropist Mark Shuttleworth, whose work is helping protect the island’s fragile ecosystems while providing meaningful opportunities for local people.

For those craving something quieter, deeper and genuinely different, Príncipe is a place that leaves a lasting impression.