Summary
The remote, tropical islands of São Tomé and Príncipe feel like a genuine frontier of tourism, away from the crowds and wonderfully untouched.
The Best of São Tomé and Príncipe is the holiday we recommend to anyone who wants to experience these remarkable islands in all their varied glory. Having spent time exploring São Tomé and Príncipe ourselves, we’ve carefully crafted this itinerary to showcase the very best each island has to offer. You’ll spend time in the rather luxurious Príncipe Collection properties as well as at more low-key family-run eco-lodges. We’ve also included a stay at Club Santana, an activity-resort that sits right on the beach.
Your adventure begins on São Tomé’s beautiful east coast, where you’ll quickly discover the warmth of the local people and the wonderfully relaxed pace of island life. With your own private guide, explore rainforest trails, dramatic volcanic landscapes, and historic plantations, while enjoying plenty of opportunities to sample some of the world’s finest coffee and chocolate at their source.
Next, we’ll introduce you to the island’s spectacular south, where deserted beaches, crystal-clear waters, and peaceful eco-lodges create the perfect setting to slow down and unwind. Glide through mangrove forests by boat, snorkel in warm tropical seas, or simply enjoy the luxury of having some of the coastline almost entirely to yourself. A short flight takes you to Príncipe, the jewel in the crown and, in our opinion, one of the most special islands anywhere in the world. Smaller, quieter, and even more exclusive-feeling than São Tomé, it’s a place where rainforest tumbles down to empty beaches, and life moves at an even gentler pace. From your accommodation, you’ll have easy access to a wonderful variety of experiences, including guided rainforest walks, island tours, and boat trips exploring Príncipe’s pristine and largely untouched coastline.
Back to São Tomé again, you’ll spend time exploring the capital before heading west to Mucumbli Lodge, one of our favourite hidden gems. Here, rainforest paths lead to secret waterfalls, dramatic coastal views reward every walk, and the peaceful atmosphere provides the perfect finale to your trip. By the time you depart, we hope you’ll feel exactly as we did after our first visit: that you’ve experienced not just the highlights, but the true essence of these islands.
