Príncipe Island

Príncipe Island, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 2012, preserves a magnificent heritage—a treasure trove of biodiversity and endemism unique in the world. Príncipe’s natural heritage has a long history in the annals of global science. In 1919, physicist Arthur Eddington conducted the historic experiment at Roça Sundy that would go on to confirm Einstein’s Theory of Relativity. Another interesting spot is Ponta do Sol, where you can enjoy the most beautiful sunset you can imagine; at Roça São Joaquim, which offers the most fantastic view to the south and of the João Dias Pai and João Dias Filho peaks. To the south of Príncipe Island, there are countless tourist attractions you can visit, starting with the Nova Estrela viewpoint, where you can see the famous Boné de Jóquei; another point of interest is Terreiro Velho, a plantation where Claudio Corallo’s famous cocoa is produced, which is used to make the delicious chocolates of São Tomé and Príncipe. Another must-see stop is the city of Santo António, where you can visit the Government Palace; Praça Marcelo da Veiga is the central square, and you can stroll through the streets and head to Pico Papagaio, located in the Natural Park and standing about 700 meters high; To reach the summit, simply make your way through the dense forest. There, you can observe monkeys, birds, orchids, and endemic plants with medicinal properties. We recommend a visit to the Paciência plantation and its cocoa, vanilla, and coffee plantations, where you can learn about some local fruits and vegetables; and the Belo Monte plantation, recently restored and transformed into one of the most exquisite accommodations on the island. The Praia Banana overlook is another spot where you can take in the view of the famous Praia Banana and, depending on the season, spot whales; Praia Grande is the island’s largest beach and is always deserted, making it ideal for observing sea turtles laying their eggs.

Roça Sundy
Experience the sublime restoration of this historic gem. This plantation is where Arthur Eddington proved Einstein’s Theory of Relativity during a total solar eclipse in 1919. Sundy Roça Hotel is a sight to behold. A former Portuguese cocoa plantation dating back to the late 17th century in the heart of the African rainforest, Sundy is now a fully renovated boutique hotel that blends history and nature; it’s a journey through time where nothing is left to chance. Until 1975, the Sundy Plantation was privately owned by the Portuguese company Sociedade Agrícola Sundy, Lda., headquartered in Lisbon. After that, it was nationalized and became a state-owned enterprise called Empresa Agro-pecuária de Sundy. Sundy is a plantation that was once home to the Portuguese royal family on the island of Príncipe. Within its grounds, in addition to the main house—which is still furnished and decorated—there are cocoa and coffee plantations, a large hospital, a chapel, and remnants of railroads used by the locomotives that transported the cocoa.

Terreiro Velho
Plantation The descendants of the first cacao trees that arrived on Príncipe Island around 1819 are now the mainstay of cacao production at the Terreiro Velho plantation. When the famous chocolate maker Claudio Corallo arrived at the Terreiro Velho plantation, the cacao trees were scattered amid the encroaching forest. Over the course of many laborious years, the forest land was cleared and the shade trees replanted. By giving the cacao trees air and the right amount of light, they gained new vigor, producing healthy and abundant fruit. The aroma of their pulp was intense and fresh.

Roça Paciência
Located in the north of Príncipe Island, near the Belo Monte and Praia Inhame plantations. Despite its small size, it retains a certain family atmosphere, very similar to that of small Portuguese farms. Like many plantations on Príncipe Island, it has a “roça-terreiro” layout, with a square layout enclosed by its buildings. Although they define the courtyard, the buildings are separate structures, slightly spaced apart from one another. On this plantation, you can see cocoa, vanilla, and coffee crops.

Príncipe
Island Natural Park Law No. 7/2006 established the “Obô” Natural Park on Príncipe to protect the island’s representative ecosystems (8,500 ha), including forest, coastal, and marine ecosystems. The Autonomous Region of Príncipe includes the following Protected Areas: A Natural Park covering two geographically distinct zones (the southern third of the island and the Azeitona Forest), the Buffer Zone, which is not included in the Park but may be extended to cover the remainder of the island (roughly the northern two-thirds). However, there are several **D’OVYÔ** trails that you can explore during your stay on Príncipe Island. These trails will allow you to observe endemic species of fauna and flora found on this magnificent island.

Pico do Príncipe
Pico do Príncipe is what remains of a volcano that has been dormant for 15.7 million years. Of volcanic origin, Príncipe Island is very rugged, reaching 948 meters at Pico do Príncipe, located in the south of the island and part of the Ôbo Natural Park. The island’s interior is home to a dense tropical forest and many rare animal species, particularly birds. Drawing on this natural environment of extraordinary beauty, the city and the island have been investing in tourism, seeking to develop infrastructure such as hotels, roads, a seaport, and a new airport.

Oquepipi
Waterfall The Oquepipi Waterfall, located in the Autonomous Region of Príncipe, is the most beautiful waterfall in the region; its freshwater lake, with its crystal-clear water, invites visitors to enjoy a natural “hot tub” experience and relax.

Boné de Jóquei
The islet of Boné de Jóquei lies next to Ponta Capitão and is located in the Príncipe Region—a marvelous place that captivates everyone who visits it; it is an uninhabited islet of about 30 hectares, just 2.5 kilometers from Príncipe Island. Despite the short distance, it has a unique feature: it is home to bird species with characteristics different from those found on the neighboring island. Around Príncipe, in addition to the usual fish found in these waters, you may be surprised to encounter hammerhead sharks, along with large groupers, turtles, and moray eels.

Banana
Beach Banana Beach is the most famous beach on Príncipe Island. The sea ranges from green to cobalt blue, always crystal clear, and transports even the most hardened adult back to a carefree childhood.

Burra
Beach This beach is located in the north of Príncipe Island, between Banana Beach and Santa Rita Beach. It is home to one of the largest fishing communities on Príncipe Island.

Praia Grande
Praia Grande is a beach located on Príncipe Island, between the headlands known as Ponta Café and Ponta do Pico Negro and Praia Seca, near the mouth of the Bibi River and the village of Neves Ferreira, across from the Boné de Jóquei islet.

Praia Banana
Lookout Located on the grounds of the Hotel Roça Belo Monte, here you can enjoy a fantastic view of the magnificent Praia Banana. It’s the perfect spot for a picnic.