The Chocolate Island With Hardly Any Tourists That Is Africa’s Hidden Gem

Written by: Ana Pereira

Tags: Islands, Outdoor Adventure, Nature Activities, Sustainable Tourism, Tropical Destinations, World Travel, Africa, São Tomé e Príncipe

A tropical nation made up of two tiny paradise islands, plus a small islet crossed by the equator, nestled in the Gulf of Guinea. Few travelers find their way to this sweet destination, where mornings begin with the scent of cocoa drifting through lush rainforests, and days end with waves whispering onto deserted beaches. This is São Tomé e Príncipe, one of Africa’s best-kept secrets. Among volcanic peaks rising above emerald jungles, life moves to a gentle rhythm known as “leve-leve”, the local way of embracing slowness, simplicity, and stress-free living. For those who make the journey, this hidden gem of Africa reveals itself as the Chocolate Island: lush, untouched, utterly captivating, and truly unique.

 

São Tomé Island

São Tomé, the larger of the two islands, is where most travelers begin their journey, and where time seems to instantly slow down. Its capital, also called São Tomé, sits by the sea with pastel colonial buildings, a lively market, and fishing boats bobbing along the coast.

Beyond the city, the island turns lush and wild. Scattered across the countryside are the old roças: large farms with cocoa, coffee, and other plantations that remain as a legacy of Portuguese colonial times. Many were left to decay after independence, but some are finding new purpose. In the south, Roça São João dos Angolares has become a vibrant cultural and culinary center run by chef João Carlos Silva, who blends local flavors with contemporary art. Northward, Roça Água Izé, one of the largest and oldest plantations, still shows remnants of grand colonial architecture and old cocoa-drying machinery. Others, like Roça Bombaim, now an eco-lodge hidden in the jungle (availability can vary, so it’s recommended to check before traveling), and Roça Agostinho Neto, once the island’s biggest plantation, offer a glimpse into the island’s complex past.

São Tomé is also home to unique attractions. In town, you can visit the Claudio Corallo chocolate factory, where visitors can taste some of the world’s finest chocolate made from rare cocoa beans produced on Príncipe island. Another unique place, Espaço CACAU, serves as a cultural hub showcasing art, music, and São Tomé’s creative spirit. You can have a dinner while watching traditional dances, visit expositions with scuplures, paintings, and photography from local artists and buy local handicrafts to take home. The National Museum of São Tomé e Príncipe is housed in the historic Fort of São Sebastião, an impressive 16th-century fortress located in the heart of the capital. The museum showcases artifacts that reflect the country’s history, culture, and heritage, offering visitors a deep insight into the roots and identity of this island nation. Out of town, at Roça Monte Café, the Museu do Café (Coffee Museum) tells the story of coffee cultivation on the island, from colonial times to modern production, with displays of old equipment and opportunities for tastings.

For nature lovers, the Pico do Cão Grande, a dramatic volcanic spire rising nearly 663 meters above sea level, pierces the rainforest canopy like a stone needle. Hikers venture into the jungle for views of the São Nicolau waterfall, a hidden cascade surrounded by green walls of moss and ferns. In the interior, the Botanical Garden inside the Parque Natural do Obô offers a fascinating look at the island’s extraordinary biodiversity, with towering trees, medicinal plants, and rare orchids found nowhere else on earth.

Along the coast, palm-fringed beaches remain blissfully quiet, with stretches of golden sand and warm turquoise water. Some of the most beautiful spots include Praia Jalé, where sea turtles come ashore to nest, and Praia Piscina, known for natural rock pools perfect for swimming.

Animal lovers can also explore a sea turtle hatchery and conservation center, where local initiatives protect nesting sites and help baby turtles reach the ocean safely, a wonderful way to learn about the island’s commitment to preserving its natural heritage. You can contact ASSOCIAÇÃO PROGRAMA TATÔ for more information.

Príncipe Island

Even more untouched than São Tomé, Príncipe is a small, lush island where rainforest-covered peaks drop into secluded beaches of golden sand and turquoise water. Much of the island is protected as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, home to rare birds, monkeys, and giant trees wrapped in orchids.

Historic plantations, like Roça Sundy, remind visitors of Portuguese colonial days. It was here that scientists confirmed Einstein’s theory of relativity during a 1919 eclipse. Today, Roça Sundy welcomes guests as a boutique hotel.

Príncipe’s coastline hides some of Africa’s most beautiful beaches, including Praia Banana, famous for its perfect curve of sand, and wilder spots like Praia Boi and Praia Macaco.

The island is also known for the Terreiro Velho plantation, where chocolatier Claudio Corallo grows premium cocoa and coffee, offering a true taste of Príncipe’s terroir.

Quiet, remote, and breathtakingly green, Príncipe remains one of Africa’s last tropical secrets.

Ilhéu das Rolas

Just a short boat ride from São Tomé’s southern tip, Ilhéu das Rolas is a tiny island famously bisected by the Equator Line. Visitors can stand with one foot in the northern hemisphere and the other in the southern, an unforgettable photo moment.

The island is a peaceful retreat of white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and swaying palm trees. It’s perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing far from the crowds.

Whether exploring the quiet beaches or visiting the Equator marker, this small island offers a unique experience close to São Tomé but worlds away from the ordinary.

Food

São Tomé e Príncipe’s cuisine is a vibrant blend of African, Portuguese, and local island flavors. Fresh seafood takes center stage, featuring grilled fish, prawns, octopus, and the famous, incredibly delicious Santola crab. Cocoa, a key island product, also finds its way into desserts and drinks. Tropical fruits like sap-sap and plantain are common accompaniments to many dishes. Don’t miss trying calulu, a traditional stew made with fish or meat, vegetables, and palm oil, as well as moqueca, a rich and comforting coconut milk-based fish stew.

Sustainability and Ecotourism

Accommodation in São Tomé e Príncipe offers a range of options from sustainable lodges hidden in the jungle to charming colonial guesthouses and beachfront hotels. Some of the historic roças have been transformed into unique places to stay, combining traditional architecture with modern comfort. Noteworthy options include Roça Bombaim (availability should be checked before booking), Jalé Eco Lodge, Inhame Eco Lodge, and Roça Santo António Eco Lodge on São Tomé, as well as the sustainable Sundy Praia Hotel on Príncipe. Here’s a very special note for Pestana Equador, once a beloved icon of Ilhéu das Rolas, sadly closed during the pandemic. It remains a fond memory, and many hope it will one day reopen to share its special atmosphere once more.

These accommodations prioritize sustainability and support local conservation, providing guests with an authentic and responsible travel experience.

 

How to Get There

São Tomé e Príncipe are accessed primarily by air through São Tomé International Airport (TMS), which receives regular flights from Lisbon, Portugal, as well as connections from several African hubs such as Luanda, Libreville, and Accra. Airlines like TAP Portugal and STP Airways operate these routes.

Once on São Tomé Island, travelers can reach Príncipe Island by a short domestic flight (about 40 minutes) with regional airlines. Travelers should check flight schedules carefully, as connections can be limited, and weather conditions occasionally affect services. Overall, the journey is straightforward and well worth the effort to explore both islands’ unique charms.

Although the country is generally considered safe and peaceful, it’s advisable to arrange airport transfers through your accommodation and explore the islands with a local guide for added convenience and insight.

 

When to Go and Practical Tips

The best time to visit São Tomé is during the dry seasons, from June to September and from December to February, when the weather is more predictable and the roads are easier to navigate.

Although it’s not mandatory, it’s recommended to consider malaria prophylaxis before your trip, especially if you plan to spend time in rural or forested areas. Mosquito repellent is a must, particularly in forested regions.

While most beaches are safe, currents can be strong in some places. Swim where locals do or ask for advice.

Bring cash, especially when traveling outside the capital, as credit cards are not widely accepted. Pack light, as roads can be rough and moving around the islands often involves small vehicles or boats with limited luggage space.

Always ask before photographing people, and be respectful of local customs. Children may often come up to visitors asking for sweets, but it’s advisable not to give out candy, to help avoid tooth decay and prevent creating habits of dependency.

A little Portuguese goes a long way. While few people speak basic English or French, making the effort to greet or thank someone in Portuguese is always appreciated and opens the door to warmer interactions.

 

With rainforest trails, quiet beaches, rich culture, and a rhythm all its own, São Tomé e Príncipe invites you to slow down and soak it all in. Whether you’re sipping fresh coffee at a roça, watching turtles nest on the beach, or hiking through misty jungle, this country offers an authentic travel experience that feels both timeless and refreshingly real. Life on the Chocolate Island is as sweet as it gets!