Príncipe Island

Príncipe Island is the smaller and wilder of the two islands of São Tomé and Príncipe: rainforest running down to the sea, empty beaches, century-old cocoa plantations and nature so well preserved that the whole island is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. In this guide we explain where Príncipe is, how to get there, the best things to do, the most beautiful beaches, where to stay and how to add Príncipe to your São Tomé and Príncipe trip.

Where is Príncipe Island?

Príncipe lies in the Gulf of Guinea, off the coast of Gabon in West-Central Africa, about 150 km north-east of São Tomé island. Together they form the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe, Africa's second-smallest country. Príncipe covers just over 140 km², has fewer than 10,000 inhabitants and its capital, Santo António, is one of the smallest capitals in the world.

Why visit Príncipe

Príncipe has been a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 2012. Much of the island is protected rainforest within Obô Natural Park, tourism is small-scale and carefully managed, and there are no crowds, no high-rise hotels and no traffic. It is one of the last places in Africa where you can still have a beach completely to yourself.

Tours that include Príncipe Island

• Luxury Príncipe Island: 9 days at Bom Bom: São Tomé and a stay on Príncipe at the Bom Bom resort.
• São Tomé and Príncipe travel: 11 days: both islands with a local guide.
• São Tomé and Príncipe itinerary: 15 days around both islands: the complete tour.

To plan the rest of your trip, read our São Tomé and Príncipe travel guide.

Things to do on Príncipe Island

1. Roça Sundy and the 1919 eclipse: on 29 May 1919, Arthur Eddington's expedition photographed a total solar eclipse here that confirmed Einstein's theory of general relativity. A small memorial marks the spot.
2. Baía das Agulhas (Bay of Needles): a boat trip past volcanic spires rising out of the forest, one of the most spectacular landscapes in Africa.
3. Roça Belo Monte and Roça Paciência: former cocoa plantations, one restored as a boutique hotel and the other as a farm producing local food.
4. Pico do Príncipe: the island's highest peak (948 m), in the heart of Obô Natural Park, for guided rainforest hikes.
5. Santo António: the tiny capital, with colonial houses, a market and the slow pace of island life.
6. Whales and sea turtles: humpback whales pass between July and October; turtles nest on the beaches between November and March.

Príncipe's best beaches

Príncipe has some of the most beautiful beaches in the Gulf of Guinea: Praia Banana, the most famous, shaped like a shell; Praia Macaco, where turtles nest; Praia Bom Bom and its islet; Praia Boi and Praia Sundy. Many can only be reached by boat or on foot through the forest, which is exactly why they stay empty.

How to get to Príncipe Island

There are no direct international flights to Príncipe. First you fly to São Tomé (most travellers from Europe connect in Lisbon), then take a small plane to Príncipe: the flight takes about 35 minutes. Baggage allowance on the domestic flight is small, so pack light. On our tours, the domestic flights and transfers are arranged for you.

Where to stay on Príncipe

Accommodation is limited and the best places sell out early: Sundy Praia, with tented villas in the forest by the sea; Bom Bom, on a peninsula with its own islet; and Roça Belo Monte, a restored plantation house. There are also simpler guesthouses in Santo António.

How many days do you need on Príncipe?

We recommend 3 to 4 nights on Príncipe after a few days on São Tomé. Three days covers the highlights; five gives you time for the Bay of Needles, the plantations and the beach. Príncipe is the most expensive part of the country, because of the domestic flights and the small number of hotels.

Best time to visit Príncipe

June to September is the dry season (gravana): cooler, less humid and the time to see whales. December to February brings sunshine, calm seas and nesting turtles. It rains more from March to May and in October and November, but rarely all day. The water is warm all year round.

FAQ about Príncipe Island

Where is Príncipe Island?

In the Gulf of Guinea, off Gabon, about 150 km north-east of São Tomé. It is part of São Tomé and Príncipe.

How do you get to Príncipe Island?

By plane from São Tomé, in about 35 minutes. There are no direct international flights.

How many days should I spend on Príncipe?

3 to 4 nights is ideal, after a few days on São Tomé island.

What is the best beach on Príncipe?

Praia Banana is the most famous, but Praia Macaco and Praia Bom Bom are just as beautiful and quieter.

Is Príncipe a UNESCO site?

The whole island has been a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 2012.

Do I need a visa for São Tomé and Príncipe?

Citizens of the EU, the UK, the USA and many other countries can visit without a visa for up to 15 days. Check the current rules before you travel. The only entry fee is a tourist tax of €2.10 per person per night, paid at the airport.

Add Príncipe to your trip

Choose the 9-day Bom Bom luxury trip, the 11-day tour of both islands or the 15-day itinerary, or contact us at info@jacavoyage.com or +351 937 045 579.