Príncipe Island Holidays

Príncipe is the second largest island in the archipelago and reached by a 30-minute flight north from São Tomé.

Smaller Príncipe is home to a mere 6,000 islanders. Just 19km long, its north coast is notched with castaway shores that include the perfectly curved Banana Beach, which is so definitively palm-fringed and golden it once starred in a Bacardi ad. In 2012, Príncipe was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve on account of its rich biodiversity, and this is a choice spot to look for nesting turtles and also, humpbacks in season. As is the case with Sao Tome, visitors need to be aware that they are visiting a very poor country. 

Things changed considerably for the development of sustainable, low volume tourism when South African/British philanthropist Mark Shuttleworth - who travelled into outer space in 2002 - began investing in both islands after having fallen in love with Principe, to help create a model eco-tourist destination. His highly-praised organisation HBD own the 3 properties which we tend to focus our itineraries around because as a product they are reliable and operated along very high standards.

Most visitors to the country tend to spend more time on Principe than on Sao Tome, because the former is perhaps better known for its picturesque beaches, notably Praia Boi and Praia Banana. That said, Principe also offers great hiking opportunities, rewarding birding, good snorkelling and the opportunity to delve into island culture.