A protected paradise
With dense vegetation and an equatorial climate, the island of Príncipe is considered a true natural paradise. Its remoteness and volcanic origins have resulted in some of the highest levels of endemism found anywhere on earth, including over 40 unique animal species.
Príncipe Island has more than 140 square Kilometres of greenery of enormous beauty and diversity. Around 53% of the island is designated as a natural park, safeguarding a home for various forms of wildlife.
1.6139° N, 7.4057° E
Vasco Pissarra © Fundação Príncipe
The 31-million-year-old rainforest drapes over a breath-taking mountainous landscape, surrounded by extraordinary beaches with crystal clear water.
In 2012, Príncipe Island and its surrounding islets were confirmed as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. This wonderful island paradise is proof that the relationship between man and nature can be sustainable and harmonious.
Estrela Matilde © Fundação Príncipe
Yody Santos © Fundação Príncipe
Príncipe Island is situated in the Gulf of Guinea, on the West coast of Central Africa, and is part of the São Tomé and Principe archipelago. The island is volcanic in origin and so has always been isolated from the mainland of the African continent.
The trip to Príncipe is made from the neighbouring island of São Tomé. There are regular flights (duration 30 min.) and boats (expected duration between 8 and 12 hours depending on weather conditions).
Main Landmarks of the Island
The island's capital is the city of Santo António, affectionately called the smallest city in the world, with just over 2000 inhabitants. In this friendly city there are many beautiful examples of colonial architecture.
The colonial period ‘Roças’ allow you to travel back in time between old buildings, cocoa and coffee plantations, sunset views and, of course, lots of nature. The four most prominent are: Roça Sundy, Roça Belo Monte, Roça Paciência and, the largest of them, Roça Porto Real.
Nested among Príncipe’s rugged landscapes and dense vegetation there are some points that offer particularly stunning views. The viewpoints at Terreiro Velho and Praia da Banana are the most visited, with beautiful open views of the ocean.
Currently the Island has approximately 8,000 inhabitants, almost half of whom are children. The population is concentrated in the centre and north of the island with 2,000 people living in the city and the rest in outlying communities. The south of the island remains densely vegetated and uninhabited.
Príncipe island can feel like a village that has been floating remotely for a long time. Access to facilities in Príncipe is more limited than on the larger neighbouring island of São Tomé. Development here happens at a different pace and support at the regional level is always scarcer.
The people of Príncipe are descendants of Angolans, Mozambicans and, for the most part, Cape Verdeans. The island's gastronomy therefore has a lot of influence from these countries, and you can find an abundance of fish or chicken stew, fried banana, coconut, and breadfruit. There is another common element among Príncipe's dishes: spicy chillies!
