The beautiful island in Africa that is ‘heaven on Earth’ but no one travels to | World | News
Two countries on the west coast of Africa are home to lush rainforests, striking beaches and a vivid culture, but are not largely discovered by global travelers. In a 2020 interview with CNN, São Tomé Tour Guide Luís Miguel described it as “Paradise on Earth”. Despite its natural charm, São Tomé and Príncip welcomes only 15,000 visitors every year, waiting to be discovered one of the best hidden travel secrets in the world.
Indeed, a tour operator said to Telegraph in 2017, “He was never forgotten. He was never discovered.” It is often called “African Galápagos”, because of rich diversity endemic species, São Tomé and Príncipi is a equatorial island country shaped by volcanic activity. It consists of intense rainforests, volcanic peaks, beautiful beaches and two main islands with untouched landscapes with hot tropical air throughout the year.
In the crystal clarity, the water is perfect for snorkel, in the inner parts, visitors can walk from Obô National Park or discover the dramatic volcanic return of Pico Cão Grande.
Popular beaches include Praia Banana, Praia Dos Tamarindos and Gold Sands, Volcanic Rocks and Battery Beach known for its lush greens. Visitors can also make boat trips to Ihéu Das Rolas to explore the coral reefs, discover snorkel in the waters under crystal clarity, and experience the unique view of the island and white sandy beaches.
While the capital São Tomé blends the architecture of the colonial era with live local culture, there are environmentally friendly lodges, expanding cocoa fields and rugged coastline in the surrounding areas.
He wrote about a Tripadvisor user São Tomé and Príncip: “We went to Sao Tome and Principe for 15 days on December/January. What a great place- very beautiful, peaceful and tropical.
“We spent 1 week at Club Santana in Christmas. Here we had a day tour with Luis Miguel and one day to the center.
A local tiktokker, Kuá Téla NónHe also shared a video containing water, lush greens and soft gold sands in crystal clarity: “Príncipe Island, also known as ‘African Galápagos’, has some of the best beaches in the world.”
Another travel tiktokker, Cristian.oberHe described Battery Beach as the best in the world. “Battery Beach is located in the middle of the map, where the main meridian meets Epuator.
“You’ll probably be alone there, because Sao Tome & Principe is one of the least visited countries in the world and the beach is not even on the main island.
“Contrast: turquoise water, white sand, black volcanic rocks and lush green of the palms make it visually attractive + The distance of the beach makes it the best beach in the world.”
