“São Tomé and Principe Neves: A tropical paradise waiting to be explored.”

Neves

Sao Tome and Principe is a small island nation located in the Gulf of Guinea, off the west coast of Africa. Despite its size, the country is home to a wide range of natural wonders, from pristine beaches to dense forests and stunning waterfalls. One of the most beautiful areas of the country is the region of Neves, which is home to some of the most hidden gems in Sao Tome and Principe.

Neves is located on the northern coast of the island of Sao Tome, and it is known for its rugged landscape and stunning natural beauty. The area is home to a number of beautiful beaches, including Praia de Micondo and Praia de Neves, which are both popular with tourists and locals alike. These beaches are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing, and they offer breathtaking views of the surrounding coastline.

In addition to its beaches, Neves is also home to a number of stunning waterfalls, including the Cascata de Sao Nicolau and the Cascata de Sao Joao. These waterfalls are located in the heart of the region’s dense forests, and they offer visitors a chance to explore some of the most beautiful natural scenery in the country. The waterfalls are also home to a variety of wildlife, including monkeys, birds, and butterflies, making them a popular destination for nature lovers.

For those who are interested in history and culture, Neves is also home to a number of important landmarks and sites. One of the most notable is the Forte de Sao Joao Baptista, which is a historic fort that was built in the 16th century to protect the island from pirates and other invaders. The fort is now a popular tourist attraction, and visitors can explore its grounds and learn about its history through a variety of exhibits and displays.

Another important site in Neves is the Igreja de Sao Joao Batista, which is a beautiful church that was built in the 19th century. The church is known for its stunning architecture and intricate carvings, and it is a popular destination for visitors who are interested in religious history and culture. Other notable landmarks in the area include the Casa das Artes, which is a cultural center that hosts a wide range of events and exhibitions throughout the year, and the Mercado Municipal de Neves, which is a bustling market that offers a wide range of local goods and products.

Overall, Neves is a hidden gem in Sao Tome and Principe that offers visitors a chance to explore some of the most beautiful natural scenery and cultural landmarks in the country. Whether you are interested in sunbathing on pristine beaches, hiking through dense forests, or exploring historic forts and churches, Neves has something to offer everyone. So if you are planning a trip to Sao Tome and Principe, be sure to add Neves to your itinerary and discover the hidden gems of this beautiful island nation.

Praia dos Tamarindos

Sao Tome and Principe is a small island nation located in the Gulf of Guinea, off the coast of West Africa. The country is made up of two main islands, Sao Tome and Principe, which are surrounded by smaller islets. Despite being one of the smallest countries in Africa, Sao Tome and Principe boasts of a rich cultural heritage and natural beauty that is worth exploring.

One of the hidden gems of Sao Tome and Principe is Praia dos Tamarindos. This stunning beach is located on the northwest coast of Sao Tome Island, and it is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. The beach is known for its crystal-clear waters, white sand, and palm trees that sway in the breeze.

Praia dos Tamarindos is a perfect spot for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing. The beach is relatively quiet and peaceful, making it an ideal place for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Visitors can also take a stroll along the shoreline, watch the fishermen bring in their catch, or enjoy a picnic under the shade of the palm trees.

However, Praia dos Tamarindos is not only about beach activities. The surrounding area is home to a variety of wildlife, including monkeys, birds, and lizards. Visitors can take a guided tour of the nearby rainforest or hike to the top of Pico de Sao Tome, the highest peak on the island, for a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape.

For those who are interested in history and culture, Praia dos Tamarindos is also a great place to learn about the island’s past. The beach is located near the town of Neves, which was once a thriving center of the island’s slave trade. Visitors can explore the town’s historic buildings, such as the 17th-century Forte de Sao Joao Baptista, which was built to protect the town from pirate attacks.

In addition to its historical significance, Neves is also known for its vibrant culture and arts scene. The town is home to several museums and galleries, where visitors can learn about the island’s traditional music, dance, and art. The annual Neves Festival, which takes place in August, is a celebration of the town’s cultural heritage and attracts visitors from all over the world.

Overall, Praia dos Tamarindos and the town of Neves are hidden gems of Sao Tome and Principe that are definitely worth exploring. Whether you are interested in relaxing on the beach, hiking through the rainforest, or learning about the island’s history and culture, there is something for everyone in this beautiful part of the world. So why not book your trip today and discover the wonders of Sao Tome and Principe for yourself?

Lagoa Azul

Sao Tome and Principe is a small archipelago nation located off the coast of West Africa. Known for its stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and diverse culture, it is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by adventurous travelers. One of the most breathtaking destinations in Sao Tome and Principe is Lagoa Azul, a serene lagoon nestled among towering cliffs and dense vegetation.

To reach Lagoa Azul, visitors must embark on a scenic hike through the lush rainforest. The trail is well-maintained and easy to navigate, but it can be quite steep in some areas, so it is important to wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water. Along the way, hikers will encounter a variety of exotic plants and wildlife, including colorful birds and playful monkeys.

As the trail winds deeper into the forest, the sound of rushing water grows louder, and soon hikers will come upon a majestic waterfall cascading down the rocky cliffs. The pool at the base of the waterfall is a popular spot for swimming and cooling off after the long hike. The water is crystal clear and refreshing, and the surrounding rocks make for great sunbathing spots.

But the real highlight of the hike is Lagoa Azul itself. As hikers emerge from the forest, they are greeted by a stunning sight: a tranquil lagoon surrounded by towering cliffs and lush greenery. The water is a brilliant shade of blue, hence the name Lagoa Azul, which means “Blue Lagoon” in Portuguese.

The lagoon is a popular spot for swimming and snorkeling, as the water is home to a variety of colorful fish and other marine life. Visitors can rent snorkeling gear from local vendors or bring their own. The water is warm and inviting, and the peaceful atmosphere makes it easy to relax and soak up the natural beauty of the area.

For those who prefer to stay on land, there are plenty of hiking trails and picnic areas around the lagoon. The cliffs provide a stunning backdrop for photos, and there are several lookout points that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Overall, Lagoa Azul is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Sao Tome and Principe. Its natural beauty, peaceful atmosphere, and abundance of outdoor activities make it a perfect spot for adventure-seekers and nature-lovers alike. Whether you’re looking to hike, swim, snorkel, or simply relax and take in the stunning scenery, Lagoa Azul is sure to be a highlight of your trip to this hidden gem of a nation.

Roca Ponta Figo

Located off the coast of West Africa, Sao Tome and Principe is a small island nation that is often overlooked as a tourist destination. However, the country has a lot to offer in terms of natural beauty and cultural experiences. One of the hidden gems of Sao Tome and Principe is Roca Ponta Figo.

Roca Ponta Figo is a historic plantation that dates back to the 19th century. It was once a major producer of cocoa and coffee, but now it has been transformed into a museum and eco-tourism destination. Visitors can take a guided tour of the plantation, which covers an area of 50 hectares. The tour takes visitors through the various stages of cocoa and coffee production, from planting to harvesting to processing.

In addition to the plantation tour, visitors can also explore the surrounding forest. The forest is home to a variety of wildlife, including monkeys, birds, and butterflies. There are several hiking trails that take visitors through the forest, offering stunning views of the coastline and the surrounding landscape.

One of the highlights of Roca Ponta Figo is the opportunity to participate in a chocolate-making workshop. Visitors can learn how to make chocolate from scratch, using cocoa beans grown on the plantation. The workshop covers every step of the process, from roasting the beans to tempering the chocolate. At the end of the workshop, visitors can take home their own handmade chocolate.

Another unique experience offered at Roca Ponta Figo is the chance to stay overnight on the plantation. The plantation has several guesthouses that offer comfortable accommodations in a peaceful and secluded setting. Guests can enjoy the tranquility of the plantation at night, and wake up to the sounds of birds and monkeys in the morning.

Roca Ponta Figo is not just a tourist attraction; it is also an important part of Sao Tome and Principe’s history. The plantation was owned by a Portuguese family, and was worked by enslaved Africans. The museum at Roca Ponta Figo provides a glimpse into the lives of the workers who once worked on the plantation. Visitors can learn about the harsh conditions they endured, and the struggles they faced during the colonial era.

Overall, Roca Ponta Figo is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Sao Tome and Principe. It offers a unique combination of history, nature, and cultural experiences. Whether you’re interested in learning about cocoa and coffee production, exploring the forest, or simply enjoying the peace and quiet of the plantation, Roca Ponta Figo has something for everyone. So, the next time you’re planning a trip to Sao Tome and Principe, be sure to add Roca Ponta Figo to your itinerary. You won’t be disappointed.

Roca Monte Café

Nestled in the heart of Sao Tome and Principe lies a hidden gem that is often overlooked by tourists – the Roca Monte Café. This historic plantation, which was once used to cultivate cocoa, now serves as a unique tourist attraction that offers a glimpse into the island’s colonial past.

The Roca Monte Café is situated on the outskirts of Neves, a small village that is located on the northern coast of Sao Tome. Although it is only a short drive from the capital city of Sao Tome, Neves is often overlooked by tourists in favor of more popular destinations like Lagoa Azul or Pico Cao Grande. However, those who take the time to explore Neves will be rewarded with a truly authentic Sao Tomean experience.

As visitors approach the Roca Monte Café, they are greeted by a lush tropical landscape that is dotted with towering palm trees and colorful flowers. The plantation’s main house, which dates back to the 19th century, is a stunning example of colonial architecture. Its whitewashed walls and red-tiled roof are reminiscent of a bygone era, and visitors cannot help but feel transported back in time as they step inside.

The plantation’s main attraction is, of course, its coffee. The Roca Monte Café produces some of the finest coffee in Sao Tome and Principe, thanks to the ideal growing conditions provided by the island’s volcanic soil and tropical climate. Visitors can take a tour of the plantation and learn about the coffee-making process, from the harvesting of the beans to the roasting and packaging.

In addition to its coffee, the Roca Monte Café also offers a range of other products that are made on-site. These include chocolate, honey, and various types of fruit preserves. Visitors can sample these products and purchase them to take home as souvenirs. The plantation also has a small restaurant that serves traditional Sao Tomean dishes, giving visitors the chance to try the local cuisine.

One of the most unique experiences that the Roca Monte Café offers is the opportunity to stay overnight on the plantation. The plantation has several guest rooms that are located in the main house and in other buildings on the property. These rooms are decorated with traditional Sao Tomean furnishings and offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Guests can wake up to the sound of birdsong and enjoy a cup of freshly brewed coffee on their private balcony.

Staying on the Roca Monte Café also gives visitors the chance to explore Neves and its surrounding areas. The village is home to several other historic plantations, as well as a beautiful beach that is popular with locals. Visitors can take a stroll through the village and admire its colorful houses and vibrant street art.

Overall, the Roca Monte Café is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to experience the authentic Sao Tomean way of life. From its stunning colonial architecture to its delicious coffee and local products, the plantation offers something for everyone. Whether you choose to stay overnight or just stop by for a tour and a cup of coffee, the Roca Monte Café is sure to leave a lasting impression on your trip to Sao Tome and Principe.