São Tomé and Príncipe

São Tomé is one of Africa’s oldest colonial cities. Its name is Portuguese for “Saint Thomas,” but it’s more popular nickname is Africa’s Eden. This African nation, composed of an archipelago located close to the equator in the Gulf of Guinea, is part of a volcano chain featuring striking rock and coral formations, rainforests, and beaches. São Tomé is home to the stunning Lagoa Azul lagoon and Ôbo Natural Park, a biodiverse jungle reserve distinguished by Pico Cão Grande, a skyscraper-like volcanic rock. Africa’s Eden has many undiscovered gems and hidden escapes waiting to be explored. Whether you’re after a fitness-focused overhaul or a peaceful getaway, the small but intriguing islands of São Tomé and Príncipe are the best-equipped places to find it.