Principe: The Undiscovered Tropical Island Perfect for Winter Sun
In the vast expanse of the Gulf of Guinea lies a hidden gem that offers all the tranquility of a Caribbean holiday without the accompanying crowds. Principe, a little-known tropical island, presents an idyllic setting for a winter sun break, combining unspoiled natural beauty with a refreshingly slow pace of life.
A Timeless Escape from the Ordinary
Seeking shelter from a sudden tropical downpour in a Principe fishing village reveals the island's unassuming charm. Within a small bakery, flames dance within a traditional clay oven as the day's first batch of bread emerges. Tearing into hot, steaming dough becomes more than mere sustenance—it represents a timeless pleasure that perfectly encapsulates this remote island's authentic character.
Together with its sister island São Tomé, Principe forms one of West Africa's smallest nations. Yet it stands apart as more tranquil and relaxed than the mainland, boasting equally stunning sandy beaches that remain remarkably untouched by mass tourism.
Preserving Paradise Through Sustainable Vision
The island's sleepy main town of Santo António contains no major chains, no advertising billboards, and only a few basic shops—a testament to Principe's commitment to preserving its unique character. This preservation extends to the island's development philosophy, where residents have admirably rejected palm oil cultivation projects in favour of ecotourism.
Guiding this sustainable approach is the pioneering enterprise HBD (Here Be Dragons), which manages three properties on Principe and recently acquired the island's only other operational hotel. The backstory of HBD is as unusual as it is inspiring.
Founded by entrepreneur Mark Shuttleworth—who made history as the first African to enter space in 2002—the organization emerged from an epiphany experienced while viewing Earth from orbit. Upon returning to our planet, Shuttleworth became determined to protect vulnerable environments like Principe.
Initially considering Principe as a private island investment, Shuttleworth soon realized the local population—the true custodians of this wild environment—would benefit most from carefully managed tourism. His vision focused on creating jobs by opening the destination to the world while protecting the natural beauty at its core.
Experiencing Principe's Natural Wonders
Set on a remote peninsula at the island's northern tip, Bom Bom represents HBD's first hotel—a former fishing lodge that has achieved accidental cult status. This smart but unassuming collection of bungalows features two beachfronts oriented toward both sunset and sunrise views.
Early morning walks along empty beaches reveal Principe's magical atmosphere. Boys in wooden pirogue boats become silhouettes on the distant horizon while western reef herons forage along the shoreline. Brightly plumed malachite kingfishers add flashes of colour to the emerald forest covering most of the island, though even their shimmering turquoise wings cannot compete with the rich jade hues of an ocean so clear that visibility extends fifteen metres to the bottom.
Despite recent enhancements including a new restaurant and planned beach bar, development remains refreshingly slow on Principe. The journey itself—requiring flights via Lisbon and São Tomé—contributes to preserving this time-frozen paradise.
Protected Natural Heritage
In 2012, thanks partly to HBD's efforts and local community advocacy, the entire island and its islets were declared a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. More than half of this mountainous volcanic island constitutes a protected natural park, sheltering numerous endemic species within rainforests estimated to be thirty-one million years old.
The waters surrounding Principe teem with marine life, offering seasonal sightings of humpback whales between July and October. Five species of turtles—loggerhead, olive ridley, green, hawksbill, and leatherback—nest on the island's beaches from November to March.
Beyond the Beach: Island Exploration
Principe offers more than just spectacular beaches. The mountainous interior provides excellent hiking opportunities, with popular routes leading to the summit of Pico do Papagaio (Parrot Peak)—one of several striking phonolitic towers that define the island's dramatic landscape.
The island's Portuguese colonial heritage lives on through its revived cocoa industry. HBD has restored small-scale production at the heritage property Roca Sundy, a former plantation now open to guests, where a small shop sells edible and cosmetic products made from locally grown cocoa.
A New Model for Tourism
HBD is currently developing an innovative Natural Dividend project that will financially reward islanders for protecting local ecosystems and biodiversity. Mark Shuttleworth hopes this model—which directly benefits communities while preserving natural environments—might eventually be replicated across Africa.
For travellers seeking an authentic tropical escape that prioritizes sustainability over commercialism, Principe represents a rare find. This undiscovered island offers not just winter sun, but a genuine connection to nature and community—a Caribbean-style paradise without the crowds, preserved through visionary conservation and responsible tourism.
