It was just a highlight for me to finally head into a Portuguese-speaking Africa. We knew we were about to love it. READ MORE BELOW.
Before spending time in Sao Tomé, we first flew to Principe Island, leaving our stay on this main island for last, which was a good idea.
Walking around town is like being in Portugal. There is not one house or building that doesn’t shout its colonial past, but with the added bonus of being in the water front, just like our hotel: it took us one street-crossing to taste the sea.
We have nothing to say about life on a tropical island: we love the humidity, the ocean smell, the nonchalance. And wether we drive north or south of the capital, the road always zigzags alongside an ocean view. There are SO many incredible beaches to go to, and most have no tourism activity what so ever.
It’s one of those places where you taste the authentic side of travel and do not feel like an outside intruder. Barely anyone speaks english but then at every stop, every old farm, every restaurant, every fisherman town is happy to see you.
Fresh fish can be found all the time, self driving is an option, spend time with children at the beach is rather normal. All those things you will mix and match during your day, wearing a tunic over a bathing suit, and smelling like salted sun… Sao Tomé is that VERY rare combo of perfect climate, stunning geography, soft lifestyle and no tourism intrusion.
All pictures published were taken and belong to LovingJune Travels.
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