Here we have an enchanted and enchanting island. It's the world's first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the São Toméan archipelago, and became the first African reserve to join the worldwide biosphere and coastal network - living proof that the relationship between man and nature is sustainable.
Prince Island is located northeast of São Tomé Island, about 140 km away, in the Gulf of Guinea. Of volcanic origin, with a dense vegetation and an equatorial climate, this island is very bumpy, reaching 948 meters in Prince peak, located in the south of the island and is part of the Natural Park Ôbo.
The interior of the island is made up of a dense tropical forest, with a very diverse vegetation. The island is also a wildlife sanctuary where many rare species of animals (especially birds) can be observed,
Script
On the first day:
Farm Sundy, where you can see the preserved manor house and the place where, in 1919, the astronomer Sir Arthur Eddington proved Albert Einstein's Theory of Relativity. You can also see old still locomotives standing on a wheel of Puíta, where you can dance and play drums almost in trance;
Farm São Joaquim overlooking the peaks João Dias Pai and João Dias Filho and a beautiful sunset;
Farm Porto Real, where you can see the old hospital of the farm (that worked at 20 years) and that today almost disappeared swallowed by the forest ...
On the second day, following south:
Gazebo Nova Estrela, where you can see the Jockey Cap (an outcropping with this format);
Farm Terreiro Velho, which is the only one on the island where there is cocoa production. It´s from this farm that comes the cocoa to produce the delicious and wonderful chocolates of Claudio Coralloe and from here you can appreciate one of the most beautiful landscapes of the island;
Fishing community of Abbot, where you can eat fried fish and fried bananas (in dishes borrowed, without cutlery and on the beach, return the dishes and pay what you want);
Farm Abade, with a fantastic view and where there is always someone to weave mats and to teach this art;
City of Santo António - the smallest city in the world, which has a market with 10 banks;
Government's palace.
On the third day:
Farm Patience, where you can see the plantation of cacao, vanilla and coffee;
Burra farm, which has one of the largest fishing communities in Prince Island;
Farm Belo Monte - an old farm that has been completely restored and converted into a hotel. From here you can see the turquoise sea and the sublime vegetation - an unforgettable landscape;
Banana Beach, considered the most beautiful of the island of Prince, due to its white sand and transparent waters;
Praia Grande, the largest on the island but is always deserted;
Boi Beach, which has a special aurea and color, beautiful ...
On this Island you can do day and night diving in the middle of fluorescent fish, but for this you have to inform yourself in advance, because there is no diving school in Prince Island.
Rolas Island
The Paradise...
At about 15 minutes by boat from Ponta Baleia port, crossing the Guinean Golf we are at zero degrees in the cartographic coordinates - on the Equator line, dividing the Northern and Southern hemispheres.
This islet is practically a Resort and the port is just in front of the reception of the hotel, being also the chapel of the village to half a dozen steps.
The population of this island is approximately 200 people living essentially from tourism (working for the hotel). The main and almost unique economic activity is tourism.
This is the ideal place to rest, hike and dive.
In this earthly paradise, we propose the following:
Watch the dolphins;
Do diving and snorkeling (dive in apnea). If you dive with a bottle of oxygen, under the guidance of the Rolas Island Diving Center, you can enjoy the magic of the sub aquatic world, hundreds of colorful species, an enchanted world on the seabed;
Take a walk on the island with vegetation to smell grass and virgin bush;
Visit the Café beach ;
Visit Tambor Beach;
Visit the Standard of Ecuador, a small monument that marks the passage of the equatorial line through the Rolas islet. It was erected in 1936 and contained (before being vandalized) an inscription, stored inside the pattern, which read "From the geodesic and astronomical works carried out by Gago Coutinho from 1916 to 1918 in São Tomé, on the initiative of Eng. Rebelo de Andrade and, with the support of all the settlers, it was concluded that the geodetic Ecuador is passing on this point ». The monument rests on a polychrome base, representing the world map, in a setting that is composed of the verdant landscape and the Atlantic.
A day with the driver's guide, which normally starts at 8 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. and extends until 4:30 p.m. - 5 p.m., but the time is always in negotiation with the visitor.
Transportation in 4x4 vehicle and travel insurance include. |
