Beaches of Príncipe Island
Príncipe Island, nestled in the Gulf of Guinea, is known as "Paradise on the Equator" and "the Atlantic's secret." Classified as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the island features spectacular beaches and breathtaking landscapes that rank among Africa's finest coastal scenery. Unlike most destinations, Príncipe offers the marvelous sensation of having entire beaches to yourself—most remain nearly deserted, presenting white or golden sand beaches flanked by coconut palms and crystalline waters punctuated by dramatic volcanic rock formations.
As locals wisely observe, "it would be a great mistake to name the most beautiful beaches" because "all possess their own beauty." The island's primary beaches concentrate along the north and west coast from Santo António Bay to Baía das Agulhas, each offering distinct character and attractions.
Top Beaches
Praia Banana
Príncipe's most popular and unquestionably most famous beach, Praia Banana achieved global recognition through a Bacardi rum advertisement that showcased its extraordinary beauty. The beach is considered one of the most beautiful and exclusive in the region, offering tranquility and unique natural beauty.
The beach presents a gorgeous crescent-shaped arc of sand surrounded by exuberant vegetation and majestic mountains rising directly from the shore. Waters are crystalline and turquoise blue, ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Despite its wild setting, the beach features visitor support infrastructure including a small bar and beach mattresses for lounging.
Access: Reach the beach by boat or by passing through Roça Belo Monte property. Stop at the viewpoint (miradouro) for overwhelming panoramic views before descending to the beach. The beach is among properties acquired by investor Mark Shuttleworth's HBD Príncipe group.
Best for: Photography, swimming, snorkeling, sunset viewing
Praia Boi
For many visitors and locals alike, Praia Boi ranks as one of Príncipe's most beautiful beaches and among the finest in the entire country. This popular tourist destination is described as truly paradisiacal, presenting white sand and emerald green sea with tranquil, crystalline waters.
Researcher Estrela Matilde cited Praia Boi as her favorite beach due to its "special aura and special color"—high praise from someone intimately familiar with the island's coastal offerings. The beach's protected cove creates calm swimming conditions ideal for extended water time.
Access: Approximately 15-minute trail through forest from the nearest road access point.
Activities: Relaxation, swimming, snorkeling, fishing
Best for: Secluded beach experience, calm water swimming
Praia Macaco
Neighboring Praia Boi on the north coast, Praia Macaco offers equally stunning beauty with fine white sand and clear, calm waters. The beach's well-marked forest trail provides excellent opportunities for observing birds and wildlife during the approach, combining beach relaxation with nature observation.
Access: Approximately 30-minute walk via well-signposted forest trail from nearest vehicle access point. Can be combined with Praia Boi visit for a full day exploring north coast beaches.
Activities: Swimming, wildlife observation during trail access, photography
Best for: Visitors who enjoy combining hiking with beach time
Praia Grande
The island's largest beach, Praia Grande is famous as a principal nesting site for marine sea turtles. This wild and perpetually deserted beach offers extraordinary wildlife observation opportunities during nesting and hatching seasons.
Turtle Season:
- Nesting: September to February
- Hatching: November to April (peak January-February)
Important regulations: Turtle observation requires mandatory guide accompaniment. Contact Fundação Príncipe Trust to arrange authorized visits. Strict conservation rules protect animals and nests: sand extraction is illegal, white or red lights are prohibited, noise must be minimized, and walking on nests is forbidden. These regulations ensure continued turtle population health while allowing respectful observation.
Best for: Wildlife observation, conservation-minded travelers, unique natural experiences
Resort & Accessible Beaches
Praia Sundy (Praia São Pedro)
Located on the island's northwest point, this beach is popularly known as Praia Sundy though some refer to it as Praia São Pedro. The beach is extremely pleasant with warm, tranquil waters ideal for extended swimming. Adjacent to Sundy Praia Lodge, the island's most luxurious hotel, the beach offers excellent facilities while maintaining natural beauty.
Access: Via Sundy Praia Lodge property; non-guests may arrange beach access through hotel reception.
Best for: Comfortable beach day with nearby facilities, calm water swimming
Praia Bom Bom (Ilhéu Bom Bom)
Located on the small Ilhéu Bom Bom islet, this beach forms part of Bom Bom Island Resort, which reopened in September 2024 following extensive renovation. Considered one of the best snorkeling locations on Príncipe, the beach offers spectacular sunset viewing from its western-facing position.
Access: Via Bom Bom Island Resort; accessible by short boat crossing from mainland. Non-guests should arrange access through resort reception.
Activities: Snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, sunset viewing
Best for: Snorkeling enthusiasts, sunset photographers
Hidden Gems & Remote Beaches
Praia Burra (Praia das Burras)
One of the island's hidden treasures, Praia Burra sits on the north coast offering white sand and crystalline waters. The beach hosts one of the island's largest fishing communities, providing opportunities to observe traditional fishing methods and daily coastal life.
Access: Approximately 30-minute trail, or via small trail connecting to Praia Banana for beach-hopping adventures.
Best for: Cultural observation, fishing community interaction, solitude
Praia Margarida
A tiny beach in an area with difficult land access, Praia Margarida is best visited by boat, typically during Baía das Agulhas boat tours. The beach provokes astonishment with its beauty and cozy atmosphere tucked beneath dramatic volcanic formations.
Access: Boat tour from Santo António; included in most Baía das Agulhas excursions.
Best for: Boat tour itineraries, dramatic coastal scenery
Praia da Ribeira Izé
The trail to this beach leads to ruins of a church believed to be over 400 years old, positioned directly on the beach—a haunting and extraordinary sight where Atlantic waves lap against colonial-era stone walls. The location has historical connections to legendary "black princess" Maria Correia (1788-1861), a powerful local figure whose story intertwines with island history.
Access: Via 4-hour hiking trail through forest; local guide strongly recommended for navigation and historical interpretation.
Best for: History enthusiasts, photography, adventurous hikers
Praia Évora
Listed among beaches offering tourism potential, though currently one of the beaches most affected by sand extraction—a practice now regulated but historically damaging. Visit primarily for completeness rather than as a highlight destination.
Practical Information
Best Time to Visit
The optimal period for beach visits occurs during the driest months from June to September when waters are calmest and weather most temperate. December to March and May also offer good beach conditions with warmer water temperatures, though occasional rain showers may interrupt beach days.
Beach Safety
Most beaches lack lifeguards or safety facilities. Assess water conditions carefully before swimming, particularly on exposed west-facing beaches where Atlantic swells can create unexpected currents. Consult local guides or hotel staff about current conditions.
What to Bring
Bring all beach supplies from Santo António or your accommodation—remote beaches have no facilities, vendors, or services. Essential items include water, snacks, sun protection, insect repellent, and appropriate footwear for forest trail approaches. Remove all trash when leaving to maintain the pristine conditions that make these beaches extraordinary.
Environmental Respect
These beaches remain largely pristine due to limited visitor numbers and strong environmental protections. Avoid disturbing wildlife, removing shells or sand (illegal), or leaving any trace of your visit. The beaches' extraordinary character depends on visitor commitment to leave-no-trace principles that preserve natural beauty for future generations.