Belo Monte (Hinterland)

Belo Monte (Hinterland) refers to the less-known, inland-facing part of the famed viewpoint roça Belo Monte. While the coastal stretch with Banana Beach grabs headlines, just a few hundred meters inland begins a primeval tropical forest, part of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and one of the most important protected areas for endemic plant species in all of West Africa. Begonias, pepper lianas and rare screw palms found nowhere else in the world grow here. Birdwatchers can spot the complete endemic „Big Five“ of Príncipe, Príncipe drongo, Príncipe glossy starling, Príncipe white-eye, Príncipe sunbird and the elusive Príncipe golden weaver. A small community also maintains the tradition of forest beekeeping: bee colonies are kept in hollowed-out tree trunks high in the canopy, and the dark, resinous honey is sold as a specialty in Santo António markets. Belo Monte (Hinterland) is an insider tip for serious nature travelers.

Nearby cities

Belo Monte

Belo Monte perches on a headland in northeastern Príncipe, offering arguably the most breathtaking view of the entire archipelago.

Belo Monte (Coast)

The coastal part of Belo Monte is a place of dramatic cliffs and azure sea where the Atlantic reveals its full primal force.

Picão (Hills)

The Picão hills are an oasis of green where clouds often gently brush the canopy of the forest giants.

Paciência (Coast)

The coastal part of Paciência is a place of gentle bays and rhythmic sea sounds where time seems to stand still on the golden beaches.

Sundy (Coast)

The coastal part of Sundy is a place of wide beaches and deep blue sea where the Atlantic reveals its full beauty.

Picão

Picão is a place of colors and dense green hidden in the mountainous hinterland of Príncipe.

Paciência (Upper Village)

The upper village of Paciência lies at the foot of Príncipe's steep mountains, a place of cool mornings and deep silence.

Abade (North)

The northern part of Abade is a place of wide horizons and maritime freedom where the gaze wanders boundlessly over the Atlantic.

Santo António

Santo António, the charming capital of Príncipe Island, is a town gently nestled on the banks of the Palhota River.

Sundy

Sundy is a place of science and stars nestled in the gentle plains of northern Príncipe.

São Joaquim

São Joaquim is a historic hamlet in the heart of Príncipe where ruins of an old Roça tell of the power of time.

São Joaquim (Forest Edge)

The forest edge of São Joaquim is a place of transition where civilization shakes hands with the dense Obô jungle.

Abade

Abade is a fishing village on the northeast coast of Príncipe where the Atlantic rolls ashore with a rare gentleness.

Paciência

Paciência lies on the edge of Príncipe's rainforests, a place where the name says it all and nature's tranquility heals the soul.

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Nova Estrela

Nova Estrela sits like a sparkling jewel on the cliffs of Príncipe's east coast, a place of new hope and wide horizons.

History & landmarks

Ponta da Mina Lighthouse

The Ponta da Mina Lighthouse is located at the eastern tip of the Santo António Bay on Príncipe.

Port of Santo António

The small but vital Port of Santo António is the logistical backbone of Príncipe Island.

Church of Our Lady of the Rosary

The Church of Our Lady of the Rosary is the religious landmark of Santo António on Príncipe.

Regional Government Palace

The Regional Government Palace in Santo António is the administrative center of the autonomous region of Príncipe.

Santo António Market

The Santo António Market on Príncipe Island is a colorful meeting place where local products from the rainforest and the sea are offered.

Eddington Monument

The Eddington Monument at Roça Sundy commemorates the 1919 scientific expedition during which Sir Arthur Eddington proved Einstein's theo…

More places

Ilhéu Bom Bom

Ilhéu Bom Bom is a small, green pearl off the north coast of Príncipe, connected to the main island by a long wooden walkway.

Fort of Santo António da Ponta da Mina

This fort was built in the 17th century to protect the bay of Santo António on Príncipe from maritime attacks.

Logistics Port of Santo António

The logistics port of Santo António is Príncipe Island's only maritime link to the outside world.

Roça Ribeira Izé

Ribeira Izé was the site of the first settlement on Príncipe Island.

Pico Bastião

Pico Bastião is a distinctive geological formation on Príncipe Island.

Príncipe Children's Leisure Center

The children's leisure center in Santo António is the hub for play and education for the children on Príncipe Island.

Roça Infante D. Henrique

This plantation on Príncipe, named after the famous Portuguese prince, stands out for its well-preserved administrative buildings.

Roça Porto Real

Located on Príncipe Island, Porto Real was one of the most powerful plantations in the archipelago.