Seniors Get Out Your Portuguese Dictionaries

 São Tomé and Príncipe is often called just “São Tomé” for short. Senior visitors will find this African island country, whose population is 200,000, near the equator. It is part of a volcano chain featuring striking rock and coral formations, rain forests and beaches.

So, get your coffee and be welcomed to the exotic and beautiful islands of São Tomé and Principe. Like no other islands in the Atlantic Ocean, São Tomé seems to embody a kind of lush tropical paradise usually associated with the South Pacific.

The atmosphere is pure luxury and it is an intoxicating blend of sunlight, sea, air and fantastically abundant green vegetation.

Senior Visitors Find A Jungle Preserve

The larger island, São Tomé (pop. 64,000), is popular for snorkeling in Lagoa Azul lagoon. Ôbo Natural Park, a bio-diverse jungle preserve, covers much of São Tomé and is distinguished by Pico Cão Grande, a skyscraper-like volcanic rock.

São Tomé and Principe is Africa’s smallest state and situated in the gulf of Guinea in western Africa. The official language is Portuguese and it is spoken natively by over half of the population, but basically everyone (95%) can speak it. The other main language is called Forro, which is a Portuguese-based creole language.

Until the recent discovery of oil in the Gulf of Guinea which has had a significant impact on the country’s economy, its primary source of revenues came from its agriculture with the main crop of cocoa which still is the country’s most important crop.

Seniors Discover Hidden Gems

TripAdvisor suggests senior visitors find two beaches, Banana Beach and Praia Jale. The Roça Belo Monte is a plantation hotel on Principe and is considered as one of the last hidden gems. The Pico Mocambo, a Cafe Bar in the center of São Tomé city, is an ancient colonial house and another gem not to be missed.

There are a surprising number of heritage buildings dating back to the colonial era. The sublime laid-back tempo is enhanced by a wealth of natural attractions: miles of perfect palm-fringed beaches, huge swathes of emerald rainforest, soaring volcanic peaks and mellow fishing villages.

The birdlife is excellent, and endemic plants (especially orchids) are plentiful. In season, turtle- and whale-watching opportunities abound. If seniors enjoy the ocean water, the waters around São Tomé are aqua clear and rich with sea-life. Consequently, diving, fishing and boat tours provide plenty to see and do. The forests of both islands lend themselves to hiking.

Seniors are invited to enjoy the peace and quiet of a hidden treasure that is modern and enticingly inviting.  Enjoy your visit to São Tomé and Príncipe. -jeb