Roça Sundy

Roça Sundy, São Tomé e Príncipe - Complete Travel Guide

Roça Sundy is a historic plantation estate located on the northern coast of Príncipe Island in São Tomé e Príncipe, renowned for its pivotal role in scientific history. This former cocoa plantation gained international fame as the location where Sir Arthur Eddington conducted his groundbreaking solar eclipse observations in 1919, which helped prove Einstein's theory of general relativity. Today, the beautifully restored plantation serves as a luxury eco-lodge and cultural heritage site, offering visitors a unique blend of colonial architecture, pristine tropical landscapes, and scientific significance. located within lush rainforest and overlooking pristine beaches, Roça Sundy provides an intimate glimpse into the colonial history of São Tomé e Príncipe while serving as a gateway to explore Príncipe's incredible biodiversity. The plantation's transformation from a working cocoa farm to a sustainable tourism destination represents the island's commitment to conservation and heritage preservation. Visitors can explore the meticulously maintained colonial buildings, learn about the estate's fascinating past, and use it as a base for discovering Príncipe's UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status attractions.

Top Roça Sundy

Einstein's Eclipse Site Tour

Visit the exact location where Arthur Eddington made his historic observations during the 1919 solar eclipse that validated Einstein's theory of relativity. The site features informational displays and offers impressive views of the surrounding landscape. This unique attraction combines scientific history with natural beauty in an unforgettable experience.

Booking Tip: Tours are typically included with accommodation at Roça Sundy lodge or can be arranged through local guides for €15-25 per person. Best visited in the morning for optimal lighting and cooler temperatures.

Colonial Architecture Exploration

Wander through the beautifully preserved colonial buildings of the plantation, including the main house, workers' quarters, and processing facilities. The architecture showcases Portuguese colonial design adapted for tropical climates, with wide verandas and high ceilings. Guided tours provide insights into the plantation's operational history and restoration process.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration is free for lodge guests, while guided architectural tours cost €20-30 per person. Early morning or late afternoon visits offer the best photography opportunities and comfortable temperatures.

Cocoa Farm Experience

Learn about traditional cocoa cultivation and processing methods that made this plantation famous throughout the colonial period. Visitors can participate in harvesting, fermenting, and drying processes depending on the season. The experience includes tasting sessions of locally produced chocolate and cocoa products.

Booking Tip: Seasonal activity best experienced during harvest months (May-September). Tours cost €25-35 per person and should be booked in advance through the lodge or local operators. Wear comfortable clothes suitable for farm work.

Rainforest Nature Walks

Explore the pristine rainforest surrounding Roça Sundy, home to endemic bird species and unique flora of Príncipe Island. The trails wind through dense tropical vegetation and offer opportunities to spot rare wildlife including the Príncipe sunbird and various endemic plants. Guided walks provide expert knowledge about the island's biodiversity and conservation efforts.

Booking Tip: Guided nature walks cost €30-40 per person for 2-3 hours. Early morning tours (6-9 AM) offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities. Bring insect repellent, comfortable hiking shoes, and rain gear.

Beach Access and Coastal Exploration

Enjoy access to pristine, virtually untouched beaches near the plantation with crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The coastline features dramatic rock formations, secluded coves, and excellent opportunities for beachcombing. The beaches offer complete tranquility with minimal tourist presence.

Booking Tip: Beach access is typically free for plantation guests. Snorkeling equipment rental costs €10-15 per day. Best enjoyed during dry season (June-September) with calmer seas and clearer visibility for underwater activities.

Getting There

Reaching Roça Sundy requires flying to Príncipe Airport (PCP) from São Tomé's international airport, with daily flights operated by STP Airways taking approximately 30 minutes and costing €80-120 one way. From Príncipe Airport, the plantation is about a 45-minute drive through scenic countryside, typically arranged as part of accommodation packages or through private transfer services costing €40-60. International visitors must first fly to São Tomé via Lisbon, Luanda, or other African hubs, making the journey to Roça Sundy a true adventure requiring careful planning and advance bookings.

Getting Around

Transportation around Roça Sundy and Príncipe Island is limited but manageable with proper planning. The plantation typically provides guided tours and transfers to major attractions as part of their service, while rental cars are available but scarce and should be reserved well in advance for €50-70 per day. Local taxi services and motorcycle taxis offer basic transportation between villages, though roads can be challenging during rainy season. Many visitors find that staying at the plantation and joining organized excursions provides the most convenient and complete way to explore the area.

Where to Stay

Roça Sundy Eco-Lodge

Santo António town center

Praia das Burras beachfront

Terreiro Velho village

Near Obo National Park

Ribeira Izé coastal area

Food & Dining

Dining options around Roça Sundy are limited but focus on exceptional quality and local ingredients. The plantation's restaurant serves gourmet meals featuring fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and locally grown vegetables, often incorporating cocoa elements into both savory and sweet dishes. In nearby Santo António, small local restaurants offer traditional São Toméan cuisine including calulu (fish stew), banana bread, and fresh grilled fish, typically costing €10-20 per meal. The emphasis is on farm-to-table dining with ingredients sourced directly from the island's gardens and surrounding waters.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Roça Sundy is during the dry season from June to September, when rainfall is minimal and temperatures are comfortable for outdoor activities and exploration. This period offers the clearest skies for stargazing and appreciating the scientific significance of the eclipse site, along with optimal conditions for hiking and beach activities. The shoulder months of May and October can also be pleasant with fewer crowds and lower accommodation rates, though visitors should be prepared for occasional tropical showers. The wet season (November-April) brings heavy rains that can make transportation challenging but offers lush landscapes and is ideal for those interested in the island's agricultural cycles.

Insider Tips

Book accommodation well in advance as Roça Sundy has limited rooms and is often fully booked months ahead, especially during peak season

Bring cash (euros preferred) as credit card acceptance is extremely limited on Príncipe Island and ATMs are scarce

Pack insect repellent, sunscreen, and rain gear regardless of season, as tropical conditions can change quickly and mosquitoes are present year-round