Brits are beginning to turn away from some of the traditionally popular holiday destinations, instead looking for lesser-known alternatives or ‘dupes’ of their favourite holiday spots. One increasingly popular destination is The Maldives, with an estimated two million tourists visiting these small South Asian islands.
With this in mind, travel experts at Travel Counsellors have shared one destination dupe for the Maldives—the small islands of São Tomé and Príncipe. These stunning islands off the coast of Central Africa offer pristine beaches and lush jungles and have the added benefit of being one of the world’s least visited countries. So, you can enjoy a sunny getaway without crowds of other tourists joining you.
Made up of two islands, São Tomé and Príncipe, offers visitors plenty to explore when holidaying. One highlight is Banana Beach, located on Príncipe, which became famous as the setting of a Bacardi rum TV advertisement in 1991.
This beautiful beach, with its golden sands and turquoise waters has delighted visitors on TripAdvisor, with one writing: “It was amazing the experience we had in the place, the comfort, peace and beauty was something impossible to describe the how perfect everything was there, I just magnificent and recommend anyone to go to the place.”
Another option for beach lovers is São Tomé’s Praia Piscina, which has equally beautiful sand and water alongside unique volcanic rocks. Other beaches include Lagoa Azul, Praia Jale, and Praia dos Tamarindos.
Those wanting to explore more of the islands should make a beeline to Obo National Park. This park is home to numerous plants and wildlife, including a botanical garden at the entrance. Scientists have highlighted the forests within this park as one of the most biologically important in the world.
Tourists should also make sure they don’t miss out on a trip to Pico Cão Grande, or ‘Great Dog Peak’, a landmark needle-shaped volcanic plug within the grounds of Obo Park.
One visitor to Obo writes: “The park itself is immense and somewhat at the centre of the island. It has a botanical garden with a lot of plants species and more.
“The road to the park is really interesting and a challenge in itself, going through the coffee farms and small villages; the view itself is amazing and it is a must see for all visitors especially the flora of the island has its own uniqueness.”
While another added: “We enjoyed our our 7 hour walk through the Obo National park – our guide was knowledgeable about the flora / fauna and the local animals and a nice guy.
“Certainly a good way to see the unique STP nature. It is highly recommended – even though not so easy – the decent drops 800m in slippery terrain.”
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
