São Tomé & Príncipe

Volcanic islands in the Gulf of Guinea with pristine rainforest-covered peaks, colonial cocoa plantation roças now atmospheric ruins, Lagoa Azul's turquoise snorkeling waters, Pico Cão Grande's dramatic volcanic plug rising 300 meters, endemic bird species, deserted beaches fringed by palm trees, São Tomé city's Portuguese Creole architecture, and artisanal chocolate from ancient cacao trees.