Sao Tome and Principe · Africa
Sao Tome might be the most beautiful place you've never heard of. These volcanic islands sit right on the equator in the Gulf of Guinea, and they look like someone crossed the Azores with the Caribbean and then covered everything in jungle. Praia Jale and Praia Piscina on the southern coast are genuinely deserted beaches backed by primary rainforest, and the iconic Pico Cao Grande, a volcanic needle rising 370 meters from the jungle floor, is one of Africa's most dramatic natural landmarks. The islands were once the world's largest cocoa producer, and the old plantation houses, or rocas, have been converted into atmospheric guesthouses where you can taste single-origin chocolate made from beans grown on site. A meal of freshly grilled fish with calulu stew runs about $5 at local restaurants. Tourism infrastructure is minimal, which is exactly the point.
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