ROÇAS
From all the Roças of the Island, this is probably the best preserved. Its located between the villages of Picão and the Roça Belomonte. It is owned by HBD, which is preparing to rehabilitate it and transform into an agro-tourism infrastructure, with modern cocoa and coffee processing units and a Research & Development Laboratory. The adjacent cocoa plantations are thus in impeccable shape and are a great place to learn about the history and future of cocoa.
ROÇA PACIÊNCIA
ROÇA SUNDY
One of the largest Roças of the Island. It is owned by HBD, and it is being rehabilitated and modernised. Here you will find the “Boss’” house, the owners house, still furnished and decorated as it was, you will find remains of the old railway that existed on the Island, an old locomotive that pulled the carriages filled with sugar and cocoa, the old hospital building and a chapel. It is the most famous of the Roças of Principe – it was here that, in 1919, Sir Arthur Eddington proved Einstein’s Relativity Theory.
ROÇA PORTO REAL
This was the most important Roça of the Island. It was the commercial headquarters of the whole Island – fact that accounts for the size of the buildings and the whole compound implanted on the area. Today it is empty and in advanced state of degradation. It is located at the southern exit of the city of Santo Antonio, on the road linking it to Sao Joaquim and to other communities. Although it is abandoned, its ruined state is somewhat romantic and you will be left imagining what everything might have been like back in the day.
This Roça is now a nice guesthouse, owned by a local entrepreneur, and it offers a stunning view of the south of the Island and of the Jockey’s Cap Islet. Following the road that passes the Abade beach you will eventually arrive to the Roça. Locals occupy and live in the old slave houses, but it is a really quiet place and perfect for a cheap stay in Principe.
The main house is quite destroyed. The old slave houses are now occupied by the locals who live in the community. If you go down to the Banzu River, the Caixão Beach or to the community in Maria Correia you will have to go through here. The main attraction of the Roça is the amazing viewpoint to the incredible landscape of the south side of the island.
The Roça is being rehabilitated and transformed into a hotel. Located right above one of the best beaches of the Island – the Banana beach, the Roça is sought for its tranquil mood and surroundings. On the path towards the beach is a wonderful viewpoint that will allow a great sight of not only the famous beach but also of the whales that come close to the Island between July and August every year.
ROÇA BELOMONTE
ROÇA SÃO JOAQUIM
ROÇA ABADE
It is probably the most inaccessible Roça of the Island. To get there you will have to endure a trail of about eight hours roundtrip from the village of Terreiro Velho, and you will have to be accompanied by a local guide. The buildings are completely destroyed but the ruins will leave you with an impression of the regenerative power of nature.
To visit this Roça you will have to walk about two hours south of Sao Joaquim. On the trail there are three river crossings, so you will have to wear appropriate shoes and make sure to go when the tide is low. You will also pass the Lapa community, on of the most isolated of the Island. The main house is in quite a good state, and the fantastic Agulhas Bay is certainly worth the visit. You can also go by boat.
ROÇA MARIA CORREIA
ROÇA INFANTE
This Roça is also pretty much destroyed, although you can still see much of the buildings standing. It is the nearest Roça to the city of Santo Antonio, and in a very short time you can reach it and take a look at the old farm.
ROÇA NOVA CUBA