Africa is home to some incredible nations, including Mauritius, Zanzibar and the Seychelles, attracting millions of visitors every year. However, the vast number of the continent's roughly 25 countries deemed safe to visit by the Foreign Office continue to fly under the radar.

One small archipelagic nation off the west coast of Africa is the perfect example. Also known as the "chocolate islands", São Tomé and Príncipe is Africa's second-least-visited country, welcoming only around 35,000 visitors annually, despite its pristine beaches that give the likes of Mauritius a run for its money. Made up of two islands, São Tomé and Príncipe has been described by the renowned travel guide publisher Lonely Planet as a "tropical paradise" and one of the continent's "most special secrets".

"On these islands, nature holds sway and the people move in respectful tandem with the natural world," Lonely Planet added. "Those who make the long trip here will find superb landscapes and a tourism industry in sync with the surroundings."

Those willing to make the 11-and-a-half-hour journey from the UK to São Tomé and Príncipe will be rewarded with a holiday featuring peaceful beaches, stunning volcanic scenery and incredible biodiversity. Both islands are filled with thick rainforests and endemic wildlife found nowhere else on the planet. In fact, São Tomé and Príncipe has more unique species per square mile than the Galapagos Islands, including 25 species of butterflies and birds, as well as rare tropical fish and sea turtles, earning another nickname of the "African Galapagos".

Speaking of nicknames, the archipelagic nation has become known as the "Chocolate Islands" thanks to its history as a major cacao producer in the 20th century. By 1905, it was the world's largest cocoa producer, supplying major manufacturers such as Cadbury. Found in the Gulf of Guinea, these volcanic islands feature historic plantation estates (known as roças), which visitors can tour and partake in tastings and even make their own bars.

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Away from the chaos of the Seychelles and Mauritius' beaches, São Tomé and Príncipe offers pristine, secluded and tropical beaches with golden sand and dramatic black volcanic rocks, backed by palm trees. One of the country's most iconic is the Praia Banana, or Banana Beach, on Príncipe, famous for its crescent shape, turquoise waters and beach bar. Praia Jalé on São Tomé is perfect for snorkelling, turtle watching and relaxing.

The capital and largest city is São Tomé, located on the northeastern coast of the main island of the same name. It is one of Africa's oldest colonial cities, founded in the 15th century and houses the majority of the country's population. Founded by the Portuguese, it was a vital point for the sugar trade.

Travelling from the UK to São Tomé and Príncipe (TMS) requires at least one stopover, as no direct flights are available. A common route is flying from a London airport like Heathrow or Gatwick to Lisbon, often with TAP Air Portugal, then on to São Tomé.