THINGS TO DO IN São Tomé & Príncipe: 3-DAY ITINERARY

The second smallest country in Africa, São Tomé & Príncipe is a densely rainforested isle set adrift in the Gulf of Guinea. Floating just to the west of Equatorial Guinea and Gabon, the island was completely uninhabited until Portuguese sailors set foot here in the 15th-century. Also known as Africa’s Eden, tropical fruits hang heavy from the trees, the remnants of volcanoes stand guard over the island, and the colonial past of cacao, coffee, and sugar plantations crumble away in the jungle.

São Tomé is the largest of the two islands while Príncipe is it’s smaller little sister, situated 108 miles to the north, the entire island a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. If these descriptions of remote and rugged landscapes are conjuring up images of Robinson Crusoe and the Swiss Family Robinson, we don’t blame you. São Tomé & Príncipe is nothing short of a steamy, subtropical paradise. The landscapes are where this destination really shines, from towering rock pinnacles to cerulean sea and white sand beaches.

This three-day itinerary across both islands includes the best things to do and see in São Tomé and Príncipe. If dense jungle scenery, cascading waterfalls, and swaying palms sounds like your cup of tea, this is the ultimate guide to exploring this tropical, African paradise in luxury.

Day 1: São Tomé City

Morning: Port of Sao Tome

Start your first morning in São Tomé & Príncipe in the capital city of the same name, Sao Tome City. You’ll head for the port, a small peninsula on the right-hand side of Ana Chaves Bay, for your first introduction to the city.

São Sebastião Museum

The São Sebastião Museum is a great place to start your trip in São Tomé & Príncipe. Tucked inside the cheerful, yellow, 16th-century Forte de São Sebastião, the museum showcases artefacts and art from colonial-era Portuguese occupation. Built in 1566 by Portuguese settlers, the lighthouse and fortifications were constructed to ward off pirates. You’ll find quirky exhibits, like the remains of the Cacao Kings and traditional furniture.

CACAU Cultural Hub

An acronym for Casa das Artes, Criação, Ambiente e Utopias, and an homage to the country’s chocolate industry, the CACAU Cultural Hub is a central meeting point and cultural hub for São Tome City. This space becomes especially vibrant during community events and has space for exhibitions, a stage, and a restaurant and cafe.

Day 1, Morning - São Tomé Tour Map

Afternoon: Praça de Independência

A small leafy square with a statue at its core, the Praça de Independência is located in the centre of town. Gaining independence from Portugal on July 12th, 1975, this ocean-front park is the perfect place to keep exploring downtown São Tomé City.

Presidential Palace

Continue east, past the Livraria São Tomé until you reach the Presidential Palace. The official residence of the president of São Tomé and Príncipe, this mammoth, pink mansion is flanked with huge, swaying palm trees. This was originally built for the governor of São Tomé and Príncipe sometime in the late 1800’s, although a government building in some form has been on the site for hundreds of years. Although you can’t tour the inside of the Presidential Palace, you can admire it from outside the gates.

Catedral de São Tomé

Also known as Our Lady of Grace Cathedral, the Catedral de São Tomé is a beautiful church with twin spires and Portuguese colonial architecture. Built in the 15th-century by Portuguese knight, Álvaro Caminha, the facade is plain although the interior hides a beautiful, blue ceramic tile mural behind the altar that is made from Portuguese azulejos.

Day 1, Afternoon - São Tomé Tour Map

Day 2: Parque Natural Obo & Beyond

Head out by rental car or with a local guide today to explore the rest of São Tomé Island, including the stunning megalith and the country’s claim to fame, Pico Cao Grande.

Cascata de Sao Nicolau

Located at the heart of the island, just 30 minutes from São Tomé City, is Cascata de Sao Nicolau. Easily reached by car and seen from the roadside, this torrent of water cascades through the jungle from its rocky precipice and is just one of countless waterfalls scattered across the island.

Jardim Botânico de Bom Successo

Created to help conserve São Tomé and Príncipe’s diverse flora, the Bom Sucesso Botanical Garden sits near the entrance to Parque Natural Obo. Home to hundreds of plant species like orchids and medicinal plants, this botanical garden gives visitors an inside look at the immense biodiversity without having to make your way into the jungle.

Roça Água-Izé

São Tome originally had hundreds of cacao plantations, Roça Água-Izé being one of the largest! Make a pitstop at the now teeny tiny chocolate producer in the town of Água-Izé to snag a taste of their sweet treats and see one of the most photographed buildings on the island, an abandoned hospital that sits atop a hill, complete with a grand staircase.

Roca São João

Roca São João is yet another cacao plantation turned ecotourism hub, stop by this monument to chocolate to see a fully restored plantation house. The onsite restaurant dishes up Santoméan dishes and visitors can join in on the fun through cooking classes or take part in other activities like bird watching.

Pico Cão Grande

A sign of São Tome’s volcanic past, Pico Cao Grande graces the island's jungled skyline like an otherworldly spire. In reality, this megalith is actually a volcanic plug, leftover from a once large volcano that called the island home. Translating directly to “Great Dog Peak”, this pillar of stone in the shape of an oblong obelisk has also garnered attention from the rock climbing community. There are several ways to see this rocky precipice but the best is from the Pico Cão Grande viewpoint near Praia Grande near the island’s southern tip.

Praia Piscina

Touted as the best beach on the entire island, Praia Piscina is a stunning stretch of sand on São Tomé’s southernmost end. Imagine picture-perfect palms, swaying in the breeze, crystal clear water to swim in, and fresh coconuts plucked from the tree. The road to reach this beach is treacherous at best, even in the dry season, so keep this in mind if you’re planning to drive yourself. A good alternative would be a stop at Praia das Sete Ondas or Praia Micondo on the way back to São Tomé City.

If time allows, you can also make a trip out to Ilheu das Rolhas to stand on the equator. Take the public ferry via the town of Ponte Baleia where you’ll hike a quick and easy 30 minute trail to reach the Marco de Ecuador.

Day 2 - São Tomé Tour Map

Day 3: Príncipe Island

Morning: Santo Antonio

The largest city on Príncipe Island, Santo Antonio is named for Saint Anthony and is a tiny town situated on a secluded cove.

Iglesia de Santo Antonio

Start your morning stroll at the Iglesia do Santo Antonio, a plain Catholic church in the centre of town that clearly shows the Portuguese influence both culturally and religiously on Príncipe.

Igreja do Rosário

Yet another tiny cathedral in Santo Antonio, Igreja de Nossa Senhora Rosário, also known as Church of Our Lady of the Rosary, is a yet another relic of Portuguese colonialism. Its facade is a beautiful combination of blue and white, annual celebrations for Auto de Floripes are held here, a street theatre re-enactment of a battle between the Moors and Christians.

Day 3, morning - Príncipe Island Tour Map

Afternoon: Explore the island

• Cascata O Que Pipi: Located near the eastern coast of Príncipe, Cascata O Que Pipi is one of the most beautiful waterfalls on the entire island. You’ll need to complete a rugged, 30-minute hike to reach this waterfall but it's well worth it for the pretty views.

• Pico de Papagaio: Like São Tomé’s famous stone spire, Príncipe is no stranger to mountainous terrain and the remains of ancient volcanoes. This rocky cliff directly translates to Parrot Peak as it resembles the head of a bird. Although it can technically be seen from Santo Antonio, get a closer look by driving up to the trailhead. You can hire a local guide to lead you on the trek or simply admire it from your car.

           Head back north towards Roça Sundy and the famed Praia Banana next.

• Roça Sundy: Now an abandoned coffee plantation, Roça Sundy was once the sight of an eclipse that proved Einstein’s theory of relativity. British astrophysicist Sir Arthur Stanley Eddington made a special trip to São Tomé and Príncipe to witness the eclipse, hoping to be able to prove the theory. This also happens to be near the resort of the same name.

• Praia Banana: Praia Banana became world famous after being featured in a Bacardi commercial. In the shape of a perfect banana, the beach is technically a part of the Roça Belo Monte resort. Because of this, you can also grab a drink at the nearby bar or rent kayaks and paddleboards to float around on. See for yourself if it lives up to the hype with turquoise water and throngs of palm trees, all making for the perfect way to end your time in São Tomé and Príncipe.

Day 3, afternoon - Príncipe Island Tour Map

Other Things to See and Do in São Tomé and Príncipe

• Swim at the beautiful beaches: São Tomé and Príncipe being the striking, paradisiacal island that it is, there are dozens of beautiful beaches to lounge on and explore. Some of the best include Praia Banana and Praia Boi on Príncipe, while São Tomé has Praia Piscina and Praia dos Tamarindos. Be sure to remain cautious if you plan to swim at these beaches as rip currents are common and surf can be huge.

• Go snorkeling: If you love snorkeling, you’re in for a treat on São Tomé and Príncipe! Both islands have great snorkeling beaches where you’ll get a look at the incredible marine life that lies just below the surface of the waves, from sea turtles to vibrant coral reefs. The best beaches to get out your fins in São Tomé are Praia do Morro Peixe and Praia dos Tamarindos, while Príncipes Praia Banana is also wonderful for snorkeling.

• Whale watching: Peak whale watching season on São Tomé and Príncipe is from July to October. Although you can see a variety of whales, the most common are sperm and humpback whales who migrate to these tropical waters for calving and mating. Whale watching tours can be organized with your hotel and are particularly amazing off the coast of Príncipe.

• Chase waterfalls: Ignore the advice of TLC while in São Tomé and Príncipe because this is a wonderful destination for waterfall lovers! You can see some of the best waterfalls on either island from both the main roads or by short hikes. Some of the most beautiful to seek out are Cascata de Sao Nicolau on São Tomé and O Que Pipi Waterfall on Príncipe.

• Visit the Claudio Corallo chocolate factory: São Tomé and Príncipe is notorious for its cacao production, as you might have already guessed! Make a visit to a real deal chocolate factory in the centre of São Tomé City, Claudio Corallo. Claudio’s dedication to creating artisan, world class chocolate is palpable and you can sign up for a tour that includes sampling different varieties of chocolate and chocolate products, learning more about the process of farming cacao throughout the experience. You’ll also find plenty of sweet souvenirs to take home!

• Bird Watching: Sao Tome & Principe is renowned for its incredible bird watching. These isolated, tropical islands are home to rare avian species like the Giant Sunbird and the rainbow hued Principe Kingfisher. Having never been connected to the mainland, there are dozens of bird species that are endemic to these islands alone. Several tour operators host dedicated bird watching tours in Sao Tome & Principe, but you can also hire local guides through resorts and hotels.

• Boat Tours: Getting around Sao Tome & Principe by boat is one of the best methods of transportation. Cruising these islands means you’ll have access to exceptionally remote beaches and islands that you wouldn’t otherwise be able to reach. This also gives visitors a chance to see whales and dolphins, who frequent the ocean around the islands. Resorts like Roça Sundy offer boat trips to magical places like the Bay of Needles, as well as several different beaches.

• Praia Jale: Tucked in the far south of Sao Tome, Praia Jale is a gorgeous stretch of golden sand. With turquoise water, swaying palm trees, and nesting sea turtles, this beach is just as outstanding as it sounds. You’ll find several places to stay along the beach, as well as a restaurant.

Day Trips From Sao Tome & Principe

• Ilhéu das Rolas: A small island off the southern coast of Sao Tome, Ilhéu das Rolas is well known for its location right on the equator. You can access the island by ferry or private boat to visit the Marco do Equador and stunning beaches, including Battery Beach and Praia Pesqueira. You’ll also find a beautiful botanic garden that shows off the island’s agricultural practices and unique flora. Although facilities are limited, there are several restaurants and gift shops on the island. The crossing from Ponta Baleia takes just 20 minutes.

Things to Do with Kids in São Tomé and Príncipe

• Swimming: There are plenty of beautiful beaches both on São Tomé and Príncipe islands that kids will love splashing around and building sandcastles. Keep in mind that most of these beaches do not have designated lifeguards and rip currents are a frequent occurrence. Stick to the shallows in the island’s bays, like Lagoa Azul and Praia Lagarto on São Tomé, for safety.

• Visit a chocolate plantation: Known as roças, São Tomé and Príncipe were once dotted with cacao plantations. Take the kiddos along to sample their claim to fame and see how cacao has been produced on these tropical islands for hundreds of years.

• Look for sea turtle nests: Sea turtles wash up on São Tomé and Príncipes remote shores from November to February each year. While they typically lay their eggs under the cover of darkness, you can spot sea turtle nests during this time of year, and sometimes even adult sea turtles or hatchlings themselves! This is a great activity for children who are interested in animals and nature.

• Hiking: Hiking trails crisscross both Sao Tome and Príncipe. If your family is active and ready for an adventure, there’s no better activity than hitting the trail with a local guide. You’ll discover beautiful hidden gems around either island, including waterfalls and unique geologic features leftover from the island's volcanic past.

• Cooking Classes: Known for delicious Santomean dishes, taking a cooking class is a great way to bring a part of the islands home with you—and get your kids interested in the culinary arts! Use traditional ingredients like mantioc, banana, and fresh caught fish to recreate staple dishes that have been enjoyed by locals for decades.

Where to Eat in São Tomé and Príncipe

São Tomé:

• Monte Mar: Possibly the most highly rated restaurant in all of São Tomé and Príncipe, Monte Mar specialized in classic Santomean dishes like fried cuttlefish. Located in the city of Morre Peixe with stunning views of the ocean from the terrace, Monte Mar’s seafood is fresh caught while vegetables are grown right on their property. Just a 5 minute walk from Praia dos Tamarindos, this makes for a great beach break.

• Casa Museu Almada Negreiros: Also a small museum dedicated to Portuguese artist Almada Negreiros and community space, Casa Museu Almada Negreiros has a delicious restaurant too. An eclectic but beautiful outdoor seating space, surrounded by jungle, the restaurant is located on the road to Cascata de Sao Nicolau. They provide a set menu each day that includes appetizers, a main course, and dessert.

• Pico Mocambo: Situated in the heart of São Tomé City, Pico Mocambo offers a quirky yet elevated atmosphere to enjoy drinks and dinner, all made with local ingredients including Santomean rum. Dishes here are simple but traditional.

• Dona Tete: Perched near the ocean in the Vila Maria neighborhood, Dona Tete is a household name in São Tomé City. Run by a local woman who’s infectious personality is half the draw, you’ll find traditional Santomean meals including fresh caught fish of the day and local produce.

• Carambola: With an airy, outdoor patio to dine on, Carambola dishes up more classically Santomean food with a bit of a Portuguese twist. You’ll find decadent carafes of freshly squeezed juice, all sourced on the island, and beautifully plated meals.

Príncipe:

• OKA Sundy Praia Príncipe Island Restaurant: Located inside the Sundy Praia resort on Principe Island, OKA Sundy Restaurant highlights international cuisine from world class chefs. Sit beneath a canopy of bamboo in the contemporarily designed main dining room, complete with colossal light fixtures and intimate candlelit tables, or choose to sit al fresco. Local, seasonal ingredients are used in each dish.

• ROMAR: You’ll need to call a day in advance to dine at ROMAR, but it’s well worth the small hassle for traditional Santomean dishes cooked by the restaurant matriarch. ROMAR provides an upscale dining experience with white table-cloths and beautiful, locally sourced flowers adorning each table.

• Roça Sundy restaurant offers a unique dining experience combining the rich local cuisine with fresh ingredients and authentic flavours. With stunning views of the island’s lush greenery, Roça Sundy is the perfect place to savour traditional dishes and relax in a peaceful, welcoming atmosphere.

• Armazem: If you’re starting to crave a taste of western cuisine, after all Sao Tome and Principe is one of the only countries in the world without McDonald’s, head to Armazem for delicious cheeseburgers and BBQ. Located on the western edge of Santo Antonio, this indoor dining space also has Portuguese classics like francesinha. You won’t miss out on fresh seafood either with whole grilled lobster on the menu.

Where to Stay in São Tomé and Príncipe

São Tomé:

• Pestana São Tomé (5-stars): Rated as the best hotel on São Tomé, Pestana is a five-star resort that just happens to be five minutes from downtown São Tomé City. Overlooking spectacular ocean scenery, the resort's amenities include an infinity pool, massage room, fitness centre, private beach, sauna, and a Turkish bath. There are also plenty of activities to take part in, including a SCUBA diving school and guided cultural tours. As the only five-star hotel on São Tomé, rooms come equipped with a balcony or terrace that overlooks the property.

• Omali Lodge Sao Tome (4-stars): Part of the HBD hotel group, Omali Lodge is situated in the heart of São Tomé City, right on Ana Chaves Bay. Rooms are decorated in a Bohemian style and offer amenities like a continental breakfast, onsite restaurant that dishes up seafood extravaganzas, and a swimming pool surrounded by palm trees and lush gardens.

• Eden Valley Ecolodge & Farming: If you want an off-grid experience, seeing São Tomé and its jungle interior up close, a stay at Eden Valley Ecolodge is just what the doctor ordered. While the amenities may be more scant, the property itself is stunning and accommodation is comfy and charming, including the onsite restaurant that serves Santomean favourites. Lounge in the pool or hammock, all just 15 minutes from São Tomé City.

• Club Santana (4-stars): Just south of São Tomé City in the quiet town of Santana, you’ll find the four-star resort of Club Santana. Stay in beachy private bungalows with vaulted ceilings and tropical wooden accents throughout. Amenities include a beautiful, oceanfront pool and bar area where you can sip fresh coconuts or a cocktail, a private beach, jacuzzi, or book a massage. Fun activities and excursions include a diving school, bi-weekly shuttles into town, and a boat ride to the nearby Ilha Santana. You also have exclusive amenities like a 24/7 security team and an on call doctor to further put your mind at ease and truly relax on your adventurous vacation.

• Mucumbli Ponta Figo: Located just outside the town of Neves on Sao Tome northwestern coast, Mucumbli Ponta Figo is a 3-star ecolodge that overlooks the ocean. Tucked in a dense rainforest that backs up to a black sand beach, this tranquil oasis offers guests simple but beautiful suites and an onsite restaurant that serves traditional Santomean dishes. You can book several activities through the hotel including trekking to waterfalls and boat trips.

Príncipe:

• Sundy Praia (5-stars): The HBC portfolio of properties are the creme-de-la-creme when it comes to accommodation in São Tomé and Príncipe, but the Sundy Praia tops them all. This five-star resort, tucked away in the jungles of Príncipe, is a luxury eco-friendly lodge that’s nestled right between the rainforest and the ocean. Take part in activities like bird watching, turtle watching, and boat trips in dugout canoes or hide away in your villa with private terraces and plunge pools. With amenities like a spa, infinity pool, private beaches, and onsite gourmet dining options, you may never want to pull yourself away.

• Bom Bom Principe Island (4-stars): Another HBD property hidden on Príncipe’s northern coast, Bom Bom Principe Island might be 4-stars but no detail is spared when it comes to guest experience. Named for Bom Bom Island, which sits just across the water from the mainland, you’ll find stunning, secluded beaches, an onsite restaurant, and an oceanfront pool to lounge in during your stay. Feel world’s away from it all, spending your days exploring this far flung isle and nights falling asleep to the sounds of the jungle in your private bungalow.

• Roça Sundy (4-stars): Located on the site where Einstein’s theory of relativity was proven, Roça Sundy was once a thriving cacao plantation. Today, it’s a four-star accommodation, surrounded by thick rainforest, and two hundreds years of fascinating history. This unique property is housed inside two restored plantation homes, the Eclipse House and Cacao House. Enjoy drinks on the sumptuous patio, stargazing from your private balcony, or dinner at the onsite restaurant at this extra special, boutique property.

Best Time to Visit São Tomé and Príncipe

São Tomé and Príncipe is a tropical island with multiple wet and dry seasons a year. June to September is the longest dry season, while December to February is the second, shorter dry season. That means that the wet seasons are from March to May and October to November. Despite the fluctuation in precipitation, temperatures stay relatively the same throughout the year. Average highs hover around 30°C (83°F) while lows dip to 22°C (71°F).

Festivals in São Tomé and Príncipe

• Independence Day: Held every year on July 12th, Independence Day celebrations mark the day that São Tomé and Príncipe gained independence from Portugal. Festivals, cultural performances, and parades are held in most of the island’s major cities, including São Tome City and Santo Antonio. Although the country was originally founded by the Portuguese, many Africans were transported here against their will, working on sugarcane, coffee, and cocoa plantations.

• São Tomé Day: Celebrated on December 21st, São Tomé Day marks the arrival of the island’s very first inhabitants. Founded in 1471 by Portuguese explorers, they were the first people to set foot here and named the island after Saint Anthony, whose feast day is also shared with São Tomé Day. Celebrations take place across the islands, just days before Christmas festivities begin as many islanders are practicing Christians.

• Carnival: Like many places around the world, Sao Tome & Principe celebrates Carnival in a flurry of dance, music, and colour. In the days leading up to Lent festivities are held in communities across the islands. If you’re lucky enough to visit in February, don’t miss these vibrant celebrations and their traditional dancing.