15 Best Places To Visit Sao Tome And Principe

For a unique vacation, you should consider visiting Sao Tome and Principe. Although it’s a relatively small island, it offers a variety of activities. For example, you can visit the beaches and spend a relaxing day on the water. You can also explore the island’s culture.

These small islands are located off the west coast of Africa and remain unspoiled by mass tourism. This makes them an ideal holiday destination for independent travelers looking for a unique and memorable holiday experience.

If you’re looking for a laid-back, African beach destination, try Sao Tome and Principe. This island nation is about 250km from Gabon and Guinea and has plenty to offer visitors. While the island has a low population, there are many things to do and see. Here are just a few of the top reasons to visit.

National Museum And Sao Sebastiao Fortress

One of the most popular attractions on the island is the National Museum, located in the capital of the island. It is also home to Independence Square, a picturesque cathedral, and some amazing colonial buildings. This island is a UNESCO biosphere, and the local population is very friendly. You can schedule guided tours for a tour of the island’s historic and natural wonders.

Another must-see attraction is the Sao Sebastiao Fortress. The fortress is a 16th-century colonial structure that is well preserved. It is also home to the national museum, which contains many artifacts from the country’s past. The museum is open to the public, but it is recommended that you bring a guide so you can understand the history behind each artifact.

Obo National Park

Obo Natural Park covers 195 square kilometers on the island of So Tomé. This park is relatively new and has not yet been classified as an IUCN-protected area. It includes parts of four districts and is located in the So Tomé province.

Obo National Park is a unique and stunning place to visit. The park is situated on the southern coast of Sao Tome, which is part of the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe. It stretches from salty mangroves along the seashore to pristine Atlantic rainforests in the highlands. The park is topped by Pico Cao Grande, a needle-shaped cliff with massive square ledges.

The park contains more than fifty species of birds, 20 of which are found nowhere else in the world. A visit to the park will allow you to see these species and experience the wonder that these beautiful birds have to offer. The forest is surrounded by a variety of vegetation, making it a great destination for hiking and nature tours.

Obo Natural Park is one of the most important protected areas in Africa. Its 320 square kilometers are home to hundreds of species of plants and animals. You can view five species of endemic amphibians, over 200 species of orchids, and over fifteen endemic bird species. The park also includes lowland and montane forests, mangroves, and savannahs.

Praia Dos Tamarindos

One of the most beautiful beaches in Sao Tome is Praia dos Tamarindo, a white-sand beach that is only a half-hour drive from the capital. This popular beach is a favorite among locals and visitors alike but be prepared for a bit of crowding on the weekends.

In addition to being the most popular beach in the country, Praia dos Tamarindo is also one of the most pristine and unspoiled beaches in the country.

The beach is easily accessible, and it has warm water. You can swim and relax under the palm trees. You will want to bring a camera, and take plenty of pictures. While you’re there, take a look at the turtle refuge, which is run by local biologist Hipolito Lima.

The sanctuary is dedicated to protecting the region’s turtles. The sanctuary organizes beach patrols to protect hatchlings from predators and helps hatchlings emerge into the ocean. You can even participate in the release of young turtles into the sea.

Nova Estrela Viewpoint

Make sure to visit Nova Estrela Viewpoint. This viewpoint provides sweeping views of the island’s tropical almond trees, and you might even see African parrots swooping through the treetops. Despite its small size, the island is still home to an amazing array of wildlife.

The viewpoint is also home to one of the island’s best beaches, Praia Piscina. Located on the southern tip of the island, this spot is an excellent place to enjoy a relaxing afternoon. Its sheltered rock pools are crystal clear and a great way to cool off on a hot day. You can also try a blow hole at this spot for an even cooler dip.

Santana

If you want to spend your next holiday on an island that is far from the hustle and bustle of the capital, Sao Tome, consider visiting the town of Santana. This town is located 6 miles (9 km) south of Sao Tome.

This beachside town is surrounded by volcanic hills and a tropical jungle and is a popular destination for vacationers. The Club Santana Resort is a popular place to stay while in Santana. The property offers rooms with air conditioning, a fridge, and modern en-suite bathrooms. It is a great choice for families and couples.

There are a couple of different beaches in the town. You can choose to stay on the palm-lined Bombom Beach or venture further inland to the more wild Santa Rita Beach. The hotel has two swimming pools and a jacuzzi, and both are open to visitors. It also has an informative museum.

The town is located south of the capital and is an interesting place to visit. It is home to the Boca de Inferno (Helle’s Mouth) and is notable for the salty whitecaps that pound against the shore. It is surrounded by volcanic headlands and black-rock cliffs.

Lagoa Azul

One of the best things to do in the country is to visit Lagoa Azul, a stunning lagoon surrounded by a dense forest of baobab trees. This lagoon is a popular destination for locals who gather here for picnics on the weekends.

From Lagoa Azul, you can take a short dirt road to a nearby bay framed by black cliffs. There, you can enjoy the views of the pristine coastline and the beautiful lagoon. It’s home to an abundance of marine life, including seahorses and electric rays.

Cascata De Sao Nicolau

One of the best scenic spots is Cascata de Sao Nicolaus. Located on the island of Sao Tome, it’s a must-see during your visit to this country. The village has a population of about 118 people according to the 2012 census. It is located about 3 km south of Monte Cafe.

The island of Sao Tome and Principe is surrounded by mountains, which make it an ideal location for visiting waterfalls. In fact, the region is home to several waterfalls, including Cascata de Sao Nicolaux, which is 60 meters high.

Pico Cao Grande

The 37th highest mountain in Sao Tome and Principe is Pico Cao Grande, a great climbing and hiking destination. Although the mountain is not very popular, it does offer some amazing views. Located in the rainforest, the peak rises over 1,000 feet above the surrounding vegetation.

It was formed when magma rose through a vent during an ancient eruption. Once solidified, it was surrounded by rainforests and a surprisingly moist atmosphere. This environment is home to a variety of wildlife, including a variety of snakes and birds.

Monte Cafe

You cannot miss the opportunity to visit Monte Cafe, a coffee and cocoa plantation overlooking the mountains of the country. The road to Monte Cafe is in excellent condition and it will take you through lush tropical forests and small villages. Along the way, you’ll pass by numerous fruit trees and beautiful wooden houses.

Once a bustling plantation, Monte Cafe once employed more than a thousand workers. The plantation’s salary register listed each employee’s name in black ink and the amount of money they were due each month.

Today, the plantation still produces coffee and other agricultural products, but it’s not the same as it once was. The surrounding countryside is covered with vast tracts of rainforest, where cacao trees and coffee trees grow naturally alongside banana trees.

Praia Jale

If you’re seeking a tranquil getaway, Praia Jale is a great option. This idyllic beach is home to turtles. Each morning, these giant creatures come to lay their eggs. You can stay in a beach hut and watch them in action. The beach is guarded and the staff will wake you up at sunrise to observe the hatchlings.

Praia Jale is a sleepy fishing village that’s often included in day trips to Sao Tome. The village is home to many decaying buildings that make for great photo opportunities. The village offers a unique glimpse into coastal communities. It’s also home to a variety of wildlife, including turtles, monkeys, and pigeons.

Porto Alegre

Located on Sao Tome Island, Porto Alegre is a small town with a population of around 795. It is 2.5 km northeast of the island’s southernmost point and about 1.5 km west of Ponta Baleia. It is about 17 km southwest of Sao Joao dos Angolares and 40 km south of Sao Tome. It lies across the Canal das Rolas. The city is warm and humid with high rainfall throughout the year except for June, when it is very hot and humid.

Porto Alegre has excellent hotels and accommodations that can meet your needs and make your trip more pleasant. Choose a hotel that is in keeping with your goals and budget. Consider amenities such as pet-friendly policies, free breakfast, and gym facilities. You can even find an establishment with a casino!

Sao Joao Dos Angolares

There are a variety of things to do in Sao Joao dos Angolareas. This island nation enjoys a year-round sunny climate and has a high average of twelve hours of daylight.

The island is relatively small, with the main road loops around the island. There are several places to visit, including the Pico Cao Grande, one of the most spectacular volcanic rocks in the world. Those interested in hiking should make a point to make the trip to this site.

The weather is moderate in Sao Joao dos Angolarres. The wetter season lasts about 7.2 months. The wettest month is April, which averages 18.2 days of rainfall. The drier season, from May 25 to October 19, lasts for 4.8 months. During this time, there is little or no rain.

Forte De Sao Sebastiao

In the northeastern part of So Tomé’s central business district, you’ll find the Fortress of Sao Sebastiao, a 16th-century fortress located on the southeastern end of Ana Chaves Bay. The museum features a collection of colonial-era and religious art.

The fort was constructed by the Portuguese in 1575 and is part of the Sao Tome National Museum. The museum is filled with interesting information about the history of the country and includes old family photos and information about slavery and cocoa plantations.

The fort is open to the public, and visitors are encouraged to take photos and post their comments. Please keep comments and reviews respectful and civil. Any comments and photos that are inappropriate will be removed as soon as possible. The fort is the oldest structure in Sao Tome and Principe, and the buildings are beautifully maintained.

Boca De Inferno

Visitors to Sao Tome and Principe can explore the many natural wonders on the island. One such attraction is the Boca do Inferno (Hell’s Mouth), which is a rocky blowhole where waves collide with the shore.

This picturesque viewpoint is located east of Morro Castelo, near the town of Praia Ize. A jet of seawater shoots up into the sky, creating a waterfall that breaks on the black rocks below.

This natural blowhole, located on the southern coast of Sao Tome, is a popular spot for tourists. It is just 30 minutes drive south of the capital, Sao Tome. The blowhole, which is created by water rushing up into a narrow, rocky channel, is spectacular, especially when the waves crash into it. The waves are powerful enough to send huge spouts of water hundreds of meters high.

While Boca do Inferno is a popular tourist destination, it’s also worth stopping in Agua Ize, a sleepy hamlet on the island. To learn more about Sao Tome’s history, check out the Roca Agua Ize Museum, an old plantation complex now turned into a museum.

Another highlight of the island is the ruins of the island’s capital, Ribeira Ize. The site contains the ruins of the island’s first church and Maria Correia’s house. It’s a fascinating site, but it’s best seen in daylight.

Rolas Island

If you’re looking for an island that’s close to the Equator, you should visit Rolas Island in So Tome and Principe. The islet is separated from the mainland by the canal das Rolas. It has a maximum elevation of 96 meters and a population of 76 people. It is part of the Caué District.

Rolas is an island of just over two square kilometers, located directly off the coast of Sao Tome. The island is home to several beaches, palm trees, and a lighthouse. The island has also been the site of a famous geodesist, Gago Coutinho, who proved the equator in 1919. Although Rolas is small, it’s worth a visit for its stunning views, secluded beaches, and wild nature.

The island’s history is steeped in plantations and slavery. Although the plantation culture has been eradicated in the rocas, the ruins of former mansions have remained. Today, some of the mansions are being used as boutique hotels and cafes. Some of them are even reverting to secondary forest growth.

This island boasts pristine beaches and is one of the starting points of the whale-watching circuit. It is also home to a wide range of eco-lodges.

Takeaway

Sao Tome and Principe is an underrated destination with plenty to see and do. It is a great place to take a day trip from your main destination.

There are plenty of reasons to visit this beautiful island in the Sao Tome and Principe National Park. The scenery is gorgeous, and the phonolite towers rise from the mist to create a dramatic skyline.

The views are reminiscent of Jurassic Park, and many visitors enjoy taking a tour of the local cocoa plantation. You can arrange for a tour with the front desk of your hotel, and you’ll get to interact with plantation workers.

Sao Tome and Principe is the perfect destination for an island getaway. This two-island paradise offers spectacular beaches and lush rainforests. You’ll also find picturesque hiking trails and a relaxed culture that will impress you.