Sao Tome and Principe
Top 10 Destinations in Sao Tome and Principe
Explore the sights and sounds of São Tomé and Príncipe - Bag an unforgettable Central African trip!
Officially acclaimed as the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe, or simply São Tomé, this is the second smallest country in the continent comprised of two archipelagos within the limits of the Gulf of Guinea.
This Central African country embodies huge cultural influence from Portuguese who were the first people to inhabit and govern the country. São Tomé and Príncipe are filled with amazing places to explore, mostly beaches since it’s surrounded by huge body of water.
Obo Natural Park
Obo Natural or Obo National Park, which is the only protected area in São Tomé and Príncipe covering about 30 percent of the country, was founded in 2006. This destination is known for its unique biodiversity and its virgin rainforests, which invites tourists out of curiosity. Obo Natural Park has rich flora and fauna which are spread out across the two archipelagos that made up the country.
Pico de São Tomé
The highest point across São Tomé and Príncipe, Pico de São Tomé rises 2,024 meters and is located in the island of São Tomé. This destination requires two-day trekking and mountain climbing before reaching the summit or the mountain’s peak. Pico de São Tomé is surrounded by rich natural beauty, including eye-catching orchids and other endemic plants as well as huge old trees.
Agostinho Neto
One of the most famous roças in São Tomé and Príncipe, Agostinho Neto is probably the largest among cocoa plantations in this Central African country. This destination showcases the wealthy historical heritages of the country as some portions of the plantation are kept as it was unlike other rocas which were renovated. Agostinho Neto is surrounded by colonial era structures and it shows how the country depended on cocoa plantation for a living.
Boca de Inferno
Naturally formed blow-hole, Boca de Inferno, or translated as Hell’s Mouth, is one of São Tomé and Príncipe’s most famous tourist destinations. With its natural cinematographic roaring and dancing of waves, Boca de Inferno is truly an amazing place to visit in this Central African country. An underwater cave made up of basaltic rocks is where the roaring waves are thumping, and this spectacular scenery is what makes people visit the place.
São João dos Angolares
São João dos Angolares, which is one of the oldest towns in São Tomé and Príncipe and is also a famous fishing village, is on the eastern coast side of this Central African country. This destination showcases the historical architectures and gives importance to the archeological sites in the town. Although São João dos Angolares has been restored and refurbished over the years, the natural feel of the rich colonial past of the place still remains.
Ilheu da Rolas
Ilheu da Rolas, which is an islet on the southern tip of São Tomé, is the third largest island in the country next to the two main islands São Tomé and Príncipe. Famous in this destination are the inviting and accommodating resorts, as it boasts of pristine beaches and probably the most famous among them is the Pestana Equador resort. Ilheu da Rolas is absolutely one of the most precious and finest islands in São Tomé and Príncipe.
Monté Café
With English translation of Coffee Mountain, Monté Café is situated in São Tomé Island and is one of São Tomé and Príncipe’s popular destinations. Monté Café is also known for the coffee museum that was built in 2008, while the inviting cool and cozy weather in the mountains attract more tourists to visit the place.
Fort São Sebastião
Originally built in 1575, Fort São Sebastião, which is now commonly called as the São Sebastião Museum, is home to historical artifacts that displays São Tomé and Príncipe’s rich culture. This destination is where the country’s national museum is located and every side and corner of the fortress is filled with historical, religious and colonial facts. Fort São Sebastião has undergone renovation over the years but the colonial structures, architectures and influence are still noticeable in the area.
Bom Bom Island Resort
Locally known as Ilheu Bom Bom lying in the capital of the Island of Principe, Bom Bom Island resort has a lot of exciting activities and amenities to offer to its visitors. This is one of the highly recommended tourist destinations in São Tomé and Príncipe. Bom Bom Island Resort is a paradise as it offers calm, relaxing and quiet ambiance, which is ideal for people who are looking for a place to rest and relax.
Island of Principe
The Island of Principe, which is the other half that completes this Central African country São Tomé and Príncipe, is surrounded by smaller islets and was once surrounded by a number of cocoa plantations. This destination offers a blend of rainforests and volcanic mountains with sandy beaches. Island of Principe is best known as a perfect place for snorkeling, fishing and island hopping.
