São Tomé Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

São Tomé, the capital city of São Tomé and Príncipe, is a fascinating destination that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. Located on the island of São Tomé, this charming city is known for its stunning landscapes, colonial architecture, and friendly locals.

One of the main attractions in São Tomé is the Fort São Sebastião, a historical fortress that stands proudly overlooking the city. Built in the 16th century by the Portuguese, this fortress now houses the São Tomé National Museum. Visitors can explore the museum's collections of artifacts, including traditional masks, sculptures, and historical documents that provide insight into the island's past.

Nature lovers will be delighted by the lush tropical landscapes that surround São Tomé. The Obo National Park is a must-visit for those seeking adventure and wildlife encounters. This protected area is home to diverse flora and fauna, including endemic bird species like the São Tomé ibis and the São Tomé grosbeak. Hiking trails lead visitors through dense rainforests, where they can discover hidden waterfalls and enjoy panoramic views of the island.

For a taste of São Tomé's vibrant culture, a visit to the bustling Mercado Municipal is a must. This colorful market is filled with locals selling fresh produce, spices, and handmade crafts. Visitors can immerse themselves in the lively atmosphere, sample local delicacies, and purchase unique souvenirs to take back home.

São Tomé is also renowned for its beautiful beaches. Praia das Conchas is a picturesque beach with crystal-clear waters and white sandy shores, perfect for swimming and sunbathing. The nearby Ilhéu das Rolas is a small island off the coast of São Tomé, famous for being the equator's crossing point. Travelers can enjoy a boat trip to this enchanting island, where they can relax on pristine beaches and swim in turquoise waters.

Alternative names: Founded: 1485 (539 years ago)Population: 53.3 thous. (2019)Area: 6.56 mi²Elevation: 36 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 0°20'17"N, 6°43'57"E

Location

Region: São ToméSao Tome and Principe

ContactAdd

Social media

Add

São Tomé Top Attractions

São Tomé Attractions - What to See and Explore

São Tomé offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Our Lady of Grace Cathedral, São Sebastião Museum, Lagoa Azul, Our Lady of Conception Church. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Church
Our Lady of Grace Cathedral
The Our Lady of Grace Cathedral, also called Cathedral of São Tomé, is a church in the city of São Tomé, capital of the African and island country of São Tomé and Príncipe. It is the cathedral of the Roman Catholic Diocese of São Tomé and Príncipe. It stands at Praça do Povo in the city centre, close to the Presidential Palace.
Specialty museum • Museum
São Sebastião Museum
São Sebastião Museum is a museum, housed in a 16th century fortress in the city of São Tomé, São Tomé and Príncipe. It lies in the northeastern part of the city centre, at the southeastern end of Ana Chaves Bay. It contains religious art and colonial-era artifacts.
Beach • Vernacular architecture • Lighthouse
Lagoa Azul
Lagoa Azul Lighthouse is a lighthouse located on the headland of Lagoa Azul in the district of Lobata, northern São Tomé Island, São Tomé and Príncipe. It is 4.5 km northwest of Guadalupe and 15 km northwest of the city of São Tomé. The lighthouse was built in 1997.

Church
Our Lady of Conception Church
The Our Lady of Conception Church also simply called Church of the Conception, is the name given to a parish church that is affiliated with the Catholic Church and is located in the Água Grande District, specifically on Conceição Avenue right next to the "Hotel Residêncial Baía"...
Vernacular architecture • Lighthouse
São Sebastião Lighthouse
São Sebastião Lighthouse is a lighthouse in the São Sebastião fortress at the southeastern end of Ana Chaves Bay in São Tomé, capital of São Tomé and Príncipe. The lighthouse is a 6 metres high white round tower with a red lantern. It was built in 1928. Its focal height is 14 metres.
Library
National Library of São Tomé and Príncipe
The National Library of São Tomé and Príncipe is located in the capital city of São Tomé in São Tomé and Príncipe. It is responsible for the technical coordination of public libraries and the promotion of books and reading. It is also the legal deposit of the country, according to a law created in 1952 during colonial rule.
0°20'23"N • 6°44'0"E
Supreme Court of São Tomé and Príncipe
The Supreme Court of Justice is the highest judicial authority of São Tomé and Príncipe. It is located in a historic building in the centre of the capital city of São Tomé, between the Presidential Palace and the waterfront. The Supreme Court consists of five judges, that are appointed by the National Assembly.
0°20'21"N • 6°43'60"E
Presidential Palace
The Presidential Palace of São Tomé e Príncipe is the official residence of the President of the Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe and located in the capital, São Tomé.
Universities and schools
National Lyceum
National Lyceum is a lyceum located at Avenida Marginal 12 Julho in the city of São Tomé, São Tomé and Príncipe. It is one of the oldest secondary schools in the nation. It currently has an estimate of 6,000 students. The lyceum is located on the seafront, east of the city centre.

Day trips

São Tomé – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of São Tomé, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Pico Cão Grande (Obo Natural Park), Pico de São Tomé (Obo Natural Park), Ilhéu de Santana.

19 milesSW
Finger-shaped formation with climbing
Pico Cão Grande, Obo Natural Park
The Pico Cão Grande is a landmark needle-shaped volcanic plug peak in São Tomé and Príncipe, in the Caué District of São Tomé Island in Parque Natural Obô de São Tomé. Its summit is 663 m above sea level, and it rises about 370 m over the surrounding terrain.
14 milesW
Nature, Natural attraction, Volcano
Pico de São Tomé, Obo Natural Park
Pico de São Tomé is the highest mountain in São Tomé and Príncipe at 2,024 m elevation. It lies just west of the centre of São Tomé Island, in the Parque Natural Obô de São Tomé and in the Lembá District. The second highest point, Pico de Ana Chaves, lies about 3 km to its south east. The town Santa Catarina is 8 km to the west.
6.9 miS
Island
Ilhéu de Santana
Ilhéu de Santana is an uninhabited island in the Gulf of Guinea and is one of the smaller islands of São Tomé and Príncipe. The islet is located 0.7 nmi off the east coast of the island of São Tomé near the town of Santana in Cantagalo District. It is 50 metres high. The islet was mentioned in the 1616 map by Jodocus Hondius as I. de S.
5 miN
Island
Ilhéu das Cabras
Ilhéu das Cabras is an uninhabited island in the Gulf of Guinea. It is one of the smaller islands of São Tomé and Príncipe. The islet is located about 2 km off the northeast coast of the island of São Tomé, 8 km north of the city centre of São Tomé. The islet consists of two hills, about 90 metres high.
13 milesW
Town
Neves
Neves is a town on the north west coast of São Tomé Island in São Tomé and Príncipe. It is the seat of the Lembá District. Its population is 10,068. The main subdivisions of Neves are Benga, Rosema, Água Tomá, Bom Sucesso and Praia de Ponta Figo. It is the site of a deep-water port that was jointly constructed with Nigeria.