Ilhéu das Rolas Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Island

Facts and practical information

Ilhéu das Rolas is a small and charming islet located in the São Tomé and Príncipe region, known for its stunning natural beauty and unique cultural attractions. The islet is famous for being the only place in the world where the equator crosses over land, making it a popular destination for tourists seeking to experience this geographical phenomenon.

The islet offers a range of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy, including snorkeling, diving, and hiking. Its crystal-clear waters are teeming with colorful marine life, making it a paradise for underwater enthusiasts. The lush tropical forests that cover the islet are also perfect for exploring, with scenic hiking trails that lead to breathtaking viewpoints overlooking the surrounding ocean.

One of the highlights of Ilhéu das Rolas is the Equator Monument, which marks the exact location where the equator passes through the islet. Visitors can stand with one foot in each hemisphere and take iconic photos to commemorate their unique experience. The monument also offers stunning panoramic views of the coastline and the surrounding waters, making it a must-see attraction for anyone visiting the region.

In addition to its natural beauty, Ilhéu das Rolas is also home to a vibrant local culture, with traditional villages and lively markets where visitors can immerse themselves in the authentic island way of life. Local artisans sell handmade crafts and souvenirs, and visitors can sample delicious traditional cuisine at the island's charming restaurants and cafes.

Alternative names: Area: 1.16 mi²Maximum elevation: 315 ftCoordinates: 0°0'2"S, 6°31'16"E

Location

São ToméSao Tome and Principe

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Ilhéu das Rolas Top Attractions

Ilhéu das Rolas Attractions - What to See and Explore

Ilhéu das Rolas offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Praia Café, Monumento a Gago Coutinho e Sacadura Cabral - Linha do Equador, Pestana Equador. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

0°0'1"N • 6°31'8"E
Praia Café
Beach
0°0'2"S • 6°31'19"E
Monumento a Gago Coutinho e Sacadura Cabral - Linha do Equador
Lookout
0°0'19"S • 6°31'35"E
Pestana Equador
The Pestana Equador is a beach resort on the Ilhéu das Rolas, at the southern tip of São Tomé and Príncipe. It is owned and operated by the Pestana Group of hotels and resorts. It is one of the very few resorts in the planet that has the equator and lying in two hemispheres. The area forms the settlement of Ilhéu das Rolas.

Day trips

Ilhéu das Rolas – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Ilhéu das Rolas, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Our Lady of Grace Cathedral (São Tomé), São Sebastião Museum (São Tomé), Praia P.M (São Tomé).

28 milesNE
Church
Our Lady of Grace Cathedral, São Tomé
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.
28 milesNE
Specialty museum, Museum
São Sebastião Museum, São Tomé
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.
28 milesNE
0°20'45"N • 6°44'20"E
Praia P.M, São Tomé
Beach
8.8 miN
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.
29 milesN
Beach, Vernacular architecture, Lighthouse
Lagoa Azul, São Tomé
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.