A road trip around São Tomé

São Tomé and Príncipe is well known for its idyllic landscapes, surprising biodiversity and the easy-going spirit of the local people (São Toméans), who welcome visitors with open arms. On São Tomé, the archipelago’s largest and most developed island, where the capital is located, you can learn about the country’s history. The culture, architecture and music, which continue to show strong Portuguese influences, complement the country’s exotic nature, golden sands and crystalline waters. 

Those looking for a hotel in São Tomé will find two excellent options available, which offer travellers a comprehensive experience of the island. Sitting alongside embassies, universities and palaces, both the Pestana São Tomé and the Pestana Miramar São Tomé are located in Ana Chaves Bay, around a kilometre from the capital’s centre and only one and two minutes (respectively) from the beach – both with great sea views. These are excellent starting points for discovering different facets of the island on an unforgettable road trip that divided the terrain into four regions: city, north, interior and south.

City

A stone’s throw from the abovementioned Pestana hotels is São Tomé’s historic centre, which is well worth a visit. Visit the Nossa Senhora da Graça Cathedral, the Cacau Cultural Centre, the city’s historic cinemas and local restaurants, where you can savour traditional fare, such as calulu (fish stew), grilled fish and fresh seafood. Don’t miss the Mercado Central market, where you can pick up fruit, vegetables, spices and handicrafts, as well as get a sense of the city’s buzz.

North

Heading north, it’s time to focus on the beaches. Lagoa Azul (blue lagoon) lives up to its name and is perfect for snorkelling; Tamarindos is surrounded by tamarind trees, which offer plenty of natural shade; Governadores beach is known for its stretches of sand; Conchas is less busy with calm, crystalline water; Micondó beach is more isolated and wild, surrounded by dense vegetation. Still going north, visit Roça Agostinho Neto, an old cocoa plantation, where visitors can learn the history of this crop in the region.

Interior

Whoever says centre means the interior, home to the Ôbo Nature Park, a protected area dedicated to preserving the archipelago’s biodiversity. First established in 2006, the project’s objective is to protect the forest areas around Pico de São Tomé (over 2,000 metres altitude) and the forest and coastal ecosystems. Hike the trails inside the park, discover the waterfalls and explore the botanical garden and herbarium, which are surprisingly rich in flora.

South

Heading south from São Tomé, travellers can pay a visit to one of the various cocoa and coffee plantations. Here, tourists can learn about the history of the archipelago, the economic and social connection to agriculture, as well as how these practices have developed until the present day. Finally, don’t miss out on the natural attractions, such as the Cão Grande peak, Boca do Inferno, as well as the beaches at Vanhã, Jalé and Piscina.