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Sao Tome and Principe

Sao Tome and Principe Highlights

Sao Tome and Principe, an island nation located in the Gulf of Guinea, is a hidden gem offering lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and a laid-back atmosphere. Sao Tome, the capital, showcases colonial architecture, the Presidential Palace, and bustling markets. The island of Principe is known for its untouched beauty and endemic species. Visitors can explore the dense jungles of Obo National Park and relax on stunning beaches like Praia Banana. Sao Tome and Principe`s cuisine incorporates seafood, tropical fruits, and dishes like calulu (fish stew). With its tropical charm, natural wonders, and friendly locals, Sao Tome and Principe provide an off-the-beaten-path tropical escape.

Top 10 Attractions

Banana Beach

This picturesque beach, flanked by lush rainforest and banana plantations, is a perfect spot for relaxation. Its crystal-clear waters are ideal for swimming and snorkeling. more

This picturesque beach, flanked by lush rainforest and banana plantations, is a perfect spot for relaxation. Its crystal-clear waters are ideal for swimming and snorkeling.

Bigodes

Located near the city center of São Tomé, Bigodes is a popular spot for enjoying local dishes while overlooking the sea. Try the grilled wahoo, a local favorite. more

Located near the city center of São Tomé, Bigodes is a popular spot for enjoying local dishes while overlooking the sea. Try the grilled wahoo, a local favorite.

Boca do Inferno

Boca do Inferno, or "Mouth of Hell", is a natural phenomenon where the sea rushes into a lava tube and spouts water high into the air. It`s a testament to the volcanic origins of the islands and offers a stunning spectacle for visitors. more

Boca do Inferno, or "Mouth of Hell", is a natural phenomenon where the sea rushes into a lava tube and spouts water high into the air. It`s a testament to the volcanic origins of the islands and offers a stunning spectacle for visitors.

Bombaim Waterfalls

Located within the thick forests of the Obo Natural Park, the Bombaim Waterfalls offer a picturesque sight. A short hike leads to this serene spot, making it a popular destination for nature lovers. more

Located within the thick forests of the Obo Natural Park, the Bombaim Waterfalls offer a picturesque sight. A short hike leads to this serene spot, making it a popular destination for nature lovers.

Claudio Corallo Chocolate Factory

Claudio Corallo is a world-renowned chocolatier based in Sao Tome. Visit the factory to learn about the chocolate-making process and to sample these delicious treats. more

Claudio Corallo is a world-renowned chocolatier based in Sao Tome. Visit the factory to learn about the chocolate-making process and to sample these delicious treats.

Ilheu das Rolas

Straddling the equator, this islet offers beautiful beaches, a luxury resort, and a monument marking the Earth`s dividing line. It`s reachable by boat and offers excellent diving and snorkeling opportunities. more

Straddling the equator, this islet offers beautiful beaches, a luxury resort, and a monument marking the Earth`s dividing line. It`s reachable by boat and offers excellent diving and snorkeling opportunities.

Lagoa Azul

A stunning lagoon with crystal-clear turquoise waters, Lagoa Azul is a popular snorkeling site. Colorful coral reefs and a variety of marine life make it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts. more

A stunning lagoon with crystal-clear turquoise waters, Lagoa Azul is a popular snorkeling site. Colorful coral reefs and a variety of marine life make it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.

Nova Moca

An important coffee-growing region, Nova Moca offers plantation tours that highlight the islands` colonial history and the coffee production process. The local brew is a must-try. more

An important coffee-growing region, Nova Moca offers plantation tours that highlight the islands` colonial history and the coffee production process. The local brew is a must-try.

Obo Natural Park

This extensive natural park covers much of Sao Tome and is a haven for biodiversity. Explore its diverse ecosystems, from lowland and mountain forests to mangroves, and spot unique bird species. more

This extensive natural park covers much of Sao Tome and is a haven for biodiversity. Explore its diverse ecosystems, from lowland and mountain forests to mangroves, and spot unique bird species.

Papa Figo

Papa Figo in Santo Antonio offers a delightful fusion of local ingredients and international flavors. It`s set in a charming colonial house with a peaceful garden setting. more

Papa Figo in Santo Antonio offers a delightful fusion of local ingredients and international flavors. It`s set in a charming colonial house with a peaceful garden setting.

Pico Cão Grande

This volcanic plug, rising dramatically from the earth, is a sight to behold. Its near-vertical slopes, cloaked in mist and tropical vegetation, have made it a challenge for rock climbers and a beloved symbol of the islands. more

This volcanic plug, rising dramatically from the earth, is a sight to behold. Its near-vertical slopes, cloaked in mist and tropical vegetation, have made it a challenge for rock climbers and a beloved symbol of the islands.

Pico de Principe

The highest peak on Principe, this mountain offers a challenging hike through a forest reserve. The reward at the summit is a panoramic view of the island`s rugged beauty. more

The highest peak on Principe, this mountain offers a challenging hike through a forest reserve. The reward at the summit is a panoramic view of the island`s rugged beauty.

Praia dos Tamarindos

Another gem of a beach, Praia dos Tamarindos is renowned for its tranquility. The backdrop of tamarind trees and the sound of lapping waves create a serene environment. more

Another gem of a beach, Praia dos Tamarindos is renowned for its tranquility. The backdrop of tamarind trees and the sound of lapping waves create a serene environment.

Praia Jale

Known for the sea turtles that come ashore to nest, Praia Jale is a secluded beach that offers a unique wildlife experience. A local eco-project provides guides and overnight accommodations for witnessing this natural event. more

Known for the sea turtles that come ashore to nest, Praia Jale is a secluded beach that offers a unique wildlife experience. A local eco-project provides guides and overnight accommodations for witnessing this natural event.

Roca Belo Monte

This beautifully restored plantation house offers insight into the colonial past. It`s now a luxury hotel with breath-taking views over the Atlantic and Principe`s lush landscapes. more

This beautifully restored plantation house offers insight into the colonial past. It`s now a luxury hotel with breath-taking views over the Atlantic and Principe`s lush landscapes.

Roca Sao Joao dos Angolares

Run by renowned chef João Carlos Silva, this restaurant on a historic plantation offers a culinary journey through the islands` Creole cuisine. It`s an unforgettable dining experience paired with the hospitality of the locals. more

Run by renowned chef João Carlos Silva, this restaurant on a historic plantation offers a culinary journey through the islands` Creole cuisine. It`s an unforgettable dining experience paired with the hospitality of the locals.

São Sebastião Museum

Housed in a 16th-century fort, this museum provides an overview of Sao Tome`s history, from the pre-colonial era through the slave trade and to independence. Its collection includes African art and colonial-era artifacts. more

Housed in a 16th-century fort, this museum provides an overview of Sao Tome`s history, from the pre-colonial era through the slave trade and to independence. Its collection includes African art and colonial-era artifacts.

São Tomé Cathedral

This 16th-century cathedral is a significant landmark in São Tomé city. Its simple yet appealing design, stained glass windows, and peaceful interior provide a spiritual retreat. more

This 16th-century cathedral is a significant landmark in São Tomé city. Its simple yet appealing design, stained glass windows, and peaceful interior provide a spiritual retreat.

Sum Secreto

This beachfront restaurant serves fresh seafood and local dishes, accompanied by views of the Atlantic. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and try the traditional fish calulu. more

This beachfront restaurant serves fresh seafood and local dishes, accompanied by views of the Atlantic. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and try the traditional fish calulu.

Sundy Plantation

Once the hub of cocoa production, Sundy Plantation is now a cultural heritage site offering insight into colonial plantation life. Its main house has been turned into a charming boutique hotel. more

Once the hub of cocoa production, Sundy Plantation is now a cultural heritage site offering insight into colonial plantation life. Its main house has been turned into a charming boutique hotel.

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