Northern São Tomé

To the north of the island of São Tomé lies the fishing village of Micoló. Along the seafront, on the main avenue, there are several small traditional restaurants where you can enjoy seafood served as grilled dishes, tapas, or other traditional fare; Fernão Dias, not far from Micoló (about 7 minutes away), is home to Fernão Dias Beach, a site of great historical significance for the islands, as it was here that the prisoners from the 1953 Batepá massacre were taken; now commemorated by a memorial bearing the names of all the victims of the massacre; Roça Agostinho Neto, which was named after Angola’s first president following independence; the Museu Tattoo (the Sea Museum), where you can learn all about sea turtles and the marine and coastal ecosystems of São Tomé; Lagoa Azul Beach, one of the most popular beaches along the entire northern coast of the island of São Tomé; the city of Neves, considered the industrial hub of the archipelago; Roça Monte Forte is a cocoa plantation that currently produces organic cocoa and showcases its processing methods; the monument commemorating the discovery of the archipelago in Ana Ambó, where the navigators João de Santarém and Pêro Escobar first landed in 1470; Roça Diogo Vaz, where organic cocoa and chocolate are produced; and finally, Santa Catarina, known for the only tunnel along the island’s coastline—an ideal spot for a souvenir photo.

Agostinho Neto Plantation

Perhaps the largest plantation on the island of São Tomé, the former Rio do Ouro plantation was owned by the Count of Vale Flor; it has since been nationalized and renamed the Agostinho Neto plantation. Located in the province of Lobata, the Rio do Ouro plantation was founded in 1865 and served as the headquarters of the Valle Flôr Agricultural Society. Renowned for its size and imposing architecture, it remains one of the most impressive agricultural structures to this day. It was part of the most advanced railway system in the entire archipelago, connecting its outbuildings to the port in Fernão Dias. The plantation is organized around a central thoroughfare, dominated by the imposing hospital situated on the highest point, as well as by the terreiros (open courtyards) and terraces that follow the slope. The “avenue” is lined with the sanzalas (dwellings), each with private courtyards, as well as the residences of the estate managers, foremen, and workers. At the opposite end will soon be the São Tomé and Príncipe Furniture Museum (currently undergoing renovation) and support buildings.

Roça Monte Forte

This is a cocoa plantation that currently produces organic cocoa. It is an ideal place to visit cocoa plantations and learn about the drying and processing methods. You can go hiking to nearby plantations, explore the Angolares Waterfall, take excursions to the peak of São Tomé, and spend the night in the on-site rural lodging.

Roça Diogo Vaz

Diogo Vaz was nationalized and became a state-owned enterprise. In 2013, it was leased to a new company that is committed to producing organic cacao and chocolate. The plantation spans 420 hectares, which have been completely replanted with approximately 150,000 cacao trees, including the Amelonado and Trinitário varieties, which are endemic to São Tomé and Príncipe. At Diogo Vaz, themed tours and chocolate tastings are organized, and the site offers local lodging.

Roça Ponta Figo

Ponta Figo was a large plantation established in 1928–1929 that stretched across nearly the entire northern part of the island of São Tomé. The Ponta Figo plantation followed the typical layout, organized around a central core or headquarters and outbuildings. The headquarters consisted of the administrator’s house, the employees’ houses (called sanzala), the hospital, warehouses, drying sheds, greenhouses for storing cocoa, laundry facilities, the cafeteria, and the bakery. The Ponta Figo plantation had 16 outbuildings: António Morais, Ponta Figo Praia, Ribeira Funda, Ribeira Palma, Rosema, Ribordelo, Stª. Teresa, Monte Forte, Generosa, Bom Sucesso, Costa Santo, Cascata, Fortunato, João Paulo, Mendes Leite, and Manuel Moras.

A tour through the heart of the cacao plantations between the communities of Ponta Figo, Generosa, and Monte Forte, where you can immerse yourself in the history of cacao cultivation and admire the magnificent colonial architecture that still stands in the region.

Recommendations

• Although the trails are marked, you must be accompanied by a certified local guide, who will grant you access to certain points of interest that are only accessible through them.

• Leave no trace of your visit other than your footprints.

• It’s advisable to bring binoculars, which can be very useful since the trails pass through areas of great interest for birdwatching.

• If you plan to eat or shop, choose local products to help support the local economy.

• If you’re interested in a specific product from the route (coffee or pepper), you can purchase it from the relevant cooperatives.

• Always bring water with you on the trails.

• Wear comfortable clothing and hiking shoes.

• Make the most of your visit and discover new cultures, adapting to the pace and customs of the local people.

• Always ask the guide for permission before taking any photos, especially within local communities.

• Avoid handing out candy or any other gifts during the tour; if you have a donation, you can give it to a social organization or to community leaders.

A historic city where, overlooking Ana Chaves Bay, stands the square where the country’s independence was proclaimed on July 12, 1975. Also explore the Presidential Palace (also known as the People’s Palace), the Cathedral of Our Lady of Grace; the statue of King Amador, whose figure has become a legend among the citizens, a symbol of liberation and resistance to colonial rule; the People’s Park, a recreational park where fun activities and major national festivals are held from time to time, surrounded by several bars and restaurants serving traditional cuisine; the CACAU—House of Arts, Creation, Environment, and Utopias (the CACAU building was constructed in the early 20th century to house and maintain the first trains, and has since been transformed into a cultural center of national and international renown, distinguished by its biennials, cultural events, and educational programs, featuring traditional “Quintas” evenings with music, dance, and local cuisine starting at 7:30 p.m.); the São Tomé History Museum (open from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday); São Sebastião Fort, a fortress that tells the story of São Tomé and was the first defensive structure built on the island in the 16th century; and for chocolate lovers, don’t miss a visit to the Cláudio Corallo chocolate factory as well as the Diogo Vaz Boutique/Bar, where you can take guided tours with tastings and enjoy a good cup of coffee and chocolate treats.

Municipal Museum

The National Museum, or Fort of São Sebastião (built in 1575 by Portuguese forces, it was the island’s first defensive structure and was later rebuilt and expanded). This is where the National Museum is currently located. Next to it is the “EXPM Beach.” In front of the fort stand the statues of the navigators João de Santarém, Pêro Escobar, and João de Paiva, whose names are linked to the discovery of the archipelago. These statues were removed from the squares and gardens of São Tomé shortly after independence.

Independence Square

Independence Square is the site where national independence was proclaimed on July 12, 1975. Located directly across from the Ana Chaves waterfront, it is surrounded by banks, shops, and public services. Every year on July 12, Independence Day is celebrated here, where His Excellency the President of the Republic lights the flame of the homeland.

Market

The Market is where a good selection of products grown on the island is displayed. The old magic of African markets is alive here. On the stalls, you’ll find São Tomé’s bounty from land and sea: fruits, vegetables, spices, and fish of all sizes and shapes. A myriad of colors and strong aromas.

Lagarto Beach

Lagarto Beach boasts the best location: it’s close to the international airport, and its bay is home to several renowned hotels.

Espace Cacau

Espace Cacau: a hub for the arts, creativity, the environment, and utopia. It is a cultural and artistic space managed by a community organization. Open Monday through Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., the space features temporary exhibitions, sales of handicrafts and local products, a room for workshops and conferences, and the São Tomé and Príncipe History Museum. The venue also serves as a restaurant where the “quintas culturais” feature a self-service dinner buffet with live music and dance.

Ossobô Spa

At the Pestana São Tomé, what truly stands out is the Ossobô Spa, named in honor of one of the island’s most famous birds. The list of treatments is so comprehensive and enticing that it will be hard to resist the urge to visit daily. In addition to excellent manicure and pedicure services, you can also enjoy beauty treatments so you’ll never have a reason to miss a dip in the pool.

Spa Encanto ISA

Beauty salon offering a variety of services: hair care, hair straightening, manicures, pedicures, highlights, hair extensions, haircuts, massages, waxing, and lymphatic drainage, with a team of professionals ready to assist you. Services available in-salon and at home. Open Tuesday through Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (closed Mondays). Located on Angola Street behind the Ministry of Health.

Cathedral

The Cathedral, built in the 16th century, is the main Catholic church on the island of São Tomé. Located next to the Presidential Palace, it is a must-see.

Convention Center

This is where the General Assembly of the Republic and the Parliament are located. It is an interesting architectural structure built in the late 1980s.

Tattoo Museum

This is where you can learn all about sea turtles and the marine and coastal ecosystems of São Tomé. The museum is run by the NGO Marapa, the local operator of the sea turtle conservation program. Considered the “father of the turtles,” Mr. Hipólito Lima is a member of the Tatô program run by the NGO Marapa, which won the 2020 Tusk Conservation Award from the Prince William Foundation.

Micoló

In the north of the island of São Tomé lies the fishing village of Micoló. Near the sea, on the main avenue, there are several small traditional restaurants where you can enjoy grilled seafood, appetizers, or other traditional dishes. On weekends, many locals gather in the village to savor the flavors of São Tomé.

Fernão Dias

Not far from Micoló is Fernão Dias Beach, a site of great historical significance for the islands, as it was here that the prisoners from the 1953 Batepá massacre were taken; today, a memorial bearing the names of all the victims stands as a symbol of this event. From there, you can also reach the beautiful northern beaches just a few minutes away: Gouverneur Beach and Tamariniers Beach.

Lagoa Azul

Lagoa Azul (Blue Lagoon) is the most iconic beach in the north. Seen from the road, it is breathtakingly beautiful. To reach it, you have to walk down a steep slope, but the effort is well worth it. The color of the sea immediately catches your eye, shifting between turquoise blue and emerald green depending on the light. It’s one of the best diving spots in São Tomé, with good visibility and a wide variety of corals.

Neves

It is home to the island’s largest fishing village in the northern region. Neves is also considered the archipelago’s industrial hub, as it is home to ENCO (the national fuel and oil company) and the Rosema brewery. Once in Neves, be sure to try the famous spider crabs (santolas).

Ana Ambó

This is a place steeped in the archipelago’s history. It is home to the Monument to the Discoveries, symbolizing the arrival of the Portuguese, as it was at Ana Ambó that the navigators João de Santarém and Pêro Escobar first set foot on land in 1470.

Santa Catarina

Santa Catarina is a fishing village located at the northernmost tip of the island. On your way there, check out the island’s only tunnel. The Santa Catarina Tunnel is the perfect spot for that obligatory souvenir photo. As you pass through the village, you’ll surely see children playing and splashing in the river near their mothers, who are washing clothes. The houses are rustic, made of wood, and painted in bright colors.

Angolar Waterfall

Located in the northern part of the country, the trail leading to the waterfall passes through a series of increasingly dark tunnels known as “the kingdom of the bats.” The waterfall is hidden in a cliff between two tunnels.

Northeastern Savannas

The northeast of São Tomé features a human-altered landscape that is entirely distinct from the rest of the island, spanning an area from the airport to Lagoa Azul. Tree density is low here, and grasses dominate. There are also marshy areas near the coast, remnants of mangrove forests. This area is ideal for spotting bird species typical of open habitats, as well as a few migratory birds. The tour can be done on foot or by car (4x4 recommended) with a qualified guide.

“Chemin des Eaux” Trail (Caminho das Águas)

A route combining natural surroundings and agricultural activities that explores the social and cultural life of villages producing organic cacao. You’ll travel through beautiful landscapes to the Contador River valley and its hydroelectric plant. Passing through colonial-era tunnels inhabited by bats, you’ll discover the picturesque Angolar Waterfall. On the way back, you’ll follow the “Cacao Trail” to learn about the processing methods at the CECAB cooperative.

Rivière d’Or (Rio do Ouro)

It originates at Lagoa Amélia Peak, flows through the Agostinho Neto plantation (formerly Rio do Ouro), and empties into the beach at Fernão Dias. Its waterfalls offer a sight well worth seeing. It is one of the island’s most picturesque rivers, shrouded in intriguing legends.

Mucumbli

São Tomé and Príncipe are volcanic islands ideal for rock climbing enthusiasts. Although largely unexplored, you can go rock climbing in Mucumbli (routes ranging from level 1 to 4). For experienced climbers, routes are available at the Cão Grande and Cão Pequeno peaks. The best time to visit is during the dry season (gravana), from June through September.

Rosema Brewery

Located in the town of Neves, this is the island’s largest beer production facility. Rosema beer is very popular among tourists visiting the islands.