Southern São Tomé

• Boca de Inferno: near Água Izé (here, you can watch the ocean waves crashing against the ravine, which features a sort of cave with two openings, creating the effect of bubbling water gushing out of the ground).

• Roça São João (tourism, ecology, and culture): This is a former hospital converted into artist residencies, with its warehouses now serving as an art gallery.

• São João dos Angolares: the birthplace of the Angolares people, who, according to legend, are descended from slaves from Angola whose shipwrecked at “Sete Pedras” (Seven Stones).

• Mionga Falls: where the river meets the sea.

• The legendary Pico Cão Grande: a gigantic rock nearly 1,000 meters high that rises from the southern landscape.

• The southern beaches: these are the most idyllic on the island. They begin with Praia Piscina, followed by Praia Inhame (Eco-resort), from where you can take a boat across to Ilhéu das Rolas and learn about a sea turtle conservation project. Praia Jalé, just like Praia Inhame, offers opportunities to observe turtles.

• Ilhéu das Rolas (at the center of the world): a small, lush patch of land with a paradisiacal setting, dotted with lookouts offering varied panoramic views. The whale-watching route is one of the main attractions during the migration season (September–December). The Equator Marker is located about a half-hour walk away along a steep path; a mosaic world map and a marker indicate the Equator, marking the center of the world, where you can stand in both hemispheres at the same time.

Roça Água Izé

Founded in 1854 by the Baron of Água Izé, this was the first plantation to grow cacao in São Tomé, following its introduction on the island of Príncipe. Água Izé served as the headquarters of the “Companhia do Príncipe” and was one of the largest and most technologically advanced plantations, with its own dock for cocoa exports and an extensive rail network. At this roça, visitors can observe the cocoa harvest, which takes place twice a year, in April and October.

Porto Alegre

Founded by Jacinto Carneiro de Sousa e Almeida, Viscount of Malanza and son of the Baron of Água Izé, the Porto Alegre plantation was the second-largest estate in the southern part of the island of São Tomé. With six outbuildings, including Ilhéu das Rolas, the plantation’s size and importance turned it into a veritable fishing village that, due to its isolation, was virtually self-sufficient; all kinds of goods produced in São Tomé and Príncipe were produced, dried, packaged, and exported there. Porto Alegre is a village in the district of Caué, located in the south of the island, with an estimated population of about 800 people. It is the largest community in the south. In the surrounding area, one can find ruined former cocoa and coffee plantations as well as old, abandoned soap factories. The village is the southernmost on the island and serves as the southern terminus of the main road that runs along the island’s eastern side. The Equator lies 3 km to the south.

Praia Piscina

Piscina Beach gets its name from a natural pool formed in the rocky outcrop that separates the sand from the nearly warm sea and the emerald green of the tropical vegetation; it’s another must-see postcard-perfect spot on the island.

Jalé Beach

Jalé Beach is one of the main sea turtle nesting sites in southern São Tomé.

Sete Ondas Beach

Despite its catchy name (Seven Waves Beach), it offers only pleasant conditions for playing in the surf. Ideal for beginners and children. However, be careful of the currents at this beach, which isn’t as calm as it seems. It features a surf school and surfboard rentals for all ages and skill levels.

Rio Iô Grande

The Rio Iô Grande is a river located in the district of Caué. It flows westward until it meets the sea at Praia Iô Grande, where you can go surfing.

Santana

Enter the water across from the church and follow the coast southward, behind the cliff. Plan a session with Marlin, an experienced local surfer who knows this wave like no one else. Watch out for sea urchins.

Ribeira Afonso

A peaceful spot with a lovely fishing-village atmosphere. The wave is a right-hander that breaks at the river’s mouth.

Iô Grande

Another fishing village in the Caué district. The wave is a consistent right-hander at the mouth of the country’s largest river. Watch out for sharks. Do not surf on rainy days.

Pico Cão Grande

Not far from the Caué River, a gigantic monolith of volcanic origin rises vertically above the impenetrable forest. Shaped like a needle and standing 663 meters tall, Pico Cão Grande is an impressive natural monument—not only because of its dramatic form, but also because of the mysterious aura created by the mists that envelop its pointed summit.

Ilhéu das Rolas

The islet covers an area of just 3 km² and consists mainly of a tourist resort and a small adjacent village. With magnificent beaches and waters ideal for diving, one of the islet’s attractions is that it is crossed by the imaginary line of the Equator—a fact that Gago Coutinho proved through rigorous measurements and examinations.

Equator Monument

The Equator is the imaginary line that separates the Northern Hemisphere from the Southern Hemisphere. The monument is located on Ilhéu das Rolas, accessible only by boat from Porto Alegre. The monument marking the position of the Equator was built by the navigator Gago Coutinho. Erected in 1936, it rests on a polychrome base depicting a planisphere, set against a backdrop of lush landscapes and the Atlantic Ocean.

Monte Carmo Lowland Forests

Located in Ribeira Peixe, these forests are the island’s main bird-watching spot, ideal for spotting endemic species—from the most common to the rarest and most endangered. Visiting this area requires strict adherence to proper bird-watching practices and the guidance of a qualified guide.

Malanza Mangrove

Located in the south of the island, this is the country’s largest mangrove forest and forms part of the Obô Natural Park. It is an excellent site for observing waterbirds, particularly at sunrise and sunset. It is recommended to explore the area by canoe.

Praia Pesqueira Waterfall

One of the widest waterfalls on the island, it flows directly into the sea, offering a marvelous landscape and a blend of fresh and saltwater.

Ilhéus das Sete Pedras (Seven Stones Islets)

The best way to observe seabirds is by boat during an offshore excursion, with a mandatory stop off these islets. Several endemic and migratory seabird species are regularly spotted there.

Homem da Capa

Explore the island’s southern coastline, enjoy the unspoiled scenery, and traverse the country’s largest mangrove reserve to discover its biodiversity.

Recommendations

• Although the trails are marked, be sure to go with a certified local guide.

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

• It’s recommended that you bring binoculars for birdwatching.

• Choose local products to support the local economy.

• Always bring water and wear comfortable hiking shoes.

• Adapt to the pace and customs of the local people.

• Always ask the guide before taking photos within local communities.

Whale Migration

From September through December, whales pass by the southern coast. They can be observed from Porto Alegre or Ilhéu das Rolas on organized excursions.