Ôbo National Park (São Tomé)
Region: Central to southern São Tomé Island
Nature
UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with tropical cloud forest and endemic bird species
Tourism in São Tomé and Príncipe
Explore notable sights and destinations in this country
Tourist attractions
Pico Cão Grande
Region: Southern São Tomé Island
Nature
663m volcanic pinnacle, a dream destination for rock climbers
Lagoa Azul
Region: Northwestern São Tomé Island
Nature
Popular snorkeling and diving spot with coral reefs and clear blue waters
Roça São João plantation
Region: Near Porto Alegre, São Tomé Island
Cultural heritage
Colonial-era cacao plantation converted into eco-lodge and culinary school
São Sebastião Fort
Region: São Tomé city
Cultural heritage
16th-century fortress with national museum and spectacular ocean views
Praia Jalé
Region: Southeastern São Tomé Island
Nature
Quiet white sand beach protected as sea turtle nesting site
Príncipe Island Ôbo National Park
Region: Príncipe Island
Nature
World Heritage tentative list candidate with pristine primary forest and granite peaks
Roça Água Izé
Region: São Tomé Island
Cultural heritage
Former coffee and cacao plantation offering lessons in agricultural history and ruin beauty
Margarida Waterfall
Region: Central highlands, São Tomé Island
Nature
Refreshing jungle waterfall, a trekking destination
Catholic Cathedral (Sé Catedral)
Region: São Tomé old town
Modern architecture
White church rebuilt in 1950s, symbol of colonial landscape
Suggested itineraries
São Tomé Island Highlights 3 Days
Duration (days): 3
Highlights: São Sebastião Fort, Lagoa Azul, Ôbo National Park trekking
Efficiently tour culture and nature from capital, enjoying fresh seafood by the sea at night
5-Day Eco Adventure
Duration (days): 5
Highlights: Pico Cão Grande area, jungle lodge stay, sea turtle observation
Nature-focused course visiting tropical rainforest and marine reserves with expert guides
8-Day Two-Island Tour
Duration (days): 8
Highlights: Príncipe Island Ôbo National Park, Roça São João plantation, chocolate workshop experience
Domestic flight to Príncipe for quiet island time and plantation culture
Travel tips
- Visa-free tourist stays under 15 days for many countries but confirm latest information
- Domestic flights use small aircraft with strict weight limits
- Rainy season (October-May) brings heavy downpours; waterproofing essential
- Cash-based society; credit cards accepted only at luxury hotels
- Many mosquitoes; pre-trip malaria prophylaxis recommended
- Tap water not potable; carry bottled water
- English rarely spoken outside tourism workers
- Island roads have potholes and livestock; drive rental cars carefully
- Strong sun near equator but humidity more problematic than heat; stay hydrated
- Cacao products sensitive to heat and humidity; best purchased just before departure