Sao Tome Principe 3 Day Itinerary

3-Day Itinerary for São Tomé & Príncipe

This itinerary focuses on exploring the island of São Tomé, but you can easily adapt it for other islands or add more days to experience both!

Day 1: Exploring the City and History

  • Morning: Arrive at São Tomé International Airport (STT).

    • Visa: Most nationalities require a visa to enter São Tomé & Príncipe. You can apply for a tourist visa online or on arrival at the airport. Check https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/ for specific visa requirements based on your nationality.

  • Activity:

    • Explore São Tomé City, the charming capital. Visit the historical Fort São Sebastião and the picturesque Praia Grande.
    • Take a guided tour of the Sao Tome & Principe Coffee Plantations to learn about the islands’ rich history in coffee production and the impact of this industry on the local culture.

  • Things to know:

    • Visa:
      • Consider applying for your visa online before traveling for convenience.
      • Tourist visas are valid for 90 days and can be extended once at the Immigration Department.
      • Visa extension: Visitors from most countries can apply for a visa extension online or at the Immigration Department.

  • Accommodation: Spend the night in a charming guesthouse within the city, allowing you to experience local life firsthand.

Day 2: Nature & Culture

  • Morning:
    • Travel to the Pico Cão Grande by taxi (negotiate prices beforehand) or, if you’re adventurous, hire a guide for a challenging hike to the top of this volcanic peak.
  • Afternoon:
    • Explore the Obô Natural Reserve, home to unique flora and fauna. This is a great opportunity for hiking, birdwatching, or simply enjoying the lush tropical scenery.
  • Accommodation: Enjoy another night at your guesthouse in São Tomé city.

Day 3: Beaches & History (continued)

  • Morning: Relax on the beach! Spend time at Praia Inhame, a beautiful black sand beach with stunning views of the island, and soak up the sun.
  • Transportation:
    • Consider hiring a local guide to help you navigate the various beaches and natural wonders of the island. They can provide insights into the history and culture of São Tomé & Príncipe.
    • For transportation, you can opt for public transport (taxis or shared minibuses) which is generally affordable, but consider the time it takes to reach destinations.

Things to Consider:

  • Public Transport: Public transport on the islands can be unreliable. It’s best to arrange private transportation or taxis beforehand to avoid any unexpected delays or difficulties.

  • Transportation Options:

    • Public transport: While public transport is available, it often runs on irregular schedules and routes. Be prepared for crowded “taxis-colectivos” (shared minibuses) and potentially bumpy rides.

    • Car Hire: Consider renting a car to explore the island at your own pace.

    • Guided Tours:

      • Hiring a guide:** This can be a great option if you’re looking for a more curated experience, especially if you’re interested in hiking or visiting remote areas like the plantation. A local guide will have transport and knowledge of the island.

  • Things to do:

    • Relax on the beach: São Tomé is known for its stunning beaches.
      • Explore the natural beauty: Spend time at Praia Grande, a beautiful black sand beach with lush rainforests and breathtaking waterfalls.
    • Visit historical sites: Explore the island’s history by touring the colonial-era buildings, the Sao Tome & Principe Cocoa Estates, or the rococo-style architecture of the capital.

  • Things to See:

    • São Tomé city: This charming town has a variety of beautiful colonial-era buildings, museums, and markets.

    • Obo Natural Reserve:

      • Explore the island’s unique biodiversity.
      • Hike through diverse landscapes:
        • Rainforest trails: Discover the natural beauty of the islands with a guided hike through the lush rainforest.
        • Waterfall viewpoints: Witness the stunning waterfalls cascading down the lush green hillsides and enjoy the scenic beauty of the island.

  • Cultural Experiences:

    • Enjoy the local cuisine:

      • Sample fresh seafood:
      • Taste the flavors of São Tomé & Príncipe’s culture by indulging in their delicious seafood dishes.

    • Explore the beaches of São Tomé:

Things to do:

  • Visit the Roça Diogo Afonso: This historical plantation offers a glimpse into the past and showcases the island’s history with coffee production.
  • Enjoy the beaches: Visit the beautiful black sand beaches like Praia Grande, but remember to be respectful of the environment!

Things to See:

    • Explore the beaches like Praia dos Tamarins and Michelena Beach (both on São Tomé)
    • Experience the history: Visit historical sites and museums in São Tomé City, such as the National Museum of São Tomé & Príncipe or the Cathedral of Nossa Senhora da Graça.

  • Relaxation and Recreation:

  • Enjoy a day at the beach:

    • Discover the hidden beaches:
      • Explore the hidden coves and pristine beaches of São Tomé & Príncipe.

Enjoy the stunning beauty of São Tomé’s beaches, but remember to be mindful of the environment!

Transportation:

  • Public Transportation:

    • Shared taxis (taxis-colectivos) are a common and affordable way to get around. Public transport in Sao Tome and Principe is not always reliable. *

  • Car Rental:

    • Renting a car is highly recommended for exploring the islands independently.
      • Public transportation on São Tomé is limited, so consider hiring a local guide who can provide transportation.

  • Explore the rich natural environment:

  • Enjoy stunning views:

    • Consider visiting:
      • The beaches of Sao Tome: These are often located in remote areas, requiring some travel time and effort.
      • Enjoy the beauty of the island’s waterfalls, such as the Água Izé Waterfall or the Cascata de Monte Café.

  • Travel:

    • Car hire is a popular option for getting around:

  • Consider exploring the island by car, taking in the sights and sounds at your own pace.

  • Boat trips are a great way to see the islands from a different perspective:

Recommended tour operators offer a variety of experiences, from relaxing cruises to adventurous dives:

  • Explore the beauty of São Tomé:

  • Enjoy a beach picnic or relax on the sand.

    • Hire a local guide for a more authentic experience:
      • Explore the island’s history and learn about the local culture, such as the vibrant culture of the cocoa estates,

  • Explore the islands’ history and culture:

    • Visit the historic capital city of São Tomé.

Enjoy the natural beauty:

  • Take a hike to one of the many waterfalls on São Tomé.
  • Visit the pristine beaches and explore the lush rainforest trails.

Things to note:

  • São Tomé & Príncipe are islands with a unique history, influenced by its Portuguese colonial past and its subsequent dependence on plantations.

  • Boat trips are a great way to see the island’s diverse marine life, from colorful fish to playful dolphins.

  • Consider hiring a local guide for a cultural tour, as they can offer insights into the islands’ history and traditions.

  • Local guides:

    • Provide valuable knowledge about São Tomé and Príncipe.
    • The islands have a rich history with colonial influences, making it a fascinating place to explore the impact of colonialism on the local culture.

Things to know:

  • Consider hiring a local guide for a hike.

  • Bring a reusable water bottle and fill up at the springs and enjoy the natural beauty

  • Michelena Coffee Plantation:

Waterfront Activities:

  • Enjoy hiking through the lush landscape of São Tomé & Príncipe, with its beautiful beaches and stunning views.

Remember:

  • Prices for a “taxi-colectivo” are usually negotiated.

  • Transportation:

Day 3: Travel to São Tomé’s Beaches

  • Explore the beaches:

    • Sao Tome Island: Enjoy stunning views of the island’s coastline and lush greenery.

  • Enjoy the local cuisine:

  • Consider the following:

  • Beaches:

    • São Tomé & Príncipe is known for its beautiful beaches, but it’s important to remember that transportation on the islands can be limited. It’s best to hire a driver or book a tour in advance if you want to explore specific beaches.

  • Local Culture:

    • Explore the island’s diverse landscapes and unique ecosystems.

  • Enjoy the natural beauty of the islands’ stunning scenery, such as the lush rainforests and beautiful waterfalls.

  • Remember that São Tomé & Príncipe has a rich and diverse culture.

  • The islands have a history:

    • Explore the island’s historical sites, including the ruins of old plantations.

Things to do:

  • Visit the beaches, such as Praia Grande, Praia Inhame, or the secluded Praia Jale.

  • Explore the historical and cultural sites on São Tomé & Príncipe:

    • Sao Tome City is a great place to start.

  • Stay safe:

  • São Tomé & Príncipe is known for its beautiful beaches, but the islands are also home to stunning rainforests.

Day 4:

  • Discover the unique flora and fauna of São Tomé, including rare orchids and coffee varieties.
  • Enjoy a refreshing swim in the ocean (a must-do).