Your Local Path Into São Tomé

Written from São Tomé

Real advice from someone who lives here

I am British, learning Portuguese, and still discovering new parts of São Tomé every day. Everything on this site is based on real, on-the-ground experience, not guidebook copy or travel agency brochures.

Local Producer · Praia Vanha

Vanilla, Spirits and a Lodge at Praia Vanha

Delícias das Ilhas is a Santomean brand rooted in the south of the island. Their Bio-certified vanilla plantation at Porto Alegre grows some of the finest vanilla in Africa, harvested and cured by hand.

On the same estate, Bastien runs an artisan distillery producing Vim Pema Gin and a range of fruit liqueurs using botanicals from the plantation. The ecolodge at Praia Vanha offers bungalows overlooking the ocean, with guided tastings and plantation walks arranged on request.

A day out to the estate is worth building into any trip: time on the beach, a proper local meal, and the chance to taste spirits from someone who genuinely knows what they are doing.

Rather than making the drive, we can arrange a ride down the coast on a local boat, weather permitting. €50 return for one person, €40 per person for two, or €30 per person for three or more. If conditions are rough, we do not run it that day, but any costs are refunded.

Prices include the tour and tastings. However food and drink purchases are not included but trust me, they are reccomended. Just remember the boat trip back may be a little more fun if you're swaying prior to getting onto it, you may regret that ten minutes in.