Planning things to do in São Tomé and Príncipe starts with a few essentials. Forest viewpoints near Pico Cão Grande, quiet snorkelling at Lagoa Azul, the Equator stop on Ilhéu das Rolas, the east-coast blowholes at Boca do Inferno, and time in old roças such as Água Izé and Agostinho Neto. Add a visit to Forte de São Sebastião, the National Museum by the bay, to see how cocoa and colonial trade shaped these islands.
These São Tomé attractions fit a simple São Tomé itinerary with coastal drives, short hikes and easy stops that work with weather and daylight. If you are looking for the best places to visit in São Tomé and Príncipe, this guide keeps it practical and honest so you can decide what is worth your time and how to see it without rush.
Pico Cão Grande is São Tomé’s most dramatic sight, a volcanic plug rising over 300 metres above the rainforest in the south of the island. The peak lies inside Obô Natural Park and is best seen in the morning before cloud builds. Visitors do not climb it, only expert expeditions have reached the summit, but it is an easy stop on the drive towards Porto Alegre or the boat to Ilhéu das Rolas. For anyone planning what to do in São Tomé, a roadside viewpoint of Pico Cão Grande is an essential photo stop. You’ll find some vendors near the main viewing space, but you’ll get no hassle.
Clouds are common, if you see the summit then consider yourself one of the lucky few.
At the southern tip of São Tomé, boats leave from Ponta Baleia for the short crossing to Ilhéu das Rolas. The trip takes about 20 minutes and is usually arranged through the Pestana resort or with local fishermen. On the island, the Equator is marked by a tiled monument where you can stand with one foot in each hemisphere. There are small beaches and quiet paths, but most visitors come for the Equator line itself. For anyone planning what to do in São Tomé and Príncipe, Ilhéu das Rolas makes a simple trip combined with the southbound drive past Pico Cão Grande.
Just south of São Tomé city, Boca do Inferno is a coastal blowhole where waves force water through a narrow opening and shoot spray into the air. The effect is strongest when the swell is high, but even on calmer days the rock and ocean views make it worth a stop. Located on the main road towards Santana, it is easy to reach and usually takes 15 to 20 minutes to visit. For travellers searching for natural highlights on São Tomé, Boca do Inferno is a quick stop that shows the raw force of the Atlantic.
Praia Bateria is a tiny beach on Ilhéu das Rolas, reached either by boat or on foot from the main village where boats land. The crossing can be lively when the swells are rough, which makes the arrival part of the experience. The sand is backed by rock and trees, and it stays quiet because there are no major facilities. For anyone planning things to do in São Tomé and Príncipe, Praia Bateria offers a simple stop on Ilhéu das Rolas for swimming, photos and a calm hour by the water.
Tasting world-class chocolate right where it is grown is one of the top things to do in São Tomé. Diogo Vaz runs a small but popular chocolate shop in the centre of São Tomé city, which recently moved location due to roadworks. It serves chocolate made directly from cocoa grown on their own plantation, alongside excellent cake, ice cream, and strong coffee. For anyone looking for the best things to do in São Tomé, this shop is an essential stop to try island flavors and pick up authentic gifts that are actually made here. Find out more about our coffee history here.
Whale watching is one of the standout wildlife experiences in São Tomé and Príncipe. From July to October, humpback whales migrate through the waters around the islands, and boat trips give a chance to see them at the surface.
Conditions vary, but the season brings regular sightings, and the coastline gives wide views across open water. For anyone planning things to do in São Tomé and Príncipe, whale watching is a simple addition to a trip during these months, and you can book outings in advance.
Sport fishing is a standout experience among things to do in São Tomé and Príncipe. The volcanic shores drop quickly into deep water, so gamefish are within reach of small wooden boats launched from the beach. Local crews take anglers out for species like tuna, wahoo and dorado when conditions allow. It is not a polished charter trip, but a simple island experience that works with weather, gear and availability.
Lagoa Azul is a calm bay in the north of São Tomé, with clear water and an easy beach for swimming. Locals use it as a weekend spot, and the shallow edge makes simple snorkelling possible when the sea is settled. There is a small picnic area and a short pier, and it works well as a stop on a north-coast drive. For anyone planning things to do in São Tomé and Príncipe, Lagoa Azul is a quiet place to swim, take photos, and spend an hour by the water.
Conditions vary, but the season brings regular sightings, and the coastline gives wide views across open water. For anyone planning things to do in São Tomé and Príncipe, whale watching is a simple addition to a trip during these months, and you can book outings in advance.
Roça Agostinho Neto is one of the largest plantation complexes on São Tomé, set just north of the city. The long avenue of palms leads to old colonial buildings with wide views across the coast. Parts of the site are restored and used for exhibitions and events, while other areas remain quiet and overgrown. It is easy to reach by road, and works as a short cultural stop on a north-coast drive. For anyone planning things to do in São Tomé and Príncipe, Roça Agostinho Neto gives a clear sense of the island’s plantation history and architecture.
