November 29, 2025
This São Tomé and Príncipe 14 day itinerary is one of the most realistic options available, designed for slow travel (Leve-Leve) that avoids rushing and outdated guidebooks. São Tomé provides the capital, the central highlands, and the dramatic southern coastline, while Príncipe offers quieter villages, jungle trails, volcanic viewpoints, and calmer beaches. This two-week route balances roça visits, time in the rainforest, light coastal exploration, and simple beach days, using accommodation that follows the natural geography of the islands. Built by local experts, this guide reflects the current real travel pace, on-the-ground conditions, and practical challenges visitors will actually encounter over fourteen days.
| Key Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Day Focus | Arrival, Settling In, City Landmarks |
| Accommodation | São Tomé City (North) |
| Key Landmarks | Presidential Palace, São Tomé Cathedral |
| Estimated Cost | Airport transfer approx. **€15** |
| Local Insight | Mercado Municipal is permanently closed |
| Evening Option | Sum Secreta (Confirmed Open) |
Day 1 of this São Tomé and Príncipe 14 day itinerary begins gently, as most European flights land in the late afternoon, so there is no pressure to do more than settle in. An airport pick up into São Tomé City usually costs around fifteen euros, or we can arrange São Tomé car hire directly from the airport if you prefer to start driving immediately. The drive into town is short, but traffic around the centre can be slow at busy times.
After checking in, the central area of São Tomé City is straightforward to walk. The Presidential Palace, São Tomé Cathedral, and the “I ❤️ São Tomé and Príncipe” sign are all within a compact area and are easy first landmarks to visit in the early evening. Street lighting is variable, so it makes sense to keep your first walk simple until you have a feel for the layout.
Older guidebooks still mention the Mercado Municipal as if it were active, but we live here and it has been closed for a long time. Only a few informal stalls operate behind the taxi rank. They are interesting to see as part of everyday life, but visitors should avoid seafood or meat from these stalls because storage and temperature control are poor.
For dinner, there are a handful of straightforward options in the city. Sum Secreta is open, despite what some online maps show, and offers a steady, no-nonsense evening meal. Many travellers are tired after the flight and choose to eat at their accommodation instead. On this first night, we can help with basic settling tasks such as showing you the main streets, explaining where to find ATMs, or helping you buy a local SIM card so that the rest of your time in São Tomé and Príncipe is easier to manage.
| Key Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Day Focus | Central Highlands: Coffee and Waterfall |
| Accommodation | São Tomé City (Same as Day 1) |
| Key Sites | Roça Monte Café, Cascata São Nicolau |
| Vehicle Note | 4x4 highly recommended for tracks inland |
| Local Insight | Steps at waterfall are damp/slippery; drive slowly. |
Day 2 of this 14 day trip takes you inland to the central highlands, an area where the temperature drops, the vegetation thickens, and the first sense of the island’s interior opens up. Rather than rushing through, this day is paced for travellers who want to understand how the coffee belt shaped São Tomé, both historically and socially.
Your first destination is Roça Monte Café. Sitting at altitude above the coastal humidity, the plantation feels noticeably cooler and quieter than the city. The guided visit takes you through the small museum and the old processing buildings, with an outline of how coffee cultivation developed here. The guides are English speaking, although the tours can be fairly minimal, so having background knowledge helps you join the dots that are not always covered on site. Tastings involve choosing between a robusta or an arabica brew, a simple end to the visit despite the scale of the former estate.
Practical Note: What to Bring to Roça Monte Café The altitude means the air is cooler and often misty, especially in the morning. Bring a light layer or a jacket. While the tour is short, the guides appreciate small tips in local currency (Dobra). There are small vendors outside selling water and local snacks, so having small bills or coins is useful. The terrain on the walking paths around the museum is uneven.
Further inland, the road leads to Cascata São Nicolau. This tall waterfall drops through a narrow gap in the forest and is visible from the bridge, but a short path leads down to the base for those who want a closer view. The steps are wooden, shaded, and frequently damp, and the rainforest has begun to reclaim parts of the route. The drive here requires extreme attention. The track is unmade in long stretches, with steep edges and occasional clusters of children selling fruit who run quickly towards passing cars. Slow, careful driving is absolutely essential.
By late afternoon you return to São Tomé City rather than moving accommodation. This keeps the opening stages of the itinerary simple and allows you to begin the northern loop and coastal section of your journey the following morning without changing bases. This approach ensures this segment of your São Tomé 14 day itinerary is dedicated to slow, thoughtful engagement with the island’s history.
| Key Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Day Focus | Northern Coastal Loop & Roças |
| Accommodation | São Tomé City (Final Night) |
| Key Sites | Roça Agostinho Neto, Lagoa Azul |
| Activity | Architecture, Swimming, Snorkelling |
| Local Insight | Diogo Vaz outlet is a reliable chocolate stop. |
Day 3 of this São Tomé 14 day itinerary focuses on the northern coast, a straightforward loop that combines older plantation buildings with volcanic bays and simple coastal scenery. You begin in São Tomé City and follow the main coastal road north. The route is simple to navigate and avoids complicated junctions, which keeps the morning easy.
A practical first stop is the Diogo Vaz outlet in the city. It is the most reliable place to buy their chocolate or coffee products without depending on opening hours at roças further along the route. After leaving the city, the road passes small villages and pockets of coastline before rising gently inland toward Roça Agostinho Neto. This was once the largest plantation complex on the island. The main avenues and large stone buildings show the scale of historic plantation agriculture, and the site has a mix of restored areas and older sections that continue to age naturally.
From Agostinho Neto the road leads back toward the sea and eventually reaches Lagoa Azul. This sheltered bay is known for volcanic rock formations and calm pockets of water on stable days. Swimming and light snorkelling are possible when conditions are safe, but there is no supervision and visitors must judge the sea on the day.
The loop can be completed in half a day or extended depending on how long you spend at each stop. Many travellers pause for photographs or sit by the water before making the return journey. You finish the day back in São Tomé City, keeping the itinerary simple before your transfer to Príncipe on Day 4.
| Key Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Day Focus | Transfer Day: São Tomé to Príncipe (PCP) |
| Accommodation | Príncipe Island (First Night) |
| Activity | Domestic Flight & Airport Procedures |
| Logistics Note | Check the airline schedule; book early. |
| Safety Note | Keep essentials in hand luggage (weather/delays). |
Day 4 is the transfer from São Tomé Island to Príncipe. Flights usually operate once on the days they run and use small aircraft with limited seating and strict luggage limits. Because weather on both islands can affect visibility and wind conditions, departures are sometimes delayed, and your accommodation in São Tomé will confirm the final schedule on the day. Travelers must factor flight flexibility into the São Tomé 14 day itinerary to avoid delays. Travellers should arrive at the airport early, keep baggage within the stated weight limits, and be ready for possible adjustments.
The flight takes roughly forty minutes. On arrival at Príncipe Airport, travellers are met by their accommodation or a pre-arranged transfer. Independent exploration on Príncipe is limited because the island has few roads and most inland areas require local knowledge. For this reason, transport and activities are normally organised directly through lodges or local operators rather than attempted alone. The successful completion of this journey marks the official start of your Príncipe segment of the São Tomé 14 day itinerary.
After checking in, most visitors spend the afternoon settling into the quieter rhythm of the island. Santo António is the smallest capital city in Africa and offers a short riverside walk and a simple introduction to local life if you have the energy. Many travellers prefer to rest, explore the immediate surroundings of their lodge, or check nearby viewpoints before dinner. Evening meals are generally taken at your accommodation, as dining options elsewhere are limited and roads are not ideal for travel after dark on an unfamiliar island.
| Key Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Day Focus | Príncipe Famous Beaches & Waterfalls |
| Accommodation | Príncipe Island (**Bom Bom** option available) |
| Key Sites | Praia Banana, Oquê Pipi Waterfall |
| Activity Type | Local Guided Walk/Transfer Required |
| Local Insight | **Bom Bom access is not guaranteed** for non-guests. |
The focus of this fifth day on Príncipe is the guided hike to the Oquê Pipi Waterfall, one of the most established walking routes on the island. The walk begins near Porto Real, which most visitors reach by car or taxi from Santo António or from nearby lodges. This specific excursion is a major highlight of your São Tomé 14 day itinerary. The island is compact, so the drive usually takes between fifteen and thirty minutes depending on your starting point.
There is no paved road to the waterfall. All access continues on foot, and most travellers arrange the hike as a guided excursion through their accommodation or a local operator. This is the standard approach because the trail passes through protected forest and conditions change quickly after rain. Guides decide on the day whether the route is safe to walk and confirm what footwear or precautions are needed. The path includes shaded slopes, exposed roots and small stream crossings, so basic fitness and sturdy shoes are important.
The walk normally takes one and a half to two hours in each direction. At the end of the trail you reach a tall, narrow waterfall and a natural pool where swimming may be possible when the water is calm. After heavy rain the pool can become cloudy or more forceful, and your guide will advise whether entering the water is sensible. Travellers often bring drinking water, insect repellent and a swimsuit, and some eco lodges can organise a simple picnic for the visit.
The return to Porto Real follows the same route. With transfers, time at the waterfall and the walk itself, this usually fills a good part of the day. The successful completion of this activity is essential to the structure of the São Tomé 14 day itinerary. The rest of the afternoon is commonly spent resting at your accommodation or walking to a viewpoint or beach that is close enough not to require long transfers. Most visitors eat dinner at their lodge because options elsewhere are limited and roads are not ideal for travel after dark.
| Key Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Day Focus | Second Full Day: Water Activities & Flexibility |
| Accommodation | Príncipe Island (Same Lodge/Guesthouse/Bom Bom) |
| Activity Type | Boat trips, Beach visits, Guided walks. |
| Fishing Note | Low-impact; See Fishing Guide. |
| Local Insight | Activities are highly weather/sea state dependent. |
The focus of this day is Príncipe’s coastline. The exact plan depends on sea conditions and what your accommodation can arrange on the day, but a common structure is a half-day boat trip combined with time on the beach and an option for simple local fishing.
Most lodges can organise a small boat outing along the forested coast, taking in views of cliffs, inlets and offshore rocks. When the sea is calm there are usually chances to stop in sheltered bays for swimming or light snorkelling, with visibility depending on recent swell. In settled weather, some trips also include a visit towards Baía das Agulhas to see the tall rock towers that rise out of the water, which are among Príncipe’s most recognisable landmarks. The successful planning of this section is vital to your entire São Tomé 14 day itinerary.
Travellers who are interested in fishing can often arrange something straightforward with local fishermen, usually through their accommodation. These are small-scale trips that use simple gear and follow local practice rather than intensive sport-fishing. This is the natural point in the São Tomé and Príncipe 14 day itinerary to link to your separate fishing guide, where visitors can see clearer expectations about what kind of fishing is realistic here and how to book it.
The rest of the day is flexible. Some people stay by the beach for longer, others return earlier to their lodge to read, swim in the pool or walk to a nearby viewpoint. Successfully managing the weather-dependent activities throughout this São Tomé 14 day itinerary showcases the benefit of slow travel. Because Príncipe has limited lighting and infrastructure after dark, most travellers eat dinner at their accommodation, which keeps the evening simple and avoids moving around on the roads at night.
| Key Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Day Focus | Central Highlands Rainforest Hike |
| Accommodation | Southern São Tomé (Same as Day 7) |
| Key Sites | Lagoa Amélia, Bom Sucesso Botanical Garden |
| Activity Note | Requires **local guide** and sturdy footwear. |
| Hike Difficulty | Moderate (can be very muddy/slippery). |
Day 8 of this São Tomé 14 day itinerary is your first full day back on São Tomé after returning from Príncipe on Day 7. The focus is the interior of the island around Bom Sucesso and the Lagoa Amélia trail, which gives a clear sense of the rainforest that dominates the central highlands.
In the morning you drive up into the hills to the Bom Sucesso area, where the air is cooler and mist is common. From here, a guided walk leads into the forest towards the crater rim of Lagoa Amélia. The route is usually described as moderate, but the ground can be muddy, with roots, rocks and sections that become slippery after rain, so decent footwear is important. Local guides know the path and set the pace, and walking sticks are often used on the steeper or wetter sections. This immersive rainforest experience is a core element of the São Tomé 14 day itinerary.
The full outing typically occupies several hours once the drive, the walk and pauses for rest are included. Travellers who do not want the longer hike can stay closer to Bom Sucesso and visit the nearby botanical garden instead, which shows many of the island’s plant species on short, easier paths. This flexibility ensures all physical fitness levels are accommodated within the São Tomé 14 day itinerary.
By mid or late afternoon you return to your accommodation in the interior or south. The rest of the day is usually quiet, with time to shower, rest and eat at your lodge, ready for the next stage of the São Tomé 14 day itinerary along the southern coast.
| Key Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Day Focus | Scenic Drive and Transition to the South |
| Accommodation | Deep South / Near Porto Alegre |
| Key Sites | Pico Cão Grande Viewpoints, EN-2 Road. |
| Logistics Note | A vehicle with **reasonable clearance** is recommended. |
| Visibility Note | Visibility of Pico Cão Grande is highly dependent on cloud cover. |
Day 9 of this São Tomé 14 day itinerary continues south from your base near the interior. The plan is simple: follow the main EN-2 road towards the southern coast and spend the day around the viewpoints and small communities between the highlands and Porto Alegre.
The road gradually descends through forest and farmland before opening into the southern landscape. As you continue, you gain your first clear views of Pico Cão Grande, the volcanic tower that rises sharply out of the rainforest. Cloud cover changes quickly in this area, so most travellers stop at several informal pull-offs rather than relying on a single viewpoint. Visibility depends entirely on the weather on the day. Capturing a clear view of Pico Cão Grande is often considered a highlight of the São Tomé 14 day itinerary.
The southern road varies in condition. Some sections are paved but worn, others are rough with potholes or broken edges, and recent rain increases the chance of mud or standing water. A vehicle with reasonable clearance makes the drive more comfortable, and travelling in daylight avoids unnecessary risk.
Once you reach the lower stretches of the route, you can stop at coastal areas or viewpoints depending on conditions and how much time you have. The value of the day comes from the drive itself, the changing scenery and the gradual transition from the interior to the southern settlements. This scenic journey is a perfect example of the slow-paced exploration prioritized in this São Tomé 14 day itinerary. Most travellers end the day in accommodation on the south-eastern side of the island or near Porto Alegre to keep the next stage of the itinerary straightforward.
| Key Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Day Focus | Scenic Drive and Transition to the South |
| Accommodation | Deep South / Near Porto Alegre |
| Key Sites | Pico Cão Grande Viewpoints, EN-2 Road. |
| Logistics Note | A vehicle with **reasonable clearance** is recommended. |
| Visibility Note | Visibility of Pico Cão Grande is highly dependent on cloud cover. |
Day 10 of this São Tomé 14 day itinerary continues along the southern end of the island, linking the inland landscape to the coast. The EN-2 road moves through small communities before reaching the lower, more humid stretches near São João dos Angolares and further south.
As you travel, the scenery shifts from dense vegetation to open coastal views. This section of the island is known for its contrasting terrain, with steep forested hills on one side and exposed volcanic coastline on the other. Conditions vary by weather, and low cloud can move quickly across the interior ridges. Experiencing this shift in geography is a core feature of the São Tomé 14 day itinerary.
Continuing south brings you into the main stretch where travellers normally stop for views, short walks or coastal photographs. Road conditions are mixed, especially after rainfall, and drivers take their time on this section. Reaching Porto Alegre gives access to the small community at the island’s southern tip, which serves as a base for visiting nearby coastal areas the following day. This careful positioning ensures the southern segment of the São Tomé 14 day itinerary is managed efficiently.
The rest of the afternoon is usually spent settling into accommodation around Porto Alegre or São João dos Angolares, depending on where you choose to stay. Most travellers keep the evening simple, resting and preparing for the next day’s journey to Ilhéu das Rolas and the Equator line.
| Key Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Day Focus | Cocoa History & Southern Beaches |
| Accommodation | Southern São Tomé (Same Base) |
| Key Sites | Roça Água-Izé, Praia Jalé, Praia Inhame |
| Historical Note | Água-Izé is highly significant for **cocoa history**. |
| Wildlife Note | Area known for **sea turtle nesting** (seasonal). |
This day begins with Roça Água-Izé, one of the most important plantation sites in São Tomé’s cocoa history. Within this São Tomé 14 day itinerary, Day 11 is where the plantation past and quieter coastal stretches overlap most clearly. The complex is large, and although parts of it are heavily weathered, the size of the central avenue, the layout of the estate and the remains of the hospital show how significant this roça once was. Travellers usually take time to walk the grounds, as much of the impact comes from the scale and atmosphere rather than formal interpretation.
After leaving Água-Izé, continue south towards the beaches near Praia Jalé and Praia Inhame. These areas can feel remote and quiet, with stretches of coastline that change depending on tides and swell. During the right season, this is also one of the main regions associated with turtle nesting, though sightings depend entirely on timing and conditions rather than expectation. Exploring these significant historical and natural sites is essential to the São Tomé 14 day itinerary.
The afternoon is usually spent moving slowly along this section of coast, stopping where road conditions allow and where the sea is calm enough for a short walk. Most travellers remain in accommodation in the south so that the following morning’s plans do not require a long drive back from the city. This relaxed pace is fundamental to the entire São Tomé 14 day itinerary philosophy.
| Key Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Day Focus | Cocoa History & Southern Beaches |
| Accommodation | Southern São Tomé (Same Base) |
| Key Sites | Roça Água-Izé, Praia Jalé, Praia Inhame |
| Historical Note | Água-Izé is highly significant for **cocoa history**. |
| Wildlife Note | Area known for **sea turtle nesting** (seasonal). |
Day 12 focuses on visiting Ilhéu das Rolas and standing at the Equator, using Porto Alegre as your starting point. Within this São Tomé 14 day itinerary, this is the logical point to make the crossing, once you are already based in the far south. Travellers usually begin with a short boat transfer from the Porto Alegre area to Ilhéu das Rolas, often taking around fifteen to twenty minutes in small local boats. Departures depend entirely on sea conditions, and crossings can be delayed or cancelled in rough weather, so it is important to confirm the situation locally before setting out.
The main feature on the islet is the Marco do Equador, a tiled monument marking the Equator line. It sits on a hilltop viewpoint, while the exact geographic line crosses the small village below. Paths around the island vary in condition after rain, so footwear with decent grip is useful. Some visitors also walk to the lighthouse, Farol das Rolas, when access is possible and weather allows, to see wider views of the surrounding sea and coastline. The opportunity to stand directly on the Equator is a unique feature of the São Tomé 14 day itinerary.
Away from the monument, Ilhéu das Rolas has several small beaches, including Praia Café and Praia Bateria. In settled conditions, sections of these bays can be suitable for swimming or light snorkelling, but there is no lifeguard presence, and tides and swell change from day to day, so visitors need to judge the sea carefully on arrival. Simple fish-based meals may be available on the islet, although options are limited and depend on season and staffing.
In the afternoon, the boat returns to Porto Alegre, and you travel back to your accommodation in the south. Some travellers remain close to the southern beaches for one more quiet evening, while others begin to move gradually north so that the final days of the trip involve shorter drives back towards São Tomé City and the airport. Managing this final scenic and logistical segment ensures the São Tomé 14 day itinerary ends smoothly.
| Key Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Day Focus | Cocoa History & Southern Beaches |
| Accommodation | Southern São Tomé (Same Base) |
| Key Sites | Roça Água-Izé, Praia Jalé, Praia Inhame |
| Historical Note | Água-Izé is highly significant for **cocoa history**. |
| Wildlife Note | Area known for **sea turtle nesting** (seasonal). |
Day 13 gives you a flexible choice depending on when you travel. For visitors arriving during the recognised nesting season, this is the point in the São Tomé 14 day itinerary when you can choose an organised evening turtle watch at Praia Jalé or nearby stretches of the southern coast. These outings are arranged locally, depend on the exact timing within the season, and require patience, as sightings are never guaranteed. Local monitors handle the process and advise visitors on how to approach the beach quietly and without lights.
If you are outside turtle season, Day 13 becomes a quieter cultural day. Many travellers use it to revisit a southern beach, walk locally around their accommodation, or gradually work north towards the city. Some prefer to spend the afternoon exploring parts of São Tomé City they did not see at the start of the trip, including smaller streets, viewpoints, or simple cafés. This approach, ensuring a gentle transition back north, is a crucial part of the São Tomé 14 day itinerary design.
Evenings on Day 13 are generally spent close to your accommodation, either in the south or nearer to the capital depending on where you plan to stay for your final night. This final full day balances seasonal opportunities with practical preparations for the São Tomé 14 day itinerary’s conclusion.
| Key Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Day Focus | Departure from São Tomé (STP) |
| Accommodation | N/A (Completing **São Tomé 14 day itinerary**) |
| Activity | Rest, Packing, Final Breakfast |
| Logistics Note | Allow **more than two hours** for airport procedures. |
| Trip Summary | Final day of the **São Tomé 14 day itinerary**. |
The final day of the São Tomé 14 day itinerary is kept simple so that travellers can prepare for their journey home without pressure. Most international flights leave in the late afternoon or evening, giving you several quiet hours to rest, organise luggage, or take a last short walk around São Tomé City.
Some visitors spend the morning near the water if conditions are calm, while others stay within their accommodation, especially if a late check out has been arranged. This avoids unnecessary travel on the last day and keeps the pace slow before heading to the airport. This final relaxed morning ensures the spirit of the São Tomé 14 day itinerary is maintained until the very end.
Plan to arrive at São Tomé International Airport early. Check in and departure procedures can move slowly, especially when multiple flights overlap, and it is safer to allow more than two hours. Pre-arranged transport is the most reliable option, whether you are staying in the city or returning from a southern lodge. Successfully concluding the entire São Tomé 14 day itinerary relies on careful time management during this final stage.
This brings the São Tomé 14 day itinerary to a close, ending the trip at a steady, manageable pace before your flight home. We hope you enjoyed, send us a trip report!
We truly hope this guide has prepared you for your journey at the rewarding Leve-Leve pace. Thank you for choosing this framework for your São Tomé 14 day itinerary.
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