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Discover the dramatic southern coastline of São Tomé on this full-day southern São Tomé tour covering historic plantations, coastal blowholes, fishing villages, waterfalls and some of the island’s most striking natural scenery. This route follows the main coastal road south from the capital into quieter rural areas, combining cultural insight with beaches, viewpoints and mountain landscapes. The trip offers a clear look at how daily life unfolds along São Tomé’s southern communities while also showcasing some of the island’s most recognisable landmarks.
Your southern São Tomé tour begins with a stop at Lavandaria Grande, an open-air washing site still used by local residents. From here the route continues to Roça Água Izé, one of the island’s important historic plantations, where the remains of production buildings reflect the cocoa-based economy that shaped São Tomé for generations. The road then leads to Boca do Inferno, a natural blowhole where waves force water through volcanic rock, creating occasional pressure surges when the tide and swell align.
Travelling further along the coast, the tour reaches Praia 7 Ondas, a long exposed shoreline popular with surfers and known for its repeating wave sets. Nearby Praia Micondo offers a more sheltered setting and a good sense of the quieter southern beaches. The route continues to São João dos Angolares, a coastal village marked by its fishing culture and hillside setting overlooking the bay.
Lunch is taken at Mionga, with meals paid locally, before the tour moves inland towards the region’s natural highlights. The road climbs through forested terrain to reach Cascata Mioba, a small waterfall surrounded by dense vegetation and cooler mountain air. From here the route provides a clear viewpoint of Pico Cão Grande, São Tomé’s most famous volcanic tower rising sharply above the rainforest. The tour then returns to the coastline at Praia Grande, a long stretch of sand backed by forest, before continuing to the Foz do Rio Caue, where the river meets the ocean at the island’s southern edge.
This southern São Tomé tour covers a full day of varied landscapes, from plantation heritage and coastal formations to rural villages, beaches, waterfalls and rainforest viewpoints. It is suited to travellers wanting a broad overview of São Tomé’s south coast without rushing, combining accessible stops with striking scenery along the island’s most scenic road. Couple this with trips to the North and Central areas of the island to see the very best we have to offer.