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São Tomé and Príncipe
São Tomé and Príncipe offers lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and vibrant wildlife. Explore the cocoa plantations, São Tomé Island, and enjoy a peaceful tropical getaway.
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Summary
Neighboring Countries
- Gabon
- Cameroon
- Nigeria
Did you know?
One of the Least Visited Countries in the World – São Tomé and Príncipe is one of the least-visited nations, making it a paradise for explorers.
Overview
Months
02. February, 12. December, 09. September, 10. October, 11. November, 01. January, 06. June
Vacation type
Beach, Couple, Family, Nature
Expenses
<150€, <200€, Over 200€
Temperature
25-30°C, Over 30°C
Rainfall
0-50mm, 50-100mm
Safety
Medium
Continent
Africa
Currency
Dobra
Languages
Portuguese
Currency Converter
When to visit
The best time to visit São Tomé and Príncipe is during the dry season, from May to October. During these months, the weather is relatively dry and cooler, making it ideal for exploring the islands' beaches, rainforests, and cultural sites.
- May to October: Features less rainfall and more comfortable temperatures, which is perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, bird watching, and enjoying the beaches.
The rainy season runs from November to April, with higher humidity and frequent heavy showers. While this period can bring lush landscapes and fewer tourists, the rain can sometimes disrupt travel plans and outdoor activities.
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Plan the whole vacation, including flights, transportation, hotels and tours with Expedia *
Climate Data
Peak Season (December to February)
Average Sunny Hours per Day: 7 to 9 hours.
Rain Frequency: Rare, with drier conditions during this period.
Rainy Hours per Day: Less than 1 hour.
Intensity: Light rain, if any.
Duration: Showers are brief, typically lasting under 30 minutes.
Off-Peak Season (March to November)
Average Sunny Hours per Day: 6 to 8 hours.
Rain Frequency: Frequent, especially during the wet season.
Rainy Hours per Day: 2 to 3 hours.
Intensity: Moderate to heavy rain, often with thunderstorms.
Duration: Rain can last for several hours, often in the afternoon or evening.
Climate Chart
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Data Source: CRU Time Series v4.07
https://catalogue.ceda.ac.uk/uuid/5fda109ab71947b6b7724077bf7eb753
ClimateCharts.net
Weather, Crowds and Costs
Per one person
Tourist Season: June-September (Dry Season)
Budget Vacation ($30-70/day)
Accommodation: $15-30/night (budget hotels, guesthouses).
Food: $10-15/day (local eateries, street food).
Activities: $5-15/day (nature tours, beaches).
Transportation: $5-10/day (public transport, taxis).
Other Costs: $5/day (souvenirs).
Mid-Range Vacation ($70-150/day)
Accommodation: $30-70/night (mid-range hotels, eco-lodges).
Food: $15-30/day (restaurants, local cafes).
Activities: $10-20/day (guided tours, cultural experiences).
Transportation: $10-20/day (private taxis, car rentals).
Other Costs: $5-10/day (souvenirs, experiences).
Luxury Vacation ($150+/day)
Accommodation: $70+/night (luxury resorts, beachfront hotels).
Food: $20+/day (fine dining, international cuisine).
Activities: $20+/day (private tours, diving, nature treks).
Transportation: $15+/day (private transport).
Other Costs: $10+/day (luxury shopping, experiences).
Off-Peak Season: October-May (Rainy Season)
Budget Vacation ($25-60/day)
Accommodation: $10-25/night (guesthouses, budget stays).
Food: $5-10/day (street food, local options).
Activities: $5-10/day (beaches, hiking).
Transportation: $5-10/day (public transport).
Other Costs: $5/day (small souvenirs).
Mid-Range Vacation ($60-130/day)
Accommodation: $20-50/night (mid-range hotels, lodges).
Food: $10-20/day (restaurants, local eateries).
Activities: $5-15/day (local tours, nature walks).
Transportation: $5-15/day (local transport).
Other Costs: $5-10/day (souvenirs).
Luxury Vacation ($130+/day)
Accommodation: $50+/night (luxury resorts, beach hotels).
Food: $15+/day (fine dining).
Activities: $10+/day (private island tours, diving trips).
Transportation: $10+/day (private transfers).
Other Costs: $10+/day (luxury shopping).
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You can find accomendations that fit your trip and budget on Booking.com, Vrbo and Hotels.com
Best Regions to visit
Cities
1. São Tomé
- The capital and largest city of São Tomé and Príncipe, São Tomé offers colonial architecture, vibrant markets, and beautiful coastal views. It’s the main cultural and economic hub of the country.
2. Santo Amaro
- Located near São Tomé, this area has attractions like the old São Nicolau fort and lush landscapes.
3. Príncipe
- The main town on the island of Príncipe, it offers a quaint atmosphere with colonial buildings and beautiful beaches, ideal for exploring the island's natural beauty.
São Tomé
Did you know?
Chocolate Lovers' Dream – The island was once the world’s biggest cocoa producer, and its chocolate is still top-notch.
Islands
1. São Tomé Island
- The largest island in the archipelago, São Tomé offers diverse landscapes including rainforests, volcanic peaks, and beautiful beaches. Key attractions include the city of São Tomé, the Pico Cão Grande, and the stunning beaches like Praia das Conchas and Praia de Jale.
2. Príncipe Island
- Known for its unspoiled natural beauty, Príncipe is less developed than São Tomé Island. It features lush forests, pristine beaches, and clear waters. Highlights include the towns of Santo António and the beautiful beaches of Praia Banana and Praia do Lagoa.
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Find the perfect place to stay in any of these top cities and islands with Booking.com, Hotels.com and Vrbo – offering entire homes and apartments for a comfortable and private experience.
São Tomé and Príncipe
Things to see
Natural Attractions
1. Obo National Park
- Explore this expansive park on São Tomé and Príncipe, known for its rich biodiversity, including tropical forests, volcanic landscapes, and diverse wildlife such as monkeys and exotic birds.
2. Pico Cão Grande
- Admire this striking volcanic spire on São Tomé, renowned for its dramatic appearance and challenging climbing opportunities, offering stunning views of the surrounding forest.
3. Praia das Conchas
- Relax on this beautiful and remote beach on São Tomé, known for its golden sands, clear waters, and tranquil setting, ideal for swimming and sunbathing.
4. Ribeira Peixe
- Discover this picturesque river valley on São Tomé, known for its lush vegetation, waterfalls, and opportunities for hiking and exploring the natural landscape.
5. Ilhéu das Rolas
- Visit this small island near São Tomé, featuring pristine beaches, clear waters for snorkeling, and a location straddling the equator with a monument marking the line.
6. São Tomé’s Botanical Garden
- Explore this garden showcasing a variety of tropical plants and trees, offering insight into the island’s flora and a relaxing environment.
Cultural Attractions
1. São Tomé City
- Stroll through the capital, featuring colonial architecture, markets, and landmarks like the São Sebastião Museum, which offers exhibits on local history and culture.
2. Principe Island
- Experience the charm of this smaller island, known for its colonial architecture, traditional villages, and natural beauty, including lush forests and beautiful beaches.
3. São João dos Angolares
- Visit this village on São Tomé to experience traditional culture and cuisine, including local festivals and craft markets.
4. Museu Nacional de São Tomé e Príncipe
- Learn about the history and culture of São Tomé and Príncipe through exhibits on the country’s heritage, including artifacts, art, and historical displays.
5. Fort São Sebastião
- Explore this historic fort in São Tomé City, built in the 16th century to defend against pirates and now serving as a museum with exhibits on the island’s colonial past.
6. Café São Tomé
- Experience the island’s coffee culture by visiting local cafes that serve São Tomé’s renowned coffee, known for its rich flavor and quality.
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The best way to explore major cities and must-see attractions is by booking guided tours.* They offer convenience, local insights, and often save time when visiting popular sights.
How to get around
1. Car Rentals
- Renting a car is the most flexible way to explore São Tomé and Príncipe islands. Many key attractions like Bom Bom Island, Pico Cão Grande, and Rolas Island are spread out, so having a car makes it easier to get around. Be prepared for uneven roads, especially in more remote areas.
2. Taxis
- Taxis are available on both islands, particularly in the capital São Tomé City. They are a convenient way to travel locally or for short trips. It's important to negotiate fares in advance since most taxis don’t have meters.
3. Shared Taxis (Táxi Coletivo)
- Shared taxis, or táxi coletivo, are common and a cheaper option. These taxis operate on fixed routes between towns and villages, and you share the ride with other passengers. They’re a budget-friendly way to travel, but less flexible in terms of destinations.
4. Buses
- Local minibuses serve as public transportation, mostly on São Tomé Island. They operate on set routes but may be crowded and not as reliable for tourists. However, they are an inexpensive way to travel between larger towns.
5. Bikes and Motorbikes
- Bikes and motorbikes can be rented in São Tomé City and are a fun way to explore the islands at a relaxed pace. Motorbikes are ideal for reaching more remote locations, while cycling is great for short trips around towns and coastal areas.
6. Domestic Flights
- To travel between the two main islands, São Tomé and Príncipe, you can take a domestic flight. The airline STP Airways offers regular flights, making it the fastest way to travel between the islands.
7. Boats
- Boats are another way to travel between São Tomé and Príncipe, though less common than flights. You can also hire boats for island-hopping and visiting smaller, remote islets around both islands.
8. Walking
- Walking is ideal for exploring smaller areas like São Tomé City or certain coastal villages. Some popular tourist destinations, such as the town of Trindade or local markets, can be easily reached on foot.
For the best experience, rent a car for flexibility in exploring both islands, use taxis for short local trips, and take shared taxis or minibuses for affordable travel between towns. Flights or boats are the primary ways to travel between São Tomé and Príncipe. Bikes and walking are great for exploring towns and nearby attractions.
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You can find great car rental deals for your vacation on Expedia *
Did you know?
An Island of Giant Trees – The islands have enormous baobab trees, some over 500 years old.
What to eat
1. Calulu
- A traditional stew made with fish, vegetables, and palm oil, showcasing local flavors.
2. Muamba de Galinha
- A chicken stew cooked with okra, tomatoes, and spices, often served with rice.
3. Jollof Rice
- A one-pot rice dish cooked with tomatoes, peppers, and spices, popular in West Africa.
4. Peixe Grelhado
- Grilled fish marinated in spices and served with sides, showcasing fresh seafood.
5. Bolo de Mel
- A honey cake made with local honey, spices, and nuts, enjoyed as a dessert.
Flights
Flight prices are approximate and vary by departure city, airline, and booking time. Check airlines or travel platforms for the latest details.
Main Airport: São Tomé International Airport (TMS)
Flight Prices and Seasons:
From Europe
- Average Round-Trip Cost: €600 to €1,200.
- Cheapest Months: May to October.
- Peak Prices: December holidays and summer months (June to August).
From North America
- Average Round-Trip Cost: $700 to $1,500.
- Cheapest Months: May to October.
- Peak Prices: December holidays and summer months (June to August).
From Asia
- Average Round-Trip Cost: $800 to $1,500.
- Cheapest Months: May to October.
- Peak Prices: December holidays and summer months (June to August).
From Australia
- Average Round-Trip Cost: $1,400 to $2,000.
- Cheapest Months: May to October.
- Peak Prices: December holidays and summer months (June to August).
From Africa
- Average Round-Trip Cost: $500 to $1,000.
- Cheapest Months: May to October.
- Peak Prices: December holidays and summer months (June to August).
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You can find the best flight deals with Skyscanner or plan the whole vacation, including flights, transportation, hotels and tours with Expedia *
Airport Location
Visa
1. Visa Requirement
- Citizens of the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and Australia need a visa to enter São Tomé and Príncipe.
2. Visa Application
- Travelers must apply for a São Tomé and Príncipe visa at a local embassy or consulate before traveling.
3. Types of Visa
- Common visa types include a Tourist Visa: Typically valid for short stays for tourism purposes.
4. Processing Time
- Visa processing can take up to 5 business days, so it’s advisable to apply well in advance.
5. Duration of Stay
- Tourist visas are usually valid for stays of up to 30 days, with the possibility of extension.
6. Health Requirements
- A yellow fever vaccination is required if traveling from an endemic area.
7. COVID-19 Regulations
- Check for any current COVID-19 entry requirements before traveling, as regulations may change.
8. Proof of Funds
- Visitors may need to show proof of sufficient funds for their stay.
Important things to know
1. Payments
- The local currency is the Dobra (STN). Credit cards are accepted in tourist areas.
2. Tap Water
- Tap water is generally not safe to drink. Bottled water is recommended.
3. Electricity
- The voltage is 220V, and plug types C and E are used.
4. Tipping in Restaurants
- Tipping is appreciated, usually around 10%.
5. SIM Cards
- Local SIM cards are available from providers like Unitel.
6. Driving Side
- In São Tomé and Príncipe, people drive on the right side of the road.
Souveniers
1. Cocoa Products
- São Tomé and Príncipe is known for its fine cocoa, and locally made chocolate or cocoa-based products, including cocoa butter and cocoa powder, are popular souvenirs.
2. Handwoven Baskets
- Local artisans create intricate, handwoven baskets, often made from palm leaves, which are both functional and decorative, showcasing the craftsmanship of the islands.
3. Wooden Sculptures
- Handmade wooden sculptures of local wildlife or abstract art pieces are often found in São Tomé and Príncipe. These carvings make for distinctive souvenirs, reflecting the island's nature and culture.
Cocoa Products
Location
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