Before You Go
- Confirm passport validity and entry requirements.
- Check whether a tourist visa is required.
- Keep digital copies of important documents.
- Consider purchasing travel insurance.
São Tomé
Dobra (STN)
Portuguese
Jun–Sep
GMT (UTC+0)
Welcome to São Tomé and Príncipe, a small volcanic island nation off the coast of Central Africa, cloaked in lush rainforest. Cocoa and coffee plantations, remnants of colonial history, now offer scenic tours amid the islands' fertile volcanic soil. São Tomé, the capital, blends Portuguese colonial architecture with a relaxed equatorial atmosphere. The islands' dramatic volcanic peaks rise directly from the sea, creating striking, jungle-covered landscapes. Pristine beaches and coral reefs surround the islands, offering excellent snorkeling largely undiscovered by tourism. Príncipe, the quieter of the two main islands, offers an even more remote and unspoiled escape. Sea turtles nest along the islands' beaches, adding to the destination's rich natural biodiversity. São Tomé and Príncipe invites travelers to discover a hidden, lush island paradise in the Gulf of Guinea.
Helpful information to consider before and during your visit.
Discover some of São Tomé and Príncipe's most popular flavors, traditional dishes and memorable local treats during your visit.
Calulu is a signature Sao Tome and Principe specialty known for its distinctive local ingredients, seasoning and traditional preparation.
This popular Sao Tome and Principe dish brings together familiar regional flavors and is commonly enjoyed in homes, markets or local restaurants.
A well-loved part of Sao Tome and Principe cuisine, Fish Feijoada reflects the country's culinary traditions and locally available ingredients.
Molho no Fogo is a comforting regional favorite, prepared in styles that may vary between families, cities and different parts of Sao Tome and Principe.
Visitors often seek out Matabala for an authentic taste of Sao Tome and Principe's everyday cooking and food culture.
This traditional favorite highlights the bold, savory or gently spiced flavors associated with cooking in Sao Tome and Principe.
Coconut Rice is widely recognized in Sao Tome and Principe and is often served at casual meals, celebrations or community gatherings.
A memorable choice for travelers, Bolo de Banana offers a flavorful introduction to the ingredients and techniques used across Sao Tome and Principe.
This classic food is an important part of Sao Tome and Principe's culinary identity and is best sampled freshly prepared.
São Tomé and Príncipe is the second-smallest African country by population, made up of two main volcanic islands sitting almost exactly on the Equator in the Gulf of Guinea. The islands were uninhabited until Portuguese explorers arrived in the late 15th century, after which they became one of the first major centers of the transatlantic sugar trade, using enslaved labor brought from the African mainland, decades before sugar plantations became widespread in the Caribbean.
The country's volcanic soil and equatorial climate make it one of the world's most productive regions for cocoa, and at various points in its history São Tomé was among the world's largest producers of cocoa beans, a legacy still reflected in its high-quality chocolate production today. The islands are also home to Pico Cão Grande, a striking volcanic plug that rises like a narrow spike nearly 1,300 feet straight out of the rainforest, considered one of the most dramatic geological formations in Africa.
Despite its tiny size, the country is home to a remarkable number of endemic bird and plant species found nowhere else, a result of its isolation as an oceanic volcanic island chain far from the African mainland.
