Sao Tome & Principe 3 Day Itinerary

São Tomé and Príncipe 3-Day Travel Itinerary

Day 1: São Tomé Island (Arrival & Exploration)

  • Morning: Arrive at São Tomé International Airport. Go through immigration and visa procedures (check your eligibility for visa on arrival, as it depends on your nationality). Pick up your rental car or arrange transportation to your hotel.
  • Lunch: Enjoy local cuisine at a restaurant in the city center, such as A Casa Mucuna which offers traditional dishes like Coco-verde (green coconut sauce) and Gratão de Galinha (chicken stew).
  • Afternoon: Visit the Pão Pequeno Island, a small islet off the coast of São Tomé. It’s home to beautiful beaches, diverse wildlife, and the iconic lighthouse. Remember to bring your swimming gear!
  • Evening: Head back to the city and explore the bustling market in Santana, where you can find fresh seafood, exotic fruits, and crafts. Dinner at Restaurante Tropical or a similar restaurant with ocean views.

Day 2: São Tomé Island (Sights & Adventure)

  • Morning: Drive to Obô National Park, one of the island’s main attractions. Take a guided tour through the tropical rainforest and search for the various species of monkeys, birds, and other wildlife found here.
  • Lunch: Pack a picnic lunch or dine at Restaurante Jardim do Olimpo near the park entrance.
  • Afternoon: Head to Lagoa Azul (Blue Lake), a beautiful crater lake surrounded by lush vegetation and home to various bird species. Don’t forget your camera!
  • Evening: Stop by the historic Fort São Sebastião, overlooking the Gulf of Guinea. Enjoy the sunset and learn about the island’s colonial past. Dinner at a local restaurant in Santana or Trindade.

Day 3: Príncipe Island (Discovery & Relaxation)

  • Morning: Fly from São Tomé to Príncipe Island (flights are available daily, check schedules). Rent a bike or arrange transportation to your accommodation.
  • Lunch: Grab lunch at Restaurante Bom Jesus, located in Santo António village, offering traditional dishes and seafood.
  • Afternoon: Visit Obô do Principe National Park, where you can observe the endemic Príncipe Flying Frog and other unique species. Take a refreshing swim at Praia dos Caletas or Praia Boa Entrada.
  • Evening: Relax on one of the secluded beaches, such as Praia das Agulhas Negras or Praia Jalé, and enjoy the stunning sunset. Dinner at Restaurante Casa Tropical in Santo António village.

Things to Know:

  • The official language is Portuguese, but you may also encounter locals speaking Forro, a Creole dialect.
  • The currency is the Dobra (STD). Major credit cards are accepted in some places, but it’s always good to have cash on hand.
  • Tap water is not safe to drink; bottled water and filtered water are widely available.
  • Driving can be challenging due to poor road conditions, so be sure to drive carefully and respect the local traffic rules.

Enjoy your trip to São Tomé & Príncipe!