Along Africa's western coast, this colonial port town has palm-lined streets, a 16th-century cathedral, and a busy central market near beaches where dolphins swim close to shore.
São Tomé, the capital of São Tomé and Príncipe, stretches along Ana Chaves Bay on Africa's western coast. In the city center, you'll find the Nossa Senhora da Graça cathedral with its pink-and-white facade, the yellow-painted Presidential Palace, and the bustling Mercado Municipal where vendors sell fresh fish and local produce. With fewer than 13,000 tourists annually, you can walk through quiet streets and spot Príncipe kingfishers hunting for crabs on nearby beaches at dawn.
Getting to São Tomé
São Tomé International Airport connects the island with direct flights to Angola, Gabon, Ghana, and Portugal. TAP Air Portugal operates routes from Lisbon, while regional carriers serve other African destinations. You can reach the city center in 15 minutes by car from the airport. Local taxis wait outside the terminal building, and many hotels arrange airport transfers.
Exploring the City Center
Walk along Avenida Marginal to Ana Chaves Bay, where fishermen unload their catch throughout the day. The yellow Presidential Palace stands on Independence Square, while the pink Nossa Senhora da Graça cathedral's bell tower rises above the surrounding buildings. The Mercado Municipal buzzes with activity as vendors sell fresh fish and seafood, while at Mercado Central you'll find local produce, spices, and woven baskets.
Climate and Seasons
The cold Benguela Current creates unusual weather patterns in São Tomé's tropical climate. From October through May, expect regular afternoon showers during the wet season. The dry season brings minimal rain but consistent cloud cover and morning fog. Annual rainfall reaches about 900 mm, while temperatures stay stable year-round.
Local Food Scene
At the port, fishermen bring in fresh catches daily, including grouper, snapper, and tuna. Market vendors sell locally grown jackfruit, coconuts, and bananas. Try azagão at local restaurants - this complex stew combines more than 100 different plants with meat and beans. Small restaurants in the city center serve grilled fish with calulu sauce and fresh coconut bread.
Beyond the City
A paved highway circles São Tomé Island, making it easy to visit towns like Trindade and Santana. You can explore the stone ruins of Ribeira Izé, the island's first Portuguese settlement from the 1500s. Visit active cocoa plantations where workers harvest and dry cacao beans in the sun. Local guides can take you through the plantations and demonstrate the traditional fermentation process used to develop the beans' chocolate flavor.
