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São Tomé and Príncipe São Tomé and Príncipe

São Tomé

São Tomé is the capital and largest city of São Tomé and Príncipe, set on a volcanic island in the Gulf of Guinea. Lying just south of the equator, it offers views of plantations growing cocoa and coconut.

Updated August 15, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

São Tomé
Gateway airport
São Tomé International Airport (TMS)
Best season
Jun–Jul
Time zone
Africa/Sao_Tome
Sights covered
9 places

Sights worth seeing

See all 9 →
Ilhéu das Cabras

Nature

Ilhéu das Cabras

An uninhabited island off the coast of São Tomé, marked by two low hills and a lighthouse. Built in 1890, the lighthouse still guides ships along the coast today.

Roman Catholic Diocese of São Tomé and Príncipe

Temples & religious sites

Roman Catholic Diocese of São Tomé and Príncipe

The Roman Catholic Diocese of São Tomé and Príncipe has its seat in São Tomé city. With more than half the population Catholic, it offers a close look at local religious life.

São Sebastião Museum

Museums & galleries

São Sebastião Museum

The São Sebastião Museum sits inside a 16th-century fort in São Tomé city. Housed in the old Portuguese fort built to guard the harbor, it displays religious artworks and colonial-era artifacts.

Our Lady of Grace Cathedral

Temples & religious sites

Our Lady of Grace Cathedral

A Catholic cathedral on Praça do Povo in central São Tomé, close to the Presidential Palace. It also serves as the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of São Tomé and Príncipe.

Ana Chaves Bay

Nature

Ana Chaves Bay

A bay on the northeastern coast of São Tomé Island, with the capital São Tomé and its port lining the shore. At the bay's southern end stands the Fort of São Sebastião, now a museum well worth visiting together.

Ilhéu de Santana

Nature

Ilhéu de Santana

An uninhabited islet about 50 meters high, just off the eastern coast of São Tomé. It has served as a landmark for sailors for centuries, appearing even on 17th-century maps.

São Sebastião Lighthouse

Views & landmarks

São Sebastião Lighthouse

São Sebastião Lighthouse is a white, circular lighthouse inside the fort at Ana Chaves Bay in southeastern São Tomé. Built in 1928, its simple form topped with a red lantern makes a striking impression.

Presidential Palace of São Tomé e Príncipe

Castles & palaces

Presidential Palace of São Tomé e Príncipe

The Presidential Palace of São Tomé and Príncipe stands in São Tomé city and is a 19th-century Portuguese colonial-style building. Until independence in 1975, it served as the governor's residence.

How many days do you need?

Routes grouped by travel distance so each day stays comfortable.

Average temperature by month

5-year average

27° Jan
27° Feb
27° Mar
27° Apr
27° May
26° Jun
25° Jul
25° Aug
25° Sep
26° Oct
26° Nov
26° Dec

Getting there

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Getting around the city

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Fares and timetables change often, so we don't list them here. Check the operator or the booking site for current prices and schedules.

São Tomé Tours & Experiences Booking

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Local data

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Activate mobile data with a QR code instead of swapping SIM cards. Buy it before departure and switch it on the moment you land.

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Where to stay

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