Things to see in São Tomé

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Temples & religious sites

Our Lady of Conception Church, São Tomé

This Catholic church stands on Avenida da Conceição in downtown São Tomé. It's a good spot to take in the simple church building along with the surrounding streetscape.