Must See

Principe

The small island of Príncipe is located 150 km (94 miles) from São Tomé. Visitors can go snorkelling in the azure coastal waters, or take an afternoon stroll through the main town of San Antonio, characterised by its distinctive colonial architecture and atmosphere.

Other highlights include Pico de Principe, the island's summit, which stands at 948 m (3,128 ft), and Ilheu Bom Bom, a tiny island situated off Príncipe's northern coast, and home to one of the country's few tourist resorts.

São Tomé

The island of São Tomé, with its capital of the same name, represents 90 per cent of the total surface of the country.

São Tomé Town

This friendly, quiet capital has some pretty colonial Portuguese architecture, scenic side-streets and attractive parks. Established by the Portuguese in 1485, it was a busy slave port in days gone by. Although the faded buildings and pot-holed streets suggest a town whose heyday has long since past, visitors who make it down to the markets, or see the fishermen haul in their midday catch of red snapper, wahoo and marlin, can see that it's really a very energetic place. At night the pace slows down once more, and it's possible to amble through the centre and not see a living soul.

Obo National Park

The Obo National Park is a protected area of capoeiras (post agricultural forest), dotted with abandoned plantations, set alongside pristine, ancient tropical forest at higher altitudes. There are some pleasant trails, taking in waterfalls, lakes and fine views.

Cocoa Plantations

Sao Tome island has a number of cocoa plantations (roças) that are well worth visiting. Agostinho Neto is the largest of them and a clear example of São Tomé's colonial past, while at Agua Ize visitors can tour the plantation by train.

Ilheu Das Rolas

Ilheu Das Rolas (Turtledove Island) is a tiny islet at the southern tip of Sao Tome island, which actually straddles the equator, enabling visitors to stand with one leg in each hemisphere. There are also some good beaches and also some excellent diving off the shore.