THE NORTH OF SÃO TOMÉ

The north of São Tomé is full of spectacular natural beauty and exciting activities. 
São Tomé City is definitely worth visiting, and even spending a night or two. The city boasts charming colonial-era buildings, a relaxed atmosphere, manageable traffic, and friendly, non-intrusive locals.

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When you venture out of São Tomé City, start with a visit to the Memorial of the Heroes of Freedom of São Tomé. This site honors the victims of the Batepá Massacre of 1953, a tragic and pivotal event in the country's history during its struggle for independence.

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You can continue to Roça Agostinho Neto, the largest in São Tomé and Príncipe. Once the grandest, it is now one of several that have been abandoned, which in a way highlights its historical significance.

From there you can head to Praia do Governador and Praia dos Tamarindos for a refreshing swim. Next up, there is ‘Lagoa Azul’, the blue lagoon, situated near Neves. It’s a small cove with aquamarine water that you can also look at from above after a short walk up to the lighthouse. The lagoon is also known to be a snorkelling paradise.

 

Neves, a small village in the northwest of the island, is also a must-see. Among other things, it is the industrial district with several factories from beer to palm oil and more. You should not skip tasting the local cuisine at ‘Petisqueira Santola’, an inconspicuous and discreet wooden shack by the sea, where you can enjoy fresh, giant Santola spider crabs accompanied by a ‘Rosema’, the local beer, toasted bread and fried banana.

 

With a full stomach, you can happily continue to Mucumbli Ecolodge. Mucumbli is named after a large tree of medicinal interest that is also considered a magical. The Ecolodge is a real wellness place with great facilities, beautiful bungalows and a wonderful terrace.

 

Nearby is Roça Ponta Figo. After visiting the historic site, you can take a walk through the rainforest and discover the waterfall Angolar. Not too far away there is another stunning waterfall called ‘Cascata Nazaré’.

 

The Roça Diogo Vaz is one of the oldest on the island. Its cocoa forest covers more than 420 hectares. After its redevelopment in 2014, Roça Diogo Vaz received the Organic Farming certification and since then various awards stating that their chocolate is one of the best in the world.

 

From there, embark on a journey along what is hailed by experts as one of the most stunning roads globally, leading you to the Santa Catarina Tunnel. Be sure to pause and capture the breathtaking scenery, with palm trees and coconut palms lining the route, creating a truly picturesque landscape.

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Keep in mind that your trip to São Tomé and Príncipe is only complete if you include Príncipe Island in your itinerary.
Remember to always respect the local culture and environment during your visit. We will provide you with a local guide to enhance your experience and support the community of São Tomé and Príncipe.