Sao Tome & Principe-7-day-itinerary
Sao Tome & Principe Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Sao Tome City
- Arrival: Arrive at São Tomé International Airport (TMS)
- Visa Requirements: Citizens of the US, Canada, and Europe do not need a visa. Others should check with the embassy.
- Accommodation: Check-in to your hotel in São Tomé city
- Things to Know:
- The official language is Portuguese, but English is widely spoken
- Sao Tome & Principe uses the Cape Verdean escudo (CVE) and US dollar (USD)
- Activity: Visit the Fortaleza de São Sebastião (Fort of St. Sebastian), a 17th-century fort that now serves as a museum showcasing the country’s history
Day 2: Explore Sao Tome City
- Breakfast: Enjoy breakfast at your hotel or a local café
- Transportation: Take a taxi to explore the city, or rent a car for the day
- Places to Go:
- The São Tomé Cathedral (Igreja de São Tomé), built in 1616 and featuring beautiful stone carvings
- The Museu Nacional de Sao Tome (São Tomé National Museum)
- Take a stroll along the waterfront promenade, known as the “Maleleveiro” (Male River)
- Lunch: Try some local cuisine at one of the many restaurants in town
Day 3: Explore Principe Island
- Transportation: Take a ferry from São Tomé to Príncipe
- Things to Know:
- The ferry ride takes about 1 hour and costs approximately CVE 5,000 (USD 20)
- Be prepared for choppy seas during the crossing
- Places to Go:
- Explore the stunning beaches of Caju beach on Príncipe Island
- Visit the waterfalls at Monte Fogo, a lush area with stunning natural beauty
Day 4: Hike and Relax on Principe
- Activity: Take a guided hike through the island’s lush interior to see rare bird species
- Transportation: Use the local transportation service (called “taxi-verde”) or rent a car for the day
- Places to Go:
- Visit the hot springs of Porto Alegre, a natural wonder that can be enjoyed in the early morning hours
- Relax on the beaches and enjoy snorkeling or swimming
Day 5: Snorkeling and Beach Time
- Transportation: Use the taxi-verde service to explore more of Príncipe Island
- Places to Go:
- Visit the island’s best-kept secret, the beautiful beach of Praia Laguado, featuring crystal-clear waters
- Snorkel in the waters at Ilhéu das Rolas (Rock Islands), where you can see tropical fish and coral
Day 6: Return to Sao Tome City
- Transportation: Take the ferry back to São Tomé Island
- Accommodation: Check-out of your hotel in São Tomé city
- Things to Know:
- Spend some time shopping for souvenirs or exploring the local markets
- Enjoy a farewell dinner at one of the island’s restaurants
Day 7: Departure from Sao Tome City
- Transportation: Take a taxi to the airport (approximately CVE 10,000 / USD 40)
- Activity: Depart from São Tomé International Airport
Budget Breakdown
- Accommodation (average cost): CVE 5,000 - CVE 20,000 per night (USD 20-80) for a hotel in Sao Tome City
- Food: CVE 2,500-CVE 10,000 per meal (USD 10-40)
- Transportation: CVE 1,000-CVE 5,000 for ferry rides and taxi rides (approximately USD 4-20)
Note: Prices may vary depending on the season and availability.