Holiday in São Tomé
City in sao-tome-und-principe — tips, highlights & best time to visit
Country
sao-tome-und-principe
Type
City
Best time to travel
June to September (Dry season Gravana, 24-28 °C). October-May is wetter but always tropical warm.
Budget/day
70-140 €
Getting there from Germany
Flight to São Tomé (TMS, approx. 10-14 h via Lisbon with TAP). No visa required for Germans for up to 15 days.
About São Tomé
São Tomé, the capital of the eponymous island nation in the Gulf of Guinea, is located almost exactly on the equator. São Tomé and Príncipe is the second smallest country in Africa and one of the least known travel destinations in the world — a tropical paradise for explorers seeking the extraordinary. The islands are of volcanic origin: Pico de São Tomé rises 2,024 meters above sea level, surrounded by dense rainforest. Hikes through the Obo National Park lead past endemic orchids, rare birds, and spectacular waterfalls. The Roças — former cocoa plantations from the Portuguese colonial era — are now atmospheric ruins and partly converted into charming hotels. Praia dos Tamarindos and Praia Jalé offer secluded beaches where sea turtles nest. Between July and September, you can observe the nesting process. Boca do Inferno, a natural blowhole on the coast, is a dramatic natural spectacle. São Tomé's chocolate is among the best in the world — Claudio Corallo produces award-winning single-origin chocolate here. Creole cuisine combines Portuguese, African, and Brazilian influences into unique taste experiences.
Top 5 highlights in São Tomé
The places you absolutely must not miss.
Obo National Park
Tropical rainforest with endemic species, waterfalls, and the 2,024m high Pico de São Tomé: a hiking paradise on the equator.
Roças (Cocoa Plantations)
Historic plantation houses from the colonial era: atmospheric ruins, some converted into boutique hotels.
Praia Jalé
Secluded beach in the south where sea turtles nest: observe nesting from July to September.
Claudio Corallo Chocolate
World-renowned single-origin chocolate directly from the plantation: tasting and tour with the master chocolatier.
Boca do Inferno
Natural blowhole on the coast: during high tide, water fountains shoot meters high — a dramatic natural spectacle.
Hotels in São Tomé
Vergleiche tausende Hotels, Apartments und Resorts auf Expedia – mit Bestpreis-Garantie, kostenloser Stornierung und Bonuspunkten.
* Weiterleitung zu Expedia.de. Es gelten die dortigen Nutzungsbedingungen.
Reise-SIM für São Tomé
Günstig surfen im Urlaub mit travSIM
Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen
Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie
Best time to travel for São Tomé
Recommended travel time
June to September (Dry season Gravana, 24-28 °C). October-May is wetter but always tropical warm.
Summer
26-30 °C, humid rainy season October-May
Winter
24-28 °C, dry Gravana season June-September
How much does a holiday in São Tomé cost?
Average costs per person per day
Budget
30-60 €
Hostel, Street food, Public transport
Mid-range
70-140 €
Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions
Luxury
180-400 €
Boutique hotel, Fine dining
Book a package holiday to São Tomé
Compare thousands of package holidays to São Tomé and find the best deals with flight & hotel.
Compare package holidays now5 travel tips for São Tomé
Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.
Fly via Lisbon — TAP Portugal offers direct flights. Use the layover in Lisbon as a bonus.
Dobra is the currency — 1 € ≈ 24,500 STN. Bring cash, ATMs are limited, credit cards are rarely accepted.
Malaria area — prophylaxis is strongly recommended. Seek travel medical advice before departure.
Rent a 4WD vehicle — many roads are unpaved, especially in the south and to the beach gems.
Turtle season July-September — observe nesting at Praia Jalé with local guides at night.
Food & drink in São Tomé
These specialties you must try!
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