Sao Tome was founded by the Portuguese on an uninhabited island at the equator, as a strategic outpost for advancing into the territories in 1485. Now this cozy, picturesque town located on the shore of the bay, adorned with colonial Portuguese buildings, gardens and shady parks has become a real gem of the African state of Sao Tome and Principe and, in common opinion, one of the safest and most affable African cities.
How to get to Sao Tome
Flights to Portugal from the international airport of Sao Tome (on Fridays and Saturdays, TAP), Gabon and Angola. The airport is 4 kilometers from the city, a taxi will take you to your destination for $ 4.
Search for air tickets in Sao Tome
Transport
The nearest towns can be reached by the highway surrounding the whole island Sao Tome. Minibuses a few times a day are sent to the north and south of the island from the Mercado market, the cost of the trip will be about $ 2. A taxi ride to the outskirts of the city will cost about $ 7 (December 2010 prices).
In the Mercado market area, you can rent a scooter for $ 20. You can rent a car at the airport and major hotels of the city. Well, the center of the city you can easily walk on foot in a couple of hours.
On the neighboring island of Principe you can take a plane from the international airport of Sao Tome.
Cuisine and restaurants
The island's main food product is fish - often served with breadfruit and baked bananas. For a full immersion in exotics, try flying fish, as well as shellfish and snails. For dessert you will be provided with a full range of tropical fruits.
If you are tired of exotic, then in the restaurants of the capital hotels you will be offered European cuisine at European prices.
Climate
Partly cloudy, thunderstorms +28 ° С in the afternoon +27 ° С at night ° С water |
Partly cloudy, heavy rain, thunderstorms +27 ° С in the afternoon +26 ° С at night ° С water |
Partly cloudy, heavy rain, thunderstorms +27 ° С in the afternoon +27 ° С at night ° С water |
| Sao Tomé weather forecast for 10 days | ||
Beaches
12 kilometers south of the city is located one of the best beaches - Praia de Sète-Ondes (which means "Seven Waves" beach). Near the beach is a natural attraction - Boca de Inferno (mouth of Hell). Wave-shaking waves pouring into the underwater cave create a complete illusion of the husky breath of the other-worldly being. This spectacle is most impressive during the tides and full moon.
Entertainment, excursions and attractions in Sao Tome
For hiking, the Santo Antonio Quarter is perfect, where splendid samples of Portuguese architecture are concentrated in the shady streets.
San Sebastian - the oldest fort - occupies the tip of the peninsula, one and a half kilometers from the city center. It was built by the Portuguese in 1575, now the National Museum is in the fort's building.
Behind the building of the fort is the chapel Nossa Senhora de Baluarte, built in 1522. The oldest of the buildings built by Europeans in the southern hemisphere, the chapel represents an excellent example of Portuguese late Gothic architecture. In the evening, beautifully lit, located at the very end of a narrow promontory, it is simply a fantastic sight.
The residence of Agustinho Neto, the former governor of the island, built and decorated in a traditional colonial style still preserves the aura of a real colonial manor. The National Cathedral of Sao Tome, located near the presidential palace, is striking in size and exquisite architecture.
The Mercado Central market is the focus of local life. Just plunge into it.
Surroundings
Stunning scenery in its beauty, you will find, if you go north from Sao Tome. Here, majestic baobabs reign among hills and rock massifs.
If you climb to a height of 2 kilometers to the extinct volcano of Pico de Sao Tome - the highest point of the island, you will see breathtaking views of the surrounding area. With the natural world of Sao Tome you can also get acquainted in the botanical garden of Bom Sucesso, where hundreds of orchids, rare birds and sea turtles are represented.
In the east of the city there are cocoa plantations. You can make a trip to the existing plantation of Roca Sao Joao, see the surviving colonial buildings, have a wonderful lunch at the local restaurant (the chef who is also part of the plantation owner). The Obo National Park, surrounded by mountains and waterfalls, is located in the southwestern part of the island. Here nest rare birds and sea turtles.