Before you plan
Distances here are short and journeys are long. The 75 km from the capital to Porto Alegre in the far south takes two hours or more, and the road worsens in the rains. Plan one area per day, do not drive after dark, and treat every time below as approximate.
If you are including Príncipe, book the inter-island flights before anything else. The planes are small, seats sell out, and schedules can change at short notice. Leave a buffer night on São Tomé before your international flight home.
Which route?
| Route | Days | Covers | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| São Tomé in a week | 7 | Capital, north coast, highlands, south, Rolas | First-timers |
| Two islands in ten days | 10 | São Tomé highlights + 3 nights on Príncipe | Beach and nature lovers |
| The slow fortnight | 14 | Everything, with hiking and rest days | Hikers, birders, honeymooners |
7 days: São Tomé island in a week
The whole of São Tomé island without rushing: four nights in or near the capital and two in the south.
- Day 1 — Arrive, São Tomé citySettle in and walk the seafront of Ana Chaves Bay at sunset. See the city guide.
- Day 2 — The capitalFort São Sebastião and the National Museum, the cathedral, the market, and a chocolate tasting if one is running. Dinner at a city restaurant.
- Day 3 — North coastRoça Agostinho Neto, a swim at Lagoa Azul, lunch of grilled fish in Neves and the coastal road beyond. North coast guide.
- Day 4 — Monte Café and the highlandsThe coffee museum at Monte Café, São Nicolau waterfall and the botanical garden at Bom Sucesso, with a walk to Lagoa Amélia if the weather holds.
- Day 5 — Down the east coastRoça Água Izé, Boca do Inferno and lunch at Roça São João dos Angolares; stop at the Pico Cão Grande viewpoint and sleep in the south.
- Day 6 — Ilhéu das RolasBoat across to Rolas for the Equator mark and a swim; afternoon at Praia Piscina or Praia Jalé.
- Day 7 — Return and departDrive back to the capital with time in hand for the airport. Buy coffee and chocolate to take home.
10 days: two islands
A week’s highlights on São Tomé compressed into six days, plus three nights on Príncipe.
- Days 1–2 — São Tomé cityArrival, then a full day in the capital: fort, cathedral, market and chocolate.
- Day 3 — North coast and Monte CaféLagoa Azul and Roça Agostinho Neto in the morning, Monte Café in the afternoon. A long but feasible day with a driver.
- Days 4–5 — The southEast-coast roças, Pico Cão Grande and a night at a southern eco-lodge; next day the boat to Ilhéu das Rolas, then back to the capital.
- Day 6 — Fly to PríncipeMorning flight (about 35 minutes). Explore Santo António on foot and transfer to your lodge.
- Day 7 — BeachesPraia Banana, Praia Boi and Praia Macaco — see the beaches guide.
- Day 8 — Roça Sundy and the forestVisit Roça Sundy, then a guided forest walk or a boat trip to Baía das Agulhas if the sea is calm.
- Day 9 — Return to São ToméFly back and keep the afternoon free as a buffer. Last dinner in the city.
- Day 10 — DepartInternational flight home.
14 days: the slow fortnight
Both islands at the pace they deserve, with time to hike, snorkel and do nothing at all.
- Days 1–3 — São Tomé city and the northTwo days for the capital and its food, and one for the north coast as far as the road goes.
- Days 4–5 — Highlands and ObôMonte Café and the waterfalls, then a full day hiking in Obô National Park — or use both days for the guided trek to Pico de São Tomé.
- Days 6–8 — The southThree nights in the south: roças and Cão Grande on the way down, a day for Rolas, and a day for Praia Piscina, the Malanza mangroves and, in season, turtles at Praia Jalé.
- Day 9 — Back to the capitalReturn north, with a stop at Praia das Sete Ondas. Overnight near the airport side of town.
- Days 10–13 — PríncipeFly to Príncipe for four nights: the beaches, Roça Sundy and Belo Monte, and a boat or hike in the Biosphere Reserve.
- Day 14 — Return and departFly back to São Tomé. If your international flight is the same day, take the earliest inter-island flight; a buffer night is safer.
Frequently asked questions
Is a week enough for both islands?
It is possible but rushed. With seven days we suggest staying on São Tomé; Príncipe deserves at least three nights and its flights add risk to a tight schedule.
Can I do these routes without a car?
In the capital, yes. Elsewhere shared taxis reach the main towns but not most beaches or plantations, so you will want a hire car, a car with driver or guided days.
Where should I add extra days?
In the south of São Tomé for nature and quiet, or on Príncipe if beaches are the priority.
