Santo António - Discovering Sao Tome and Principe

Travelling to Santo António

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Santo António, a pretty good destination in Sao Tome and Principe (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to Santo António and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around Santo António, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through Sao Tome and Principe, here's everything to know about Santo António for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Santo António

Santo António is a town located on the northern coast of São Tomé Island, which is part of the island nation of São Tomé and Príncipe in Central Africa. It is the capital of the Caué District and has a population of around 14,000 people. Santo António is known for its beautiful coastline, volcanic mountains, and lush rainforests, which offer a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and beach trips. The town also has a rich cultural heritage with several historic landmarks, including a 16th-century fort, a colonial-era church, and a bustling local market.

What to visit in Santo António

Certainly, here are some of the tourist attractions in Santo António, São Tomé and Príncipe: 1. Forte de São Sebastião: This is a historic fort that was built in the 16th century to defend São Tomé against pirates. Today it houses a museum of São Toméan history and culture. Visitors can see exhibits on colonialism, slavery, art, and religion.
2. Praia Piscina: This is a beautiful beach with calm, crystal-clear waters that are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. There are also some great hiking trails in the nearby mountains.
3. Jardim Botânico: This is a lovely botanical garden with a wide variety of tropical plants, trees, and flowers. Visitors can also see examples of traditional São Toméan architecture, such as a traditional cocoa drying shed.
4. Roça de Monte Café: This is a restored coffee plantation that dates back to the 19th century. Visitors can learn about the history of coffee production in São Tomé and enjoy a tour of the plantation.
5. Parque Natural Ôbo: This is a national park that covers over half of the island of São Tomé. Visitors can see a wide variety of wildlife, including monkeys, birds, and reptiles. There are also some great hiking and camping opportunities in the park.
6. Ilhéu das Rolas: This is a small island off the southern coast of São Tomé that is a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. Visitors can also see the Equator line, which runs through the island.
7. Mercado Central de São Tomé: This is the central market in Sao Tome where locals come to shop for fresh produce, fish, and other goods. It's a great place to experience local culture and sample some of the island's delicious cuisine.
In this website, you can find many other destinations to visit in Sao Tome and Principe, so you can have a look in the "USEFUL LINKS" sections in this page for other places that could inspire your trip.


You can find more information in this page dedicated to the top 10 attractions to visit in Santo António.

When to go on holiday to Santo António

The best time to visit Santo António in São Tomé and Príncipe is during the dry season, which runs from June to September. The temperature remains consistently warm all year round, with an average temperature of around 26°C. However, the rainy season can make it difficult to explore the island, so it is best to avoid visiting during the months of October to May.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to Santo António

Santo António is a town on the island of Principe, which is part of the country of Sao Tome and Principe. There are two ways to get to Principe island from Sao Tome, the capital city of Sao Tome and Principe: 1. By air: There are flights operated by STP Airways from Sao Tome to Principe. The flight takes around 30 minutes and there are several flights per day.
2. By sea: There are regular ferry services that operate between Sao Tome and Principe. The journey takes around 6 hours and you can enjoy some of the beautiful views of the ocean and the islands during the journey.
Once you arrive at Principe island, you can take a taxi or rent a car to get to Santo António. It is around a 40-minute drive from the airport to Santo António.
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit Santo António, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Santo António

Santo António is a small town located on the island of Principe, in Sao Tome and Principe. The cuisine of Principe is a mix of African, European, and Asian influences, and it is known for its fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Here are some typical foods you might expect to find in Santo António: 1. Calulu - A stew made with fish and vegetables such as okra and eggplant, seasoned with palm oil and usually served with funge (a starchy porridge made from cassava).
2. Peixe Assado - Grilled or roasted fish, often served with a tomato-based sauce and sides of rice and beans.
3. Camarão Frito - Fried shrimp, often served with a spicy dipping sauce.
4. Pudim de Principe - A traditional dessert made with coconut milk, sugar, eggs, and spices such as nutmeg and cinnamon.
5. Banana-pão - A plantain that is boiled, mashed, and served with fish or meat dishes.
6. Moqueca de Peixe - A fish stew cooked with palm oil, coconut milk, and spices such as garlic and ginger.
7. Arroz Doce - A creamy rice pudding made with coconut milk and cinnamon, often served as a dessert.
8. Cacau - Chocolate is a specialty of Principe, and many small-scale producers make their own version using locally-grown cocoa beans. Chocolate bars and other chocolate-based treats can be found in Santo António and other towns on the island.
You can find general info about typical foods in Sao Tome and Principe here.

Is Santo António an expensive destination for tourists?

Santo António, São Tome and Principe can be considered a moderately expensive destination for tourists. The cost of living in São Tome and Principe is generally higher than in neighboring West African countries. Additionally, some tourist activities, such as boat tours and island-hopping, can be quite costly. However, there are also budget-friendly accommodations and restaurants available, especially in the capital city of São Tomé. Overall, the cost of a trip to Santo António will depend on factors such as your accommodation choices, transport options, and activity preferences.

Where to find accomodation in Santo António

It is best to find accommodation in or near the city of Santo António on the island of Príncipe in Sao Tome and Principe. This will provide easy access to the local attractions, as well as dining and shopping options. Additionally, there are a range of accommodation options available, including hotels, guesthouses and Airbnb rentals.
You can check hotel prices at Santo António here:
Booking.com

Is Santo António a safe destination for tourists?

Yes, Santo António, which is located on the island of Principe in Sao Tome and Principe, is generally considered a safe place for tourists. However, as with any travel destination, it is always important to take necessary precautions to ensure your safety. This includes being aware of your surroundings, not walking alone at night, and keeping valuables secure. It is also recommended to research any potential safety concerns or travel advisories before your trip and to follow the advice of local authorities and tour guides. Overall, Santo António is a beautiful destination known for its pristine beaches, lush jungles, and friendly locals, making it a great place to explore and relax.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in Sao Tome and Principe here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting Santo António.

What type of travelers will enjoy Santo António the most?

Santo António, which is a town on the island of Principe in Sao Tome and Principe, is a perfect destination for those seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse themselves in nature. The town is surrounded by beautiful beaches, lush forests, and sparkling waterfalls, making it an ideal location for eco-tourism and outdoor adventures. While the town has something to offer to everyone, it is particularly well-suited to couples and families who enjoy hiking, swimming, and wildlife spotting. Visitors can explore the lush forests of the Obo National Park and visit Bom Bom Island Resort, which has some of the most beautiful beaches on the island.
Overall, Santo António is an excellent destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat in nature, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

How to get around Santo António

In Santo António (Sao Tome and Principe), the most common modes of transportation for getting around are taxis, motorcycle taxis, and rental cars. Taxis and motorcycle taxis are readily available, and rental cars are available at the airport or in the city. Bicycles can also be rented to explore the city. Keep in mind that the roads in Santo António may not always be well-maintained, so make sure to exercise caution while driving or riding.

What to see around Santo António

Certainly! Here are some suggestions for day trips from Santo António in São Tomé and Príncipe: 1. Praia das Conchas - a beautiful beach located about 30 minutes away from Santo António. The water is warm and crystal clear, and the beach is surrounded by stunning cliffs.
2. Lagoa Azul - a gorgeous lagoon situated about an hour away from Santo António. The water is a deep blue color and the surrounding vegetation is lush.
3. Bom Bom Island - a small island accessible by boat from the coast near Santo António. The island has a beautiful beach, hiking trails, and a restaurant.
4. São João dos Angolares - a small village located about an hour away from Santo António. The village is known for its traditional architecture and peaceful surroundings.
5. Roça Monte Café - a historical coffee plantation located about 45 minutes away from Santo António. The plantation has a museum where visitors can learn about the history of coffee in São Tomé and Príncipe.
For every travel information about Sao Tome and Principe you can click here.

Wild Trips is the Wikipedia of travel and this page was partly created with the help of AI: in the unfortunate case you find an error, please write to us to correct it... Thank you!
Follow us on Facebook if you like wild trips around the world and beautiful itineraries in Italy: https://www.facebook.com/wildtrips.