São Tomé
São Tomé and Príncipe
- Safety rating
- 7/10
- Best time to visit
- The drier 'gravana' season from June to September is best for beaches and hiking.
- Population
- 0.1M
Overview
The sleepy capital of this twin-island nation charms with pastel colonial architecture, a working harbor and an unhurried equatorial pace. Surrounding cocoa plantations, jungle peaks and empty beaches make it a paradise for off-grid travelers.
Top attractions
See the colonial cathedral and Presidential Palace, the National Museum in São Sebastião Fort, and nearby roça plantation estates.
Getting around
Shared taxis and minibuses serve the town; renting a car or hiring a driver is best for exploring the island.