Sao Tome

Travel Guide Africa Sao Tome and Principe Sao Tome

Introduction

Lady Eve

São Tomé is the capital since 1852 and largest city of Sao Tome and Principe and has a total population of about 65,000 inhabitants. The town is located on Ana Chaves Bay in the northeast of São Tomé Island and was founded by Portugal in 1485. It is by far the largest place in the island nation and is the administrative, economical and cultural hart, as well as a major port for both cargo and passengers. The town is centred around a sixteenth century cathedral and several other monumental buildings exist in the city, like the fortification and the national museum.

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Sights and Activities

Cathedral of São Tomé (Catedral de São Tomé). A Roman Catholic cathedral, parts of the building dates back to the 15th century but since then significant alterations have been done. Most recently in 1956, when the main facade was significantly changed.
Presidential Palace (Palácio Presidencial). Built in the mid-19th century as a governor's administrative center and expanded in 1954, the palace has served as the presidential residence since 1975. Unfortunately, the palace is not open to the public and photography of the building is not permitted.
São Tomé National Museum. Located in the historic Fort of São Sebastião, this museum showcases life during the colonial era and also has a collection of local religious art.
Fisherman's Church
Fort Sao Sebastiao was built in 1575 in pentagolan Vauban style, the statues in front of the fort are the discoverers of the island including João de Santarém, Pêro Escobar and João de Paiva.
Walk around the old town.

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Events and Festivals

International Workers’ Day

International Workers’ Day, or Labor Day as it is locally known, takes place on May 1 every year. This public holiday is marked by events celebrating the historic International Labor Movement, the development of trade unions in the country (which fight to protect workers’ rights), and the contribution of every worker to the nation that São Tomé has become today.

Independence Day

On July 12, São Tomé e Príncipe celebrates the attainment of full sovereignty from the colonial rule of the Portuguese. This public holiday is filled with displays of tradition and culture in many different cities. Travellers can expect to see musical performances, dance shows, and theatrical interpretations of the centuries during which the region was a colony.

Argel Accord Day

Every year on November 26, São Tomé and Príncipe celebrates the national holiday of Argel Accord Day. Prior to the nation being granted independence, the Argel Accords - which promised to grant sovereignty - were signed in Portugal. These accords came about from the actions of Portuguese civil society against the then dictatorial government. Argel Accords Day then not only commemorates the signing of these historical documents, but the efforts of the Portuguese people who fought for the freedom of Portuguese colonies around the world.

Christmas Day

São Tomé and Príncipe has a large Christian population, accounting for about 80 percent of people in the country. Understandably then, Christian religious holidays like Christmas Day on December 25 are a big deal. Christmas marks the birth of the Christian messiah Jesus. The day is celebrated by going to mass and the enjoyment of feasts with friends and family. The day has taken on a cultural aspect as well as it is considered a non-working day and most people in the country, religious or not, partake in the festivities.

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Weather

Located along the equator, Sao Tome has a climate typical for this region. The city has high temperatures, high humidity, heavy rainfall, and much cloud around the year. Annual rainfall is around 2,000 mm. June to September is the driest period of the year with some showers. During most of the rest of the year, rainfall is high, with two rainy seasons: one from March to May, the other in October and November. December to February is fairly dry as well, but with some more showers compared to June-September. Temperatures are around 30 °C year round during the day, and around or above 20 °C at night with extremely little variation.

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Getting there

Plane

To Sao Tome there are flights with TAP Air Portugal to and from Lisbon and with TAAG Angola Airlines to and from Luanda in Angola. Air Luxor flies to Lisbon once a week. Aero Contractors serves Lagos in Nigeria. Afrijetl is flying from Libreville, Gabon and Pointe Noire, Congo to Sao Tome. There are planes to Principe.

By Bus

Minibuses leave from the market and nearby, leaving when full to many villages, each destination has his own not marked departure spot, you have to ask from where exactly.

By Boat

There are boats to Principe.

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Getting Around

Go and a hire a scooter from the locals! They are friendly and Hotel staff will assist you with this. Cost is roundabout U$ 20 per scooter. Motorbike taxies are the cheapest way to get around.

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Eat

Xico's Café - popular with expats, more an eating then a drinking place, open 6:00am to 10:00pm, closed (as many other places) on Sundays. Address: Pç Amizade e Solidariedade entre os Povos, São Tomé.
Restaurante O Bigodes - walking distance to the airport (some of the very few planes arrive and leave in the middle of the night), the food is quite good and a nice view over the sea. It is open also on sundays, and part of a hotel (rooms from €45). Address: Praia Francesa 4250, São Tomé.

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Drink

Café e Companhia, renamed to Xico's Café, popular with expats, has also some decent food, open 6:00am to 10:00pm, closed (as many other places) on Sundays.

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