Photo: Philippe Bourachot, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Central Africa · Country guide

São Tomé and Príncipe

Two tiny volcanic islands of rainforest, beaches and old cocoa estates.

Flag of São Tomé and Príncipe
Capital
São Tomé
Region
Central Africa
Languages
Portuguese
Currency
São Tomé and Príncipe dobra
Best time to visit
Jun to Sep, Dec to Feb

São Tomé and Príncipe is the definition of off the beaten path: jungle-covered volcanoes, the needle-like Pico Cão Grande and plantation houses that once supplied much of the world’s cocoa. Príncipe is a UNESCO biosphere reserve.

Did you know? In the early 1900s these islands were among the world’s biggest producers of cocoa.

Known for

  • Pico Cão Grande
  • Cocoa plantations (roças)
  • Príncipe’s biosphere reserve
  • Turtle nesting beaches

Did you know?

In the early 1900s these islands were among the world’s biggest producers of cocoa.

Before you go

  • Visas: rules depend on your passport and change often. Check São Tomé and Príncipe’s official immigration website and see our visa guide.
  • Health: see a travel clinic about vaccines and malaria. Read our health guide.
  • Safety: read your government’s current travel advice for São Tomé and Príncipe.

Plan your trip

Hotels on Booking.com Tours on GetYourGuide Tours on Viator

We may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.

Frequently asked questions

What is the capital of São Tomé and Príncipe?

São Tomé.

What currency does São Tomé and Príncipe use?

São Tomé and Príncipe dobra.

What languages are spoken in São Tomé and Príncipe?

Portuguese.

When is the best time to visit São Tomé and Príncipe?

Jun to Sep, Dec to Feb.

Have you been to São Tomé and Príncipe?

Rate it

Tips from travellers

Been to São Tomé and Príncipe? Share one tip for the next traveller. The first good one goes right here.

Share a tip

We read every tip before it goes live. No links, please, and nothing personal about other people.

Questions from readers

Got a question about São Tomé and Príncipe? Ask it here.

Ask a question

We can’t reply privately. Useful questions get answered here on the page.