São Tomé TripIndependent trip planning Plan your trip
Rugged forested mountains of southern São Tomé seen from the sea

São Tomé · South0°07′N 6°34′E

Southern São Tomé

The island’s wildest region over one to three days: Boca do Inferno, Roça São João, Pico Cão Grande, Porto Alegre, Ilhéu das Rolas and the far-south beaches, and why it is worth a night.

Photo: Ji-Elle, CC BY-SA 4.0
Short answer

The south is why many people come: the volcanic needle of Pico Cão Grande, black-rock coves, rainforest down to the sea, the boat to the equator on Ilhéu das Rolas and long, empty beaches. Give it at least one night.

Down the east coast

The coast road south passes the Boca do Inferno blowhole and viewpoint, beaches such as Praia das Sete Ondas, and the town of São João dos Angolares. Above it, Roça São João is a former plantation house run by the chef and television presenter João Carlos Silva, with a small inn and a long tasting menu built on local ingredients; book ahead, especially at weekends.

Basalt rock shelves and pools at Boca do Inferno on São Tomé’s east coast
Boca do Inferno. Photo: Ji-Elle, CC BY-SA 4.0

The far south

  • Pico Cão Grande: viewpoints from the road, or a tough guided forest walk towards its base. More.
  • Porto Alegre and Ilhéu das Rolas: the fishing village where boats leave for the equator islet. More.
  • Praia Piscina: natural rock pools sheltered from the waves at the southern tip, reached by a rough track best left to a driver who knows it.
  • Praia Jalé and Praia Inhame: quiet beaches where turtles nest, roughly October to March. More.
Stilt houses and a canoe at Porto Alegre
Porto Alegre. Photo: Ji-Elle, CC BY-SA 4.0
Leaning palms over the sand at Praia Jalé
Praia Jalé. Photo: Paulacastelli, CC BY-SA 4.0
The road to the far south Map of São Tomé island with Príncipe shown as an inset at the same scale. Coastlines from OpenStreetMap. Gulf of Guinea EQUATOR 0° São Tomé (city) Santana Boca do Inferno Praia das Sete Ondas Ribeira Afonso São João dos Angolares Pico Cão Grande Porto Alegre Praia Piscina Praia Jalé 10 km
Coastlines and places © OpenStreetMap contributors. Dotted line is a sketch of the order of stops, not the road.

One, two or three days?

  • One long day: east coast, Cão Grande viewpoints and Porto Alegre. Start early: driving back after dark is best avoided.
  • Two days (one night): the coast road and Cão Grande on day one; Rolas and the beaches on day two.
  • Three days: add the walk towards Cão Grande, Praia Piscina and, in season, a turtle night.

Arranged on request

Arrange the south

We arrange this with local guides and operators. We check availability for your dates and confirm the details below before you pay a deposit.

A typical day

  • Driver-guide from the capital down the east coast, with stops
  • Pico Cão Grande viewpoints, or the guided walk for fit walkers
  • Boat from Porto Alegre to Ilhéu das Rolas and the equator monument
  • Southern beaches, and turtles in season
  • One or two nights in the south

We confirm for your dates

  • Driver-guide, vehicle and language
  • Rolas boat arrangements and sea conditions
  • Accommodation in the south
  • Walk guide for Cão Grande, if wanted
  • What is included and what is paid locally (meals, boat fee)
Duration
1 to 3 days
Format
Private: your group only, with a local guide or driver-guide
Season
Year-round; driest June to September, turtles roughly October to March
Price
Tailored quote in euros for your dates and group size, before you pay anything.
Ask about this How booking works

Also asked

Quick answers

Can I do the south as a day trip from the capital?

Yes, but it is long: as a rough estimate two to three hours of driving each way without stops, before any time at Cão Grande or on Rolas. One or two nights in the south make it far more enjoyable.

Do I need a 4x4 in the south?

For the main road to Porto Alegre, a high-clearance car is usually enough in dry weather. Tracks to places such as Praia Piscina are rough, and travellers recommend going with a driver who knows the route.

Where do people stay in the south?

Options include simple lodges and eco-lodges near the southern beaches and a small number of places around São João dos Angolares and Porto Alegre. Availability is limited, so book early.

Plan with a person

The south, arranged around your days

Tell us how many days you have. We check a driver-guide, the Rolas boat and a place to stay in the south for your dates, and send one clear price.

Tell us about your trip

Asking is free. Nothing is booked until you have accepted a quote and we have confirmed it in writing.

Keep planning

Last reviewed: Researched Researched from public sources. Not yet confirmed on the ground. How we keep information current

Sources consulted (things change quickly here; if you have newer information, tell us):

  1. Driver Abroad: São Tomé and Príncipe driving advice
  2. Pousadas STP: Roça São João dos Angolares
  3. Lonely Planet: Roça São João
  4. Travel Extra: São Tomé and Príncipe must-see attractions
  5. Conversant Traveller: things to do in São Tomé and Príncipe
  6. Pestana: Pestana Equador, Ilhéu das Rolas
  7. OpenStreetMap: place locations in São Tomé and Príncipe
Plan your trip