Hotels in São Tomé and Príncipe
Top-rated hotels in Saint Thomas
See allTop-rated hotels in Santo Antonio - Principe Island
See allTop-rated hotels in Ilhéu das Rolas
See allTop-rated hotels in Santa Cruz
See allOther outstanding destinations
Find the most affordable hotels in the most visited cities
More destinations in São Tomé and Príncipe
Discover São Tomé and Príncipe
What time of year is best for travel?
To fully enjoy Santo Tomé and Príncipe, it is important to consider several aspects. The best time to travel is during the dry season, which runs from June to September. During these months, temperatures range from 25 to 30°C, which is perfect for outdoor activities and diving.
As for events, the independence celebrations in July offer an excellent opportunity to experience the local culture. Outside of these dates, you will find greater availability in flights and hotels, so it is crucial to plan in advance if you wish to participate in these festivities.
Regarding prices, they tend to be lower outside of the dry season and major holidays, allowing you to access more attractive offers. However, make sure to book in advance to avoid any unforeseen circumstances.
How far in advance should you make your reservations?
The ideal is to start organizing your trip to Santo Tomé and Príncipe approximately 6 months in advance of the departure date. Since it is a less crowded destination, availability in flights and hotels is usually more favorable than in other places, but there are strategies to optimize your booking.
For example, booking flights on weekdays can significantly influence the price. Hotels also offer more advantageous rates outside the high season, which coincides with the dry season from June to September.
In addition, some airlines have more affordable rates for flights with longer layovers. Accepting these layovers could mean considerable savings. Remember that the key is flexibility and planning well in advance.
What should you see during your trip?
São Tomé and Príncipe is an island treasure with a diversity that ranges from dreamy beaches to tropical jungles. Here, you can not only sunbathe on Praia Jale or Praia Piscina, but you can also explore the Ôbo Natural Park on hiking routes surrounded by endemic orchids and mountain peaks.
For history lovers, a visit to the São Tomé Cathedral and the São Sebastião Fort is a must. These colonial period buildings offer an impressive insight into the island's history. In addition, the old cocoa and coffee plantations, such as Roca Agua Izé and Roca São João, will allow you to observe the process of these crops and taste the chocolate and coffee produced there.
If you are looking for water activities, you can snorkel and dive in the Tinhosas Protected Marine Area; the clarity of the water will allow you to see flying fish from the surface. And don't miss out on trying the local cuisine; the seafood here is exceptional, and calulu, a traditional stew, is a unique culinary experience.