São Tomé Tour to the cao grande mountain
This through the southern part of São Tomé will take you on an adventure through the island's rich historical, cultural, and natural landscapes. The journey combines breathtaking views, hidden beaches, and elements of the island's colonial past. Here's what a possible itinerary could look like:
Starting Point – São Tomé city: Begin your tour early in the morning to make the most of the daylight and cooler temperatures. Ensure you have comfortable walking shoes, water, snacks, sunscreen, and, if possible, a local guide to enrich your experience with expert knowledge of the area.
Roça Ribeira Peixe: Drive south from São Tomé city towards the south of the island. Your first stop will be Roça Ribeira Peixe, a former plantation estate. While some of these estates are now in ruins, they provide a hauntingly beautiful glimpse into São Tomé's colonial past, set against the backdrop of lush vegetation and tropical crops still grown there, such as cocoa and coffee.
Coastal Walk and Hidden Beaches: From Roça Ribeira Peixe, trail by foot through the coastal jungle to explore a series of hidden beaches. This region is known for its unspoiled sandy shores, such as Praia Pesqueira, with clear blue waters perfect for a refreshing dip. The beaches here are often deserted, granting you a private slice of paradise.
Jungle Areas and Waterfalls: As you navigate through the jungle areas close to the coast, you might come across small streams that have transformed into charming waterfalls – especially during the rainy season. These areas are also great for bird watching and spotting other wildlife, such as São Tomé's famous butterflies, unique to the island.
View of Cão Grande Peak: One of the highlights of this tour will be the spectacular view of Cão Grande Peak, a striking volcanic plug that stands tall at 664 meters. While the peak itself is not on this specific walking route, there are several vantage points along the way where you can pause to admire and photograph this magnificent natural monument.
Return to São Tomé city:
If time allows and you're up for more exploration, there are several other roças along the way back that you can visit, such as Roça São João,Angolares known for its art and cultural significance.
Tour map
Highlights of this Tour
- Mercado Municipal
- Hellmouth - Boca do inferno
- Praia Micondo
- São João dos Angolares
- Roca Ribeira Peixe
- Cão Grande Peak