The best beaches in São Tomé and Príncipe by area: Lagoa Azul, Praia Piscina, Praia Jalé, Ilhéu das Rolas, Praia Banana and the deserted beaches of Príncipe, with sea safety tips.
What are the best beaches in São Tomé and Príncipe? On São Tomé island: Lagoa Azul for snorkelling, Praia Piscina with its natural rock pool, Praia Jalé where sea turtles nest, and the beaches of Ilhéu das Rolas. On Príncipe island: Praia Banana, Praia Macaco and Praia Boi, almost always deserted. Expect golden or black sand, rainforest and palm trees right down to the shore, and very few people.
For an overview of the country, from things to do to weather, prices and safety, see our São Tomé and Príncipe travel guide.
In this guide we cover the best beaches in São Tomé and Príncipe by area, what to expect at each one, where it is safe to swim and how to fit them into a trip to the islands.
Fishermen's canoes on the beach in São Tomé and Príncipe. Photo: Príncipe Collection
What the beaches of São Tomé and Príncipe are like
If you are looking for resorts with rows of sun loungers and beach bars, you won't find them here. The beaches of São Tomé and Príncipe are wild: coves wrapped in tropical rainforest, coconut palms leaning over the sand, fishermen's dugout canoes and, very often, nobody else. The water is warm all year round, between 25 and 28 °C.
There are golden sand beaches, mainly in the north and south of São Tomé and on Príncipe, and volcanic black sand beaches on the north-west coast. Several have strong currents, so it is important to know where to swim — we explain below.
Beaches in the north of São Tomé
Beaches in the north and east of São Tomé. Map: Vamos Fugir, data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Lagoa Azul
A small bay of crystal-clear water surrounded by baobab trees, less than an hour from the capital. It is one of the best places in the country for snorkelling, especially in the dry season, with colourful fish around the rocks. It is not a long sandy beach: you get into the water from the rocks. See how to get to Lagoa Azul.
Praia dos Tamarindos
A long, quiet beach on the north coast, the driest part of the island. A good stop after Roça Agostinho Neto for a swim and a lunch of grilled fish.
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Praia das Conchas
Near Lagoa Azul, a beach of small coves and rocks, with calm water in the dry season and a savannah landscape of baobabs, very different from the rest of the island.
Black sand beaches of the north-west
Past Neves, the road follows the north-west coast to the Santa Catarina tunnel, with black sand beaches, cliffs and fishing villages. These beaches are more for looking and photographing than for swimming, as the sea is usually rough.
Praia Morro Peixe
In the north, near Morro Peixe, are some of the beaches where sea turtles come to nest, monitored by local conservation projects. In nesting season you can join a guided night walk.
Beaches on the east coast of São Tomé
Praia das Sete Ondas
A quiet beach on the way south, just after Boca do Inferno, near Ribeira Afonso: a good break on the east coast road.
Praia de Santana
In the Santana area, a sheltered bay looking out to Ilhéu de Santana, with some of the calmest water on the east coast.
Praia Lagarto
The closest beach to the capital, next to the airport. Locals come here at weekends, and it works for a quick swim on arrival day. More about the capital in São Tomé city.
The coast of Ilhéu das Rolas, crossed by the Equator. Photo: Príncipe Collection
Beaches in the south of São Tomé and on Ilhéu das Rolas
Beaches in the south of São Tomé and on Ilhéu das Rolas, with the Equator line. Map: Vamos Fugir, data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Praia Piscina
At the southern tip, near Porto Alegre, Praia Piscina has a natural pool formed by volcanic rocks, where the sea comes in calm. It is one of the best-known sights in the south of the island.
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Praia Jalé
A long, wild beach backed by forest, where sea turtles nest between September and April. It has small-scale community ecotourism and is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island.
Praia Inhame
The beach of Praia Inhame Eco Resort, one of the bases we use in the south. Coconut palms, golden sand and close to the boat for Ilhéu das Rolas.
Praia Micondó
At the far south, north-east of Porto Alegre, in the Malanza area: a little-visited beach you can combine with Praia Jalé, Praia Piscina and Praia Inhame on the same day.
Beaches of Ilhéu das Rolas
A few minutes by boat from Porto Alegre, the islet has small beaches with clear water, such as Praia Café, and the Equator monument, where you can stand with one foot in each hemisphere. Read our Ilhéu das Rolas guide. Pico Cão Grande is also nearby.
Beaches on Príncipe island
Beaches in the north and east of Príncipe island. Map: Vamos Fugir, data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Praia Banana
The most famous beach in the country: a crescent of golden sand between rocks and palm trees, with calm water. It is worth seeing from the viewpoint at Roça Belo Monte before going down for a swim.
Praia Bom Bom
Next to Bom Bom islet, linked to the mainland by a wooden walkway. It is the beach of the lodge of the same name and one of the most photographed on Príncipe.
Praia Macaco and Praia Boi
Two beaches in the north-east, beyond Praia Banana, surrounded by forest and almost always deserted. Reached on foot by trail or by boat.
Praia Sundy and Praia Grande
Long, wild beaches. Praia Grande is one of the turtle nesting beaches on Príncipe. More in things to do on Príncipe island.
The 5 best beaches in São Tomé and Príncipe, by what you want
| Best for | Beach | Area | Getting there |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snorkelling | Lagoa Azul | North of São Tomé | By road, under an hour from the capital |
| Photography | Praia Banana, from Roça Belo Monte | Príncipe island | Domestic flight to Príncipe |
| Turtles (September to April) | Praia Jalé | South of São Tomé | Southern road |
| Calm swimming | Praia Piscina and the Ilhéu das Rolas beaches | South of São Tomé | Road to Porto Alegre and boat to the islet |
| Having it to yourself | Praia Macaco and Praia Boi | Príncipe island | Trail or boat |
Best time for the beach in São Tomé and Príncipe
The water is warm all year. For the beach, the best times are the gravana (dry season), from June to September, with less rain and clearer water for snorkelling, and the gravanita, from December to February, with more sunshine. In the rainy season showers are usually short and the beaches are still beautiful. Month by month in best time to visit São Tomé and Príncipe.
Lagoa Azul in the north of São Tomé island, with clear water and baobabs around it. Photo: Príncipe Collection
Sea safety and beach tips
- Currents: several beaches have strong currents and no lifeguards. Always ask your guide or accommodation before swimming.
- Sun: the equatorial sun burns fast, even under cloud. Wear sunscreen and a hat.
- Footwear: bring water shoes for rocky beaches such as Lagoa Azul.
- Turtles: never use white light or touch the animals during nesting.
- Litter: take your rubbish back with you; many beaches have no collection at all.
- Getting around: many beaches are far from the capital and the roads are slow. The most practical option is to stay in both the north and the south. See where to stay in São Tomé and Príncipe.
Summer beach holidays in São Tomé
If you want beaches, rainforest and roças on the same trip, our summer holidays in São Tomé and Príncipe include 3 nights by the sea at Praia Inhame, half an hour from Ilhéu das Rolas, with direct flights from Lisbon and fortnightly departures from June to September 2027, from €2,350.
FAQ: beaches in São Tomé and Príncipe
What is the most beautiful beach in São Tomé and Príncipe?
Praia Banana, on Príncipe island, is the most famous. On São Tomé island, Praia Jalé, Praia Piscina and Lagoa Azul are our travellers' favourites.
Can you swim at the beaches in São Tomé?
Yes, at many of them, but some have strong currents and no lifeguards. Always ask locally before going into the water.
Are there black sand beaches in São Tomé?
Yes, mainly on the north-west coast past Neves, of volcanic origin.
When can you see turtles on the beaches?
Nesting generally takes place between September and April, with local projects monitoring the nests.
Are the beaches in São Tomé crowded?
No. Apart from Praia Lagarto, next to the capital, at weekends, most beaches are almost empty.
A trip to São Tomé and Príncipe with beaches and nature
Our trips combine the beaches of the north and south with the roças, the rainforest and, on the longer tours, Príncipe island. See São Tomé and Príncipe: 9 days with flights, Príncipe and São Tomé trip, 9 days or talk to our team.
