Christmas Holidays in the Sun 2027: 9 Days in São Tomé with Flights
Christmas on the beach in São Tomé and Príncipe, with Christmas Eve dinner at an eco lodge: 9 days in a small group, 22–30 December 2027, with flights, guide and the paradise beaches of the south, from €2,650.
Christmas holidays in the sun: Christmas Eve at an eco lodge and Christmas Day on the beach
On 24 December, after the Paradise Beaches Route in the south, Christmas Eve dinner is held at Inhame Eco Lodge, surrounded by equatorial forest. On Christmas Day you swim at Piscina Beach and enjoy another festive dinner at the lodge. Nine days, 22 to 30 December 2027, among historic plantations, deserted beaches, cocoa, chocolate and the Equator crossing the sea at Rolas Islet.What is included
TAP flights Lisbon–São Tomé–Lisbon, half board with drinks included (an exception in our trips, only at Christmas), local guides throughout, three charming places to stay (Roça Santa Luzia, Inhame Eco Lodge and Omali), all excursions, transfers and travel insurance. From €2,650 per person in a double room. Only the tourist tax of €2.10 per night is extra.Where is it warm in December? 26–30 °C, 6h30 from Lisbon
In December São Tomé has temperatures between 26 °C and 30 °C, and the sea is around 27–29 °C. It is also turtle nesting season on the southern beaches, and the island is at its greenest. With no time difference there is no jet lag: you arrive in the late afternoon and the next morning you are already on the Coffee Route.Christmas holidays in the sun in a small group
The group has a maximum of 12 people and the 22 December 2027 departure is guaranteed. Travel solo, as a couple or with friends: the atmosphere is close, like a family Christmas. Seats are few and warm Christmas destinations sell out early, so we recommend booking ahead.Prefer another date?
If Christmas does not suit you, see our Sao Tome and Principe holidays, with two departures a month throughout 2027.Day-by-day itinerary
The group departs from Lisbon and arrives in São Tomé in the late afternoon; direct transfer to Roça Santa Luzia, a former colonial plantation restored in the green heart of the island. While winter coats are coming back out at home, here begins a Christmas trip in tropical warmth, among wooden verandas, gardens and the silence of the forest — time to settle in and rest after the journey.
A day dedicated to the Coffee Route, Milagrosa and Waterfalls, with a local guide: a visit to old coffee-producing plantations, a stop at the small chapel of Nossa Senhora da Milagrosa, and a refreshing swim in waterfalls hidden in the tropical rainforest. Return to Roça Santa Luzia for another night, on a half-board basis.
A journey to the south of the island along the Paradise Beaches Route, stopping at some of São Tomé's most spectacular beaches — for anyone who's always wanted to spend Christmas on the beach, this route proves that warm Christmas destinations exist just a few hours' flight away, via Lisbon. At the end of the day, arrival at Inhame Ecolodge, where Christmas Eve is celebrated in an intimate setting, surrounded by equatorial rainforest.
Morning dedicated to the Agricultural Route, visiting cacao, banana and other tropical crop plantations that still sustain the island's economy. In the afternoon, a swim at Praia Piscina, a natural pool formed by rocks by the ocean — the perfect postcard for anyone looking for a Christmas holiday in the sun. The evening closes with another festive dinner at Inhame Ecolodge.
A boat excursion to Ilhéu das Rolas, the exact point where the Equator crosses São Tomé and Príncipe. Free time to swim, explore the islet and enjoy a fresh fish lunch by the sea. Return to Inhame Ecolodge in the late afternoon.
Transfer to Omali, with a stop along the way on the Gastronomic Route: a lunch prepared at a plantation by the chef, blending traditional São Tomé cuisine with contemporary techniques. The afternoon continues with a tasting of São Tomé chocolate, considered among the best in the world — from bean to bar.
Cacao Route, visiting old plantations that made São Tomé one of the world's largest cacao producers in the early 20th century. The day ends at Lagoa Azul, a turquoise lagoon surrounded by tropical vegetation, perfect for one last swim in nature.
A morning exploring São Tomé city: colonial streets, the Fort of São Sebastião and the local market, in a whirl of colours, aromas and tropical produce. One last artisanal chocolate tasting before leaving the island. At the end of the day, transfer to the airport and boarding the overnight flight back to Lisbon.
After the overnight flight, the group arrives in Lisbon, with landing expected at 2:30 pm. This is where the group trip officially ends; the connection to your home city is arranged on your own, and our team will be happy to advise you in finding it. And so ends one of the best Christmas trip ideas: days of sun, beach, cacao and chocolate in the middle of the equatorial Atlantic.
What's included
- Lisbon – São Tomé – Lisbon flight
- Half-board (breakfast and dinner)
- Local guides throughout the trip
- Exceptional hotels: Roça Santa Luzia, Inhame Ecolodge Bungalow and Omali
- All excursions and routes in the itinerary (Coffee, Beaches, Ilhéu das Rolas, Gastronomic, Cacao, City)
- Airport – hotel – airport transfers (in São Tomé)
- Travel insurance
- Group limited to 12 people
- Guaranteed departure
- Support from our team for your flight to Lisbon
What's not included
- Anything not mentioned as included
- Flight to Lisbon and back to your home city (arranged by the traveller; we're happy to advise)
- Tourist tax of €2.10 per person per night, paid directly at the airport on arrival.
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Frequently asked questions
São Tomé and Príncipe is about 6h30 by flight from Lisbon, with good international connections, and in December temperatures sit between 26°C and 30°C — one of the most direct answers for anyone searching for warm Christmas destinations without flying halfway around the world.
Departure is on 22 December 2027 and return on 30 December: 9 days, with Christmas Eve dinner on 24 December at Inhame Ecolodge and Christmas Day in the south of the island.
The Lisbon–São Tomé–Lisbon flight, half-board, guides, hotels, all excursions on the itinerary and transfers. The flight to Lisbon is arranged by you, with advice from our team. A package designed with no surprises — book it and pack your bags.
It depends on what you're after: anyone who wants to escape the cold, swap the coat for swimwear and celebrate Christmas Eve with their feet in the sand will find a completely different Christmas in São Tomé — sun, beach and equatorial rainforest as a backdrop.
Yes, it's a group trip with a guaranteed departure from Lisbon and places limited to 12 people, to keep the experience close-knit and personal.
Since places are limited to 12 people and departure is guaranteed, we recommend booking early — warm Christmas destinations fill up fast at this time of year.
A typical local meal costs under €15 per person: grilled octopus, peixe-azeite or croaker, massada with grouper, arroz à moda da terra (rice the local way) or tuna. Grouper (cherne), the island’s most prized fish, costs over €15 per person. These are the everyday dishes, as Sao Tome cooking is mostly fresh fish. Meat is available too, but most of it is imported: if it matters to you, let us know in advance and we will arrange it.
On this Christmas trip drinks are included, an exception on our tours. Outside meals they are cheap: the local Rosema beer costs about 25 dobras (around €1) in many places, and 75 dobras or more in hotels, just over €3.
- Adult price
- 2650€
- Single supplement
- +500€
- Book for
- 1500€