Henrique

Henrique sits high in the western mountain ranges of São Tomé, in the Lembá district, on a plateau that rises above the 500-meter line and is wrapped in a permanent cloud forest. The mountain village was founded in the late 19th century as an outpost of one of the region's largest plantation networks and retains a rural, almost timeless character. The highland soil is volcanic, mineral-rich and favored by frequent gentle rainfall, convenient conditions for cultivating high-quality Bourbon vanilla, produced here in small quantities for specialty markets in Europe. Pepper, cardamom and coffee also thrive in shaded mixed cultures beneath the canopies of old breadfruit trees. Henrique is also a popular starting point for hikes to the island's western high points such as Pico Pinheiro and the watershed ridge between Lembá and Mé-Zóchi. Residents maintain traditional knowledge of medicinal herbs passed down through generations of curandeiros.

Nearby cities

Neves

Neves, the industrial powerhouse of the west, is a port city where the echo of history resonates loudly.

Diogo Vaz

Diogo Vaz is a place that dreams of chocolate, for here one of the best cocoas in the world is processed with care and love.

Henrique (Plateau)

The Henrique plateau offers a sublime view over the west of São Tomé, a place of cool air and wide vistas.

Ponta Figo

Ponta Figo is a place of encounter between sea and land where the cliffs watch over the west like stone guardians.

Henrique (Lembá)

This settlement in the Lembá highlands is characterized by mountain wildness and the hard work of farmers wresting fertile fields from th…

Generosa

Generosa rightly bears its name, for the earth here is so bountiful that the orchards bear fruit almost all year round.

Santa Catarina

Santa Catarina marks the end of the paved road on the west coast, where civilization shakes hands with the majestic Obô forest.

Nature

Rio Contador

Rio Contador is a wild mountain river in northwestern São Tomé, crashing through spectacular gorges into the sea.

Rio Lembá

Rio Lembá is the most significant river in the west of the island, a symbol of nature's untamed power.

More places

Henrique Vanilla Farm

In the cooler highlands of Henrique lies a specialized farm dedicated to growing precious Bourbon vanilla.

Contador Hydroelectric Plant

The Contador Hydroelectric Plant harnesses the natural energy of the river of the same name to cover a significant portion of São Tomé Is…

Neves Adventure Playground

The adventure playground in the industrial city of Neves offers the region's children an exciting place for physical activity and communa…

Neves Construction Materials Plant

The construction materials plant in Neves specializes in manufacturing cement blocks, prefabricated parts, and other vital building mater…

Roça Ribeira Palma

Located on the wild north coast in the Lembá district, Ribeira Palma was an outpost of the cocoa-based economy.

Neves Fish Processing Center

The Neves fish processing center specializes in refining and preserving catches from the west coast.

Rosema Brewery

The Rosema Brewery in Neves is the most important beverage production facility on São Tomé and a symbol of national industry.

Generosa Banana Plantation

The Generosa banana plantation in the west of the island is a prime example of the sustainable cultivation of various banana varieties.