Blublu (By the River)

Blublu (By the River) refers to the immediate riverside section along the Lobata River in the Lobata district, where the wider region's main agriculture is concentrated. The constantly flowing fresh water of the Lobata, fed by the mountain springs of the island's interior, guarantees reliable irrigation even in the dry season, a rare advantage on São Tomé. Cooperatives produce fresh vegetables for the capital's markets here: lettuce, cabbage, cucumbers, peppers and carrots grow in impressive quantities on the alluvial soils. A few initiatives also experiment with small-scale freshwater fish farming of tilapia and local catfish, providing an important protein source. Traditional water festivals, usually in November, when the rainy season begins, gather families from across the district for boat races, communal meals and songs by the water. Blublu (By the River) thus shows how central the river is to the northern region's identity and economy.

Nearby cities

Canavial

Canavial is a place of contrasts where the flat fields of the coastal strip meet the first elevations of the north.

Fernão Dias

Fernão Dias bears the name of an explorer and preserves to this day the spirit of adventure on the north coast.

Micolo

Micolo is a picturesque coastal town in the north where the sand is so fine that it sings underfoot.

Santo Amaro

Santo Amaro is a bustling town along the main road to the north where trade and crafts flourish.

Agostinho Neto

Agostinho Neto, formerly known as Rio do Ouro, is a monumental testament to plantation culture that feels like its own city in the jungle.

Blublu

Blublu is a lively suburb of Guadalupe where the waters of the Lobata River gave the town its name and rhythm.

Guadalupe

Guadalupe, the proud capital of Lobata district, is a place of history and faith whose heart is the striking church on the square.

Boa Entrada

Boa Entrada lives up to its name, welcoming visitors with an avenue of giant trees that seem to touch the sky.

Conde

Conde is nestled in the gentle hills of Lobata where the soil is particularly rich in minerals, giving strength to the plants.

Blublu (Upper Town)

This higher-lying part of Blublu offers a wide view across the fertile plains of Lobata to the sparkling sea.

History & landmarks

Lagoa Azul Lighthouse

The Lagoa Azul Lighthouse perches on a hill above the famous blue lagoon, guiding sailors on the north coast.

Batepá Memorial

The Batepá Memorial in Fernão Dias commemorates the victims of the 1953 massacre, a turning point in national consciousness and the quest…

São Tomé International Airport

The international airport is the island nation's primary link to the African mainland and Europe.

More places

Agostinho Neto Educational Farm

The educational farm at the historic Roça Agostinho Neto is an innovative educational project that brings the importance of agriculture c…

Potó Agricultural Research Center

The Potó research center is the scientific backbone of Santomean agriculture, where research is conducted to improve local crops.

Roça Morro Peixe

Morro Peixe is today better known as a fishing village and turtle sanctuary, but was originally a functioning roça.

Morro Peixe Quarry

The Morro Peixe quarry is one of the most important sources of construction materials in northern São Tomé.

Lagoa Azul

Lagoa Azul is a dreamy bay on the north coast, famous for its brilliant turquoise waters.

Morro Peixe Turtle Camp

The Morro Peixe Turtle Camp is a dedicated conservation center on the northwestern coast run by the local community.

Morro de Fundão

Morro de Fundão is a prominent hill in the north of São Tomé, shaping the landscape of the Lobata district.

São Tomé Solar Park

The São Tomé Solar Park is the country's first major project to harness intense tropical solar radiation for electricity generation.