Guadalupe

Guadalupe is the capital of the Lobata district in northern São Tomé and lies on the wide flat coastal plain between the island capital and the northern volcanic cones. The town arose in the late 18th century around a Marian church dedicated to the patron saint Nossa Senhora de Guadalupe, still the iconic landmark on the central square. In the 19th century, Guadalupe developed into an important hub for the cocoa and coffee trade, as the routes from the Lobata mountains and from the port of Fernão Dias converged here. Today the town houses the district administration, an agricultural research center (CIAT-São Tomé), regional schools and small workshops. The surrounding landscape is dominated by banana, cocoa and breadfruit plantations and benefits from gentle hills and a milder climate than the south of the island. During the patron saint festival in early December, Guadalupe fills with pilgrims, traditional dances and market stalls, making it a major cultural center of the north.

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.

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Blublu (By the River)

On the riverbank of Blublu, life pulses to the rhythm of flowing water—a place of vitality and natural community.

Boa Entrada

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

Blublu (Upper Town)

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

Conde

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

History & landmarks

São Tomé International Airport

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

Batepá Memorial

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

Lagoa Azul Lighthouse

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

More places

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.

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.

Morro Peixe Turtle Camp

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

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.

São Tomé Air Export Terminal

The air export terminal at São Tomé International Airport specializes in the rapid shipment of perishable goods and high-quality products.