Praia Grande Turtle Sanctuary

The Praia Grande Turtle Sanctuary is a crucial conservation area for sea turtles on São Tomé. During the nesting season from August to March, several species, including the leatherback and green turtles, come to this beach to lay their eggs. Local NGOs and volunteers monitor nesting activities to protect the nests from poachers and natural threats. The eggs are often relocated to protected hatcheries to maximize the survival rate of the hatchlings. After hatching, the baby turtles are safely released into the sea. These conservation efforts are vital for preserving global turtle populations, as many species are endangered. Visitors can join guided night tours to witness this natural phenomenon, with strict rules in place to avoid disturbing the animals.

Nearby cities

Micolo

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

Fernão Dias

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

Canavial

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

Santo Amaro

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Lagoa Azul Lighthouse

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

More places

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Micolo Coral Protection Zone

Off the picturesque coast of Micolo stretches an important protection zone for the sensitive coral reefs of the north.

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.

Morro Peixe Turtle Camp

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

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.

Morro de Fundão

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

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 Quarry

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

Roça Morro Peixe

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