Things to see and do São Tomé

José is a dynamic guide, much in demand for his in-depth knowledge of the island. He can put together an attractive program for you to discover the subtleties of his native land, by car or 4x4. What's more, he speaks excellent French, so you'll be able to make the most of your visits, and his company is very welcome. José, like many Santomeans, is also a farmer in his spare time. He can also show you around his verdant fields where he grows vanilla and pepper, among other crops.

This art centre, founded by the famous João Carlos Silva, is a must-see in the city. Located in a renovated former factory, it features works by local artists, including paintings by Olavo Amado. A permanent exhibition of old photographs sheds light on the history of the island and its roças. In the adjoining café, a large Portuguese library offers a good selection of literature. This dynamic place regularly organizes film screenings and theme nights, sometimes with live bands

Claudio Corallo, Italian by birth but living in Africa since 1974, welcomes visitors after the closure of his artisan chocolate factory to share his passion for coffee and chocolate. In a series of stages, visitors learn all about the subtleties of cocoa, from cultivation to processing. In this chocolate factory, which resembles an artist's studio and is the antithesis of an agri-food factory, the agronomist lets visitors discover and taste his work, and the visit is punctuated by numerous explanations (in French, Portuguese, English and Italian) and tastings. You'll discover some unusual flavours: chocolate with grapes macerated in cocoa alcohol, ginger, orange, pepper and coffee, grown in the center of the island near Monte Café or on the island of Príncipe. For purists: chocolate with 70%, 80% or 100% cocoa. It's possible to buy chocolates and coffee after your visit: even if you're not tempted, stay and listen to this true enthusiast, who remains close to his visitors, and perhaps he'll share with you the recipe for his light, tasty chocolate mousse...

Claudio Corallo's chocolates can now be found in many of the country's boutiques, from Ckdo to the airport, in France (L'arbre à café, rue du Nil, Paris) and in other countries. Products can be ordered online, with fast, direct delivery to your home. A unique taste and sensory experience not to be missed!

The cathedral is located on the site of a small chapel that was destroyed and rebuilt during the Portuguese, Spanish and Dutch occupations of the 16th and 17th centuries. Its construction began in 1576, during the reign of the pious King Sebastian I. The church was elevated to the dignity of a cathedral by the diocese and named Our Lady of Grace in 1534. Its frontispiece was broken in 1784 and it was rebuilt in 1814. In 1956, it was renovated in a revivalist style. You can admire some beautiful blue mosaics.

A group of young people work the coconut, bamboo and sand to make objects and jewellery. The finishes are impeccable and some original objects (coffee cups, jewelry box).

Takes care of customers since the airport transfer and organizes custom-made tourist circuits.

Maxence, a dynamic and enterprising Frenchman, is in the process of bringing this long-abandoned roça back to life, with the help of a skilled team, the majority of whom are women. He or one of his employees will explain all the stages involved in producing quality cocoa beans, from fermentation to traditional drying. In fact, it's the only one on the island to feature old-fashioned rail-mounted drawers, one of the three drying techniques used on the plantation. Maxence has many ideas in mind, including the creation of a cocoa museum. To be continued!

Not far from the museum, this small souvenir shop is a nice place to do some shopping, while showing solidarity with the local craftsmen. It offers objects and products made by Santomeans in the framework of a social project of Santa Casa da Misericordia. You can find local organic products, colorful clothes, jewelry, paintings, sculptures and original pieces. In this artisans' cooperative, the prices are fixed and reasonable and the locals are paid a fair price.

A tourist information centre which at least has the merit of existing, the two agents on the spot not being the best people to provide you with detailed information. However, you will be able to glean some information. The only interest of the place: there is a fairly complete map of the island with some practical indications, sold cheaper than anywhere else, as well as some postcards. One of the hostesses speaks a little French, which is something!