São Tomé International Airport: where to stay, areas and recommended…

São Tomé Airport is located just 2-4 km from the city centre, along the same stretch of coast: unlike many other capitals, here there is no real distinction between the airport area and the city centre, because the main hotels all face Ana Chaves Bay, 10-15 minutes by taxi from the terminal. The choice therefore comes down to the type of property: a chain resort with pool and tropical garden, or a boutique hotel just steps from the 12 de Julho seafront.

São Tomé and the 12 de Julho seafront

City centre · About 2-4 km from the airport, 10-15 minutes by taxi; no real alternative closer to the terminal.

Best for: Anyone arriving on the island: the airport and the main hotels are practically on the same stretch of coast.

Pros

12 de Julho seafront, the market and the historic centre reachable on foot or within minutes from the hotels
Airport transfer among the shortest on this list

Cons

Outside the big resorts the choice of restaurants and tourist services remains limited
The island's other attractions (roças, the southern beaches) still require trips of an hour or more

Recommended hotels in this area

Pestana Sao Tome: On Avenida Marginal 12 de Julho in the Vila Maria district, on the sea and 1 km from the centre of São Tomé; a chain property with restaurant and tropical garden.
Miramar São Tomé: 65 rooms on Ana Chaves Bay, 2 minutes on foot from the beach and on the same Avenida 12 de Julho; pool with tropical gardens, 10 minutes from the airport and 15 on foot from the centre.
Omali São Tomé: Boutique hotel next to Praia Lagarto, a few minutes from both the city centre and the airport (about 1.5 km); among the best-reviewed on the island.

See more hotels in this area →