Ondas Divinas

Top choice in São Tomé


STP needs more of this! Trailblazing entrepreneur Yves has built five fantastic beach cottages on a cliff overlooking the sea, with spectacular views from all rooms. A precipitous walkway takes you to the castaway beach below. Arrive with all your groceries, or sign up for the delicious half board (€20), as Yves was a professional chef.

Sea breezes and wave sounds will defuse the most stressed-out urbanite. Don't expect perfection, as there is a home-made aspect to everything, but it's all part of the charm, and the on-site staff can handle anything. The nearby resort, Club Santana, is also a great resource for its restaurants, bars, beach and activities.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby São Tomé attractions

1. Ilhéu de Santana

1.19 MILES

This interesting island, which faces Santana Resort, is unique in that a natural tunnel runs straight through the centre of it. Boat trips operated by the…

2. Roça Agua Izė

2.41 MILES

One of the original 'Big Five' roças of São Tomé, this was the plantation that kicked off the cocoa industry in STP, and it still farms the bean, albeit…

3. Boca do Inferno

2.9 MILES

The much-advertised 'Mouth of Hell' blowhole on the seaward side of the EN-2, just after the Km17 marker, has lost its spark. Those on Ilhėu das Rolas are…

4. Praia das Sete Ondas

4.28 MILES

This long and shallow gray-sand beach produces many rows of waves, hence 'Seven Waves Beach'. It's good for kids, beginner surfers, and a long beach walk,…

5. Nossa Senhora da Graça Cathedral

6.07 MILES

While fairly humble as cathedrals go, the Nossa Senhora da Graça is one of Africa's oldest, and a testimony to persistence, as it has been destroyed and…

6. Mercado Grande

6.09 MILES

Alternately fascinating and repellent, the Mercado Grande is divided into two cavernous and adjacent halls, the Mercado Municipal and the newer, and…

7. Presidential Palace

6.1 MILES

It's hard to miss the huge pink presidential palace, which faces the cathedral, but unfortunately it is not open to the public. Two bored guards do a…

8. Claudio Corallo Chocolate Factory

6.39 MILES

Claudio Corallo is both an extraordinary person and a local institution. For over 40 years this native Italian has pursued an overriding passion for…