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São Tomé and Príncipe - online guide 

Principe Island - Santo António: the Capital

Santo António do Príncipe serves as the main urban centre and capital of Príncipe Island, which forms the Autonomous Region of Príncipe (RAP). Frequently dubbed "the world's smallest capital" or alternatively described as a large, pleasant village, the town is notable for its serene atmosphere and "leve-leve" (gentle-gentle) pace. The picturesque, clean, and relatively organized settlement nestles in a bay backed by imposing, verdant mountains.

History

Portuguese navigators discovered Príncipe Island on 17 January 1471, initially naming it "Ilha de Santo Antão." Four years later, King João II of Portugal renamed it "Ilha do Príncipe" (Prince's Island) in honour of his son and heir, Prince Afonso.

Santo António was founded on 13 June 1502, following the Portuguese practice of naming territories after the saint commemorated on the founding date—in this case, Saint Anthony.

Colonial Heritage

Santo António possesses rich Portuguese colonial architecture. For nearly a century, from 1753 to 1852, the town served as the colonial capital of São Tomé and Príncipe. The capital's relocation from São Tomé to Santo António was influenced partly by perceived better sanitary and climatic conditions.

Fortaleza de Santo António da Ponta da Mina — Built in 1695 on the eastern point of the bay to support the slave trade. The town and fortress were destroyed by French corsairs in 1706.

Recovery of culturally significant buildings, including the "Casa do Presidente" and Casa Verde, has been an investment focus.

Population

Santo António is the capital of Pagué district and concentrates the island's largest population and main services.

Town Population:

  • 2012 census: 2,620 inhabitants (approximately 35% of island population)
  • Recent estimates: Just over 2,000 inhabitants

Island Population (RAP):

  • 2012 census: 7,344 inhabitants
  • 2024 estimates: 9,830 inhabitants (approximately 4.7% of national population)

As the urban centre, Santo António houses essential services including the hospital and secondary education facilities. Residents face typical urban challenges: infrastructure pressure, inadequate sanitation, and water and waste management issues.

What to See & Do

The town's main attraction lies in its tranquil atmosphere and opportunities for local cultural interaction.

Town Walk — Stroll peaceful, picturesque streets observing colonial architecture houses.

Praça Marcelo da Veiga — Central town square.

Historic Buildings:

  • Palácio do Governo — Dress code enforced: no flip-flops or shorts
  • Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Rosário
  • Igreja da Nossa Senhora da Conceição

Fortaleza de Santo António da Ponta da Mina — Plans exist to restore this monument and establish an on-site museum to promote community identity.

Local Market — Small market (few stalls) selling local fruits and vegetables. Cultural interest despite limited size. Urban requalification and relocation proposed due to sanitation issues and cramped space.

Cultural Events:

  • Centro Cultural do Príncipe (former prison) — Only non-profit space for cultural events, primarily serving town residents
  • Marcha de Santo António (13 June) — Town's principal parade, important for tourism

Accommodation

Limited lodging options on Príncipe Island. While luxury hotels occupy roças and beaches (e.g., Sundy Praia Lodge, Hotel Roça Sundy), most guesthouses and residentials concentrate in the capital.

Budget/Mid-Range Options in Town:

  • Residencial Brigada — Recommended. Simple but honest and clean. 3-star hotel. From ~$40 USD/night.
  • Residencial Mira Rio — Well-located in centre, beside Rio Papagaio. Good views. Good value. ~$54-75 USD/night.
  • Guesthouse Cacau e Café — Central, clean, helpful staff.
  • Santa Casa da Misericórdia — Budget option. ~€30/night (2019 rates). Shared bathroom, basic services.

Upscale Options (near/outside town):

  • Belo Monte Hotel
  • Sundy Praia Lodge

Restaurants

Santo António is the primary location for local cuisine. Restaurants tend to be simple, sometimes operating from local homes, offering daily specials without fixed menus.

Notable Restaurants:

  • Rosa Pão — Cultural and recreational association serving local meals cooked by Rosita. Advance booking and meal pre-ordering required.
  • Restaurante/Bar Beira-mar (Juditinha) — Popular in town. Known for good fresh fish and local specialities.
  • Armazém Restaurante — Located in town centre in former warehouse.
  • Restaurante/Bar Passô — Overlooks Santo António bay, on curve toward Rio Papagaio. Serves island delicacies.
  • D & D — Offers balanced breakfast and complete meals at reasonable prices.

Traditional Dishes:

  • Molho no fogo — Dried salted fish with vegetables and palm oil
  • Funji Maguita — Cornmeal-based dish
  • Concon da Bela — Grilled fish with roasted banana

Local cuisine shows strong African influences (Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde).

Port & Maritime Infrastructure

Santo António port is vital for commerce and transport but faces significant challenges.

Current Infrastructure — Simple jetty inadequate for regional needs. Limited structure due to shallow depth (low bathymetry) and constant silting from sediment brought by Rio Papagaio. These factors prevent docking of vessels with draft exceeding 1.2m, forcing tide-dependent operations.

Pollution — Old sewage system in historic town centre (Centro Histórico) is a unitary system discharging untreated effluent directly into Rio Papagaio and Santo António Bay, polluting beach areas used by residents.

Development Plans:

  • Regional Government project for new port construction
  • Proposed remodeling of existing pier to accommodate local activities (leisure, small fishing vessels, cargo and passenger transport) safely
  • Planned Fishing Port with support infrastructure including cold chain facilities in Santo António Praia zone

Santo António bay, once one of Africa's most dynamic ports, remains a central development focus. Urban planning includes restaurant and leisure activity creation and rehabilitation of degraded shipyards.

Santo António, as the world's smallest capital, encapsulates Príncipe Island's duality: rich colonial heritage and unparalleled natural beauty, anchored in tranquillity that contrasts with significant infrastructural challenges and ambitions for sustainable tourism development.