A dissemination blog about travel and gastronomy

Monte Café: A Journey into the History of Coffee in São Tomé and Príncipe

Place Description

Monte Café is a small town located in the heart of the island of São Tomé, in the African country of São Tomé and Príncipe. This place, which was once one of the largest coffee plantations in the world, is now a tourist destination of great interest for its rich history and impressive natural beauty.

The town is nestled in the mountains, surrounded by lush tropical vegetation. The colonial buildings, although mostly in ruins, still retain the charm of the time when Monte Café was a thriving coffee production center.

Tourist Interest

One of the main attractions of Monte Café is its coffee museum. In it, visitors can learn about the history of coffee production in São Tomé and Príncipe, from colonial times to the present. The museum has a series of exhibitions that show the coffee production process, from the plantation to the cup.

In addition to the museum, Monte Café offers visitors the opportunity to explore the old coffee plantations. Although most of them are no longer in operation, it is still possible to see the old plantation buildings and the terraces where coffee was grown.

The natural beauty of the surroundings of Monte Café is another of its great attractions. Visitors can enjoy hiking in the mountains, exploring the tropical jungle, and visiting the impressive waterfalls in the area.

Points of Tourist Interest

In addition to its history and natural beauty, Monte Café offers visitors a series of unique activities and experiences. One of them is the opportunity to participate in a coffee tasting, where you can taste some of the best coffees in the world, grown and produced in São Tomé and Príncipe.

Another popular activity is visiting the local communities. Visitors can get a close look at the life and customs of the inhabitants of Monte Café, as well as enjoy their hospitality and delicious traditional food.

In summary, Monte Café is a tourist destination of great interest for those seeking a unique experience, full of history, culture, and natural beauty.

Gastronomic Products from Monte Café

Monte Café's Coffee

As its name suggests, Monte Café is famous for its coffee. The region is known for producing some of the finest and tastiest coffee in the world. The coffee beans are grown on the mountain slopes, handpicked, and then processed and roasted locally. Monte Café's coffee has a rich and distinctive flavor, with notes of cocoa and fruit.
Monte Café's Chocolate

In addition to coffee, Monte Café is also known for its chocolate. Cocoa is locally grown and used to produce high-quality chocolate. Monte Café's chocolate is famous for its intense flavor and smooth texture. It is a product highly appreciated by both locals and visitors.
Tropical Fruits

The Monte Café region is rich in tropical fruits. Visitors can enjoy a variety of fresh and juicy fruits, such as mangoes, pineapples, papayas, and bananas. These fruits can be eaten fresh or used to make juices, smoothies, and desserts.

Outstanding Gastronomic Places in Monte Café

Monte Café, in Sao Tome and Principe, is a place full of charm and rich gastronomy. Here you can find everything from high-end restaurants to small taverns with traditional dishes. Below, we present some of the most outstanding:

O Bigodes Restaurant

This restaurant, located on the coast of Sao Tome, is famous for its fresh fish and excellent local cuisine. At O Bigodes you can taste dishes such as calulu, a fish stew with vegetables, or seafood feijoada. The relaxed atmosphere and the impressive sea views make this place a perfect option for an unforgettable meal.

A Trincheira Tavern

If you are looking for a place with charm and good prices, A Trincheira Tavern is an excellent option. This cozy establishment offers a wide variety of tapas and typical dishes from Sao Tome, such as Santomean-style fish or rice with seafood. In addition, its extensive wine list will allow you to pair your favorite dishes with the best selection of local wines.

Café e Companhia

This café, located in the heart of Monte Café, is the perfect place to enjoy a freshly made coffee and a variety of delicious pastries and snacks. The coffee is locally grown and roasted on site, so it is always fresh and of high quality. In addition, the cozy atmosphere and friendly service make Café e Companhia a must-visit for any visitor.

Sports Activities in Monte Café, Sao Tome and Principe

Hiking

Monte Café offers stunning hiking routes through its coffee plantations and tropical forests. The trails will take you to hidden waterfalls and panoramic views of the island.

Mountain Biking

For adrenaline lovers, mountain biking is a popular option. The mountain trails offer challenges for all skill levels and provide stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Diving

Sao Tome and Principe is known for its crystal clear waters and diverse marine life, making it an ideal place for diving. There are several diving schools in the area that offer courses for beginners and experienced divers.

Fishing

Fishing is a popular activity for both locals and tourists. You can rent a boat and fishing equipment and spend the day on the water, enjoying the beauty of the ocean and the thrill of the catch.

Places near Monte Café

If you are in Monte Café and wish to explore a bit more, here we present you with some nearby cities and towns that offer unique tourist and gastronomic experiences:

São João dos Angolares

Roca São João dos Angolares is a charming tourist destination in São Tomé and Príncipe, famous for its stunning tropical landscape and exquisite local cuisine, which combines African, Portuguese and Creole flavors in a unique culinary experience.

Roca Bombaim

Bombaim Rock, in Sao Tome and Principe, is a tropical paradise with stunning waterfalls. It is famous for its high-quality cocoa and Creole cuisine, offering a unique culinary experience amidst lush nature.

Roca Sundy

Sundy Rock, in Sao Tome and Principe, is a historic tourist destination with an old cocoa plantation turned into a boutique hotel. It offers a unique culinary experience with local dishes made with fresh island ingredients.