Praia dos Tamarindos
A beach north of São Tomé town, close enough to be the capital's nearest sand.
Updated 3 September 2026
Praia dos Tamarindos lies a short way north of São Tomé town on the road towards the airport and Lagoa Azul, a curve of sand with tamarind trees along the back that give it its name and shade, and its position makes it the beach people from the capital use. The water is calmer on this side of the island than on the south, and a couple of bars operate on the sand. The reef offshore keeps the swell down, so the water inside stays flat even when the northern coast is being worked by wind.
What's there
- The tamarind trees - the shade trees along the back that name the beach.
- The calm water - the sheltered northern coast conditions.
- The proximity - the nearest usable beach to the capital.
- The beach bars - the places operating on the sand.
When to go
June to September is the drier gravana season. Weekends bring crowds from the capital. Water is calmest on this coast year round.
What to expect
It is busy at weekends and litter is a problem. Facilities are basic bars. The road past it carries airport traffic.
Nearby
São Tomé town is south, and Lagoa Azul is north.
What to pack for Praia dos Tamarindos
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
- Reef-safe sunscreen - High SPF that will not bleach the coral you are swimming over. Find on Amazon
- Quick-dry towel - A microfibre towel packs small and dries in minutes. Find on Amazon
- Water shoes - Protect your feet on rocky entries, hot sand and sea-urchin spines. Find on Amazon
- Dry bag - Keeps phone, cash and keys safe while you are in the water. Find on Amazon
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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
