Rolas Island, Tropical island at equatorial line off São Tomé, São Tomé and Príncipe
The island reaches an elevation of 96 meters and contains multiple sandy beaches bordered by coconut palms and dense vegetation.
Portuguese Navy officer Gago Coutinho established survey marks between 1915 and 1918 for creating the first geodetic network across the region.
The island population of 76 residents maintains traditional fishing practices while supporting local conservation efforts for sea turtle protection.
Visitors access the island through regular boat services from Ponta Baleia port, with the journey taking approximately 30 minutes.
A monument marks the exact location where the equator crosses the island, creating specific shadow patterns during April and August.
Address: Rolas Island, São Tomé and Príncipe
GPS coordinates: -0.00695,6.52231
Latest update: March 5, 2025 16:14
The island of São Tomé features ocean beaches, natural waterfalls, volcanic formations and tropical forests. The colonial heritage is visible through its old cocoa plantations, fort and cathedral. The area also includes landmarks marking the equator, coastal lagoons, and a national park with primary rainforest. Natural sites include Pico São Tomé reaching 2,024 meters and Pico Cão Grande, a volcanic needle 663 meters high.
Cão Grande
14.8 km
Pico Santo Tomé
30.9 km
Estadio 12 de Julio
45 km
Obo National Park
18.2 km
Presidential Palace of São Tomé e Príncipe
45.1 km
National Library of São Tomé and Príncipe
44.7 km
Forte de São Jerónimo
45 km
Our Lady of Conception Church, São Tomé
44.8 km
Supreme Court of São Tomé and Príncipe
45.2 km
Saint Nicholas Waterfall
34.5 km
Pillar of the Equator
701 m
Hellmouth
33.4 km
Jardín Botánico
34.4 km
Praia das Sete Ondas
30.9 km
Praia Piscina
4 km
Roça Água-Izé
33.7 km
Mercado Municipal São Tomé
44.8 km
Igreja de Nossa Senhora de Guadalupe
43.6 km
Cão Grande Peak
14.7 km
Praia Pipa
14 km
Praia Picão
39.6 km
Cascada de la Playa Pesqueira
16.1 km
Praia Jale
6.9 km
Conjuntos Urbanos, São Tomé
45 km
Praia Inhame
2.7 km
Cathedral of São Tomé
45 km
Cascata de Bombaim
31.5 km
Rio do Ouro
44.3 kmReviews
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