Praia: things to do and what to see
Cape Verde has its capital in Praia, a city in southern Santiago within the municipality of Praia. The city serves as a centre for the country's politics, economy and culture.
Plateau and the city sights
Praia's central plateau is called Plateau, or Platô, and forms the historic centre, with buildings in the neoclassical style. The historic centre entered the tentative list for World Heritage Sites in 2016. Built towards the end of the 19th century, the Presidential Palace originally provided a residence for the Portuguese governor. The Jaime Mota Barracks date to 1826. The city's Ethnographic Museum, also named Museu Etnográfico, was established in 1997.
Cidade Velha and Santiago tours
Santiago's earliest settlement was Ribeira Grande, now known as Cidade Velha. Praia gradually displaced Cidade Velha in importance and took on the role of national capital in 1770.
A guided tour of Cidade Velha and Tarrafal Beach on Santiago lasts 10 hours and includes a local professional guide, a guided walk through Cidade Velha, a cooking workshop with a local family, lunch at a local restaurant and transport in a vehicle.
The guided Santiago island tour with Tarrafal Beach lasts 8 hours, with a local guide throughout, a traditional cooking workshop, a breakfast tasting of cuscuz and fidjós, a guided Assomada market visit, a visit to Serra Malagueta Natural Park, lunch near Tarrafal and scenic stops at Calheta and Santa Cruz on the east coast.
Plantations and cooking
The Cape Verde plantation day trip with banana, coconut and local rum lasts 5 hours and 30 minutes and includes public bus transport, a professional local guide, banana and coconut plantation entry, fresh coconut water tasting, a visit to the national botanical garden in Orgãos, a rum distillery visit with sugar cane juice and Pontxi tasting, rum museum entry and a traditional cuscuz meal shared with locals.
The Santiago plantation tour and cooking class with locals lasts 4 hours and includes a guided walk through a banana and coconut plantation, a cooking workshop with a local family in Orgãos, tasting the dishes prepared and a local guide throughout.
Gamboa and the coast
The Gamboa district surrounds its namesake beach, associated with a music festival held each year. Santa Maria islet sits offshore from Santa Maria beach. Prainha belongs to the southern districts of the city.
A tour to Fogo
A private day tour to Fogo island from Praia lasts 12 hours and includes private transport on Fogo, a local guide speaking English throughout, a guided walk through the lava fields of Chã das Caldeiras, wine and cheese tasting with a local family and a visit to São Filipe Municipal Museum.
Praia through time
António da Noli arrived on Santiago in 1460. Records mention the village of Praia de Santa Maria around 1615, with its growth taking place beside a natural harbour. In 1832, Praia was the initial stop on Charles Darwin's HMS Beagle voyage. Official city status followed in 1858.
Arriving in Praia
Praia is served by Nelson Mandela International Airport, approximately 3 km to the northeast of the city centre. A ferry terminal at Praia Harbour provides connections with other islands.
Climate
A brief rainy season and a prolonged dry season characterise Praia's desert climate. The average high temperature is 27 °C.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Praia?
Praia is in southern Santiago and is the capital of Cape Verde.
What is Plateau?
Plateau, also called Platô, is the historic centre of Praia and has neoclassical architecture.
When did Praia become the capital?
Praia took on the role of national capital in 1770.
Which airport serves Praia?
Nelson Mandela International Airport serves the city, approximately 3 km northeast of its centre.
What is Praia's climate like?
Praia has a desert climate, with a brief rainy season and a prolonged dry season.
