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Cape Verde: Wonders of Santiago – Relish a traditional breakfast of tasty cuscuz and fidjós with a local family. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cidade Velha and discover the birthplace of Cape Verdean nation and culture. Visit the religious community of Rabelados, the only community preserves Cape Verde’s oldest customs and beliefs. Finally, relax on the white sand of the most picturesque beach on Santiago Island, Tarrafal Beach.
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Santiago Island is the largest and most diverse island in Cape Verde. It is a popular tourist destination that offers visitors a unique blend of African, European, and Brazilian culture. The island boasts stunning beaches, including the famous Praia de Tarrafal, which is perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
Visitors can explore the island’s vibrant history by visiting the UNESCO-listed Cidade Velha, a colonial town that was once the capital of Cape Verde. The town is home to several historic landmarks, including the Fort Real de São Filipe, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Nature lovers will enjoy hiking in the Serra Malagueta Natural Park, which is home to a variety of flora and fauna. The park also has several scenic viewpoints that offer breathtaking views of the island’s rugged coastline.
Overall, Santiago Island is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the rich history, culture, and natural beauty of Cape Verde.
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Santiago Island is the largest and one of the most captivating islands in Cape Verde, located in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of West Africa. It is known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and vibrant music and dance scene.
Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.
Arrival - Airport Transfer (Praia Airport to Hotel in Praia) – Check in
Be welcomed by our professional driver and a licensed guide at Nelson Mandela Airport. Enjoy a high quality private transfer to your accommodation in Praia, including free waiting time.
Our team will also take you from door to door with complete security and professionalism, providing all relevant information about your stay.
Hotel Santa Maria *** or similar
Check in starts from 2 pm.
From Praia: Praia City Tour + Highlights of Cidade Velha
Startwith pickup from your accommodation in Praia, and first visit the Dona Maria Pia Lighthouse. Take stunning pictures from the top of the Lighthouse surrounded by the large cannons installed to protect the island from the attack of pirates such as Francis Drake and Jacques Cassard.
Make your way to the historical center of Plateau.
Take a walking tour through the Jaime Mota Military Barracks, and learn about the history of Cape Verdean independency..
Pass by the Presidential Palace and Alexandre Albuquerque Square.
. In the Municipal Market, meet locals and find a diverse range of fresh local fruits and vegetables. Next, explore the largest souvenir market to be found in Cape Verde, the Sucupira Market.
Explore Cidade Velha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site to see all its highlights of the old city.
Visit the ruins of the first sub-Saharan African Cathedral, the fishermen bay, the former slave market in Pelourinho, the famous Banana Street with its traditional houses, the Nossa Senhora do Rosário church, and finally the Convent of São Francisco.
At lunch, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the city, and taste local delights in a typical restaurant right on the seafront. The tour concludes with drop-off at your hotel in Praia.
Fish or meat + water, coffee and dessert
Hotel Santa Maria *** or similar
Santiago Island: Scenic Tour to Banana Plantation, Natural Park and Run Distillery
Travel for approximately 45 minutes and arrive at the largest banana and coconut plantation in the country. Take a walk inside the agricultural fields while the local guide explains the varieties of fruits and dozens of plants that exist along the route.
Continue inland until you reach São Jorge dos Orgãos. Then, head to the foot of the highest mountain on the island, visit the local rum distillery (The Rum production season runs from January 1 st to May 31st) and Lemba Lemba Eco Bar in Longueira village.
Next, head between rocks and valleys to the village of Rui Vaz at an altitude of 800 meters and have lunch at a mountaintop restaurant.
After lunch, visit the Monte Txota Natural Park and start an easy 15-minute walk to a must-see viewpoint. Get fantastic panoramic views of the volcano on the nearby Fogo Island and get to know the highest peak of the island.
Afterwards, be returned to your hotel in Praia.
Fish or meat + water, coffee and dessert
Hotel Santa Maria *** or similar
From Praia: Full-Day Santiago Island Tour & Tarrafal
Get picked up at your hotel in Praia, then depart toward the interior of the island.
Make your first stop at Mrs. Luisa's house. There, sample cuscuz (a traditional cake made from corn flour) and fidjós (fried banana mixed with wheat), the typical breakfast for Cape Verdean families.
After breakfast, continue to the city of Assomada. Visit its famous market and admire the vibrant colors of the local fruits and vegetables.
Move on to the Serra Malagueta natural park and marvel at the incredible views from 1000 meters (3,280 feet) above sea level.
Next, discover Santiago's most beautiful beach at Tarrafal, known for its white sand and crystal-clear waters.
Take a break for lunch, and then visit the concentration Camp of Chão Bom, current resistance museum, used to imprison political prisoners who fought against the dictatorship.
The tour concludes with drop-off at your accommodation in Tarrafal.
Hotel Breakfast and Cuscuz with a local family
Fish or meat + water, coffee and dessert
Hotel Vista Mar *** or similar
Free day in Tarrafal
Day off to explore by your self. You may like to relax on the white sand of the most picturesque and beautiful beach on Santiago Island, Tarrafal Beach, known for its white sand and crystal-clear waters.
Fish or meat + water, coffee and dessert
Hotel Vista Mar *** or similar
From Tarrafal: Visit to Rabelados Community + Praia by Night
Get picked up at your accommodation and then return on the island's east coast.
Make your first stop in Espinho Branco and visit the religious community of Rabelados, the only community that still lives in thatched houses and preserves Cape Verde's oldest customs and beliefs. There, see the local handicraft production and have the opportunity to buy handmade paintings from local artisans.
Take a break for the lunch and then head between rocks and valleys to your hotel in Praia.
Get picked up at your accommodation at night, and depart toward one of the most popular restaurant of Santiago Island. There, enjoy live local music band and relish the most famous dish ever made in Cape Verde, Katxupa, a slow cooked stew of corn, beans, cassava, sweet potato, fish or meat and more.
The tour concludes with the evening transfer back to your accommodation in Praia.
Fish or meat + water, coffee and dessert
Hotel Santa Maria **** or similar
Goodbye Santiago Island
Get picked up at your accommodation in Praia and depart toward Nelsom Mandela international airport.
Take your international flight back and say goodbye longing for "La Morabeza Crioula"!!!
Best of Santiago Island Tour – Enjoy a pickup from your accommodation and travel towards Cidade Velha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a guided walking tour of the São Filipe Fortress, the former slave market and the famous Banana Street with its thatched houses.
10 hours
7-hour Santiago Island Shore Excursion – Enjoy a pickup from the Port of Praia and start the day with this exciting tour to discover the hidden sites of Santiago Island.
7 hours
Pico do Fogo Volcano Summit Hike – Embark on a guided hike up Pico do Fogo, the highest mountain in Cape Verde. Admire the volcanic landscape with its ongoing volcanic activity. Take in breathtaking views and feel the sensation of touching the sky above the clouds.
5 hours
Boa Vista Island: Quad Tour – First, be picked up at your hotel and depart to Rabil village where our team will give the relevant instructions of the tour and your ATV vehicle.
4 hours
7-hour Santiago Island Shore Excursion – Enjoy a pickup from the Port of Praia and start the day with this exciting tour to discover the hidden sites of Santiago Island.
7 hours
