Santiago

Discover Santiago

Santiago island is a wonderful fusion of culture, rocky coastlines, and fertile mountain ranges. The cultural heart and capital of Santiago is Praia, a vibrant Afro-Portuguese city, built over several plateaus. Half of Cape Verdeans live on Santiago, and half of those life in Praia, so it’s lively! You can try traditional Cachupa at beachside restaurants, visit the local market, and enjoy the beaches below the plateau. If you prefer a more rural setting, you can head to the northern tip of Santiago, to Tarrafal. This charming fishing town has the best secluded beach on the island.

Things to do on Santiago

The UNESCO site, Cidade Velha, is Cape Verde’s oldest settlement and it’s only 20 minutes, by road, from Praia. It was once a key trading post between the America’s and Europe, and was central to the transatlantic slave trade. Modern day Cidade Velha has become a peaceful town, and it’s particularly nice stroll through the cobbled streets of Rua Banana, a residential street of white‑washed stone houses, filled with villagers cooking out in the open and carrying their wares on their heads. You can also visit the old fort and church, and the pillory in the historic centre of the town.

Heading into the interior of Santiago, and you’ll find jagged mountain peaks and fertile valleys of manioc and banana. Assomada, the island’s second largest city, sits in a breathtaking setting on a high plateau nestled between dramatic, steep valleys and overlooked by some of the island’s tallest peaks. Every Saturday and Wednesday, its vibrant African market draws crowds of locals and travellers. Stalls overflow with everything from live chickens to hand‑crafted furniture, herbal cures, and aromatic spices.

Not far from Assomada is the the central mountain range of Santiago. Those who like scenic mountain hikes will love staying at the Quinta da Montanha. It’s the picture of rural tranquillity, surrounded by crops and lush greenery and nestled right in the heart of the rocky mountains. From the quinta, you have an excellent view of Santiago’s highest peak, Pico d’Antonia. Along with a local walking guide, you can walk to the summit, or enjoy one of the many scenic walking trails that meander through these green valleys.

At the very northern tip of Santiago is lovely Tarrafal, which has one of the best sandy beaches on the island. The green valleys of the Sierra Malagueta mountain range are just a short drive away, so its an excellent base for mountain hikes too. You won’t be able to resist swimming and snorkelling in the sheltered bay, and there is a dive school on the beach if you fancy heading into deeper water. You can also book a private boat excursion to Agua Belas caves, where you can explore, snorkel, and enjoy a BBQ lunch on the beach.

Top places to stay on Santiago

Tarrafal is one of the nicest places to base yourself if you’re visiting Santiago because this quiet fishing town is blessed with a beautiful secluded bay. The King Fisher Village is a really characterful place to stay. It sits right on a cliff-top and has an infinity pool that juts out to sea on a rock promontory, and there are several stone stairways leading down to the ocean if you fancy a wild dip. The Oasis Tarrafal Alfandega Suites sits right within the bay, so is great for those who want quick access to the beach.

If you’re staying in Praia, we can recommend the Oasis Atlantico Praiamar or the Pestana Tropico, both offering a comfortable hotel stay right on the ocean front of Praia city.

Getting to Santiago

There are regular flights to Santiago via Lisbon if you want to head directly to Santiago. For those looking to enjoy a one-week break in Cape Verde, Santiago has it all. Its cultural authentic, has plenty of great excursions and activities on offer, and has a secluded bay where you can enjoy some beach time, away from the crowds.

If you have longer than a week, we would always recommend an island-hopping holiday. We will chat to you about which islands pair best with Santiago, based on the experiences you want to enjoy. There are regular internal flights to Santiago from both Sal and Sao Vicente, so it’s easy to get to.

And remember, all of our holidays are tailor made for you. We’ve put together a few holiday suggestions on our website, but all of them can be amended to include the parts of Cape Verde that you most want to explore.

Chat to Max or Jake about Santiago: team@archipelagochoice.com