Praia

Tours

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), the typical meal for Cape Verdean families. After that, 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 (at your own expense), then return along the east coast of the island. Enjoy photographic stops at the majestic volcanic slopes of Calheta and the magnificent Valley of a Thousand Palms in Santa Cruz. The tour concludes with drop-off at your hotel in Praia.

Discover the wonders of this remarkable island Praia on Santiago Island with this shore excursion from the Port of Praia. Meet your guide at the exit to the cruise terminal and be whisked away in a comfortable vehicle to must-see attractions and stunning viewpoints on the island of Santiago. Visit the charming mountain villages that are cradled by stunning green landscapes and towering peaks at São Domingos, Orgãos, Picos, and Assomada. Admire the incredible landscapes of the Serra Malagueta Natural Park. Soak up some sun and go for a swim at the sandy Tarrafal beach. Stop at a local family's house for dancing and singing to local music styles like batuco and morna. Journey along the east coast, enjoying the beautiful scenery and making photo stops in the quaint villages of Espinho Branco, Calheta, Santa Cruz, and Pedra Badejo. Finally, your tour concludes with a drop-off at your cruise ship.

Your guide will pick you up from your hotel in Praia or at the cruise harbor and warmly welcome you. From there, the excursion begins with a scenic drive through the interior of Santiago. Along the way, your guide will share stories about the island’s history and the daily life of its people. Stop 1 – Picos Visit this small farming village where most of the population lives from agriculture. You’ll see Mount N’gulilansa, a unique rock formation that resembles a strange animal. It is considered one of the seven natural wonders of Cape Verde and a proud symbol of Santiago Island. Stop 2 – Assomada The second-largest city on the island and its main commercial hub. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, you can visit the colorful vegetable market — a lively attraction full of local culture. Depending on your arrival time, you may also stroll through the pedestrian street, meet street vendors, or visit the city’s central church. Stop 3 – Serra Malagueta Natural Park Enjoy breathtaking landscapes from this natural park located at 800 meters above sea level from where you’ll have panoramic views and plenty of opportunities to take stunning photos of Santiago’s lush scenery. Stop 4 – Tarrafal Spend some free time in the charming coastal town of Tarrafal. You can relax on its white sand beach, watch fishermen return from the sea, enjoy a fresh grilled seafood lunch, or sip a passion fruit and lemon caipirinha at a beach bar. Note: Lunch is not included, but your guide can help arrange it. Stop 5 – East Coast Drive On your way back, travel along Santiago’s wild east coast. Admire dramatic coastal views and pass through small fishing villages nestled between the mountains and the Atlantic Ocean — a side of the island often missed by most visitors. Stop 6 – Pedra Badejo Pass by the island’s largest banana and coconut plantations. It’s the perfect moment to meet local fruit vendors and enjoy a refreshing drink of sweet, fresh coconut water before returning to your accommodation in Praia or at the Port if you are a cruze ship passenger.

Embark on a captivating journey through the island of Santiago, Cape Verde, with an exclusive tour tailored specifically for cruise ship passengers. Led by a knowledgeable, German-speaking local guide, you'll immerse yourself in the rich culture, history and music of this vibrant destination. Designed exclusively for cruise ship passengers, this tour guarantees a personalized and stress-free experience tailored to your schedule and preferences. Enjoy convenient pickup and drop-off right at the Praia port and make the most of your time on land without having to worry about logistics. Enjoy an authentic cultural experience as you learn and dance to the rhythmic sounds of Batuque, a traditional musical genre deeply rooted in Cape Verdean culture. Batuque, famously performed by the legendary Madona and Cesaria Evora, embodies the soul and spirit of the islands. Led by local musicians, you'll feel the rhythm pulsing through your veins as you move to the magical melodies. Explore the diverse landscapes and historical landmarks of Santiago Island. From lush valleys to rugged coastlines, experience the natural beauty that captivates visitors from around the world. Visit charming villages of São Domingos, São Lourenço dos Órgãos, Picos, Assomada, Serra Malagueta Natural Park, Calheta, Santa Cruz and lively markets and gain insight into the island's rich heritage and colonial past.

Explore the streets of Cape Verde's capital and know the history behind the beautiful architecture and know its colorful markets and the main highlights of the Capital of Cape Verde. After visiting Praia you will drive 15 km to the first city built by Europeans in the tropics south of the Sahara Here you will visit the main religious and political monuments of the first city built by Europeans in the tropics south of the Sahara.

Embark on a journey through Santiago Island's scenic landscapes with a guided hike to Cidade Velha, including convenient transportation from Praia. Marvel at the island's diverse fauna and flora, including the iconic 400-year-old Baobab tree. Traverse farming areas, gaining insights into the locals' daily life and the production of grogue, Cape Verde's national drink. Encounter the nation's symbolic bird and stroll amidst banana, sugar cane, mango, coconut, and papaya trees, feeling a profound connection with Mother Nature. The trek culminates in Cidade Velha, the historic birthplace of the Cape Verdean nation.

Get picked up at your accommodation in Praia, then depart towards the historical centre of Plateau. Start the walking tour through the colonial buildings of the Presidential Palace, the Main Square, the Municipal Market (closed on Sundays) and find a diversity of local fruits and vegetables. Afterwards, explore Cape Verde's largest souvenir market, the Sucupira Market, and experience the daily life of the Cape Verdean family. Move on to Cidade Velha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the first city built by Europeans in sub-Saharan Africa. Upon arrival, take a guided walking tour of the São Filipe Fortress, explore the ruins of the first Cathedral built by Europeans in Sub-Saharan Africa, the former slave market and the famous Banana Street with its thatched houses. Travel back in time, learn the history from your expert, walk on a black sand beach and meet local fishermen before a short trip back to Praia. After a memorable day, your tour ends with a drop-off at your accommodation.

Experience a remarkable day on the serene waters, immersing yourself in the breathtaking natural beauty of Cape Verde. Your adventure begins with a hotel pickup, followed by a journey to the western part of the island. Along the way, capture picturesque moments during photo stops in the charming town of Assomada. Upon reaching the idyllic bay of Ribeira da Barca Village, embark on a 30-minute voyage aboard a traditional fishing boat. Take in the awe-inspiring sights of the volcanic crust, a testament to the island's geological history. Your next stop is the renowned Pilon de Achada Leite, where you'll marvel at the Cape's astonishing natural wonder – rare rocks surrounded by small crabs. Moving forward, venture to Águas Belas, aptly named "beautiful waters." If the sea conditions permit, seize the chance to swim and snorkel within its enchanting caves. While you acquaint yourself with the local marine life, our team prepares a delicious seaside barbecue for you. Unwind on the tranquil black-sand beach as you savour your meal. After a satisfying lunch, it will be time to return to Ribeira da Barca, concluding your tour with a drop-off back to your hotel.

After being picked up from your accommodation in the city of Praia, you will drive inland to Santa Cruz. Upon arrival at the largest banana and coconut plantation in the country, you'll take a walk inside the agricultural fields while your local tour guide explains the varieties of fruits and plants that are on the plantation. If available, at your own expense, you can refresh yourself with fresh coconut water and organically grown local bananas. Next, you will head to the nearby city of Orgãos, where you will be warmly greeted by a friendly local family, embracing unmatched island hospitality. You will have the opportunity to indulge in local cuisine and unveil Cape Verdean gastronomic secrets while savouring La Morabeza creole. Learn how to cook the local Cuscuz, a traditional cake made from cornmeal, and Fidjós, a delicious treat made from banana mixed with wheat. Following the workshop, you will embark on a scenic drive through rocks and valleys, as your guide narrates local history and captures the beauty of the surroundings, before returning to your accommodation.

Get picked up at your accommodation and embark on a scenic drive through the majestic mountains, heading towards the renowned Serra Malagueta Natural Park, where your thrilling hiking adventure awaits. As you start your hike through fertile areas at an altitude of 850 metres above sea level, you'll be accompanied by an expert guide who will lead you through the lush landscapes of the park, spanning an impressive 774 hectares. Keep your eyes peeled for the incredible diversity of flora and fauna found here, including more than 124 species of plants and 19 species of birds. Your guide will share fascinating insights about the local ecosystem, highlighting the unique species that can only be found in this protected area. Take a break for a delightful picnic amidst the stunning natural surroundings. While you enjoy your meal, your knowledgeable guide will also share information about the sustainable initiatives that have been implemented to ensure the preservation of this precious ecosystem for generations to come. After a rewarding hike, you'll make your way back to the starting point and then head to the picturesque Tarrafal Beach, the most beautiful beach on Santiago Island. Here, you can unwind and relax on the shore, or take a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters. Finally, with cherished memories of a day filled with adventure, natural beauty, and insights into sustainable practices, you'll be comfortably driven back to your accommodation in Praia.