Cidade Velha
Tours

Our most recommended things to do in Cidade Velha

Praia: City Tour with Cidade Velha Visit

Praia: City Tour with Cidade Velha Visit

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.

From Praia: Banana Plantation Tour and Cuscuz Workshop

From Praia: Banana Plantation Tour and Cuscuz Workshop

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.

Santiago: Calabaceira Valley Trek & Visit to Cidade Velha

Santiago: Calabaceira Valley Trek & Visit to Cidade Velha

After being collected from your accommodation in Praia, depart toward the small village of Calabaceira. Start your 3-hour hike from the top of the valley, with an oasis of vast vegetation emerging in its interior. Follow a simple and accessible trail for any hiker, and explore the green valley famous for both its baobab trees mentioned by Charles Darwin and its use as an escape route for slaves during slavery. Next, discover the local fauna and flora, and have the opportunity to experience the production of a local rum-making distillery. There, get in touch with local farmers and their agricultural fields of sugar cane, mango trees, cassava, banana, and more. Arrive in Cidade Velha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visit the São Francisco Convent, Banana Street, and Nossa Senhora do Rosário church. Have a break for lunch and savor local delights in a typical restaurant right on the seafront. After lunch, visit the former slave market, the ruins of the Sé Catedral, and the Royal Fortress of São Filipe. From the top, enjoy a beautiful view over the whole old town and find out about the system of defense used against pirates. The tour concludes with drop-off at your accommodation in Praia.

Santiago Island: Highlights of Cidade Velha with Local Guide

Santiago Island: Highlights of Cidade Velha with Local Guide

Discover the essence of Cape Verdean culture at the historic Cidade Velha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on this enlightening 3-hour tour. Enjoy convenient pickup from your accommodation before venturing into a captivating guided walking tour of Cidade Velha's historical treasures. Upon arrival, marvel at the ancient São Filipe Fortress, once a vital defence against pirate attacks. Explore the ruins of the first Cathedral in Sub-Saharan Africa and take in the panoramic views of colonial buildings from Calhau fishing bay. Unveil the poignant history of slavery at the former slave market in Pillory and meet local fishermen. The journey continues to the enchanting Banana Street, adorned with traditional thatched houses, leading you to the remarkable Convent of São Francisco. 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, the tour finishes with a drop-off at your accommodation.

Praia: Guided Nature Hike to Cidade Velha

Praia: Guided Nature Hike to Cidade Velha

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.

4h Guided city tour Praia & Cidade Velha

4h Guided city tour Praia & Cidade Velha

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.

Santiago: Monte Tchota Natural Park to Pico d'Antónia Hike

Santiago: Monte Tchota Natural Park to Pico d'Antónia Hike

Your day begins with the drive to Rui Vaz, where your trek starts. Then climb through the Natural Park of Monte Txota. Located at an altitude of 800 meters and with its own micro-climate, this is one of the coolest places on the island with lots of biodiversity. Then, continue on towards the Pico D'Antónia. With an elevation of 1394 meters, this is the highest point of Santiago Island. When you get close to the top you will enjoy panoramic views of the São Jorge Valley, and possibly Maio Island and Fogo Island Volcano, weather permitting. Your trek will take about 5 to 6-hours, with a stop for a small picnic and views of beautiful landscapes along the way. The route will end with the return to the Monte Txota Natural Park and the ride back to your hotel.

From Praia: Cidade Velha, Tarrafal & East Side Island Tour

From Praia: Cidade Velha, Tarrafal & East Side Island Tour

Embark on a delightful journey with a pickup from your accommodation, whisking you away to the captivating Cidade Velha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Immerse yourself in the rich history during a guided walking tour, exploring the iconic São Filipe Fortress, the former slave market, and the charming Banana Street with its charming thatched houses. Next, venture into the heart of the island to learn the art of local cuisine with a welcoming family, where you'll prepare the mouthwatering Cape Verdean Couscous, a traditional cake made from corn flour. After the workshop, journey through the picturesque mountains, making photo stops at the villages of Picos, Assomada, and Serra Malagueta Natural Park. Be dazzled by incredible views from 1000 meters (3,280 feet) above sea level before you arrive at Santiago's most beautiful beach, Tarrafal beach. Here, swim and relax on the shore surrounded by hills and palm trees. Stop for a delicious lunch and then drive along the beautiful east coast road and, if available, at your own expenses, refresh yourself with fresh coconut water at the largest plantation in the country. The tour ends with a drop-off at your accommodation.

Praia: Santiago Island Natural Park & Resistance Museum Tour

Praia: Santiago Island Natural Park & Resistance Museum Tour

Enjoy a pickup from your accommodation or Port of Praia and travel towards Cidade Velha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon arrival, take a guided walking tour of the São Filipe Fortress, the former slave market and the famous Banana Street with its thatched houses. Next, drive through the mountains with photo stops at the villages São Lourenço dos Órgãos, Picos, Assomada and Serra Malagueta Natural Park. Be dazzled by incredible views from 1000 meters (3,280 feet) above sea level, have a look at some endemic species before you arrive at the former Concentration Camp of Chão Bom, the current Museum of Resistance. Here, learn about the history of the former prisoners who fought against the Salazar regime and take a walking tour of the monuments. After that, stop for a delicious lunch and then take a scenic drive back to Calheta and Santa Cruz. Enjoy a photo stop at the Valley of 1000 Palms in Pedra Badejo, cross plantations and beautiful volcanic landscapes before being dropped off at your initial start point.

Day with locals people

Day with locals people

Explore the authentic side of the island with a local people, having an unforgetable experience; Enjoy a visit to a traditional market where you'll have the oportunity to interact with cape verdean womens and buy necessary products to prepare a typical plate of Cabo Verde; Learn the techniques of cooking on a traditional stove (three stone stove); Taste sugar cane juices in all its stages ; This is a full day tour that starts by picking you up at your hotel, then visit the Assomada market, right away you'll move to the village of Mato Baixo at the end get dropped of at the hotel.

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