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.

Stop 1 - Assomada Beside a view point with a wonderful panaroma over the second largest city of the island, each Saturday and Wednesday you can also visit the vegetable market which is a great touristic attraction. Stop 2 - Natural Park of Serra Malagueta Here you will enjoy one of the most beautiful natural scenery of the island, with amazing lake view from a plateau located 800 m altitude, perfect spot to creat hundred of pictures.  Stop 3 - Tarrafal In Tarrafal you will enjoy a free time for you to walk on the beach and wach the fisherman comming from their activities, or even to take time to explore the local cuisine based on frish grilled fish and sea food, or even to chill on the beach bar. Obs: the lunch is not included but we can help you to organize some. Stop 4 - East Coast Along the east coast of the island you will discover some small fishing villages next to the immense atlantic ocean, and enjoy the most beautiful coastal views on the island from Tarrafal to Santa Cruz. In Pedra Badejo you will pass by the largest banana plantation and coconut trees of the island, perfect time to deal with the local vendors and taste a sweet and fresh coconut water before you come back to your accommodation in Praia.

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.

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.

One of the "must to do" by visiting Santiago island and you can't miss it. A very pleasant tour that starts at Cruzeiro (cross) located at the old fortress just behind the main Catholic church in city center of Plateau. - Independence Painting Cape Verde suffered for almost 500 years of colonization and slavery until 1975, learn here about the main political and social factors that marked the independence of this nation. - Jaime Mota military barracks One of the oldest buildings in Plateau, located next to Cruzeiro and presidential palace, it represents the political and military influence of the colonial time that governed the city, and even today the military barracks witness the national military system. - Diogo Gomes statue The history of the discoveries of Cape Verde and its characters are summarized in this statue of Diogo Gomes located in a prominent place in the city. - President's Palace One of the most significant symbols of the political power of the colonial era that stands out for its architecture and design. This construction dates back to medieval European times. - Main Church The entire history of the faith of the people of Cape Verde and their beliefs are represented by central church located in the city center, even today about 77% of the Cape Verdean nation attends the Catholic religion. - African Market For sure you cannot miss the fruit and vegetable market, with its bright and attractive colors, a typical African market where city dwellers look for their ingredients to make their traditional Cape Verde dishes.

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.

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.

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.

Your trek runs through the Natural Park of Serra Malagueta to the Principal valley. From the second highest point of the island, with a mild climate, you'll start your walk breathing in the fresh mountain air. Enjoy panoramic views of small traditional house groups scattered on the slopes with water streams flowing between vegetable patches and fruit trees. About an hour into the hike, you'll have a chance to explore the early settlements which is a great place to connect with the locals and learn more about the experiences of the rural lifestyle and local traditions. Then your path continues along another stream surrounded by mango trees, and banana and sugar cane plantations before you arrive at the locality of Mato Dento where you will enjoy a delicious lunch with a local family and experience the warm welcome of the local Morabeza people. At the end of the route you'll pass by the Principal Dam that was built to help local families with irrigation. Your tour ends at your hotel after an hour's drive along on the east side of the island with more amazing panoramic sea-land views.