Things to do in Santa Cruz District

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 at your hotel in Praia or at the cruise harbor and welcome you. Then, you will begin the excursion from Praia. Along the way, you will hear stories of the city and the way of life of its inhabitants, Stop 1 - Picos This is a farming village where the population lives mainly from agriculture. Here, you will find "'Mount N'gulilansa"a rock formation that looks like a strange animal, considered one of the 7 natural wonders and a symbol of the island of Santiago. Stop 2 - Assomada The second largest city on the island and the center of commerce on the island, every Wednesday and Saturday it is possible to visit the streets vegetable market which has become a tourist attraction, depending on the time of your visit you can also walk along the city's pedestrian street and meet the street vendors, or visit the main church in the city center. Stop 3 - 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 create hundred of pictures.  Stop 4 - 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 with a nice "caipirinha de Maracuja and Lemon". Obs: the lunch is not included but we can help you to organize one. Stop 5 - 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. Stop 6 - Pedra Badejo Here 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.

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.

Enjoy the convenience of being picked up from the Port of Praia. Find your driver easily as they will be holding a sign board with your name on it. Sit back and relax in a comfortable and spacious van. Choose between a private or a group tour. Take in the mountain scenery and stop for photos in the charming villages of São Domingos, São Laurenço dos Órgãos, and Assomada. Capture pictures of lush rolling landscapes in the Serra Malagueta Natural Park. Admire views of the island from 1000 meters above sea level before arriving at Tarrafal beach. Swim in the crystal clear water and lie back on the sandy beach which is surrounded by hills and palm trees. Have the option to purchase a local lunch. Head down a coastal road on the east side of the island and stop at the largest coconut plantation in the country where you can buy a fresh coconut water. Return to the Port of Praia at the end of the tour.

Immerse yourself in the cultural and natural wonders of Cape Verde on this captivating tour from Tarrafal. Begin with a hotel pickup in Tarrafal and visit the unique Rabelados Community, where you'll learn about their traditions and way of life. Continue to Santa Cruz and explore a banana plantation, engaging with local farmers. Indulge in a lunchtime break with a welcoming local family, immersing yourself in their warm hospitality. Delight in a delicious meal while being serenaded by captivating local melodies. Uncover unique traditions, forging unforgettable memories that will endure for a lifetime. Next, explore the vibrant Assomada Market, browse local produce and crafts, and find unique souvenirs. Aftre that, drive up to Serra Malagueta Natural Park, capture stunning photographs as you enjoy breathtaking views and connect with nature. Your guide will provide insightful commentary throughout, and at the end of the tour, you'll be transported back to your accommodation in Tarrafal

Take a nature walk through Serra Malagueta Natural Park, the Gongon valley, and the Hortelã valley on this tour from Praia. Eat a delicious picnic lunch of juice, fruit, and a sandwich.  Enjoy the convenience of being picked up from your accommodation in Praia. Sit back and enjoy the drive to Serra Malagueta Natural Park. Start your hike at 1,000 meters above sea level. See local flora and keep an eye out for local wildlife like vervet monkeys and gray-headed kingfisher birds. Take in views of jagged hills and lush greenery on your way down the slope. Pass deserted villages and meet local families. Learn about the way of life in these remote mountain areas. Stop for a lunch with a local family before continuing east. Cross the Gongon valley and reach the Hortelã valley. Return to your accommodation in Praia at the end of your 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.

Depart from Praia towards the interior of the island, making your first stop at Serra Malagueta. Drive to Serra Malagueta Natural Park, one of the greenest areas of the island, and start the trek at 800 meters above sea level. Discover a natural paradise with rich local fauna and flora and reach an altitude of 1,064 meters.  The entire trail follows a mostly flat surface, with various endemic plants and animals, offering magnificent views of Assomada, and, on clear days, all the way to the islands of Fogo and Maio. After 2 hours walking, take a break for a picnic in the middle of the forest.  Continue along the top of the mountains with incredible 360-degree views between two verdant valleys. Afterwards, visit the Rabelados religious community, the only community that still lives in thatched houses and preserves the oldest customs and beliefs of Cape Verde. The tour concludes with drop-off at your accommodation in Praia.