Tarrafal
Tours

Our most recommended things to do in Tarrafal

Praia: Santiago Island Tour with Tastings and Tarrafal Beach

Praia: Santiago Island Tour with Tastings and Tarrafal Beach

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.

From Port of Praia: Island Tour for Cruise Ship passengers

From Port of Praia: Island Tour for Cruise Ship passengers

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.

From Praia: Santiago Day Trip - Discover the Island in 1 Day

From Praia: Santiago Day Trip - Discover the Island in 1 Day

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.

Santiago Island: Serra Malagueta & Tarrafal Beach Trek Tour

Santiago Island: Serra Malagueta & Tarrafal Beach Trek Tour

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.

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.

From Tarrafal: Serra to Principal Hike & Lunch with locals

From Tarrafal: Serra to Principal Hike & Lunch with locals

Commence on a thrilling hiking adventure from Serra Malagueta to Principal, immersing yourself in Tarrafal's nature and culture. Capture breathtaking views, encounter hidden gems along the way and learn about the local species with a expert guide. Start your tour with a pickup at your accommodation in Tarrafal and head to Serra Malagueta Natural Park, where you will be amazed by a rich biodiversity and fertile areas having the chance to immerse yourself in the enchanting beauty of the park. While on the trek, seize the chance to commune with the natural world and relish the peace and calm of this exceptional setting. Continue your hike, admiring the stunning landscapes of Principal. Reflect on the day's enriching experiences and the beauty that surrounds you. Next, explore the cultural heritage of Principal, visit local landmarks, and interact with friendly locals. Indulge in an authentic lunch experience with a local family, savoring the flavors of Cape Verdean cuisine. After the tour, you will drive along a scenic road with breathtaking ocean views, winding through mountains and valleys before being dropped off at your hotel after a memorable nature and culture day trip.

Santiago Island: Private Airport Transfer to/from Tarrafal

Santiago Island: Private Airport Transfer to/from Tarrafal

Enjoy a relaxing and comfortable private transfer between Praia Airport (RAI) and your accommodation in Tarrafal. Choose a one-way private transfer to the airport or return service. Reach your destination safely on time while driving under the care of an expert driver. Your driver will track your flight, so don’t worry in case of a flight delay. For departure transfers, be picked up directly from your accommodation to catch your return flight. Arrive with plenty of time in hand to board your flight. Let your driver navigate you through the traffic smoothly. Enjoy a hassle-free ride without worrying about hotel shuttles or taxis.

From Praia: Santiago Island Highlights Tour

From Praia: Santiago Island Highlights Tour

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.

Tarrafal: Boat Tour with Drinks and Snorkeling

Tarrafal: Boat Tour with Drinks and Snorkeling

Discover the beauty of Tarrafal Bay and its surroundings on an incredible boat tour with an experienced pilot. Enjoy this unique experience with a group of up to 12 people. The price is per person and drinks are included. Book now and sail in style. Come aboard with an experienced pilot and discover the Bai de Tarrafal as you've never seen it before. Depart from Tarrafal via the lighthouse to Fazenda or sail to Ribeira da Prata. Enjoy a swim or snorkel in complete tranquility. Whether you're a couple or a group, you're sure to enjoy this outing. Depart from Tarrafal Beach after payment. Then head for Fazenda or Ribeira da Prata, depending on sea conditions. Drinks (beer, water, and fruit juice) are included in the price. Aperitifs and champagne are optional extras.

From Tarrafal: Hike Natural Park Serra malagueta

From Tarrafal: Hike Natural Park Serra malagueta

You will meet your guide in front of the main church of Tarrafala at the scheduled time and together you will take public transport towards the Serra Malagueta natural park, this journey by car can take about half an hour. Upon arriving at the park you will explore the most beautiful landscapes and mountains of this island. This trail is about 4 km distance downhill with panoramic views of the valley and distant villages down, your destination is the village of Principal where a big water dam is located. After the hike, take another public transport and return to Tarrafal.

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What people are saying about Tarrafal

Overall rating

4.9 out of 5 stars
4.9
4.9 out of 5 stars
(30 reviews)
5 out of 5 stars

Both the guide and driver were very friendly. The tour is cool and the stop at a local family home where we made cous cous and fidjós de banana with the family's mom is the highlight to me! Also, you spend 1h30m/2hours in Tarrafal beach which is beautiful. There are other stops too, along the route in the mountain, to take photos and enjoy the beautiful views. Also, we stopped in small villages and drank/ate a coconut (which comes at 2 euros). We only passed through Assomada without stopping as there was no market that day. The tour is absolutely worth the money and, if I could go on the day of Assomada market, it would have been even more worth it :) Claudio

5 out of 5 stars

I had a great day accompanied by our guide Nuria who speaks perfect French and teaches us a lot about the fauna, flora and way of life of the Cape Verdeans! She is very attentive, adapts to everyone and answers all our questions. The valley is beautiful and the meal in a Cape Verdean family is very interesting. Thank you!

5 out of 5 stars

our tour guide was very nice. it was like hanging out with a local for the day. we did really whatever we wanted since it was only us in the group. it was nice because we could work on our own time. definitely worth it and pools were beautiful. blank sand beach was amazing. there were monkeys too!

5 out of 5 stars

The guide was very professional and very friendly. He explained everything about the excursion and any topic we asked him. Very happy

5 out of 5 stars

It was a very varied trip, saw a lot of the people and the country. I would definitely go again