How to Plan Your Full-Day Santiago Island Tour & Tarrafal Beach Visit From Praia

Are you looking for a fun-filled and educational experience while visiting Santiago Island in Cape Verde? If so, you should consider booking the Full-Day Santiago Island Tour & Tarrafal Beach visit from Praia offered by GetYourGuide. This tour will provide you with a unique insight into the Cape Verdean culture and heritage, guided by a local guide. In this article, we give you all the details you need to plan your perfect day trip from Praia to Santiago Island.

Experience

You will start your day with a traditional Cape Verdean breakfast at Mrs. Luisa’s house, which will consist of tasty cuscuz and fidjós. You will then head to the famous Assomada Market where you will browse the vibrant colors of local fruits and vegetables. You will then head to the Serra Malagueta natural park and marvel at the incredible views from 1000 meters above sea level. The final stop on the tour is the picturesque Tarrafal Beach, where you can relax on the white sand and soak up the Cape Verdean sun.

Highlights

There are several highlights of the Full-Day Santiago Island Tour & Tarrafal Beach visit that you should look forward to. Here are some of them:

• Sample traditional Cape Verdean breakfast at Mrs. Luisa’s house
• Visit the famous and colorful Assomada Market with your local guide
• Take beautiful photos in the Serra Malagueta natural park from 1000 meters above sea level
• Relax on the white sand of Tarrafal Beach
• Discover the community that preserves Cape Verde’s oldest customs and beliefs

Full Description

The Full-Day Santiago Island Tour & Tarrafal Beach visit starts with a pick-up from your hotel in Praia. Your guide will take you on a journey deep into the interior of the island, where you will stop at Mrs. Luisa’s house for breakfast. You will have the opportunity to sample cuscuz, a traditional cake made from corn flour, and fried bananas, called fidjós. After breakfast, you will head to Assomada to visit the famous and colorful market. The market is a beacon of colors, aromas, and people. You will get the chance to walk around and browse the stalls, learning about the produce and some history of the market.

Next, you will head to the Serra Malagueta natural park. Here, you will enjoy a scenic drive along the roads that sliced through the mountain ridges. You will make several stops along the way to take photos of the beautiful landscape, the fauna, and flora. When you finally reach the highest point of the mountains, you will be rewarded by a breathtaking view of the surrounding countryside. You can see the seemingly endless sea, the fertile valleys and mountains, and the winding roads cutting through them.

Finally, you will head to the picturesque Tarrafal Beach. This beach is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful on Santiago Island. The area is filled with breathtaking nature, beautiful coral reefs, clear waters, and stunning scenery. You can relax on the white sand beach and bathe in the crystal clear waters of the Atlantic. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant at the end of the beach, where you can try the local seafood and other dishes.

How to Book

If you are interested in booking the Full-Day Santiago Island Tour & Tarrafal Beach visit, you can do so easily by visiting the booking page on GetYourGuide. The tour is priced at $144.33 per person, and it includes hotel pick-up, guided transportation, and meals. Click here to book the tour now.

Conclusion

If you want to experience all that Santiago Island has to offer, book the Full-Day Santiago Island Tour & Tarrafal Beach visit from Praia today. You will experience the culture, history, and stunning natural beauty of the island in a single day, all with the help of an expert local guide. So what are you waiting for? Book your tour today and get ready for an unforgettable adventure.

An Insider’s Guide to Santiago Island

Santiago Island, located in the West African nation of Cape Verde, is a vibrant and culturally rich destination that offers a unique blend of African, European, and Brazilian influences. While most visitors flock to the island’s famous landmarks and attractions, there are hidden treasures to be explored. This insider’s guide will take you on a journey of discovery through the best-kept secrets of Santiago.

Local Attractions

For those seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure, the abandoned village of João Varela is a must-see. Located in the countryside of Santiago, the village was once a thriving hub of activity before being deserted in the 1950s. Visitors can explore the ruins of the old houses, schools, and churches, offering a glimpse into the island’s history and past way of life.

Another hidden gem is the Cidade Velha Fort, which was built by the Portuguese in the 16th century. The fort served as a military base and overlooks the historic city of Cidade Velha. Visitors can take a guided tour to learn about the fort’s fascinating history and enjoy views of the surrounding countryside.

Dining Spots

Cape Verdean cuisine is a unique blend of African, Portuguese, and Brazilian influences, and Santiago Island offers some of the best local dishes. One culinary must-try is cachupa, a hearty stew made with corn, beans, and vegetables, often served with grilled fish or meat. For a truly authentic experience, head to the central market in Praia, where you can sample fresh and flavorful local delicacies.

The history of Cape Verdean cuisine is as rich as its flavors. With a turbulent past of slavery and colonization, the island’s food culture reflects a history of trade and migration. Be sure to ask the locals about their favorite traditional dishes and the stories behind them.

Cultural Experiences

Santiago Island offers a diverse array of cultural experiences, from colorful music festivals to traditional dance performances. The island is also home to several museums, including the Museu da Tabanka, which celebrates the island’s vibrant music and dance traditions. Visitors can learn about the history and evolution of tabanka, a joyful and energetic music style that originated in rural Santiago.

To truly immerse yourself in the island’s culture, head to the lively Plateau district in Praia. The district is home to a bustling market, colonial architecture, and vibrant street art, all showcasing the island’s unique blend of African and European influences.

Local History

Santiago Island has a rich and complex history that dates back to the 15th century when it was first discovered by the Portuguese. The island was an important hub of the transatlantic slave trade, and visitors can learn about this dark period in history at the Museu da Escravatura. The museum features exhibits on the slave trade, including artifacts and artwork created by enslaved people.

For a more uplifting historical experience, visit Ribeira Grande, the oldest city in Cape Verde, founded in the 15th century. The city was once a bustling trading port and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering visitors a glimpse into the island’s past.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

For an unforgettable and unique experience, head to Tarrafal Beach, located on the northern coast of Santiago. The beach boasts pristine white sand, turquoise waters, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling in the clear waters.

To explore the island’s natural beauty, take a hike through the Serra Malagueta Natural Park, located in the central mountain region. The park offers breathtaking views of the island’s rugged terrain, as well as a chance to spot indigenous wildlife and plant species.

In conclusion, Santiago Island offers a wealth of hidden treasures for visitors willing to venture off the beaten path. From local attractions to dining spots, cultural experiences, local history, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions, there is something for everyone in this vibrant and culturally rich destination.