How to Plan Your Tour to Santiago Island: Highlights of Cidade Velha with Local Guide

Cape Verde has always been enticing to travelers with its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and colonial charm. Santiago Island, the largest of the Cape Verdean islands, boasts of one of the most picturesque and historically significant towns in the archipelago, Cidade Velha. This UNESCO World Heritage Site will take you back in time with its fortresses, churches, and plazas. The best way to explore the town’s highlights is through a guided tour. In this blog post, we will guide you on how to plan your tour to Santiago Island: Highlights of Cidade Velha with a local guide.

Highlights of the Tour

This 3-hour tour will take you through the most stunning and historically significant sights in Cidade Velha. Here are some of the highlights:

– Explore the birthplace of the Cape Verdean nation and culture
– See the fortress built to protect the island against pirates
– Visit the former slave market in Pelourinho
– Discover the ruins of the first sub-Saharan African cathedral

Experience

This guided tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the hidden gems of Cidade Velha. Your local guide will provide an enlightening perspective on the town’s history, architecture, and culture. You can choose between a shared group or private tour, depending on your preference.

Tour Description

The tour starts with a convenient pickup from your accommodation in Praia. From there, you will head to Cidade Velha, the first European colonial settlement in the tropics. Your first visit will be to the Royal Fortress of São Filipe. Built originally to defend the city against pirate attacks, the fort offers an excellent viewing point from an altitude of 120 meters above sea level.

Next, you will explore the ruins of the first sub-Saharan African Cathedral. This impressive structure was built in 1495 with stones brought from Portugal. The cathedral’s ruins provide a glimpse into the town’s colonial past and its religious history. You will also see fishermen returning from the water with their traditional boats full of fresh fish.

Afterward, the tour will take you to the former slave market in Pelourinho. This notorious site is now a plaza with an imposing statue of Amílcar Cabral, the national hero who fought for the country’s independence. Your local guide will give you insights into Cape Verde’s complex history of slavery and human trafficking.

The tour will conclude with a visit to the Banana Street, a colorful street full of vendors and music, reflecting the island’s lively culture.

Booking the Tour

Booking the tour is easy and hassle-free. Simply follow the link to book the tour here. You can choose between a shared group or private tour, depending on your preference. The tour includes pickup and drop-off at your accommodation in Praia, so all you have to do is sit back, relax, and immerse yourself in the history and culture of Cidade Velha.

In conclusion, a tour of Santiago Island’s Cidade Velha with a local guide is a must-do experience for anyone visiting Cape Verde. The town’s historic significance, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture make it a fascinating destination for anyone seeking to explore the country’s history and culture. Book your tour today and be prepared for an unforgettable journey through time.

How to Plan Your Tour to Santiago Island: Highlights of Cidade Velha with Local Guide

Santiago Island’s Cidade Velha is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that attracts tourists from all over the world. Cidade Velha is a must-visit destination that offers a glimpse into the colonial past of Cape Verde. If you are planning to visit Santiago Island, this post will answer the most frequently asked questions about tour planning, highlights of Cidade Velha, and local guide service.

1. When is the best time to visit Santiago Island and Cidade Velha?

Santiago Island has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons: dry and rainy. The dry season falls between November and June, and the rainy season lasts from July to October. The best time to visit Santiago Island and Cidade Velha is between November and June when the weather is dry, sunny, and favorable for sightseeing.

2. How do I get to Santiago Island?

The easiest way to get to Cidade Velha is to fly to Praia, the capital of Cape Verde, and then take a 30-minute taxi ride to Cidade Velha. You can also take a ferry from Praia to Cidade Velha, but the timings and schedules are not very reliable.

3. What are the highlights of Cidade Velha?

Cidade Velha is a small town that offers a wealth of attractions for tourists. Some of the top highlights of the town include:

• The Fortress of Sao Filipe: This is a 16th-century fortress that offers stunning views over the ocean and the town.
• The Royal Gate: This is the entrance to the old city and it offers a glimpse into the colonial architecture of the town.
• The Pelourinho: This is a stone pillar that was used for punishment during the Portuguese colonial era. It is a symbol of the town’s historic past.
• The Nossa Senhora do Rosario Church: This is a beautiful baroque church that dates back to the 15th century.
• The Convento de Sao Francisco: This is a 17th-century Franciscan monastery that now houses a museum and an art gallery.

4. Should I hire a local guide for my tour of Cidade Velha?

Yes, it is highly recommended that you hire a local guide for your tour of Cidade Velha. A local guide will provide you with a detailed insight into the history, culture, and traditions of the town. They will show you the top attractions and hidden gems that you might miss on your own. Additionally, a local guide will ensure your safety and help you avoid scams and tourist traps.

5. How do I find a reliable local guide in Cidade Velha?

The best way to find a reliable local guide in Cidade Velha is to book a guided tour through a reputable tour operator. They will provide you with a local guide who is licensed, experienced, and knowledgeable about the town’s history, culture, and attractions. Alternatively, you can use online platforms such as TripAdvisor, GetYourGuide, or Viator to find a local guide.

6. What should I wear when visiting Cidade Velha?

Cidade Velha is a conservative town, and it is advisable to dress modestly when visiting the town. Men should wear shirts with sleeves and long pants, while women should wear long skirts or pants and cover their shoulders. Additionally, comfortable shoes are recommended as there is a lot of walking involved.

7. Is Cidade Velha safe for tourists?

Yes, Cidade Velha is generally safe for tourists. However, as with any tourist destination, it is advisable to take precautions against theft, scams, and pickpocketing. It is recommended that you do not carry large sums of cash, keep your valuables out of sight, and stay in well-lit areas. Additionally, it is advisable to hire a local guide who will ensure your safety and help you avoid tourist traps.

In conclusion, Santiago Island’s Cidade Velha is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, culture, and colonial architecture. Planning your tour to Cidade Velha should be done with careful considerations of the season, travel arrangements, local guides, and dress code. A reliable local guide can add a lot of value to your tour experience by showing you the town’s hidden gems and taking care of your safety.