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Santiago: Calabaceira Valley Trek & Visit to Cidade Velha in Praia
Are you looking for a unique experience in Santiago where you can truly discover the nature and culture of Santiago? A Calabaceira Valley trek and visit to Cidade Velha in Praia might just be what you’re looking for!
This valley trek and city tour will give you a chance to see the wonders of Santiago’s rural lifestyle, while soaking in the beauty of the lush green mountain landscape. Located in Calabaceira, the area offers amazing hiking trails and sightseeing opportunities, making it a must-do experience during your Santiago trip.
Along the way, you’ll also get a chance to explore the historical city of Cidade Velha in Praia. With its architectural remnants of the colonial and slaveholding eras, you’ll get an inside look into the past centuries. Plus, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the second oldest European city in the tropics.
So if you’re looking for a unique way to explore the nature and culture of Santiago, here’s a closer look at this amazing Calabaceira Valley trek and visit to Cidade Velha in Praia.
About Calabaceira Valley
The Calabaceira Valley is located between the towns of Santa Cruz, Chã das Caldeiras, Brava and Fajã on the south coast of Santiago. It is surrounded by dense vegetation, as well as colorful flowers and red cliffs.
The area is also known to be home to some of the oldest growth-forest in the islands. There are numerous trails throughout Calabaceira valley and Fajã, .where you can enjoy the flora and fauna of the area, including rare birds and wild fruit such as tomatoes, guavas, tangerines, lemons and more. The trekking trails range in length from 2 km to 12 km depending on your level of fitness.
If you are looking for a unique way to explore the Calabaceira Valley, one popular option is to join a guided group tour of the valley and nearby areas. A guided tour will provide you with an experienced guide who can show you all the best spots in this stunning part of Santiago while also providing useful information on the culture and history of the area.
Visit to Cidade Velha in Praia
Once you have finished your trekking tour in Calabaceira valley, head to Cidade Vellha on Praia island, which is located just off the coast. Cidade Velha is one of Santiago’s most important historical cities, known for its stunning colonial buildings dating back to the 16th century.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a great place for sightseeing and for learning about the local history. You can take a stroll around the central square where you will find many of Cidade Vellha’s most famous buildings such as Bishop Palace, Municipal Palace and Even Field. Additionally, there are many churches across the town that are worth visiting too.
Cidade Velha was an important port in the colonial era and also served as a gateway for slave trading between Africa and Latin America.. It was once an important port city in Portugal’s empire, but later fell into decline due to its location away from Lisbon. However it is now experiencing something of a revival with more tourism coming to the area and some renovation projects.
On your visit to Cidade Velha, don’t miss out on tastes of regional cuisine such as seafood dishes like Pasteis de Camarão or Camarão grelhado (grilled shrimp) and tasty traditional desserts such as Bolo-di-coco (Coconut cake) or Sonho de Abóbora (pumpkin dream). You will also find plenty of souvenir shops around Cidade Velha that sell traditional arts and crafts like embroidery, ceramics and jewelry.
Get a Unique Experience with GetYourGuide
If you want to get the most out of your Santiago visit, then we recommend booking a guided trekking tour through GetYourGuide. With GetYourGuide, you can find a range of different activities across Santiago that are perfect for exploring its nature and culture. There are all kinds of tours available for every budget, ability level and age group.
For example ‘, you can book a “Calabaceira Valley Trek & Visit to Cidade Velha” activity which takes place from Monday to Saturday. It is perfect for those who wish to explore both mountains and city while learning more about Santiago’s history and culture. This eight-hour tour includes round-trip transportation from your hotel in Praia and a professional guide who will take you through all the best sights of Calabaceira Valley, including the untouched Fajãs area and its rare wildlife. You will also visit Cidade Velha city center as well as some historical sites such as Bishop Palace, Municipal Palace and Even Field.
If you want to learn more about nature & culture of Santiago while enjoying a spectacular view of its green mountain landscape, then this tour is definitely a must try! For those interested in booking this activity, please click here!
Our Verdict
A Calabaceira Valley trek & visit to Cidade Velha in Praia is hands down one of the best ways to experience the nature and culture of Santiago! This unique activity allows travelers to discover rural lifestyle while exploring stunning mountain views and stunning colonial architecture. Plus, with GetYourGuide’s “Calabaceira Valley Trek & Visit to Cidade Velha” tour, you can get an even deeper insight into Santiagos origins while having an unforgettable experience with a professional guide throughout the eight-hour trekking journey. So if you’re looking for an adventure in Santiago that will bring you closer to its culture & nature – don’t miss out on this one!
