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Santiago Island: 4-Hour Calabaceira Valley Hike & Guided Tour to Cidade Velha

Praia, Cape Verde

Enjoy a 2-hour hike in the Green Valley of Calabaceira with a local guide. Admire the lush vegetation, and explore the history of the first city built by Europeans in sub-Saharan Africa, Cidade Velha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Cancellation policy

Review the supplier policy below before booking.

Duration 4 hours

Duration supplied by the experience provider.

Languages

English, French, Portuguese, Spanish

Group size

1–40 travelers

Full description

After being collected from your accommodation in Praia depart toward the verdant volcanic valley of Calabaceira. Start the hike through the greenery, follow a simple and accessible trail for any hiker and discover the famous giant baobab tree mentioned by Charles Darwin during his passage through the island. Get in touch with local farmers on their agricultural fields of sugar cane, mango, cassava, banana, and more. Your hike progresses to Cidade Velha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you will visit the São Francisco Convent, Banana Street, the former slave market at Pillory and the Royal Fortress of São Filipe and learn the history of transatlantic slavery and attacks by pirates who sacked the city. The tour concludes with a drop-off at your accommodation in Praia.

Itinerary

Praia. After being collected from your accommodation in Praia depart toward the verdant volcanic valley of Calabaceira.

Calabaceira Valley. Start the hike through the greenery, follow a simple and accessible trail for any hiker and discover the famous giant baobab tree mentioned by Charles Darwin during his passage through the island. Get in touch with local farmers on their agricultural fields of sugar cane, mango, cassava, banana, and more.

Convento de São Francisco. The Convent of São Francisco was built in the middle of the 17th century, having served as a place of worship and formation.

Rua de Banana. It was the first hurbanized street built by the Portuguese in sub-Saharan Africa.

Pelourinho. Was built in 1512, with white marble, and was used as a slave market

Sé Catedral. Visit the ruins of the Sé Catedral, that was the first Catedral built, in África, by Portuguese

Fortaleza Rela de São Filipe. Was built in 1587 to defend the city of pirates attacques. From the top, enjoy a beautiful view over the whole old town and find out about the system of defense used against pirates.

Praia. The tour concludes with drop-off at your accommodation in Praia.

What’s included

Included

  • Guide
  • Transfer
  • Pickup and drop-off at your accommodation in Praia or Cidade Velha
  • Transportation
  • Tour Guide (English, French, Portuguese and Spanish)
  • Liability insurance

Not included

  • Lunch
  • Entrance fee (€5 for Fortress of São Filipe )

Important information

Meeting point

Praia, Cape Verde

Don’t forget

Not recommended for people with back problems Not recommended for pregnant travelers Not recommended for people with heart conditions Activity for travelers over 6 years old. Route File: Trail Distance: +/- 5 km || Total Walking Duration: +/- 2 hours || Degree of difficulty: Easy || Elevation gain: +/- 3 m || Elevation loss: -/+ 186 m || Max Elevation: +/- 200 m || Min Elevation: +/-  14 m || Trail type: One Way || Path quality: Medium tilt, narrow at the beginning and safe. If your accommodation is not listed, please send us an email with your pick-up address. Airport pick-up is not included. An additional fee will apply for travelers who require this service. Please bring decent footwear, hat, sunscreen and water and €5 for the entrance to the São Filipe Fortress.

Cancellation policy

100% charge if cancelled within 24 hours of start.

Your host

VE

Verified Local Host

With GetExperience since 2026

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