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Best of Santiago Island Tour: Cidade Velha, Workshop & Tarrafal Beach

Praia, Cape Verde

Explore rural areas of Santiago Island on a guided tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cidade Velha, delve into local history and learn to cook local delights with a local family. Cross the Natural Park and swim in Santiago's most beautiful beach.

Cancellation policy

Review the supplier policy below before booking.

Duration 10 hours

Duration supplied by the experience provider.

Languages

English, French, Portuguese, Spanish

Group size

1–8 travelers

Full description

Enjoy a pickup from your accommodation and travel towards Cidade Velha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a guided walking tour of the São Filipe Fortress, the former slave market and the famous Banana Street with its thatched houses. Next, learn the local cuisine with a Local family in the interior of the island and cook the delicious Cape Verdean couscous, a traditional cake made from corn flour. After the workshop, drive through the mountains with photo stops at the villages of Picos, Assomada and Serra Malagueta Natural Park. Be dazzled by incredible views from 1000 meters (3,280 feet) above sea level before you arrive at Santiago's most beautiful beach, Tarrafal beach. Here, swim and relax on the shore surrounded by hills and palm trees. Stop for a delicious lunch and then drive along the beautiful east coast road and, if available, at your own expenses, refresh yourself with fresh coconut water at the largest plantation in the country. The tour ends with a drop-off at your accommodation.

Itinerary

Praia or Cidade Velha: Hotel pick-up. Enjoy a pickup from your accommodation and travel towards Cidade Velha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Cidade Velha: Visit to the São Filipe Fortress. Take a guided walking tour of the São Filipe Fortress, and discover the ancient system of defense against pirate attacks.

Cidade Velha: Discover the former slave market at Pillory. After that, meet local fishermen and learn the history of slavery at the former slave market in Pillory.

Cidade Velha: Stroll down Banana Street. The walking tour continues towards the famous Banana Street with its beautiful traditional thatched houses. Here, discover the first hurbanized street, built by settlers in sub-Saharan Africa.

Órgãos: Cuscuz Workshop with a Local Family. Next, learn the local cuisine with a Local family in the interior of the island and cook the delicious Cape Verdean couscous, a traditional cake made from corn flour.

Assomada: Explore its famous local Market. After the workshop, drive through the mountains with photo stops in the villages of Picos and Assomada with a visit to its famous market (Wednesdays and Saturdays only).

Serra Malagueta Natural Park: Photo stop. Enjoy a photo stop and be dazzled by incredible views from 1000 meters (3,280 feet) above sea level.

Tarrafal: Swim at Santiago's most beautiful beach. Next, swim at Santiago's most beautiful beach in Tarrafal, surrounded by white sand, hills and palm trees. After that, take a break for a delicious lunch at a local restaurant before a scenic drive along the beautiful east coast.

Praia: Hotel drop-off. The tour ends with drop-off at your accommodation.

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)
  • Workshop of Cuscuz and Fidjós (local delights)
  • Liability insurance

Not included

  • Lunch
  • Entrance fee (€5 for Fortress)

Important information

Meeting point

Praia, Cape Verde

Don’t forget

Not wheelchair accessible Not suitable for pets Note that the São Filipe Fortress is closed on holidays If your accommodation is not listed, please send us an email with your pick-up address in Praia or Cidade Velha The average cost of lunch is between 10 - 20 Euros/person. The local restaurant accepts cash payment in Euros or Local currency only. Credit cards are not accepted Shared Group Tour option is subject to a minimum of 2 participants. In the event that the minimum number is not met, we reserve the right to propose an alternative date; to charge an extra fee to run the tour privately or to cancel a customer's booking for a full refund For departures with less that 4 travelers, our professional tour guide may himself be the driver. Please bring sandals/flip flops, a towel, a hat, swimwear, sunscreen, €5 for the entrance to the São Filipe Fortress and lunch money (optional).

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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