Things to do in Praia

Praia is the capital of Cape Verde. It has held the title since 1770. It is also the base for tours in Praia and across Santiago, the largest island.

The Plateau

The old centre stands on a plateau, laid out on a grid. It is small enough to walk.

• Presidential Palace. The head of state's palace, on the Plateau.
• Praça Alexandre Albuquerque. The main square of the old town.
• Jaime Mota barracks. A military barracks on the guided route.
• Municipal Market. A working market, closed on Sundays.

West to Cidade Velha

Cidade Velha lies about 10 km west of Praia. It was founded in 1462 and has been a World Heritage site since 2009.

• São Filipe fortress. Built between 1587 and 1593 on a hill above the town to defend it against pirates.
• The cathedral ruins. Begun in 1556 and sacked in 1712.
• The pillory. Where enslaved people were punished in public.
• Rua Banana. The old street of thatched houses.

Around Santiago

The island loop runs inland through São Domingos and Assomada, where the market days are Wednesday and Saturday. Serra Malagueta is a viewpoint at 1,000 metres.

The road ends at Tarrafal on the north coast. Nearby is the Chão Bom camp, now a Museum of Resistance to the Salazar regime. The return follows the east coast through Calheta and Santa Cruz.

Walkers can start on Serra Malagueta and go downhill into the Principal valley, about 4.5 km in two to three hours.

Practical

• Weather. January highs are 27C and lows 20C; October highs reach 31C and lows 24C. About 177 mm of rain falls in a year, mostly from August to October.
• Water shoes. The Principal valley can be wet between August and October.
• Cruise days. The port is small and has one exit. Guides wait there with a name sign.
• Fortress. It closes on public holidays, so check before you go.
• Cash. Village restaurants take euros or escudos, and often no cards.
• Fogo. The volcano island is a 35-minute flight away, and a day trip there is possible.