Cape Verde · PRAIA & CIDADE VELHA
10 reviewed
Cidade Velha was the first European town built in the tropics and its fort still stands over the harbour. Below are the guided runs out of Praia: what each covers of the old cathedral, the pillory square and the plantation valley behind them, and which leave enough time for lunch by the water.
Praia to Tarrafal on Santiago: breakfast with a local family, Assomada Market, Serra Malagueta views, and swimming at Tarrafal Beach.
“It was amazing, we have seen the countryside, villages, the mountains, the beach, tasted delicious local food. The island Santiago is so beautiful, and the guides are great, speak several languages, and have a lot of information to share.”
Santiago Island shore excursion from Praia with mountain park views, Tarrafal beach swim time, and live batuco and morna music and dance.
“gut , länger als geplant ,hätte es für uns nicht gebraucht”
A 4-hour guided tour linking Praia Plateau markets to Cidade Velha UNESCO sights, including Banana Street and Fortaleza views.
“Amerigo nous a fait partager sa connaissance de l'histoire de son pays avec beaucoup de professionnalisme dans un français plus que correct. si vous en avez la possibilité demandez à faire le circuit "à l'envers"( comme nous avons dû le faire du fait des embouteillages du lundi matin): vous commencerez alors par Santiago "historique" et terminerez par Praia "contemporaine". J'airais même préféré commencer par la citadelle de Cidade Velha avant la ville de Cidade Velha. Attention, l'entrée à la citadelle coute 500escudos (5€) par personne.”
Taste Cuscuz and Fidjós with a local family, tour Santiago’s biggest banana plantation, and enjoy Monte Txota views from Praia.
“This was so much fun! I was the only one attending the trip (as it’s off season) and I had 2 guides and 1 driver with me. Everyone was super nice and fun to talk to. Always ensuring that everything was fine, helping me walk through the plantation. Highly recommended, one of the best trips I have been on, mainly due to the guides.”
Walk through UNESCO Cidade Velha on Santiago with a local guide, fortress views, cathedral ruins, and slavery history for $57.
“Our tour was great! Ricardo was super friendly and extremely well informed. He clearly has a lot of commitment to his work. We learned a lot and enjoyed ourselves”
Guided half-day hike from Praia to Cidade Velha, with a 400-year-old Baobab tree, farm fruit, and grogue stories.
“It was a beautiful route. The car was very small and the guide could have told us a little more or waited for the last ones in the group, who often missed out on things. We had to wait a very long time for the bus to take us back!”
Trek Calabaceira Valley and explore Cidade Velha in Cape Verde, with UNESCO sights, a rum distillery stop, and seafront lunch.
“Lovely trip and beautiful surroundings, Ivana, the guide, was extremely nice and friendly, absolutely recommended:)”
From Praia, sail to Ribeira da Barca, swim in the Àguas Belas cave, snorkel, then end with a black-sand BBQ on Santiago.
“Our driver and guide were great. Activity said snorkeling but there were 6 people and 3 snorkels. The swimming and snorkeling were over the side of the boat in the cave we only stayed for about 15 mins. The current was a bit rough and it was only large rocks to see. BBQ was tasty but beach is very rocky (recommend water shoes) and dirty with no good place to sit. Does seem typical. Overall trip was great but felt expensive.”
A 7-hour Santiago Island highlights tour from Praia, with Tarrafal beach time, village stops, Serra Malagueta views, and coconut plantation breaks.
“Elton, our Guide from BU country tours and Dany, the driver, were very friendly and made an excellent job. We learnt a lot about Cape Verde and Santiago and saw beautiful places as well as behind the scenes. Our tour was a great experience!”
Cruise day trip across Santiago by minibus, with a local guide, market visits, Serra Malagueta views, Tarrafal beach time, and ship-safe timing.
“Interesting overview of Santiago Island. our Guide Ricardo was very friendly and informative, giving lots of background information, and we felt safe with our driver.”
