Santiago Travel Guide

Explore the hidden gems of Santiago in Cape Verde with this comprehensive travel guide. From historical landmarks and scenic trails to local cuisine and cultural traditions, this guide has everything you need to plan your next adventure in Santiago.


Introduction to Santiago

Santiago is Cape Verde’s largest and most historically significant island, located in the West African region of the continent. With a fascinating blend of African, European, and Creole cultures, Santiago is a must-visit destination for travelers interested in history, culture, and adventure. From UNESCO World Heritage Sites to exotic wildlife reserves, Santiago has something to offer for all types of travelers.

List of Places to Visit in Santiago

If you’re planning a trip to Santiago, these are the top attractions that you should add to your itinerary:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Cidade Velha: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cidade Velha is Santiago’s oldest settlement and a living testament to the island’s rich history. Visit the 15th-century Fortress of São Filipe, Sao Tiago Church and the Royal Customs House, where slaves were once traded.
  • Museu da Tabanka: Located in Assomada, this museum gives visitors a fascinating insight into the history and culture of the island’s rural population, with special focus on the musical tradition of Tabanka.
  • Museu Etnográfico da Praia: This museum located in the capital city showcases the fascinating and complex culture and traditions of Cape Verdeans. Stroll through the exhibition halls to learn about the local textiles, pottery, music, and spirituality.

Natural Attractions of Santiago: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Serra Malagueta National Park: Santiago’s largest national park with 155 sq km encompasses jagged peaks, lush green valleys, and mountain streams. Hiking, mountain biking and all other outdoor activities is possible here.
  • Tarrafal Beach: This beach is one of the most peaceful and laid-back spots on the island, with crystal clear waters and a pristine, sandy shore. Here, you are sure to get a chance to bask in the sun and enjoy some guilt-free relaxation.
  • Pico da Antonia: Hike up the highest peak of Santiago island, which offers some beautiful panoramic views and can be quite an adventure for some adventure seekers.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Santiago

Whether you’re a hiking enthusiast or a cycling fanatic, Santiago can provide you with ample opportunities to pursue your passion. Here are the top routes that you don’t want to miss:

  • Chã das Caldeiras: The easiest trail in the area is a picturesque 6 km path from the village of Aguas de Caldeira to the crater of the Chã das Caldeiras volcano, which offers stunning views of the island.

  • Serra Malagueta: This is more difficult than Chã das Caldeiras but begs to be explored with its panoramic views, lush green valleys and captivating wildlife.

  • Pico da Antonia: One of the most popular routes on the island, this hike takes you to the summit of the highest mountain of Santiago through lush forests and scenic vistas.

Best Things to Do in Santiago: Activities and Tours

If you’re looking for some novel and unique experiences, Santiago will offer you many opportunities. Here are some suggestions that you might find interesting:

  • Tabanka Festival: If you visit Santiago in August, you should become a part of this lively music and dance festival celebrating the culture of the rural population. It’s a unique opportunity to get a first-hand experience of Cape Verdean music, dance and craftwork.
  • Fish Market in Praia: Explore the vibrant and bustling market of Praia, where locals trade and sell their produce, including freshly caught fish from the sea. This will provide you with a different cultural experience.
  • Cachupa Cooking Class: Take a cooking class to learn how to prepare Cachupa, a traditional Cape Verdean dish that often serves as a national symbol for Cape Verde’s mixed history and culture.

Week-Long Itinerary for Santiago

If you’re planning a week-long itinerary for Santiago, here’s a suggested one:

Day Activity
1 Arrive in Santiago, check into accommodation and explore Praia’s food and culture scene
2 Visit Cidade Velha and see the Ghana slave trade experience, the Fort Real de San Felipe and Igreja Nossa Senhora
do Rosário  
3 Take a day tour to Tarrafal of Santiago, where you can relax on its beautiful beaches and visit the museum
4 Hike up to Pico da Antonia to enjoy its stunning panoramic views
5 Explore the Serra Malagueta National Park and all its natural beauty
6 Enjoy the bustling local market of Assomada and take a visit to the Tabanka Museum
7 Participate in the Tabanka Festival and experience some live music, dance and local craftwork

Food and Drink Scene of Santiago

Cape Verdean cuisine is a rich blend of Portuguese, African, and Brazilian influences, providing a unique gastronomic experience. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages that you shouldn’t miss out on:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Cachupa: This is one of Santiago’s national dishes, it is a slow-cooked stew of beans, corn, fish or meat and vegetables.
  • Lagosta Suada: Fresh lobster that is cooked in its own shell, served with olive oil and garlic, the perfect local seafood delicacy.
  • Buki Nogu: A Cape Verdean classic comfort food, a dish made up of beans, rice and chicken meat all cooked together.

Local Beverages

  • Grogue: A Cape Verdean rum made from fermented sugarcane juice, can sometimes be found mixed into various cocktails or enjoyed on its own.
  • Fogo Coffee: Coffee beans from Fogo island are roasted locally, so coffee lovers should not miss out on trying some of the most aromatic and high-quality coffee in Cape Verde.
  • Ponche Cocktail: A traditional Cape Verdean Christmas drink that is made with eggs, sugar, lime and ‘groque’ (the local rum).

Where to Stay in Santiago: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Santiago has a plethora of options for accommodation, ranging from luxurious resorts to cozy guesthouses. Here are some options that you can consider:

  • Pestana Tropico: This resort in Praia is a perfect place to relax and unwind, with comfortable rooms, an outdoor pool and numerous beachfront activities.
  • Quinta da Montanha: This boutique guesthouse located in Serra Malagueta is perfect for nature lovers looking to enjoy the island’s natural beauty.
  • Villa Morgana: Located on the outskirts of Tarrafal, this renovated colonial mansion with spacious rooms and great views.

What to Buy in Santiago: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you’re planning to take back some souvenirs and local products from Santiago to remember your trip, these are some items that you should consider:

  • Hand-woven baskets: Cape Verdean women are known for their beautifully crafted straw baskets, which can be found in many markets on the island.
  • Cape Verdean music: Take back a piece of the island’s musical tradition by purchasing CDs or vinyl records from local artists.
  • Artwork and Crafts: Enjoy many uniquely designed, handmade crafts like pottery, textiles, and wooden figurines that will serve as a reminder of the Island’s culture.

Local Culture and Customs of Santiago

Cape Verdean culture is known for its welcoming and hospitable people, lively music and dance, tasty food, and rich traditions. If you want to have a deeper understanding of the local culture, here are some points to consider:

  • Music: Santiago’s music is an integral part of the island’s culture, with a fusion of different styles and rhythms such as batuque, coladeira, and morna, which were created and redefined in Cape Verde.
  • Religion: Cape Verde’s population is predominantly Catholic, and religious festivals, like the Feast of the Assumption, are celebrated with great pomp and show.
  • Language: The official languages of Cape Verde are Portuguese and Cape Verdean Creole. But, most locals speak a mixture of these with French, Spanish or English.

Best Time to Visit Santiago

The best time to visit Santiago is between November and June, when the weather is mild, and the island is relatively free of tourists. The temperature ranges from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius, which is perfect for outdoor activities, sightseeing, and beach escapades. From July to October, the weather can be quite hot and humid, but the island is less crowded, and the locals are welcoming as always.

Do’s and Don’ts of Santiago

Here are some things that you should do and avoid in Santiago to ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable trip:

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions, including dress codes for religious sites.
  • Stay hydrated in the hot and humid climate.
  • Get involved in local festivals and interact with the locals.
  • Be respectful to wildlife and the environment.

Don’t:

  • Wear revealing or overtly casual clothing in religious sites or crowded areas.
  • Make inappropriate and insensitive remarks about the local culture and traditions.
  • Pursue adventure activities alone in remote or unknown areas.
  • Leave your valuables unattended or show off wealth.

Safety and Health

While Santiago is a safe island and crime rates are low, it is always better to be cautious and aware of your surroundings. Here are some safety and health tips to keep in mind while visiting Santiago;

Safety in Santiago

  • Always stay alert in crowded areas and avoid carrying valuable items in plain sight.
  • Avoid the northern parts of Praia city at night and refrain from going to secluded areas after dark.
  • Ensure that you carry around a photocopy of your passport with you wherever you go.
  • Be cautious in choppy waters and have an experienced guide if you’re hiking or cycling in remote areas.

Health in Santiago

  • Seek medical help if you get sick or experience health problems, like dehydration or heatstroke.
  • Drink bottled water to avoid water-borne diseases and stay hydrated throughout your trip.
  • Apply insect repellent and wear long-sleeved clothes to avoid mosquito-borne illnesses like Zika and malaria.
  • Wear sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses while you’re outdoors during the day to avoid sunburn.

Getting to Santiago: Transportation Options and Logistics

Santiago is well-connected to the neighboring islands by various modes of transportation, including flights, ferries, and buses. Here are some transportation options you can consider to reach Santiago:

Airports Near Santiago

  • Francisco Mendes International Airport (RAI) in Praia, Santiago’s capital city, is the island’s main international airport.
  • Cesária Évora Airport (VXE) in Sao Vicente, Cape Verde’s second-largest island, is a hub for domestic airlines.

Bus Stations Near Santiago

  • Santiago’s bus network is well-developed, and you can catch buses to different parts of the island from the main bus station of Praia, Sao Filipe Bus terminal and that of Tarrafal.

Other Options

  • You can also reach Santiago by ferry from the neighboring islands like Maio, Boa Vista or Fogo Island, which is a more scenic and affordable option.

How to Get Around in Santiago

Public transportation, like buses and shared taxis, is the most convenient and affordable way to get around Santiago. Taxis and car rentals are also readily available, but it is important to be cautious while using them. Motorcycles and bikes are available on rent at lower rates in areas surrounding cities.

Where to Go Next from Santiago: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Santiago is the largest and one of the most diverse islands of Cape Verde, and it is well-connected to other neighboring islands by air and sea. Here are some options you can consider for your next destination:

  • Sao Vicente: One of the most vibrant and culturally-rich islands in Cape Verde, famous for its music festivals and nightlife, accessible by ferry or flight from Santiago.
  • Fogo: This island is famous for its towering volcano and stunning natural landscapes, including hot springs and black sand beaches, taking a flight from Santiago can be more convenient.
  • Boa Vista: This sunny, tropical island is known for its sandy beaches, water sports and luxurious resorts, accessible by flight from Santiago.

Conclusion

Santiago is a place that you cannot miss out on while visiting Cape Verde. Whether you are interested in culture, adventure or just relaxation, Santiago has something for everyone. Its scenic beauty, local culture, and traditional cuisine make it one of the ideal destinations for travelers who want to explore off the beaten path. So pack your bags, book your tickets, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey to Santiago.



    Cidade Velha
    Tarrafal