Cape Verde Family Holiday on Santiago

One Week Family Holiday on Santiago – An Authentic Cape Verde Experience

Our one-week Cape Verde Family Holiday on Santiago combines culture with beaches, mountains, and activities. There are nine islands in the Cape Verde Archipelago but very few venture beyond the resorts and beaches of Sal and Boavista  Choosing Santiago means your children get to experience the real Cape Verde. It’s the most populated island and is one of the most culturally authentic, similarly to Sao Vicente.

We would recommend this holiday for secondary-age children. Those old enough to enjoy mountain walks, snorkelling, bartering at local markets, and a range of cultural highlights. We will arrange private transfers and guides for all excursions. You’re then free to focus on enjoying time with your children. Your holiday starts in the capital city of Praia, which is home to most of Santiago’s residents. Your guide will take you on a tour of the city, to help you get acclimatised.

On your second day, you will head to the south coast to explore Cape Verde’s oldest settlement Cidade Velha, which became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2009. There is a gorgeous valley walk that leads in to this coastal fortress town. In the 15th and 16th centuries Cape Verde was a strategically important location between Africa, the Americas and Europe and slavery was a large part of this trade. Nowadays Cidade Velha’s reputation has changed and it’s evolved into a charming coastal village. You will visit the fort, churches, and the 16th-century pillory.

After your time in Praia, you head off into the interior where you’ll find jagged mountain peaks and fertile valleys of manioc and banana. The island’s second largest city, Assomada, is in a spectacular location.  Built on a plateau between deeply cut valleys, it’s nestled below some of the island’s highest peaks. On a Saturday and Wednesday Assomada’s African market attracts a throng of locals and visitors alike. Here you can buy anything from chickens (alive or dead) to furniture, herbal remedies, and colourful spices. For children, it’s a fun way to learn about the island culture.

You stay at the famously beautiful Tarrafal beach, where you can enjoy uncrowded sandy beaches. Tarrafal beach is in a sheltered bay, so is safe for swimming and snorkelling. It’s an ideal base for families to relax and have fun on the beach. Your hotel will provide snorkels, or you can visit the dive school to arrange some scuba lessons. We’ll also arrange a private boat tour to some nearby caves, for more snorkelling and a BBQ with freshly caught fish.

To discuss a tailor-made version of our Cape Verde Family Holiday on Santiago:

📞Call: 017687 21030

💻Email: team@archipelagochoice.com