Overview
Our Explore Cape Verde’s Santiago in 8 days holiday is a wonderful fusion of historical, cultural and geographic highlights.
If you only have one week, one of the best ways to experience an authentic Cape Verdean holiday is to explore Cape Verde’s island of Santiago. One of the best places to visited to understand that heritage of the Cape Verde archipelago is Cidade Velha, once an important part of the trade routes of the Portuguese empire in the 16 hundreds. Soak up the culture of Cape Verde at the Assoumada market and on a guided tour of Praia, spend time on the uncrowded gold sands of Tarrafal beach, and go on a guided walk in the Serra Malagueta National Park.
Praia City
The capital city of Praia is bustling and vibrant, built over several plateaus. Half of the population of Cape Verde live on Santiago, and half of those live in Praia city. Whilst in Praia, you will stay at the Hotel Atlantico Praiamar, a modern clifftop hotel.
Cidade Velha – The first European colonial outpost in the tropics
On the south coast you’ll explore the Cape Verde’s oldest settlement Cidade Velha, which became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2009. Cidade Velha stands as a testament to the dark past of slavery. 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 that overlooks the village, the churches, and the pelourinho -a 16th-century pillory used to punish slaves.
Time to barter at Assomada Market
Head off into the interior and you’ll find jagged mountain peaks and fertile valleys of manioc and banana. The island’s second largest city Assomada – known by locals as Somada – is in a spectacular location, built on a plateau in between deeply cut valleys and 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.
Tarrafal Beach
At the northern tip, lovely Tarrafal has the best sandy beaches of the island. Stay at the Oasis Tarrafal Alfandega Suites and enjoy a beach holiday away from the crowds. Tarrafal beach is in a sheltered bay, so is safe for swimming and snorkelling. This is the ideal base to relax or perhaps go out with the diving school.
A day of walking in the Serra Malagueta mountain range
Tarrafal is also a great place to stay if you’re taking guided walks in the extensive Serra Malagueta natural park. We can arrange for a guided day of walking, for whatever length of walk suits you. The views are simply breath-taking.
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Itinerary
Guide price £2,200 per person
We can create a tailor-made holiday to suit your budget.
INCLUDED: International flights (guide price only), accommodation in twin share, en-suite rooms at the Oasis Tarrafal Alfandega Suits and the Hotel Oasis Atlantico Praiamar . Return airport transfers on Santiago. A guided tour of the Serra Malagueta Mountain range, with lunch and walk. A guided day around the island, visiting Assomada Market. One half day orientation tour of Praia. EXCLUDED: Meals not specified above and insurance. Additional excursions on free days.
Accommodation
The combination of accommodation we have chosen for this trip is part of the key to an unforgettable holiday. From the attractive Hotel Oasis Atlantico Praiamar located on a promontory overlooking the bay below, to the Oasis Tarrafal Alfandega Suites, located at Santiago's best beach. Accommodation will be on B&B basis.
Activities
We have included a fantastic range of activities on Santiago. Most are suitable for all ages, but many can be adapted to your abilities and experience and if you especially love diving then you'll love Santiago with its dark historical past and a coast littered with ship wrecks.
Location
Santiago is one of the southern islands of Cape Verde and has so much to offer from two volcanic mountain ranges which dominate the island to Tarrafal with its pretty sandy cove; great for snorkelling, cycling, relaxing and diving.
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