Step off the world on the island of Santiago, Cape Verde

While the rest of the world enjoys four, marked seasons, Cape Verde enjoys three. First, you have the transition season that ranges from November to February. Next comes the dry season between March and June which is then followed by the rainy season which falls between July and October. So, if you are looking for the best time to visit Cape Verde, we suggest the months of October and December when the rainy season has come to an end and the island is a rich green colour for as far as the eye can see. If you are a beach lover keen on soaking up the baking hot rays, the dry season is for you. However, it is worth noting that hiking and other outdoor pursuits can be hard work when the temperatures rise.

If it is your first time on holiday in Santiago, the first thing you need to do is to head to the island’s capital. Here you can experience local life close up and even taste the delicious traditional dishes, many of which are ancestral recipes. Praia is also the place to be for a night out on the town. Not to mention, from here you can reach anywhere on the island so be sure to take note of these things to do in Santiago, Cape Verde.

With a population of around 130.000, you can expect Praia to be a lively city with a joyful spirit. Located in the south of the island, the city of Praia is built on a plateau, hence the name of its most central neighbourhood and the oldest settlement in the city. In Plateau, you can find small boutiques nestled against ice cream parlours, coffee shops and busy local markets. While in this neck of the woods, don’t pass up the chance to visit the Sala-Museu Amílcar Cabral Museum to brush up on West African history. Since this city is located on the coast, there are many beaches to choose from if you fancy taking a dip. You can even join the locals and exercise on the beach. Looking for nightlife in Santiago, Cape Verde? Head to one of Praia’s many cosy bars and enjoy a live music performance from a local singer. You will be in for a real treat!

You cannot leave Plateau in Praia without taking a trip to see the 3-metre-tall monument of Diogo Gomes. This cast iron statue is the creation of Portuguese sculptor Joaquim Correia and dates back to 1956. Yet, it marks a national symbol for the ten islands that make up Cape Verde. It is the image of Diogo Gomes, a Portuguese navigator who was one of the first men to discover Cape Verde. Today, this statue is a must-see when exploring Santiago, Cape Verde thanks to its strategic position close to the presidential palace, overlooking Gamboa Beach. To make the trip even more special, head up here at sunset to enjoy a spectacular view across the city.

Another top sight in Praia is the Church of Our Lady of Grace, an important meeting place within the city. Built between 1894 and 1902, this neoclassical Catholic church is fairly modest in style but has become an important part of daily life in Praia. Admire its tall bell tower and sleek exteriors before venturing inside to catch a glimpse of its pretty altar. 

One of the Santiago, Cape Verde things to do during your holidays is to tuck into the local cuisine. From Creole and African to Brazilian cuisines, the island’s gastronomy promises a mix of international flavours with one thing in common: seafood. 

Cachupa is the national dish of Cape Verde, a stew of beans, corn, vegetables and fish or meat. Shellfish is a big thing on the islands too. Think steamed lobster, gooseneck barnacles and stewed limpets are local delicacies. Those with a sweet tooth can enjoy Doce de Papaya, a papaya jelly. Fogo Coffee Pudding is also a must-try.

Cidade Velha, literally translating to Old City, is the oldest settlement in Cape Verde. It was where the first Portuguese settlers landed and created the military base Ribeira Grande. It was an important trading post between Africa and the Americas. The fortunes amassed in this little corner of the island attracted huge interest from royalty and pirates alike. Walk in the footsteps of Sir Francis Drake, Vasco da Gama and Jacques Cassart and discover this sleepy UNESCO World Heritage Site full of history and tradition.

Leading away from the city centre lies Rua Banana, or Banana Street, thought to be the oldest street in Sub-Saharan Africa. It is also home to the oldest colonial church in the world, the Nossa Senhora do Rosário, built in 1495. Admire the gentle pace of local life and discover the colourful culture and traditions of this quaint neighbourhood. After exploring this black cobbled street, head off exploring the surrounding areas. The São Filipe Fort, once used to ward off pirate attacks, is worth visiting. Active souls will enjoy hiking the Ribeiro Valley which takes you to the ruins of the old cathedral where exotic insects, hummingbirds and endemic flora and fauna frame breathtaking coastal views. 

If you are looking for an active holiday, Santiago, Cape Verde is the place to be. Graced with areas of outstanding natural beauty, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to deciding where to explore. From national parks to secluded coastal towns, discover the natural beauty that awaits you when on holiday in Santiago.

1000 metres above sea level, in the north of the island, lies the Serra Malagueta Natural Park home to some of the most incredible views in Santiago. Nature enthusiasts can marvel at the largest number of endemic plants in Santiago while walking through the mountainous scenery. The natural park is dedicated to supporting ecotourism and works hard to improve the quality of life of those living on the fringes of the park. 

Workshops and initiatives that drive sustainable development and protect ancestral knowledge are in place to improve the lives of the Serra Malagueta residents. Things like collecting fog water and redirecting it to the hilltop towns are just some examples of the regenerative and sustainable plans in place. While hiking in this area, you can witness these programmes while admiring the exotic wildlife that calls this forest home.

Looking for a real adventure? Head to the centre of Santiago to the Pico de Antónia mountain range, the highest point on all of the island. Here you can find the protected area Parque Natural da Serra do Pico de Antónia, home to the towns Picos and Assomada. The mountain range was formed over 2.3 million years ago by volcanic activity, its rugged cliffs formed by lava flow. To begin the four-hour-long hike, head to the village Rui Vaz. From here you will climb the 800 metre tall Mount Tchota. Once at the top of the mountain, complete the hiking route up to the summit of the Pico de Antónia where you can admire spectacular views across the San Jorge valley. Pack a picnic and avoid peak temperatures if you plan to do this hike.

Black and white sand beaches, endless days of sunshine and secluded swimming spots, what is not to love about this island? Of course, no holidays on Santiago, Cape Verde are complete without a day at the beach. If you are staying in Praia, even better. Some of the island’s best beaches are just a short drive from the vibrant capital making it even easier to soak up the sunshine of Cape Verde during your stay.

One hour from Praia, this extensive white sand bay offers a quiet and relaxed place to while away a day. While the beach is named one of the best on the island, surprisingly it never appears busy. There is plenty of space on the flat expanse of sand to lay out your towel and soak up the warm sun rays with the rugged mountains in the background. Alternatively, the crystal clear waters are an ideal place to enjoy a refreshing dip, snorkel, dive or even catch a few waves with a surfboard. One iconic feature of this beach is the garish fishermen’s boats that line the shore, waiting tentatively for the next catch. 

Just south-west of the city centre lies Quebra Canela Beach. This urban beach is ideal for families thanks to the gentle swell, calm shoreline and pristine sand. The calm water lends itself to a quick swim as well as all sorts of aquatic adventures. Kids young and old can enjoy kayaking and snorkelling in the transparent, crystalline waters. Plus, this beach is equipped with sun loungers, umbrellas and even a small restaurant making it an ideal destination for families keen to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.