Santiago

Why visit Santiago

Santiago is the largest, most populous island and the seat of the capital, Praia. It is the least “touristy” of the main islands and the most authentically Cape Verdean — a place of markets, music, history and everyday island life rather than resorts. It is also home to Cidade Velha, the first European colonial town in the tropics, and to the National Stadium, which makes it the natural base for a football and culture trip.

Top things to do

• Cidade Velha — a UNESCO World Heritage Site: the hilltop Fort Real de São Filipe, the old Rua Banana, the pillory (pelourinho) and the ruins of the first cathedral in the tropics.
• Praia’s Plateau — the historic centre on a flat-topped hill, plus the sprawling Sucupira market.
• Tarrafal — a genuinely lovely swimming beach in the green north, a couple of hours from the capital.
• Serra Malagueta — a mountain natural park with cool, scenic hiking.
• Assomada market — one of the country’s biggest inland markets, best on market days.
• Football — the Estádio Nacional near Praia is the home of the Blue Sharks.

Where to stay

• Praia (Plateau / Prainha) — for city life, history and transport links.
• Tarrafal — for a relaxed beach base in the north.

Getting there and around

Nelson Mandela International Airport (RAI) at Praia takes direct international flights and is the domestic hub for the whole country. Shared aluguers run between Praia, Assomada and Tarrafal; taxis and car hire cover the rest. Give yourself time — the island is big and the north takes a while to reach.

Who should skip Santiago

If you want a small, quiet island or a pure resort beach holiday, Santiago’s scale and city energy may not suit — try Sal, Maio or Boa Vista. For a route that ties Santiago’s history to Mindelo’s music, see the football & culture itinerary.