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Things to do in Praia, Cape Verde

Our most recommended things to do in Praia, Cape Verde

From Praia: Full-Day Santiago Island Tour & Tarrafal Beach

1. From Praia: Full-Day Santiago Island Tour & Tarrafal Beach

Get picked up at your hotel in Praia, then depart toward the interior of the island. Make your first stop at Mrs. Luisa's house. There, sample cuscuz (a traditional cake made from corn flour) and fidjós (fried banana), the typical breakfast for Cape Verdean families. After breakfast, continue to the city of Assomada. Visit its famous market, and admire the vibrant colors of the local fruits and vegetables. Move on to the Serra Malagueta natural park and marvel at the incredible views from 1000 meters (3,280 feet) above sea level. Next, discover Santiago's most beautiful beach at Tarrafal, known for its white sand and crystal clear waters. Take a break for lunch (at your own expense), then return along the east coast of the island. Visit the Rabelados religious community, the only community that still lives in thatched houses and preserves the oldest customs and beliefs of Cape Verde. The tour concludes with drop-off at your hotel in Praia.

Praia: City Tour with Cidade Velha Visit

2. Praia: City Tour with Cidade Velha Visit

Start with pickup from your accommodation in Praia and then head to the historical center of Plateau. Take a walking tour through the Jaime Mota Military Barracks, passing by the Presidential Palace and Alexandre Albuquerque Square. In the Municipal Market, meet locals and find a diverse range of fresh local fruits and vegetables. Next, explore the largest souvenir market to be found in Cape Verde, the Sucupira Market. Explore Cidade Velha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site to see all its highlights such as the Royal Fortress of São Filipe, the ruins of the first sub-Saharan African Cathedral, the fishermen bay, the former slave market in Pelourinho, the famous Banana Street with its traditional houses, the Nossa Senhora do Rosário church, and finally the Convent of São Francisco. Travel back in time, learn the history from your expert, walk on a black sand beach and meet local fishermen before a short trip back to Praia. After a memorable day, the tour concludes with drop-off at your hotel in Praia.

From Praia: Boat Trip, Snorkeling, Cave & BBQ on the Beach

3. From Praia: Boat Trip, Snorkeling, Cave & BBQ on the Beach

Spend a day on the water immersing yourself in the beautiful natural world of Cape Verde. After pickup from your hotel, you'll depart for the west of the island. On the way, take photo stops at the lovely towns of São Domingos and Assomada, before arriving at the small bay of Ribeira da Barca Village. First, enjoy a 25-minute trip on board a traditional fishing boat and take stunning photos of the crust formed by the volcanic eruption during the formation of the island. Arrive at Pilon de Achata Leite and admire one of the Cape's 7 Wonders, the spectacular rare rocks surrounded by small crabs. Next, head to Àguas Belas (which means "beautiful waters") and if the sea isn't too rough, go swimming and snorkeling inside its caves. Get to know the local marinee life while your staff prepares a delicious barbecue on the beach. Relax on the black-sand beach as you enjoy your meal. After lunch, head back to Ribeira da Barca and conclude your tour with drop-off at your hotel.

Praia: Guided City Sightseeing Tour

4. Praia: Guided City Sightseeing Tour

Our tour starts at Cruzeiro and the old fortress of the city with its breathtaking view, after that we will get to know one of the most emblematic figures in the history of Cape Verde's independence that is Amilcar Cabral. Jaime Mota military barracks We will visit the Jaime Mota military barracks to learn how the national military service works , Diogo Gomes statue then we will contemplate the statue of the official discoverer of Santiago and learn about the history of the discovery of the islands. President's Palace Then we will visit the Palace of the President of the Republic which is considered one of the main historical monuments of the city, this construction dates back to medieval European times. Main Church then we will visit the central church of the city to see up close which is the main religion of the city, African Markets and then we will enter to visit one of the most colorful fruit and vegetable markets in the city, our tour will end at the Sucupira market.

Santiago: Discover the island in 1 day

5. Santiago: Discover the island in 1 day

Stop 1 - Picos here you will find one of the 7 natural wonders of the island, a rock carved by nature. Stop 2 - Assomada Market Beside a view point with a wonderful panaroma over the second largest city of the island, still on Saturday and Wednesday you can also visit the vegetable market which is a great tourist attraction. Stop 3 - Natural Park of Serra Malagueta Here you will see some varieties of fauna and flora of the island on a plateau located 800 m altitude with the best view of the island.  Stop 4 - Tarrafal In Tarrafal you will enjoy a free time to have your lunch or chill on the beach bar or just walk on the beach. Obs: the lunch is not included but we can help you to organize some. Stop 6 - East Coast Along the east coast of the island you will find some small fishing villages next to the immense atlantic ocean, and you will pass by the largest banana plantation and coconut trees of the island on the way back to the praia.

Santiago Island: Private Airport Transfer to/from Tarrafal

6. Santiago Island: Private Airport Transfer to/from Tarrafal

Enjoy a relaxing and comfortable private transfer between Praia Airport (RAI) and your accommodation in Tarrafal. Choose a one-way private transfer to the airport or return service. Reach your destination safely on time while driving under the care of an expert driver. Your driver will track your flight, so don’t worry in case of a flight delay. For departure transfers, be picked up directly from your accommodation to catch your return flight. Arrive with plenty of time in hand to board your flight. Let your driver navigate you through the traffic smoothly. Enjoy a hassle-free ride without worrying about hotel shuttles or taxis.

From Praia: Full-Day Guided Fogo Island Tour

7. From Praia: Full-Day Guided Fogo Island Tour

The day begins with pickup from your accommodation in Praia and departs towards Nelson Mandela airport for your 35 minute flight to Fogo Island. The island is named after the imposing volcano that resides on it, which is still active today although the last eruption was in 2014. Upon arrival, visit the capital of the island, São Filipe, and wander around this charming little town lined with colorful houses. Continue the tour to Salinas, a small pebble beach where you can learn about the island’s geology and watch fishermen returning to shore with the day’s catch. Drive northwards to the village of Mosteiros and then across the eastern coast to reach the village of Cova Figueira. Enjoy a photo stop at the scenic Achada Furna and Cabeça Fundão along the way. Arrive at Chã das Caldeiras National Park and admire uninterrupted views of the volcano and rugged surrounding landscape. From there, visit a local coffee plantation to taste some of the best coffee and wine in the world. Enjoy a break for lunch, then head off into Monte Velha Forest, an area of fertile mountains and microclimates. At the end of an unforgettable day, say goodbye to Fogo and head back to the airport for your flight back to Santiago Island.

Hike and Picnic in Serra Malagueta Natural Park

8. Hike and Picnic in Serra Malagueta Natural Park

Take a nature walk through Serra Malagueta Natural Park, the Gongon valley, and the Hortelã valley on this tour from Praia. Eat a delicious picnic lunch of juice, fruit, and a sandwich.  Enjoy the convenience of being picked up from your accommodation in Praia. Sit back and enjoy the drive to Serra Malagueta Natural Park. Start your hike at 1,000 meters above sea level. See local flora and keep an eye out for local wildlife like vervet monkeys and gray-headed kingfisher birds. Take in views of jagged hills and lush greenery on your way down the slope. Pass deserted villages and meet local families. Learn about the way of life in these remote mountain areas. Stop for a picnic before continuing east. Cross the Gongon valley and reach the Hortelã valley. Return to your accommodation in Praia at the end of your tour.

Praia: African Markets and Cidade Velha Tour

9. Praia: African Markets and Cidade Velha Tour

Explore the streets of Cape Verde's capital and know the history behind the beautiful architecture and know its colorful markets and the main highlights of the Capital of Cape Verde. After visiting Praia you will drive 15 km to the first city built by Europeans in the tropics south of the Sahara Here you will visit the main religious and political monuments of the first city built by Europeans in the tropics south of the Sahara.

Serra Malagueta: Principal Valley Hike & Lunch with Locals

10. Serra Malagueta: Principal Valley Hike & Lunch with Locals

Your trek runs through the Natural Park of Serra Malagueta to the Principal valley. From the second highest point of the island, with a mild climate, you'll start your walk breathing in the fresh mountain air. Enjoy panoramic views of small traditional house groups scattered on the slopes with water streams flowing between vegetable patches and fruit trees. About an hour into the hike, you'll have a chance to explore the early settlements which is a great place to connect with the locals and learn more about the experiences of the rural lifestyle and local traditions. Then your path continues along another stream surrounded by mango trees, and banana and sugar cane plantations before you arrive at the locality of Mato Dento where you will enjoy a delicious lunch with a local family and experience the warm welcome of the local Morabeza people. At the end of the route you'll pass by the Principal Dam that was built to help local families with irrigation. Your tour ends at your hotel after an hour's drive along on the east side of the island with more amazing panoramic sea-land views.

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The best day trips and excursions from Praia, Cape Verde are:

Tarrafal

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What people are saying about Praia, Cape Verde

Overall rating

4.9 / 5

based on 112 reviews

I initially booked the Serra Malgueta Natural park hike, but as I was the only one signed up for the tour on that day, the agency proposed the Calabaceira Valley Trek and Visit to Cidade Velha instead. The hike was a lot easier than the one I wanted to take, but it was great. Beautiful views and an introduction to the local fauna by a knowledgeable (and super fun) guide Ailton who also gave us lots of interesting insights into local culture, life and history. Although I have visited Cidade Velha before on my own, it was totally worth it, because Ailton provided a ton of interesting info. As it was still a bit early in the day, we skipped the tasting of grogue at the super authentic local distillery, but we have tasted (and bought) some ponche later on at Banana street - delish! All in all, a very entertaining and informative half day experience which I would definitely recommend.

My sister and I had a great time. This tour is a must to discover Santiago island. Our guides Alton and Djebre where fantastic, the driver also who accompanied us trough out the adventure. Eating, dancing and laughter at Mama Luisa’s. The whole tour was filled with joy, new discoveries and making new connections Do not hesitate to book.

I was the only one to book this tour for the day, so the agency recommended a slightly different one - it included a boat trip on top of everything else, so I also got to snorkel a bit and join the fish bbq on the beach. It was a great day full of fun experiences and Maria and Ricardo were excellent guides.

Great experience, amazing landscape views on the way, beautiful beach. Guide arrived on my time and was nice and helpful.

It was amazing. Nice guide, good driver, fantastic views around