Cape Verde Culture and Coast

After breakfast, set off with your guide to discover the Plateau, Praia’s historic centre, passing its main squares, historic buildings and local markets. Continue to Cidade Velha, the first European colonial city built in the tropics and today a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk along the historic Rua Banana, visit the Pelourinho and learn about the history of the former Ribeira Grande before heading up to the impressive São Filipe Royal Fortress. After the visit, return to your accommodation in Praia.

After breakfast, leave Praia and travel to São Lourenço dos Órgãos, where a local family will welcome you for an authentic introduction to Santiago’s traditions. Take part in preparing traditional Cape Verdean cuscuz, learn how it is made and enjoy an introduction to traditional dances in a friendly family setting. Continue to Assomada for a visit to its colourful local market before heading into Serra Malagueta Natural Park. At around 1,000 metres above sea level, weather permitting, enjoy magnificent views over Santiago’s mountains and valleys. Finally, descend towards Tarrafal, where you will spend the night by the sea.

After breakfast, leave your accommodation in Tarrafal for a scenic journey along Santiago’s east coast, discovering valleys, small communities and rural landscapes on the way to Praia. Your first discovery is the Ribeira Principal Valley, one of the agricultural areas of northern Santiago, surrounded by mountains, small plantations and rural communities. Continue towards São Miguel, travelling through a region where Santiago’s mountains meet the Atlantic, with short stops along the way to enjoy the scenery and learn more about local life. The journey continues to Pedra Badejo, an important town on the east coast, before crossing the Santa Cruz region, known for its strong agricultural traditions and green landscapes. Along the way, your guide will share insights into the communities, agriculture and daily life of this part of Santiago. Arrive in Praia in the late afternoon, check into your accommodation and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

According to your flight schedule, transfer to Praia Airport for your domestic flight to Sal Island. Upon arrival, meet our local team and transfer to Santa Maria. Check into your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Take a walk through the town, discover its beautiful beach or simply relax by the ocean.

Leave your hotel for a day dedicated to discovering the contrasting landscapes of Sal. Visit the fishing village of Palmeira and the volcanic formations of Buracona, where, when the light conditions are right, you may see the famous Blue Eye. Cross the desert landscapes of Terra Boa, pass through Espargos and continue to Shark Bay, where lemon sharks can be observed in the shallow waters. Finish at Pedra de Lume, where historic salt pans lie inside the crater of an extinct volcano. Those who wish can experience floating in the highly saline water. Return to Santa Maria at the end of the excursion.

Today is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Relax on Santa Maria Beach, stroll through the town and visit the fishermen’s pier, or simply spend the day unwinding by the ocean. If you would like to do more, optional activities such as boat trips, snorkelling and other local experiences can be arranged.

After breakfast, enjoy some free time depending on your flight schedule. At the agreed time, a private transfer will take you from your accommodation to Amílcar Cabral International Airport, marking the end of your Cape Verde journey.