Santiago Island: Highlights of Cidade Velha with Local Guide

32 Reviews
Tours Culture & history Walking tours Nature & adventure Sightseeing Tours Theme Tours Meet the Locals Nature & Panorama Cruises & boat tours Architecture tours Viewing points History & heritage Churches & cathedrals UNESCO Sites Ancient history Market Tours Brooklyn Walking Tours

Explore the first city built by Europeans in sub-Saharan Africa: Cidade Velha. Enrich your knowledge of the history of colonization and slavery in Cape Verde, take in the city's highlights, and enjoy the views from the top of the Royal Fortress.

Our Top Experiences and Tours in Cape Verde:
If youʻre booking your trip to Cape Verde last minute, we have you covered. Below are some of the top tours and experiences!
View All Experiences

Highlights

  • Explore the birthplace of the Cape Verdean nation and culture
  • See the fortress built to protect the island against pirates
  • Visit the former slave market in Pelourinho
  • Discover the ruins of the first sub-Saharan African cathedral
  • Choose between a shared group or private tour

Description

Discover the essence of Cape Verdean culture at the historic Cidade Velha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on this enlightening 3-hour tour. Enjoy convenient pickup from your accommodation before venturing into a captivating guided walking tour of Cidade Velha's historical treasures. Upon arrival, marvel at the ancient São Filipe Fortress, once a vital defence against pirate attacks. Explore the ruins of the first Cathedral in Sub-Saharan Africa and take in the panoramic views of colonial buildings from Calhau fishing bay. Unveil the poignant history of slavery at the former slave market in Pillory and meet local fishermen. The journey continues to the enchanting Banana Street, adorned with traditional thatched houses, leading you to the remarkable 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 finishes with a drop-off at your accommodation.

Includes

Hotel pickup and drop-off from Praia Transportation Tour Guide Liability insurance

Important Information

  • Shared Group Tour option is subject to a minimum of 2 participants. In the event that the minimum number is not met, we reserve the right to propose an alternative date; to charge an extra fee to run the tour privately or to cancel a customer's booking for a full refund.
  • Note that the São Filipe Fortress is closed on holidays.

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund

Gallery

Santiago Island: Highlights of Cidade Velha with Local Guide
Santiago Island: Highlights of Cidade Velha with Local Guide
Santiago Island: Highlights of Cidade Velha with Local Guide
Santiago Island: Highlights of Cidade Velha with Local Guide
Santiago Island: Highlights of Cidade Velha with Local Guide
Santiago Island: Highlights of Cidade Velha with Local Guide
Santiago Island: Highlights of Cidade Velha with Local Guide
Santiago Island: Highlights of Cidade Velha with Local Guide
Santiago Island: Highlights of Cidade Velha with Local Guide
My Guide Book Now! Santiago Island: Highlights of Cidade Velha with Local Guide

My Lists

Create New Guide

OR

Mini Guides
Arrow

Login to create your guides for Cape Verde.

Add to My Guide

Create New Guide

Cancel

Cancel

Recommended Experiences in Cape Verde

Search, Compare, and Save up to 70%!

{[{item.Location}]}
{[{item.Location}]}

Local Car Rental Comparison
with My Guide

Free cancellation

No need to worry if your plans change with free cancellation options available

24/7 Customer Service

All of our providers offer 24/7 support

500+ trusted car hire partners globally

Create & Share your own Guide to Cape Verde with friends and family!

Add your recommended places to visit by browsing the website and pressing the icon.

Create your own guide of favourite 'must see' places

Earn your Local Expert badge by Sharing your guides with others

Get your guide seen by submitting it to the Mini Guides section

Login / Register Your Free Account Arrow
Lists
My Guide Network Locations

We Are Part of the My Guide Network!

My Guide Cape Verde is part of the global My Guide Network of Online & Mobile travel guides.

We are now in 120+ Destinations and Growing. If you are interested in becoming a local travel partner and would like to find out more then click for more info about our Website Business Opportunity.

Nearby Destinations

No results found

{[{item.label}]}

Events in Cape Verde

Filter Events by Sub-Category

Please select a Date first.

Search for a company in Cape Verde