Praia: Santiago Island Highlights Tour with Breakfast

Santa Cruz District, Cape Verde



Explore Santiago Island on a full-day tour from Praia. Visit a banana plantation, relax on Tarrafal Beach, and enjoy a typical breakfast with a local family.

This full-day guided tour explores Santiago Island’s natural parks, plantations, markets, and beaches, suitable for travelers staying in Praia.

Highlights

  • Visit the largest banana and palm plantation on Santiago Island
  • Relax on Tarrafal Beach with an opportunity to swim in the ocean
  • Explore Serra Malagueta Natural Park and see an ancient crater
  • Discover the vibrant colors of Assomada Market on Wednesdays and Saturdays
  • Visit Cape Verde’s oldest Kapok tree, estimated to be over 500 years old

Description

Your guide will pick you up at your accommodation in Praia to begin the journey into Santiago’s interior. The first stop is the São Domingos municipal market, open daily, ideal for photos and local atmosphere.

Next, travel through São Lourenço dos Órgãos to visit Cape Verde’s only Botanical Garden in São Jorge. Then head to Longueira to visit a local rhum distillery, which operates from January to April.

Stop at the Lemba Lemba Eco Camping Bar for a refreshing drink and a brief history of the site. Continue to the Picos viewpoint for photos and take in the surrounding landscape.

Arrive in Assomada to explore its well-known market, especially lively on Wednesdays and Saturdays, featuring local fruits and vegetables.

Visit the “Pé de Poilon,” the oldest Kapok tree in Cape Verde, estimated to be over 500 years old according to locals.

Proceed to Serra Malagueta Natural Park, situated 700 meters above sea level, to observe endemic plants and panoramic views. Optionally, visit the nearby former penal colony and the Museum of Resistance in Tarrafal.

Enjoy free time for lunch and swim at Tarrafal Beach. After about two hours, continue toward the island’s east coast to see the volcanic coastline, fishing villages, and farming oases.

Stop at Santiago’s largest banana and coconut plantation, with an optional chance to taste seasonal fruits.

The tour concludes with a return drop-off at your accommodation in Praia.

Includes

  • Pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation in Praia
  • Transportation service
  • Guided tours available in English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish

Excludes

  • Lunch
  • Personal expenses
  • Drinks
  • Entrance fees to the Botanical Garden and former penal colony

Important Information

  • Visits to the former penal colony and Botanical Garden are optional and require additional time.
  • Entrance fee for these sites is 2 euros per person.

Cancellation Policy

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

For the best experience, bring comfortable walking shoes, swimwear, sun protection, and water. Booking early is advised, especially for visits on market days (Wednesdays and Saturdays).

Frequently Asked Questions

The tour includes a visit to the largest banana and palm plantation, Tarrafal Beach, Serra Malagueta Natural Park, Assomada Market, and Cape Verde’s oldest Kapok tree.
The tour starts with a pick-up from your accommodation in Praia, Cape Verde.
Yes, there is an opportunity to swim at Tarrafal Beach during the tour.
Assomada Market is best visited on Wednesdays and Saturdays when it is open and vibrant.
The tour lasts a full day, with pick-up and drop-off in Praia; check the tour provider’s website for exact timing.
Yes, breakfast is included as part of the full-day tour package.
You will explore mountainous terrain and see an ancient volcanic crater within Serra Malagueta Natural Park on Santiago Island.
The tour is suitable for travelers staying in Praia who want to experience cultural, natural, and beach attractions around Santiago Island.
Bringing swimwear is recommended if you plan to swim at Tarrafal Beach during the tour.
Check the official tour website or booking platform for up-to-date hours and reservation details.

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