Best Hiking Trails on Santiago Island

Day 1: Arrival in Santiago – Airport Transfer – Hotel Check-in

After disembarking, be welcomed by Your travel representative who will be waiting for you at Nelson Mandela International Airport with a sign displaying your name, as informed by you. Then, enjoy a private transfer from the airport to your accommodation in Praia. Our team will take you from door to door with complete security and professionalism, providing all relevant information about your stay. Overnight in Praia.

🏚️ Hotel Option: Casa Sodade*** in Praia or similar.

Day 2: Santiago Island: Calabaceira Valley Trek & Visit to Cidade Velha

After being collected from your accommodation in Praia, depart toward the small village of Calabaceira. Follow a simple and accessible trail for any hiker and explore the green famous valley for both its baobab trees mentioned by Charles Darwin and its use as an escape route for slaves. Next, discover the local fauna and flora and experience the production of a local rum-making distillery. Get in touch with local farmers on their agricultural fields of sugar cane, mango trees, cassava, banana, and more. Your hike progresses to Cidade Velha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, fallowed by a visit to all its highlights: the São Francisco Convent, the Rua Banana, Nossa Senhora do Rosário church, the former slave market, the ruins of the Sé Catedral, and the Royal Fortress of São Filipe. Take a break for a delicious lunch, and savor local delights in a typical restaurant right on the seafront. Overnight in Praia.

🏚️ Hotel Option: Casa Sodade*** in Praia or similar.

Day 3: Trekking: Natural Park of Monte Tchota to Pico D’Antónia

Your day begins with a scenic drive to the interior of the island, where your trek starts. Arrive at Rui Vaz and start your hike through the Natural Park of Monte Txota. Located at an altitude of 800 meters and with its own microclimate, this is one of the coolest places on the island with lots of biodiversities.  Then, continue towards the Pico D’Antónia. With an elevation of 1394 meters, this is the highest point of Santiago Island. Get close to the top and enjoy the panoramic view of the São Jorge valley, and possibly Fogo Island Volcano, weather permitting. Your trek will take about 4 hours, with a stop for a small picnic and views of beautiful landscapes along the way. The route will end with the return to the Monte Txota Natural Park and the ride back to your hotel. Overnight in Rui Vaz.

🏚️ Hotel Option: Quinta da Montanha*** in Rui Vaz or similar.

Day 4: Serra Malagueta Natural Park Trek & Visit to Assomada Market

Begin your day with a tasty breakfast at the mountaintop and after head inland to the famous and traditional Assomada Market. Wander around the vibrant stalls and soak up the hustle and bustle of this island hub whilst watching the locals haggle for produce (Wednesdays and Saturdays only). Drive to Serra Malagueta Natural Park next, where your trekking adventure awaits. Follow your guide as you head into the luscious landscapes of the Serra Malagueta Natural Park, which covers 774-hectares. The park is home to the Serra Malagueta mountain range as well as over 124 species of plant, and 19 species of bird. Throughout the trek, listen to your guide share information about the local flora and fauna, many of which can only be found here in the park. Once you’ve worked up a bit of an appetite, find a scenic spot for a well-deserved rest and enjoy a picnic lunch in the middle of the forest. After the walk, drive to Tarrafal Beach and enjoy free time chilling on the shore. Overnight in Tarrafal.

🏚️ Hotel Option: Hotel Vista Mar*** in Tarrafal or similar.

Day 5: Free day in Tarrafal

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at your accommodation and then explore Tarrafal on your own. You can enjoy simply relaxing on the white sands of the most picturesque and beautiful beach on the island of Santiago, Praia does Tarrafal, known for its white sands and clear waters. Take the opportunity to visit the Chão Bom Concentration Camp, the current resistance museum used to imprison political prisoners who fought against the dictatorship. Overnight in Tarrafal.

🏚️ Hotel Option: Hotel Vista Mar*** in Tarrafal or similar.

Day 6: Visit Rabelados Community, Banana Plantation & Praia City Tour – Goodbye Santiago

Start your last day with a delicious breakfast at your accommodation, then return to the island’s eastern coast. Make your first stop at the Rabelados, the only community that still lives in thatched houses and preserves Cape Verde’s oldest customs and beliefs. Learn their history and have the opportunity to buy handmade paintings or souvenirs from local artisans. Travel for approximately 45 minutes and arrive at the largest banana and coconut plantation in the country. Take a small walk inside the agricultural fields while the local guide explains the varieties of fruits and plants that exist along the route. After a delicious lunch, head between mountains and valleys to the historical center of Plateau. Take a guided walking tour through the Jaime Mota Military Barracks, the Presidential Palace, and the Alexandre Albuquerque Square. In the Municipal Market (closed on Sundays), meet locals and find a diversity of local fruits and vegetables.
In the evening, be transferred to one of the most popular restaurants on Santiago Island. There, enjoy a live local music band and relish the most famous dish ever made in Cape Verde, Katxupa, a slow-cooked stew of corn, beans, cassava, sweet potato, fish or meat, and more. The tour concludes with a drop-off at Nelson Mandela International airport. Say goodbye to Cape Verde longing for “La Morabeza Crioulo”.