Full Santiago Island Tour

Explore the island of Santiago in its entirety on this full-day tour by car, designed for those who wish to discover the island’s natural, cultural, and historical contrasts in a single day.

1- Your guide will pick you up from your hotel in Praia or from the cruise ship port and give you a warm welcome. The tour begins with a scenic drive through the interior of the island of Santiago, passing through natural landscapes and traditional villages.
Along the way, your guide will share stories about the island, its traditions, and the daily life of the local population, providing an authentic insight into the culture and life of Santiago.

2- Panoramic Viewpoints - Picos Viewpoint
Strategic stops at natural viewpoints, where you can admire the deep blue of the Atlantic Ocean and the island’s untamed landscape.

3- Assomada – Market and city centre
Visit the island’s second-largest city and main commercial centre. Explore the famous local market (open on Wednesdays and Saturdays), the pedestrian street, and the central church, experiencing the rhythm of Cape Verdean life up close. (The market operates normally on weekdays, except on Sundays, when it is completely closed; on other days, it is very busy.)

4- Serra Malagueta – Natural Park
Stop at one of Santiago's most important natural parks, located at high altitude. Enjoy panoramic views of verdant mountains and deep valleys, as well as excellent photo opportunities.

5- Tarrafal – Beach and coastal village
Free time in the charming village of Tarrafal. Relax on the white-sand beach, swim in the calm waters, go quad biking, or enjoy lunch at a local restaurant (lunch not included / your guide will recommend a good restaurant where you can sample local cuisine).

6- Concentration camp – Tarrafal (optional)
During the activity, customers will have an average of 2 hours in Tarrafal (the guide will determine the duration based on the activity) to enjoy the beach and have lunch. In many cases, those who do not want to swim have the option to visit the concentration camp, and clients can choose how they want to spend their free time.
Guests pay €2 per person for the entrance ticket, and whether they are accompanied by a guide is at their discretion, depending on the group’s preferences.

7- Traditional Villages and Local Communities
During the tour, you will pass through rural villages and fishing communities, gaining a better understanding of the customs, traditions, and daily life of the local population.

8- Banana Plantations – East Coast
This tour follows the eastern coast of the island, passing through Cape Verde’s largest banana plantation, as well as extensive coconut groves and small farming communities.

This experience offers a perfect combination of nature, culture, beaches, and authentic landscapes, making it ideal for first-time visitors to Santiago.

Departure: Hotel, accommodation, beach, or cruise ship terminal