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Things to do in Assomada

Our most recommended things to do in Assomada

From Praia: Full-Day Santiago Island Tour & Tarrafal Beach

1. From Praia: Full-Day Santiago Island Tour & Tarrafal Beach

Get picked up at your hotel in Praia, then depart toward the interior of the island. Make your first stop at Mrs. Luisa's house. There, sample cuscuz (a traditional cake made from corn flour) and fidjós (fried banana), the typical breakfast for Cape Verdean families. After breakfast, continue to the city of Assomada. Visit its famous market, and admire the vibrant colors of the local fruits and vegetables. Move on to the Serra Malagueta natural park and marvel at the incredible views from 1000 meters (3,280 feet) above sea level. Next, discover Santiago's most beautiful beach at Tarrafal, known for its white sand and crystal clear waters. Take a break for lunch (at your own expense), then return along the east coast of the island. Visit the Rabelados religious community, the only community that still lives in thatched houses and preserves the oldest customs and beliefs of Cape Verde. The tour concludes with drop-off at your hotel in Praia.

Santiago: Discover the island in 1 day Island Tour

2. Santiago: Discover the island in 1 day Island Tour

This is undoubtedly the most complete excursion for those who want to get to know the island of Santiago in one day, explore the island in a full-day journey with duration of 8 hours starting from the capital to Tarrafal at the northern side of the island and returning to the east coast with its spectacular panorama. Stop 1 - Sao Jorge Village This is a small village Located inside the island with its local colonial-era church and a plant treatment center. Stop 2 - Picos here you will find one of the 7 natural wonders of the island, a rock carved by nature. Stop 3 - Assomada Market Beside a view point with a wonderful panaroma over the second largest city of the island, still on Saturday and Wednesday you can also visit the market of the city which is a great tourist attraction. Stop 4 - Natural Park of Serra Malagueta Here you will see some varieties of fauna and flora of the island on a plateau located 800 m altitude with the best view of the island.  Stop 5 - Tarrafal Beach  The largest and most beautiful Beach on the island, here you have a free time to swimm and drink a coconut water or even walk on the white sand. Stop 6 - East Coast Along the east coast of the island you will find some small fishing villages next to the immense atlantic ocean, and you will pass by the largest banana plantation and coconut trees of the island on the way back to the praia.

Serra Malagueta: Principal Valley Hike & Lunch with Locals

3. Serra Malagueta: Principal Valley Hike & Lunch with Locals

Your trek runs through the Natural Park of Serra Malagueta to the Principal valley. From the second highest point of the island, with a mild climate, you'll start your walk breathing in the fresh mountain air. Enjoy panoramic views of small traditional house groups scattered on the slopes with water streams flowing between vegetable patches and fruit trees. About an hour into the hike, you'll have a chance to explore the early settlements which is a great place to connect with the locals and learn more about the experiences of the rural lifestyle and local traditions. Then your path continues along another stream surrounded by mango trees, and banana and sugar cane plantations before you arrive at the locality of Mato Dento where you will enjoy a delicious lunch with a local family and experience the warm welcome of the local Morabeza people. At the end of the route you'll pass by the Principal Dam that was built to help local families with irrigation. Your tour ends at your hotel after an hour's drive along on the east side of the island with more amazing panoramic sea-land views.

Santiago Island: Serra Malagueta & Tarrafal Beach Trek Tour

4. Santiago Island: Serra Malagueta & Tarrafal Beach Trek Tour

The day begins with pickup from your accommodation in Praia and heads inland to the 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. Drive to Serra Malgueta 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-hectacres. 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. There’s also the opportunity to see wildlife, including playful monkeys, a variety of reptiles, and colorful butterflies. 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 lunch, continue the walk to the end of the trail, then drive to Tarrafal Beach where you can spend some free time chilling on the shore. At the end of an unforgettable day, sit back and relax on the return journey to Praia.

From Praia: Boat Trip, Snorkeling, Cave & BBQ on the Beach

5. From Praia: Boat Trip, Snorkeling, Cave & BBQ on the Beach

Spend a day on the water immersing yourself in the beautiful natural world of Cape Verde. After pickup from your hotel, you'll depart for the west of the island. On the way, take photo stops at the lovely towns of São Domingos and Assomada, before arriving at the small bay of Ribeira da Barca Village. First, enjoy a 25-minute trip on board a traditional fishing boat and take stunning photos of the crust formed by the volcanic eruption during the formation of the island. Arrive at Pilon de Achata Leite and admire one of the Cape's 7 Wonders, the spectacular rare rocks surrounded by small crabs. Next, head to Àguas Belas (which means "beautiful waters") and if the sea isn't too rough, go swimming and snorkeling inside its caves. Get to know the local marinee life while your staff prepares a delicious barbecue on the beach. Relax on the black-sand beach as you enjoy your meal. After lunch, head back to Ribeira da Barca and conclude your tour with drop-off at your hotel.

Tarrafal Bay Boat Trip and Beach Day

6. Tarrafal Bay Boat Trip and Beach Day

Have a no-stress day on Tarrafal Beach, one of the most beautiful areas on the island of Santiago. Your day starts with pickup from Praia, Assomada, or Cidade Velha before heading to the Green Bay of Tarrafal.   Your first experience of the day will be a boat trip to the lighthouse. On this fun adventure of about 40 minutes, visit Mount Graciosa and the Ponta Preta lighthouse, where you can take in the magnificent landscapes of the Bay and the sight of local fishermen bringing fresh fish to the island.   After lunch, it’s time to relax on Tarrafal Beach, a small white-sand beach with crystal-clear waters, surrounded by hills and coconut palm trees. In the late afternoon, return to the interior of the island, with the incredible sunset reflecting between the valleys and mountains.

Praia: Santiago Island Natural Park & Resistance Museum Tour

7. Praia: Santiago Island Natural Park & Resistance Museum Tour

Enjoy a pickup from your accommodation or Port of Praia and travel towards Cidade Velha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon arrival, take a guided walking tour of the São Filipe Fortress, the former slave market and the famous Banana Street with its thatched houses. Next, drive through the mountains with photo stops at the villages São Lourenço dos Órgãos, Picos, Assomada and Serra Malagueta Natural Park. Be dazzled by incredible views from 1000 meters (3,280 feet) above sea level, have a look at some endemic species before you arrive at the former Concentration Camp of Chão Bom, the current Museum of Resistance. Here, learn about the history of the former prisoners who fought against the Salazar regime and take a walking tour of the monuments. After that, stop for a delicious lunch and then take a scenic drive back to Calheta and Santa Cruz. Enjoy a photo stop at the Valley of 1000 Palms in Pedra Badejo, cross plantations and beautiful volcanic landscapes before being dropped off at your initial start point.

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What people are saying about Assomada

Overall rating

4.9 / 5

based on 74 reviews

My sister and I had a great time. This tour is a must to discover Santiago island. Our guides Alton and Djebre where fantastic, the driver also who accompanied us trough out the adventure. Eating, dancing and laughter at Mama Luisa’s. The whole tour was filled with joy, new discoveries and making new connections Do not hesitate to book.

I was the only one to book this tour for the day, so the agency recommended a slightly different one - it included a boat trip on top of everything else, so I also got to snorkel a bit and join the fish bbq on the beach. It was a great day full of fun experiences and Maria and Ricardo were excellent guides.

A completely successful tour, everything went well. The guides were competent and friendly, the boat trip very original (4 men crew plus both of us), the barbecue (tuna + salad) very tasty and authentic. The drive between the rocks and caves was an experience. Gladly again.

Great experience, amazing landscape views on the way, beautiful beach. Guide arrived on my time and was nice and helpful.

It was amazing. Nice guide, good driver, fantastic views around