Our most recommended things to do in Cidade Velha

Nature Hike to Cidade Velha

1. Nature Hike to Cidade Velha

If you are a nature lover here you will explore the entire valley and it's fauna and flora. You will admire the biggest and oldest baobab tree in Cape Verde which is 400 yeas old. You will also walk through farming areas and discover how locals deal with their simple daily life. You will learn how we produce grogue which is the national drink of Cape Verde. If you love animals there is a possibility to discover the most beautiful bird of Cape Verde which is also a national symbol. While we are walking under the shade of banana trees, sugar cane, Mango trees, coconut trees, papaya tree, and some crops that grows you can feel the pure connection with the mother nature. we will have a privilege to end this walk in Cidade Velha which is the crade of all capeverdean people, the first settlement where our nation was born. Hike: 4km Up: 0 m Down: 200m Degree of Difficulty: Medium

From Praia: Banana Plantation Tour and Cuscuz Workshop

2. From Praia: Banana Plantation Tour and Cuscuz Workshop

After being picked up from your accommodation in the city of Praia, you will drive inland to Santa Cruz. Upon arrival at the largest banana and coconut plantation in the country, you'll take a walk inside the agricultural fields while your local tour guide explains the varieties of fruits and plants that are on the plantation. If available, at your own expense, you can refresh yourself with fresh coconut water and organically grown local bananas. Next, you will head to the nearby city of Orgãos, where you will be warmly greeted by a friendly local family, embracing unmatched island hospitality. You will have the opportunity to indulge in local cuisine and unveil Cape Verdean gastronomic secrets while savouring La Morabeza creole. Learn how to cook the local Cuscuz, a traditional cake made from cornmeal, and Fidjós, a delicious treat made from banana mixed with wheat. Following the workshop, you will embark on a scenic drive through rocks and valleys, as your guide narrates local history and captures the beauty of the surroundings, before returning to your accommodation.

Praia: City Tour with Cidade Velha Visit

3. Praia: City Tour with Cidade Velha Visit

Get picked up at your accommodation in Praia, then depart towards the historical centre of Plateau. Start the walking tour through the colonial buildings of the Presidential Palace, the Main Square, the Municipal Market (closed on Sundays) and find a diversity of local fruits and vegetables. Afterwards, explore Cape Verde's largest souvenir market, the Sucupira Market, and experience the daily life of the Cape Verdean family. Move on to Cidade Velha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the first city built by Europeans in sub-Saharan Africa. Upon arrival, take a guided walking tour of the São Filipe Fortress, explore the ruins of the first Cathedral built by Europeans in Sub-Saharan Africa, the former slave market and the famous Banana Street with its thatched houses. 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, your tour ends with a drop-off at your accommodation.

Santiago Island: Highlights of Cidade Velha with Local Guide

4. Santiago Island: Highlights of Cidade Velha with Local Guide

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.

From Praia: Cidade Velha, Tarrafal & East Side Island Tour

5. From Praia: Cidade Velha, Tarrafal & East Side Island Tour

Embark on a delightful journey with a pickup from your accommodation, whisking you away to the captivating Cidade Velha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Immerse yourself in the rich history during a guided walking tour, exploring the iconic São Filipe Fortress, the former slave market, and the charming Banana Street with its charming thatched houses. Next, venture into the heart of the island to learn the art of local cuisine with a welcoming family, where you'll prepare the mouthwatering Cape Verdean Couscous, a traditional cake made from corn flour. After the workshop, journey through the picturesque mountains, making photo stops at the villages of Picos, Assomada, and Serra Malagueta Natural Park. Be dazzled by incredible views from 1000 meters (3,280 feet) above sea level before you arrive at Santiago's most beautiful beach, Tarrafal beach. Here, swim and relax on the shore surrounded by hills and palm trees. Stop for a delicious lunch and then drive along the beautiful east coast road and, if available, at your own expenses, refresh yourself with fresh coconut water at the largest plantation in the country. The tour ends with a drop-off at your accommodation.

Santiago: Calabaceira Valley Trek & Visit to Cidade Velha

6. Santiago: Calabaceira Valley Trek & Visit to Cidade Velha

After being collected from your accommodation in Praia, depart toward the small village of Calabaceira. Start your 3-hour hike from the top of the valley, with an oasis of vast vegetation emerging in its interior. Follow a simple and accessible trail for any hiker, and explore the green valley famous for both its baobab trees mentioned by Charles Darwin and its use as an escape route for slaves during slavery. Next, discover the local fauna and flora, and have the opportunity to experience the production of a local rum-making distillery. There, get in touch with local farmers and their agricultural fields of sugar cane, mango trees, cassava, banana, and more. Arrive in Cidade Velha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visit the São Francisco Convent, Banana Street, and Nossa Senhora do Rosário church. Have a break for lunch and savor local delights in a typical restaurant right on the seafront. After lunch, visit the former slave market, the ruins of the Sé Catedral, and the Royal Fortress of São Filipe. From the top, enjoy a beautiful view over the whole old town and find out about the system of defense used against pirates. The tour concludes with drop-off at your accommodation in Praia.

4h Guided city tour Praia & Cidade Velha

7. 4h Guided city tour Praia & Cidade Velha

Explore the streets of Cape Verde's capital and know the history behind the beautiful architecture and know its colorful markets and the main highlights of the Capital of Cape Verde. After visiting Praia you will drive 15 km to the first city built by Europeans in the tropics south of the Sahara Here you will visit the main religious and political monuments of the first city built by Europeans in the tropics south of the Sahara.

Tarrafal Bay Boat Trip and Beach Day

8. 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 or Cidade Velha: Monte Tchota to Pico D’Antónia Trek

9. Praia or Cidade Velha: Monte Tchota to Pico D’Antónia Trek

Your day begins with the drive to Rui Vaz, where your trek starts. Then climb through the Natural Park of Monte Txota. Located at an altitude of 800 meters and with its own micro-climate, this is one of the coolest places on the island with lots of biodiversity. Then, continue on towards the Pico D'Antónia. With an elevation of 1394 meters, this is the highest point of Santiago Island. When you get close to the top you will enjoy panoramic views of the São Jorge Valley, and possibly Maio Island and Fogo Island Volcano, weather permitting. Your trek will take about 5 to 6-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.

Day with locals people

10. Day with locals people

Explore the authentic side of the island with a local people, having an unforgetable experience; Enjoy a visit to a traditional market where you'll have the oportunity to interact with cape verdean womens and buy necessary products to prepare a typical plate of Cabo Verde; Learn the techniques of cooking on a traditional stove (three stone stove); Taste sugar cane juices in all its stages ; This is a full day tour that starts by picking you up at your hotel, then visit the Assomada market, right away you'll move to the village of Mato Baixo at the end get dropped of at the hotel.

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Cidade Velha

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What people are saying about Cidade Velha

Overall rating

5.0 / 5

based on 40 reviews

We were hesitant about whether it would be worth the full day or cost but we are so so glad we did this. It was the highlight of our visit to Santiago as you see so much in a say. The tour guide Maria was amazing she taught us so much about the history, culture and life in Cape Verde. The highlight was definitely the cooking - the people were so so kind and lovely. Fascinating to see the plantations and rum distillery. Tyne views weren’t great due to cloud but this was out of their control!! 10/10

I was a little unsure about this trip as I have bad knees. But I took my poles and Antonio was very kind going slowly for me. He was very knowledgeable about the trees and plants, and we saw many grey headed kingfishers. The run distillery was interesting! And the boabab tree was quite spectacular! Lunch in the village followed by a trip (by car thank goodness) to the Fort. Oh, and the churches and monastery too! All in all an excellent day and I would highly recommend this company. Thankyou.

Alles was prima geregeld! Gids Alfonso was echt een topper en hield rekening met het tempo (dat niet altijd even hoog lag) De tocht opzich was niet zo heel zwaar, maar door de warme temperaturen toch niet te onderschatten en zeer vermoeiend. Top geregeld, mooie wandeling! Echt de moeite waard en prachtige uitzichten!

We had a great tour in cidade velha with Ailton! He was an amazing tour-guide, very friendly and knowledgable. He was able to give us more insight in the history and modern day culture of Cape Verde. We definitely recommend this tour to anyone coming to Praia.

Our guide was also very knowledgeable and was very engaging and accommodating. We can only recommend the tour!