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Tarrafal Beach

Tarrafal Beach: Our most recommended tours and activities

From Praia: Santiago Island Tour, Workshop & Tarrafal Beach

1. From Praia: Santiago Island Tour, Workshop & 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 meal for Cape Verdean families. After that, 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.

From Praia: Santiago Day Trip - Discover the Island in 1 Day

2. From Praia: Santiago Day Trip - Discover the Island in 1 Day

Stop 1 - Assomada 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 vegetable market which is a great tourist attraction. Stop 2 - 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 3 - Tarrafal In Tarrafal you will enjoy a free time to have your lunch or chill on the beach bar or just walk on the beach. Obs: the lunch is not included but we can help you to organize some. Stop 4 - 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.

From Praia: Santiago Island Highlights Tour

3. From Praia: Santiago Island Highlights Tour

Enjoy the convenience of being picked up from the Port of Praia. Find your driver easily as they will be holding a sign board with your name on it. Sit back and relax in a comfortable and spacious van. Choose between a private or a group tour. Take in the mountain scenery and stop for photos in the charming villages of São Domingos, São Laurenço dos Órgãos, and Assomada. Capture pictures of lush rolling landscapes in the Serra Malagueta Natural Park. Admire views of the island from 1000 meters above sea level before arriving at Tarrafal beach. Swim in the crystal clear water and lie back on the sandy beach which is surrounded by hills and palm trees. Have the option to purchase a local lunch. Head down a coastal road on the east side of the island and stop at the largest coconut plantation in the country where you can buy a fresh coconut water. Return to the Port of Praia at the end of the tour.

Santiago Island: Serra Malagueta & Tarrafal Beach Trek Tour

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

Get picked up at your accommodation and embark on a scenic drive through the majestic mountains, heading towards the renowned Serra Malagueta Natural Park, where your thrilling hiking adventure awaits. As you start your hike through fertile areas at an altitude of 850 metres above sea level, you'll be accompanied by an expert guide who will lead you through the lush landscapes of the park, spanning an impressive 774 hectares. Keep your eyes peeled for the incredible diversity of flora and fauna found here, including more than 124 species of plants and 19 species of birds. Your guide will share fascinating insights about the local ecosystem, highlighting the unique species that can only be found in this protected area. Take a break for a delightful picnic amidst the stunning natural surroundings. While you enjoy your meal, your knowledgeable guide will also share information about the sustainable initiatives that have been implemented to ensure the preservation of this precious ecosystem for generations to come. After a rewarding hike, you'll make your way back to the starting point and then head to the picturesque Tarrafal Beach, the most beautiful beach on Santiago Island. Here, you can unwind and relax on the shore, or take a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters. Finally, with cherished memories of a day filled with adventure, natural beauty, and insights into sustainable practices, you'll be comfortably driven back to your accommodation in Praia.

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.

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.

Private tour: Explore Santiago Island

7. Private tour: Explore Santiago Island

Stop 1 - Assomada Market Visit the main fruits and vegetable market on the island each Wednesday and saturday and see how the locals work and do their Business. Stop 2 - 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 3 - Tarrafal In Tarrafal you will enjoy a free time to have your lunch or chill on the beach bar or just walk on the beach. Obs: the lunch is not included but we can help you to organize some. Stop 4 - 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.

Fish and Grill

8. Fish and Grill

Catch your own fresh fish on a boat trip with a local fisher man and put the fish a few hours later on the grill. Maybe it will be the freshest fish you've ever eaten in your life! Depending on the weather conditions we will leave the bay in the morning or around midday to get some fresh fish. Our local fishermen knows exactly where to catch them. After a shower at home we will meet at Casa Strela B&B and make a nice barbecue - with your fish! Duration: +/- 2h of fishing around 4h incl. meal. Total of a half a day! Equipment (bring it with you): Boat and Fisherman, fishing line and lifevest. 1.5lt water per person and sun protection is highly recommended. Come with beach clothes, you maybe will get little wet, but do not forget a sweater or a light wind break jacket. Level of difficulty: Medium Do not participate if you know you can get seasick (if so, send your friends to get the fish and join just the BBQ afterwards!)

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What people are saying about Tarrafal Beach

Overall rating

4.9 / 5

based on 53 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.

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

We had a great day with Maria and Elton. We especially enjoyed our visit to mama Louise

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