Overview

Praia, located on the southern coast of Santiago island, is the capital of Cape Verde, which stands out for having an important commercial port and a sustainable fishing industry. It is the largest city in the country and home to around 150,000 people. The official language of this city is Portuguese, while its name Praia means “Beach” and in fact, it has five of them that are very pleasant, as they are rarely visited. This city was founded at the beginning of the 17th century, although it became the capital of Cape Verde in the mid-19th century.

Praia has been booming in recent years as investors are grasping at opportunities to develop the port and coastal areas for freight and tourism. Meanwhile, the local culture has remained intact. The city, despite being a large town, makes for an authentic, but forward-looking Cape Verdean experience. It is a lively city with music at its core, and ideal if you want to appreciate the lifestyle of Cape Verdeans, as well as being an important starting point for many excursions, both to the island of Santiago and to any other destinations in the surrounding areas of Cape Verde.

Things to See and Do

Start off by exploring Plateau - The Old Town. The name becomes clear when you see its location high above the rest of the town. Plateau is actually the oldest settlement of the city! Here you can find the local market, banks, small cafes and ice cream shops, little parks where the locals hang out, restaurants, convenience stores and some shops.

Visit the tiny museums. Most of the museums are located in and around Plateau. As a relatively poor country, you wouldn't expect big museums, but the little ones that can be found here are really representative of the history of the nation. If you are interested in the history behind the West African revolutions and independence you need to visit the Sala-Museu Amilcar Cabral which is centrally located and easy to spot by the graffiti outside its building. There is also an ethnography museum and an archaeological museum, which is basically a museum about the shipwrecks and their findings around the islands of Santiago, Maio, and Boa Vista.

Spend some time in the surrounding beaches. The Quebra Canela beach is the epicenter of summer fun in Praia. And the best part is that it's located right in old town! This expanse of golden sand, sheltered by cliffs is the perfect spot to enjoy water sports, swimming, or just relaxing in the sun. There are also a few stylish beach bars offering a variety of snacks and drinks. Prais boasts warm temperatures almost all year round, making it a perfect beach destination. Another excellent beach to enjoy, Prainha Beach attracts locals and tourists alike. Situated on the coast, south of the city center, this beach is popular for snorkelers, as well as families with kids. This area is also known for amazing beach parties thrown by the nearby restaurants and bars. It's the perfect place to enjoy a gorgeous sunset.

Note: The beaches from Plateau towards the port are not suitable for swimming, but on the other side, there are smaller or bigger sandy bays.

Visit the Praça Alexandre Albuquerque Square, an unmissable landmark in Praia. It is located in the southwestern side of the Plateau and is lined with beautiful colonial houses, while the public park in the center of the square is a perfect oasis for relaxation. After admiring the buildings and strolling through the park, stop in one of the many nearby restaurants for lunch or dinner.

Go Shopping for Artisan Souvenirs. Cape Verde is known for its pottery, but traditional clothes, bags, and jewelry are other popular items to shop for. The best place to find these artisan souvenirs is Sucupira Market Alternatively, the Praia Shopping is a modern shopping mall where you can find both conventional and traditional shops. The main street of Praia on the Pleateau also offers some great souvenir shops selling products made in Cape Verde.

Local Cuisine

From all towns across the islands of the archipelago, Praia is perhaps your best bet when it comes to tasting delicious and authentic Cape Verde foods.

The local dishes vary from light seafood platters and salads to hearty meals, including the local cachupa - a slow-cooked stew of corn, beans, cassava, sweet potato, fish or meat.

Day Trip

Assomada is another city in Cape Verde that is worth a visit. It's also an important stop if you're into traditional markets. Here, you can visit the largest African market on the island and immerse yourself completely in the local culture and traditions.

Parque Natural de Serra Malegueta is a national park located in the Northern part of the island and where you'll find the highest peak of Santiago, Pico do Santo Antonio (1392m). The park offers great hiking options and has a visitor center where you will find all the information.

Jardim Botânico is centrally located on Santiago island, in the village of São Jorge, this is Cape Verde’s only botanical garden. One can spend a good couple of hours strolling around and admiring the native and endemic plants of Cape Verde.