Santiago Island Tour: Local Encounter and Tarrafal Beach

Overview

Set off on a full-day excursion on Santiago Island to discover the region's cultural and natural riches. This tour includes pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation in Praia. The itinerary features a culinary workshop with a local family to learn how to make couscous and fidjós, Cape Verdean specialities. You will also visit the Assomada market, where the fair takes place on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The journey crosses the Serra Malagueta Natural Park before reaching Tarrafal Beach for a swim. The excursion provides an opportunity to meet communities preserving the archipelago's ancestral customs.

Itinerary

1. Praia

   Get picked up at your accommodation, then depart toward the interior of the island.

   · 40 min

2. Make your first stop at Mrs. Luisa's house. There, learn to cook and savor cuscuz (a traditional cake made from corn flour) and fidjós (fried banana mixed with wheat), the typical breakfast for Cape Verdean families.

   · 1 h

3. Assomada Market

   After the workshop, head to the city of Assomada and visit its famous market (Wednesdays and Saturdays only), meet locals and admire the vibrant colors of the local fruits and vegetables.

   · 1 h

4. Serra de Malagueta

   Move on to the Serra Malagueta natural park and marvel at the incredible views from 1000 meters (3,280 feet) above sea level.

   · 30 min

5. Tarrafal Beach

   Next, swim at Santiago's most beautiful beach, Tarrafal, surrounded by white sand, hills and palm trees. Next, take a break for a delicious lunch at your own expense at a local restaurant and enjoy the local cuisine.

   · 2 h

6. Calheta de Sao Miguel

   After lunch, drive back along the beautiful east coast, take in breathtaking photo stops at the awe-inspiring volcanic landscapes of Calheta.

   · 30 min

7. Pedra Badejo

   Drive between the country's verdant agricultural fields before heading to Praia.

   · 1 h 30 min

8. Praia

   The tour concludes with a drive back to Praia, the capital of the country.

   · 10 min

9. After discovering Santiago's highlights on this full-day tour, be dropped off at the inicial pickup point.

   · Non-stop passage

Pickup

Pickup included.

If your accommodation is not listed, please send us an email with your pick-up address in Praia.

How to use your ticket

The pick-up time will be between 8:50 am and 9:00 am at the reception of your accommodation or in front of your apartment. If your accommodation is not listed, please email us your pick-up address in Praia. Please keep some space to enjoy the local Cuscuz, Fidjós, tea/coffee during the workshop. Please bring sandals/flip flops, a towel, a hat, swimwear, sunscreen and lunch money (optional). The average cost of lunch is between 10 - 20 Euros/person. The local restaurant accepts cash payment in Euros or Local currency only. Credit cards are not accepted. The Assomada Market is open only on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The visit will only be on these days. Shared group tour option is subject to a minimum of 2 participants. In the event that the minimum number is not met, we reserve the right to propose an alternative date; to charge an extra fee to run the trip privately or to cancel a customer’s booking for a full refund. For departures with less than 4 travellers, our professional tour guide may himself be the driver.

What to know before you go

• Special needs child seats are available.
• The activity is suitable for all fitness levels.
• The Assomada market fair takes place on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
• The group is limited to a maximum of 15 travellers.
• Confirmation is immediate upon booking.

Travelers

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation for a full refund at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure date.

• The activity may be cancelled if there are insufficient participants.

Who is it for?

• Travellers interested in local culture and gastronomy
• People looking for an excursion accessible to all fitness levels
• English, French, Spanish, or Portuguese speakers

What makes it different

• Includes a practical workshop on making couscous and fidjós
• Pick-up and drop-off included at accommodation in Praia
• Tour combining nature (Serra Malagueta) and beach (Tarrafal)

Frequently asked questions

Reviews

Product code: 104417P3

Activity offered by Bu Country Tours via Viator.