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Santiago

Santiago is a mountainous island sitting to the south of Sal. Cape Verde’s capital, Praia, resides here where you can see the president’s house.

This is the most African of the islands, and provides a fascinating mix of culture, mountainous scenery and tropical plantations. Known for its vibrant nightlife and colourful market, Santiago is a popular choice with much more variety than other islands with plenty to see and do.

If it’s shopping you’re after, there’s a buzzing market place here, or head to Assomada, which is sprinkled with quaint handicraft shops and also has gorgeous botanical gardens.

santiago, cape verde

The largest of all the islands, Santiago has a rich and interesting history. Slave ships from the West African coast would stop here before continuing their journey to the Americas. It was the first to be populated after its discovery by the Portuguese in 1462. Today it is the most densely populated, with most of its inhabitants living in Praia, its capital.

Located 15 km from Praia, Cidade Velha was the old port where many slaves were traded. The old town with its narrow cobbled streets is overlooked by the old Portuguese S. Filipe Fortress, built at the end of the 15th century where the views over the town and coastline are exceptional.

Predominately a green and spectacular mountainous island, Santiago has lush valleys as well as beautiful sandy beaches, the best being at Sao Francisco, where the Sambala Village development is being built and Tarrafal, 80 kilometers to the north.

The island is a mixture of beautiful landscapes, rural villages, lively markets and palm fringed beaches, along with lively nightlife in Praia. The new international airport has opened and this will have a major impact on the island.

santiago, cape verde