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Santiago
is the
largest (383
sq miles) and most populated Island (96,000 inhabitants) and its
principal City, Praia, is the Capital of the Republic. It has picturesque coastal and desert
panoramas with cultivated valleys and inland zones. The traditional
festivals and day-to-day atmosphere of the whole island makes Santiago
the most African of all the islands of the archipelago. Curiously, there
is also a large Chinese population in Praia.
The immense plantations of banana and coconut trees
that stretch as far as the eye can see are very impressive, and the
visitor can enjoy the juice of a coconut, freshly picked and opened for
the occasion.
The second International
Airport
on the Archipelago opened in 2006 near Praia, and this is having a marked affect on tourist development. The Island
only has quite small grey or black sandy beaches, the only exception being
the white beachs at Tarrafal and
Sao Francisco.
Other
points of interest on the
Island
are:
- Cidade Velha at Ribeira Grande was the original
Portuguese settlement overlooked by the splendid Fortress de São Filipe built at the end of the 16th
Century which is the subject of ongoing restoration. This was the
point at which slaves were exchanged between Africa, Europe and
America. The village has a very unique atmosphere and several ruined
churches.
- Visit the Sucupira African
Market opposite the Cathedral where locals and African immigrants sell
clothing, furniture, handicrafts and music.
- One
must take an excursion to the Tarrafal in the north of the Island
passing through Assomada, a surprisingly modern city in the centre of
the
Island
. The rugged mountain scenery en-route is so dramatic that it is
beyond the ability of the camera to record it. Near Tarrafal is the
infamous prison camp where political prisoners of the Portuguese were
held in very poor conditions between 1937 and 1975.
- A trip to
the mountaintop village of Rui Vaz will reveal some wonderful mountain
scenery from the switchback road which leads to the permanently green
and cool(ish) area at the top (Monte Xota (1050m).
- Take one
of the 7 suggested hikes for which routes are readily available and
whilst a guide may be beneficial, it is not necessary, particularly
for he accomplished hiker.
Car,
jeep and beach buggy hire is readily available and it is well worth while
taking a vehicle for a day’s exploration.
Our
recommended Restaurants in the City of
Praia
:
Restaurant
O Poeta has an open-air esplanade with wonderful views over the sea plus
an air-conditioned dining room.
Plaza
Park
– for both open-air and
enclosed dining.
Restaurant
Gamboa – famous for meat "Rodizio" at the weekends.
Restaurant
Falesia – in the Hotel Praia Mar with views over the sea.
Our
recommended Restaurant in Tarrafal:
Restaurant
Baia Verde – outside tables give good views over the bay.
Nightlife
“A
Capital” at Hotel PraiaMar, Bomba-H, Zero Horas and Quintal da Musica,
all of which are in or near
Praia, have good Cape
Verdean
music and are best at weekends.
 
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