Discovering Santiago Island: A Cultural and Natural Journey in Cape Verde

Why Choose Santiago Island?

While Santiago is the capital island of Cape Verde, it hasn't received as much attention from travelers compared to other islands, particularly Sal, known for its luxury resorts. However, if you're looking to immerse yourself in culture, history, and more tranquil beaches, Santiago is the perfect choice. The island offers a diverse range of activities, from hiking to relaxing by the shore, making your trip truly enriching.

I set foot on Santiago just a few months after Easyjet launched flights here, becoming the first budget airline to connect this island with Europe. Meeting local guides, I felt their excitement and anticipation for more foreign visitors to discover their homeland. Santiago retains its serene beauty, and I particularly loved the northern region with its stunning trails and pristine beaches.

Exploring Activities on Santiago

Santiago Island is not just famous for trekking in Serra Malagueta; it also has many other activities for you to enjoy. Notably, Tarrafal boasts crystal-clear waters and gentle waves, making it an ideal spot to sip a cold beer after long days of exploration.

Additionally, independent travel information about the island is still quite limited, especially regarding trekking in the Malagueta mountains. I spent a week on the island gathering essential information for this travel guide, including many details I hadn't found elsewhere.

Useful Information for Vietnamese Travelers

Visa: Vietnamese travelers need to obtain a visa before arriving in Cape Verde. You can apply at the Cape Verde Embassy in Hanoi or through various online visa services.

Flight Connections: To reach Santiago, travelers can first fly to Lisbon (Portugal) and then transfer to the island with a local airline or Easyjet. The flight from Hanoi to Lisbon typically takes about 13-15 hours, with ticket prices ranging from 15 to 20 million VND.

Cost of Living: The cost of living in Santiago is quite reasonable. A meal at a restaurant costs around 300,000 VND, while a local beer is about 40,000 VND.

Best Time to Visit: The dry season from November to June is an excellent time to explore Santiago, featuring cool weather and little rain.

Getting to and Staying in Praia

Most travelers will begin their journey from Praia. While it may not be the primary reason to visit Santiago, it serves as an ideal stop. Praia is not only the administrative center but also has many areas worth exploring.

Upon arrival at Nelson Mandela International Airport in Praia, you'll find the check-in process very efficient. If you've registered for a visa-on-arrival, you can simply scan your passport to enter.

For transportation, taxis are the main mode of travel from the airport to the city, costing about 1500 CVE (around 300,000 VND) during the day and 2000 CVE (around 400,000 VND) at night, which is significantly higher than local taxi fares.

Accommodation in Praia

During my trip, I stayed in three different areas in Praia. The Plateau area is the best choice with many budget hostels close to the beach. If you're looking for a hostel-style accommodation, Meeting Point Hostel is an ideal option with a comfortable atmosphere and friendly staff.

Exploring Cidade Velha

Just a short distance from Praia, Cidade Velha is a must-visit stop. As the oldest area in Cape Verde, it holds many historical sites and ancient architecture, including a church built in 1495.

Cidade Velha is not only beautiful but also carries a poignant history related to the slave trade. On Rua Banana, you can find the Pelourinho pillar, where slaves were punished. However, it also represents the blend of many cultures that create the unique Creole society of Cape Verde.

Take the time to explore Cidade Velha on foot. Entry is free, but you may need to pay a small fee to access some historical sites.

Conclusion

Santiago is not just an island to visit; it's a place to learn about culture, history, and enjoy the natural beauty of Cape Verde. With a variety of activities and unspoiled beauty, this island is sure to leave a lasting impression on travelers.

Article referenced and edited from: Indie Traveller