Santiago Island, the heart of Cape Verde, pulses with culture and energy

Praia, the heart of the Archipelago, is its most populous city, standing as the core of Cape Verde's political, economic, and administrative endeavors.

Its architecture boasts the elegance of Portuguese colonial design, adding a unique charm to the city's landscapes.

At the city's heart lies the Alexandre Albuquerque Square, encircled by the Parish Church, the Courthouse, and the City Hall's grand edifice.

In this square, as the day draws to a close, the local souls convene, sharing tales atop a basalt plateau, aptly named the Plateau.

The Amílcar Cabral Avenue, the Plateau's main artery, houses some of the most prominent businesses and establishments, adorned with gardens and terraces that beckon a visit.

Of note are the age-old "defensive lines", immortalized by the Fort and its cannon, ever vigilant, facing the vast sea.

To wander through Praia is to inhale culture, tradition, and curiosities. Discover these in places like the Sucupira Fair, a touch of Africa, offering a medley of wonders, or the renowned Market, where especially the agricultural products carry with them the scent of the island's inner gardens.

This multifaceted city, gifts both its residents and visitors daily with the marine whispers from the stunning shores of Mulher Branca, Prainha, Quebra-Canela, and Gamboa. The latter hosts, come the 19th of May, a celebrated Music Festival

Source Cabo Verde Travel Guide

The tapestry of Santiago's history is richly woven in the enchanting Cidade Velha. Nestled within the Ribeira Grande de Santiago municipality, and a mere 15 kilometers west of Praia, the Old City stands as a testament to time.

Cidade Velha is the cradle where Creole culture was birthed, a harmonious fusion of African and European heritage.

As the former capital of Cape Verde, Cidade Velha was a linchpin in the archipelago's early colonial narrative

Today, it wears the crown of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, dotted with several historical landmarks such as:

• Fortaleza de São Filipe,
• Cathedral of Nossa Senhora da Assunção,
• Church of Nossa Senhora do Rosário,
• Convent of São Francisco, and
• The Pillory.

The city's Pillory, a monument that beckons a visit, dates back to 1520. While the Church of Nossa Senhora do Rosário, the world's oldest colonial church and a gem of Manueline style, has its roots in 1495.

It's worth noting that the first street of Portuguese urbanization in the tropics can be found here - Rua Banana, leading the way to the church.

The Cathedral, bearing tales from 1693, speaks of times when the city's brilliance had somewhat dimmed.

Merely two decades later, it bore the scars of pillage and damage at the hands of French pirates.

By the mid-17th century, a sanctuary and place of learning, the Convent of São Francisco, was established. Alas, it too suffered the same fate, enduring the raid that had ravaged the Cathedral.

But the commanding Monument of Forte Real de São Filipe cannot be missed, towering at an imposing 120 meters. Since 1590, it has steadfastly defended the city from pirate raids and buccaneer onslaughts, standing as a sentinel of Santiago's resilient spirit.

Santiago Island unveils a wondrous tapestry of natural vistas, from the fiery embrace of volcanic peaks to the serene allure of dreamy shores.

One must not miss the enchantment of the country's sole botanical garden in São Jorge dos Órgãos.

A prime haven for nature enthusiasts is the Parque Natural da Serra da Malagueta, bestowing breathtaking panoramas of the island and its captivating coast.

Nature's other gifts grace the Vale da Ribeira da Barca, Praia de Baixo, and Praia da Calheta de São Miguel.

The island's humid and gentle climate blesses its higher regions with lush greenery, which then contrasts with the stark aridness of its lower terrains

Santiago also cradles a multitude of fauna, hosting:

• Tiny reptiles like lizards and geckos,
• Beetles,
• Endemic insects,
• Small primates, and
• Birds.

It's estimated that around 105 terrestrial and marine bird species find a home in Santiago.

Of these, twenty-four species are endemic, while the rest are migratory visitors from African and European skies.

Birdwatchers find Santiago to be an ornithological paradise.

Notably, some birds like the marbled teal, short-winged sylph, and kite are on the brink of extinction.

The skies are also adorned with birds of prey such as:

• Kestrels or falilies,
• Owls,
• Hawks, and
• Buzzards.

Furthermore, insectivorous birds include:

• The blue-feathered sparrow,
• Ravens,
• Cotton tree sparrows,
• Barbary sparrows,
• Egrets, and
• The Raso lark.

Santiago's marine features, with its soothing water temperature averaging annually at 25ºC, coupled with the existence of coral platforms, cultivate a diverse and rich marine bed. This makes it perfect for spearfishing and diving, particularly in the island's eastern region

Santiago Island thrives with a dynamic rhythm, fostered by an impeccable network of paved roads that wind through both its coastal embrace and the heart of its interior.

Of special note is a 70 km journey through the heartland, linking its southern and northern anchors, Praia City and Tarrafal. These landmarks sprinkle the horizon with their magnificent beaches.

Upon return, one is met with a panorama of expansive banana groves, papaya trees, and towering coconut palms, among other tropical treasures. These testify to the abundance of water gracing the East coast, especially in Calheta, Santa Cruz, and Pedra Badejo.

Santiago proffers a plethora of hiking opportunities, inviting visitors to traverse its picturesque trails.

The Pico da Antónia, standing tall as the island's zenith, remains a favored hiking destination. Those who reach its peak are rewarded with breathtaking vistas of the sweeping landscape below

Source Wikiloc

In the heart of Santiago, Rui Vaz beckons, nestled halfway to the island's zenith, from where one can behold a panorama without equal.

Wanderers find solace in cherished trails:

• The pathway through Ribeira da Barca,
• The ascent of Serra da Malagueta,
• The coastal route of Calheta de São Miguel.

Bathed in geographical splendor, Santiago showers both its dwellers and visitors with bays and coves, mirroring the peace and tender charm of its people

One must not miss the radiant bays of São Francisco and São Martinho, where once alighted the seaplane carrying Gago Coutinho and Sacadura Cabral on their journey to Brazil.

Santiago, the crown jewel, boasts some of Cape Verde's most enchanting shores:

• The serene Praia de Baixo,
• The beaches of Calheta de São Miguel,
• The golden embrace of Gamboa,
• The tranquil haven of Tarrafal,
• The pristine shores of S. Francisco,
• The romantic Praia dos Amores,
• The secluded charm of Porto Mosquito,
• And the expansive beauty of Angra Beach.

The island of Santiago is host to many festivals and cultural events throughout the year.

One of the most popular on the island is Gamboa Festival, which takes place in May and brings together music, dance, and traditional food all in one place.

Other unmissable festivities include Assomada's vibrant Carnival and Tarrafal's enthralling Music Festival. Not to mention the jubilant celebration of São João on the 24th of June, a festivity joyously embraced across every island of the archipelago.

Source RTC