Calabaceira Valley and Cidade Velha Tour from Praia
About this activity
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Experience Highlights
In this activity you will have the opportunity, for about 4 hours, to discover the beauty of Calabaceira, a village on the island of Santiago. Throughout the activity, you will be accompanied by an expert guide, from whom you will learn many interesting facts about the culture and history of the places you will visit.
During the tour, you will also visit the old city of Santiago, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can admire the beauty of its streets and the lush vegetation of the surrounding valley. An ideal activity for lovers of nature and beautiful views.
- Walk through Calabaceira and Cidade Velha on this 4-hour walking tour.
- Discover the local history and culture accompanied by an expert guide.
- Admire the natural beauty of the valley surrounding Calabaceira and Cidade Velha
What’s included
- Calabaceira Valley and Cidade Velha Tour from Praia
- Pick up and return to your accommodation in Praia o Cidade Velha
- Transport
- Expert guide
Select participants and date
Step by Step
Immerse yourself in the beauty of Calabaceira, a charming village on Santiago Island, during this 4-hour hike from Praia. You will start your trip with a pick-up from your accommodation in Praia, from where you will head to the lush volcanic valley of Calabaceira. During the tour you will be accompanied by an expert guide, who will familiarise you with the local history and culture, making this a more authentic experience.
The hike will take you through an easy and accessible trail, suitable for hikers of all levels. During your hike, you will be able to admire the stunning vegetation and learn about local agriculture, interacting with local farmers and exploring fields of sugar cane, mango, cassava, banana and more. You will also have the opportunity to discover the rich history of Cidade Velha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Some of the stops included in the itinerary are the following:
- Convento de São Francisco: It was founded in the 16th century by Franciscan friars and is known for its beautiful colonial architecture.
- Rue Banana: The first street developed by the Portuguese in sub-Saharan Africa.
- Church of Nossa Senhora do Rosário: It was built by the Portuguese colonisers and is a remarkable example of colonial architecture in the region.
- Pelourinho: A slave market built in 1512.
- Ruins of the Sé Catedral: The first cathedral built in Africa by the Portuguese.
- Royal Fortress of San Felipe, built in 1587 to defend the city from pirate attacks. From the fortress, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the old town and learn about the defence system used against pirates. Please note that the entrance to the fortress is not included in the price of the tour.
At the end of the day, you will be taken back to your accommodation in Praia. This hike is perfect for first-time visitors to Santiago and Cape Verde, and offers private or shared group options to suit your preferences. Explore the natural beauty and rich history of Calabaceira and Cidade Velha on this fascinating tour!
