Cape Verde · HIKES IN SANTIAGO
This is the shortlist to send a friend: 15 hikes in Santiago worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
Hike Serra Malagueta to Principal Valley, share a local lunch, and enjoy mountain, village, plantation, and sea views from Praia.
“Excellent service from guide and driver. Nice trekking experience and family meal. Attention! The trek is for people with a minimum of mountain experience since the trail is steep and rough”
Hike Serra Malagueta’s mountain trails, spot native wildlife, then unwind at Tarrafal Beach on this full-day Santiago Island tour.
“Elisanto was an awesome guide and I will rate it a 10/10”
Hike Santiago from Praia through fruit farms to a 400-year-old baobab and Cidade Velha, with local guides, transport, and a gentle 4 km descent.
“Leuke tour met geduldige en goed geïnformeerde gids”
Trek Santiago’s Calabaceira Valley, visit a rum distillery, and explore UNESCO-listed Cidade Velha from Praia in four hours.
“Merci à Katia pour cette belle balade au milieu d'une nature luxuriante.”
Hike Santiago’s highest peak through Monte Tchota Natural Park, with cool mountain air, island views, guides, transport, and picnic included.
“Great tour and guide went mostly in our pace and was well informed and helpful”
Hike from Serra Malagueta to Principal, enjoy mountain views, a local family lunch, and hotel pickup from Tarrafal for $70.
“Alex is an excellent guide, with lots of interesting observations and anecdotes about the flora and fauna and the islands in general. The food prepared by Mama was absolutely delicious.”
Hike Serra Malagueta from Praia, spot rare species, enjoy mountain views, then swim and relax at beautiful Tarrafal Beach.
“L'équipe qui nous a accueilli a été adorable, à l'écoute et disponible. Kathy et Sany ont également pris en compte nos envies et ont su organiser un parcours personnalisée en fonction de cela. De plus, ils ont aussi été de bons conseils sur les différents lieux touristiques à visiter à praia et ses alentours. Un grand plaisir d’avoir pu faire cette activité en leurs compagnies”
Review of Santiago’s Serra Malagueta hike to Gongon and Hortelã valleys, with mountain views, local lunch, practical trail advice, and value tips.
“Our guide, Jose, and our driver were fantastic. Jose showed us a lot and explained even more than the itinerary suggested. The food at Hermiña's was delicious. We highly recommend the tour.”
Hike Calabaceira Valley, meet local farmers, and explore UNESCO-listed Cidade Velha on a small-group tour from Praia.
“Great hike with a great guide. Beautiful views and rich history. Guide had good knowledge of the area and the driver was very accommodating and safe. Appreciated their flexibility.”
Hike Serra Malagueta from Tarrafal, meet a local family, and enjoy Cape Verdean lunch in Principal Valley for $82.
“It was a very fun excursion. You start at the top and the hike is walking down into the valley. While receiving information about: plants, animals, culture and also rum. It was very interesting. The meal at the locals house was really good. My husband and I are vegetarian which was not a problem at all. They made the meal vegan. Absolutely amazing! We took a “bus” / local taxi with multiple people, which was very interesting, entertaining and gave insight into the culture and commutation. I recommend bringing hiking boots or some shoes with a good grip as some stones on the way down are slippery.”
Hike Serra Malagueta’s green mountain trails, enjoy a picnic, and meet Cape Verde’s Rabelados community on this full-day Santiago tour.
Hike Santiago’s highest peak, enjoy a mountain picnic, meet a Longueira family, and see Cape Verde’s countryside with a local guide.
“Cátia (the guide) and Nilton (the driver) were both wonderful! They are passionate about their country and didn't hesitate answering all my questions and even gave me some nice recommendations. I felt safe at all times, they made sure we were keeping a steady pace but Read more”
Trek Santiago from Longueira to Pico de Antónia and Monte Tchota, with local culture, a rum distillery, mountain views, and hotel pickup.
“Very nice hike, not easy especially the last meters which climb steeply. The very friendly guide as well as her trainee present today.”
Hike from highland Rui Vaz through eucalyptus forests and rural villages, with mountain views, local stories, transport, and a small group.
“Très belle randonnée en compagnie de José ! Un super guide qui nous a appris pleins d'anecdotes fascinantes sur l'histoire du pays et la flore environnante. La visite de la distillerie de rhum et la dégustation de canne à sucre ont été un bonus exceptionnel !”
Hike Santiago’s Pico de Antónia from Praia with private pickup, English guidance, and wide island views toward Fogo and Maio.
“Fantastique. Malgré la brume on a pu voir le paysage et c'était génial. Merci à Edmilson qui est un guide passionné et professionnel.”
Every kind of day out in the islands, and the best of each.
