Search
Global map iconGlobal map
Cidade Velha

Cidade Velha, Cabo Verde

Cidade Velha

Destination illustration
Cidade Velha

Step back in time in Cidade Velha, the oldest settlement in Cabo Verde. Stroll through cobblestone streets lined with colorful colonial buildings. Don't miss the historic Rua Banana which leads to the iconic Nossa Senhora do Rosário church. Explore the Forte Real de São Filipe for panoramic views of the ocean. A charming destination for history buffs!

Recommendations

Landmark4.4/5

São Filipe Royal Fortress

Outdoor4.4/5

Prainha Beach

Landmark4.5/5

Historic Centre of Ribeira Grande (Cidade Velha)

Culture4.6/5

Nossa Senhora do Rosário church

Eat3.7/5

Ocean view

Eat4.9/5

Restaurant Batuku-Rua Banana-Cidade Velha

Eat4.5/5

Kaza Antú

Stays

Stay4.65/5

Palmira House

Stay4.65/5

Hotel Vulcao

Stay4.5/5

Villa Concetta - Cidade Velha

Stay4.2/5

Pestana Trópico

Stay4.15/5

Quinta Da Montanha

Stay4.05/5

Hotel Oasis Atlantico Praiamar

Things To Do
Provided byViator

5/5

Private Creative Pictures Full Day Island Tour (Off Road inc.)

Pink Pick-up car, top Sal's attractions plus off-road gems spiced up with funny pictures and more - that is Franek Foto Tour in a nutshell. I will take you to the most popular spots on Sal Island such as Kite Beach, Buracona, Murdeira, Salinas (both those close to Santa Maria, as well as in Pedra de Lume – the latter we will see however from out-of-the-box view). But what I want to show you is less known, yet stunning sights of the island. My tour goes partly off-road – we will go to the places where ony quads or 4x4 vehicles can go. It will be also a trip in time - I will show you some medical plants and places that have traces of how Sal used to look like. If ocean conditions are favourable, we will also swim in natural swimming pools. Every tour us different and tailored according to the needs of my guests and we stop in every place as long as you wish. So you can leave your watch at the hotel, but please do not forget to bring your swimming suit, sun cream and camera!

$99.93
More
5/5

Like Locals: Praia and Cidade Velha Tour + Local Pontxi Tasting

Move like locals in this four hours tour, explore the Historic center of Plateau and all highlights of the first city built by Europeans in the sub-saran Africa (Cidade Velha). get to know the cradle of Cape Verdian history and culture, visit emblematic places filled with extraordinary stories.

$64.66
More
5/5

Guided City tour Praia with Cidade Velha (World Heritage)

If you have a few days to visit the Capital of Cape Verde this is for sure the best opportunity for you to get to know the insights of this amazing city of Praia and to combine it with the main highlights of the first city built by Europeans on the tropic( Old City).

$57.61
More
5/5
4 h

Santiago Island: Banana Plantation, Natural Park & Workshop with a local family

Venture into the largest banana and coconut plantation in the country. Learn how to cook Cuskus and Fidjós with a local family and be surprised by the island's most beautiful landscapes.

$88.18
More
5/5
2 h

Guided city Tour Praia, Highlights tour

This is undoubtedly the most complete guided tour in the political and economic capital of Cape Verde, this visit allows travelers to know all the insights of the most populous and most African city in the entire archipelago, it allows travelers to explore and discover the local culture , architecture, history and daily life of Cape Verdeans all in one tour.

$14.11
More
5/5
4 h 30 mins

Hiking Pico de Antónia – Summit Adventure & Scenic Views

Experience one of the most rewarding walks of the island of Santiago on this guided adventure to the Pico de Antónia, the highest point of the island, at 1,394 meters altitude. The experience begins with a pick-up in the morning, followed by a panoramic trip to the village of Rui Vaz, where the walk begins. The climb is challenging but rewarding, going through beautiful mountainous landscapes. At the top, feel touching the sky as you enjoy incredible panoramic views of the whole island. On bright days, you can still see the islands of Fire and May. An unforgettable experience for those who love nature, adventure and unforgettable landscapes.

$117.57
More
5/5
4 h

Like Locals: Banana Plantation, and Cuscuz with locals

Take this incredible tour moving around like locals, enjoy the largest Banana and coconut plantation of Cape Verde and visit a local rum distillery.

$76.42
More
5/5
8 h

Tarrafal Beach Tour: Boat Trip to the Lighthouse, Snorkel & BBQ Lunch

Spend the day relaxing on the most beautiful beach on the island. Take a boat trip to the lighthouse, snorkel and enjoy stunning views of Tarrafal bay. Get to know the local marine life while your staff prepares a delicious barbecue on the beach.

$129.33
More
5/5
8 h

Full day Santiago Excursion

With this Tour you are able to leave in search of the contrasts provided by the valleys, streams and peaks of the island. You get to see picturesque places such as São Domingos and Assomada. You have the chance to visit the botanical garden at São Jorge. Visit the prison of Tarrafal and discover its history, followed by free time to take a bath in the beautiful Bay of Tarrafal.

$111.69
More
5/5
264 h

Cape Verde - Santiago, Fogo, São Vicente & Santo Antão Islands 11 Days

With Cape Verde Islands-hopping tour you will discover Santiago, Fogo, São Vicente and Santa Antão Island's best hiking and trekking trails with a local guide. Go adventure through volcanoes, natural parks, stunning green valleys, UNESCO Heritage Site and, discover the culture, history, music, beaches and gastronomy of the locals.

$2,721.72
More
5/5
3 h

Hiking in Serra Malagueta Natural Park – Scenic Trails & Nature

Discover the green heart of Santiago Island on this guided hike through Sierra Malagueta Natural Park, one of Cape Verde’s most iconic destinations. Follow scenic trails through lush mountains, deep valleys, and natural viewpoints with breathtaking island and ocean views. Standing over 1,000 meters above sea level, the park offers a unique opportunity to connect with the island’s untouched nature and enjoy a true adventure. This hike is perfect for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and anyone looking to experience Santiago Island’s wild landscapes.

$84.41
More
5/5
7 h

Santiago Island: Trek from Serra Malagueta to Rabelados Community

Explore Serra Malagueta Natural Park at an altitude of 1,064 meters. Enjoy beautiful landscapes between mountains and valleys, and visit the Rabelados, the community that preserves Cape Verde's oldest customs.

$111.69
More
5/5
8 h

Land excursions in small family groups on Santiago

Welcome to your day on Santiago, the largest island in Cape Verde! This is Don, your German-speaking guide for four years. Together we travel for one day this volcanic island with its bizarre rock massifs : From Praia we go to the 800-year-old and 30-meter-thick giant tree Poilão. From there, we head down the imposing mountain range of the Serra da Malagueta Natural Park to Tarrafal. In this small tourist town we walk over the most beautiful beach in Cape Verde by far. Alternatively, you can also visit the concentration camp from the colonial period. The conclusion is a Groggu - beer - and fruit juice tasting, which only we offer exclusively! Our co-guide Edney can speak English, French and Portuguese. Cape Verde has the motto : No Stress! Get in... enjoy.... Take 1000 photos.... tell us more. This tour is ideal for cruisers, e.g. of MeinSchiff and AIDA.

$141.08
More
5/5
5 h

Tarrafal Adventure – Beach, History & Local Culture

The Tarrafal Experience is more than just a walk — it’s a jorna DA engaging through the heart of Cape Verde’s history and the natural beauty OF the city of Tarrafal. This full-day experience combines historical reflection, DE discovery and moments OF leisure by the sea, all in one unforgettable route through the island of Santiago. The tour begins with a guided visit to the Tarrafal Concentration Camp, also known as “Late Death Camp” — one of the most impactful landmarks DA the fight against colonialism in Africa. This memory space preserves the echoes OF resistance OF political prisoners DE Angola, Guinea-Bissau and Cape Verde during the Portuguese colonial regime.After the historic immersion, it’s time DE relax and explore the welcoming side of Tarrafal—a charming Villa with paradisiacal beaches, warm people and rich cultural life.

$90.45
More
5/5
5 h

Cidade velha excursion

Im this tour we gonna anderstand the history of cape verd, and see the beatifull constrution build by portuguese im century 14. The island of Santiago was discovered by António da Noli, a Genoese in Portuguese service, in 1460. Da Noli settled at Ribeira Grande with his family members and Portuguese from Algarve and Alentejo in 1462. The settling conditions were good due to the abundance of water from the river Ribeira Grande, which gave it an advantage over the other settlement on Santiago, Alcatrazes. The settlement became a key port of call for Portuguese colonisation towards Africa and South America. In the 16th and 17th centuries, it was a centre of maritime trade between Africa, the Cape, Brazil and the Caribbean. Due to its proximity to the African coast, it was an essential platform for the trade of enslaved persons.

$120.59
More
5/5
192 h

Cape Verde: Best trails of Santiago and Fogo islands

Discover Santiago and Fogo Island's best hiking and trekking trails with a local guide. Go adventure through volcanoes, national parks, green valleys, coffee plantations, UNESCO Heritage Sites, a natural pool and, marvel at the incredible view from top of Cape Verde's highest mountain.

$1,777.64
More
5/5
216 h

Cape Verde: Green Escape to Santiago - Nature & Beach 9 Days Pack

Come and discover the wonders of Santiago islan and let yourself be enchanted by beautiful beaches, mountains and valleys still intact. Get to know the way of life of the locals and try the local gastronomy and don't forget to bring your swimsuit to dive into a cave, followed by a BBQ on the black sand beach.

$1,293.26
More
5/5
4 h 15 mins

Hiking to Vale de Gongon – Sierra Malagueta Trail

Enjoy one of the most beautiful hikes in Santiago Island on this guided trail from Sierra Malagueta Natural Park to the lush Vale de Gongon. After a morning hotel pickup and a scenic drive to the north of the island, walk through protected natural landscapes before descending into a green valley known for its year-round vegetation. Along the way, experience the authentic rural life, meet welcoming locals, and enjoy the opportunity to taste local food. A perfect hike for nature lovers seeking stunning scenery and cultural immersion.

$105.81
More
5/5
5 h

Banana Plantation / Black Sand Beach Experience

This is a unique and authentic experience in Santiago Island, where you get to know the rural life of the islanders up close, with a short hike in the banana plantations and local fruit tastings like seasonal fruits such as coconuts, papaya, mango and sugar cane.

$82.30
More
5/5

Hike Tour

On this tour I show you the wonderful nature and culture of my country. Sometimes, on "goat paths" we hike through valleys and mountain peaks with a view to the coast.

$176.35
More

Map

Plan your Trip to Cidade Velha

Create a trip and start adding the places you want to visit in Cidade Velha

Navigate

Similar Destinations

Photo of Plateau
Plateau
Plateau, Praia, Cabo Verde