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Location

In the midst of the SOTAVENTO group, with an area of 991 Km2, Santiago is the largest island of the whole archipelago with a maximum length of 55 Km north-east to south-east and a width of 29 Km of origin volcanic mountain are various and ANTONIA, with 1392m, it's the highest. Deep valleys, of rare beauty, are the result of 'erosion with the passage of time, which is developed agriculture. Views from above, offer a lovely landscape for the most demanding eye. The vegetation and the amenities of the high temperature zone, the more 'humid, in contrast with the aridity of the intermediate zone.

History

Santiago was the first island to be populated after the Portuguese discovery in the fifteenth century.
Its economy, primarily agricultural, has been developed thanks to the labor from Africa. Became as trade of this continent, the island has treated more than any other, the influences that have given African identity.
Target of constant attacks by pirates, the capital of Ribeira Grande and the then town of PRAIA, even were repeatedly plundered by forces allied to Prior do Crato, in war for the succession to the throne of Portugal, in 1583.
In 1712, the French pirate J. CASSARD devastated RIBEIRA GRANDE who lost, its dominance in favor of PRAIA, current capital of the Republic.
Agriculture and fishing are still the main basis of the Santiago and the services of the headquarters of the Central Government has given. SANTIAGO is characterized by beautiful landscapes, beaches and welcoming the presence of many living a historical past. The tourists visiting the archipelago, not forgetting, of course, to visit the island taking advantage of what Mother Nature offers.


FESTIVAL OF Gamboa music event in the city of Praia, on the occasion of Day of the City Hall in May.

POPULAR SAINTS In June and July are the feasts of Saints Popolari that with the "Tabanca" in St. John, reaching the apex. In Tabanca, different groups from different parts of the island, converge towards the capital where dressed in costume parade under the command of a king and a queen, accompanied by the sound of whelk, "maquetes and drums.
During the parade, beautiful and exotic girls, the daughters of the saint, dance in a very provocative way.

N ª. S.ra DA GRAÇA As of August 15, celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Grace, first patron of the town of PRAIA.

Handicrafts

Jars of clay, tools and other household items made by women of FONTELIMA are the crafts of their own.
Baskets and related products, as well as work on the shell of coconut, are articles of great craftsmanship.
The weaving of fabrics which has assumed a prominent place in the exports of Cabo Verde, it continues to produce in quantity but more modest.

Gastronomy

Gastronomy, rich and varied, has its raw material in the fresh fish and seafood.
Well known is the "cachupa" a dish common to all islands, although each adds his special touch.
The typical and tasty pastries, is plentiful and varied and its packaging based on coconut milk.

Sports and Leisure

Water sports, hiking and easy walking, occupations are healthy for those who want to exploit the local beauties in polluted environments.
At night, in the city of Praia, various clubs are inspired by local groups, some of international renown.

Visits and Tours

CITY OF PRAIA
Initially designated Praia of Sta Maria, the city of Praia is built on the Plateau, basaltic platform overlooking the bay. Strolling through the streets of the Plateau, watch the house and get a good coffee in a bar or rest a while 'in the garden is very pleasant. The market is worth a visit for a contact with the people and products that come from inland. Faced with the city of Praia, is situated on the island of Sta Maria. Towards the south, it can be seen near the lighthouse where there is the Hotel Praia-Mar, the beach and a town with beautiful buildings. The charming-Quebra Canela beach stretches out behind the hotel.

CIDADE VELHA (Ribeira Grande)
From the beach, a wilderness trail, you reach Cidade Velha, where some ruins remain free to witness a glorious past. Throughout, the fortress of S. FELIPE fairly well preserved, which you can admire an impressive entry canyon formed on RIBEIRA GRANDE, full of exuberant vegetation which contrasts with the arid surrounding the fortress.

INTERNAL / Tarrafal
The visit to Tarrafal must be done in stages. Begins dall'itinerario PRAIA / Assomada along a street of rare beauty, with a mandatory stop SÃO JORGE de órgãos, with streets lined with bougainvillea. Then, on the road Assomada, it stops near the peak of Anthony, the highest point of the island. A Assomada, you can admire his house and makes a visit to the rich market town. From Assomada, continue to Boa Entrada, you can admire a gigantic tree called the "Pé de Polom" and continue along until RIBEIRA by BOAT road where you can admire a very deep canyon.
A BOAT RIBEIRA from, you can visit by boat, the cave "Águas Beautiful" which is distinguished by the curious phenomenon of having a beach inside. Da Ribeira da Barca, continue to Tarrafal where the beautiful beach and the old prison policy, about 3 km, are important points of attraction. Going back to Praia, you go to Pedra Badejo, near the sea, cultivated valleys where mix colors blue clear small coves with green crops typically tropical.

A video about Santiago

Where to sleep in Santiago