Praia Santiago Island Cape Verde
Cape Verde

57 Cruises availables At departure or passage at this port

Azamara Club Cruises (9 Cruises)

Costa Cruises (7 Cruises)

Holland America Line (2 Cruises)

Lindblad Expeditions (2 Cruises)

Ponant (23 Cruises)

Seabourn Cruise Line (11 Cruises)

Silversea Cruises (3 Cruises)


Frequently Asked Questions

At Porto da Praia, about two kilometres from the centre. A short taxi or shuttle ride takes you up to the Plateau, the historic quarter perched on the volcanic tableland where most of the day happens.
You can, but it is not recommended: two kilometres plus the climb to the Plateau, with no shade. Taxis wait at the terminal and the ride is short. Agree on the fare before getting in, as local custom expects.
Two options that do not combine easily. Either the Plateau, the municipal market and the Sucupira bazaar on foot, an unhurried half day. Or the round trip to Cidade Velha, which fills roughly half a day by taxi. Choose based on how long the ship actually stays.
Yes, if time allows. About twelve kilometres west, Cidade Velha was the first European colonial town built in the tropics and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. You will see Rua Banana, the 16th-century pillory and the royal fortress of São Filipe.
The capital's big popular bazaar, below the upper town: fabrics, spices, music, school uniforms and sweet potatoes under a cheerful jumble of parasols. It is the daily pulse of Praia, well off the tourist circuit, with Creole ringing from stall to stall.
The Cape Verdean escudo, pegged to the euro. Euro banknotes are often accepted with change given in escudos. Bring cash: outside hotels, cards rarely work.
Portuguese is the official language and Cape Verdean Creole the language of the street. French and English turn up in tourist settings, less so at the market. A few words of Portuguese will earn you a smile.
Yes, the small cove of Quebra Canela, popular with local families, a few minutes from the centre by taxi. Praia is not a beach call though: the city sits on a cliff, and swimming is a bonus rather than the main programme.
November through June, the dry and breezy season. August and September bring what little rain Santiago island receives. The sun is fierce on the upper town year-round, so hat and water are essential even in a cool trade wind.
Cachupa, the national corn-and-bean stew, the day's grilled fish and small fried pastels. Grogue, a sugarcane spirit, goes with the coffee. In the background, the morna and coladeira that Cesária Évora made famous drift out of the terraces.