Blog post updated in May 2024
Praia, Cape Verde, in a nutshell
Located in the south of the island of Santiago, Praia is bordered to the south and east by the Atlantic Ocean.
With 130,000 inhabitants, it is a human-sized destination. The commercial port exports coffee, sugarcane, and tropical fruits daily. Fishing is also one of the significant industries.
Established in 1615, Praia became the capital of the country in 1770 and still holds that status today.
What to do in Praia, Cape Verde?
Even though the city of Praia has some points of interest, it is primarily an excellent destination, perfect for observing local life and relaxing. Ideal for slow travelers!
1. PRAIA AND ITS BEACHES
2. Plateau, the touristy area
3. The bustling Sucupira Market.
The Sucupira Market is a real maze where you can find all sorts of products: food, clothing, gadgets, and even poultry and pigs. It’s not the most incredible market in the world, but if, like me, you enjoy strolling through these places and see them as a good way to get a feel for a location, I can only recommend it.
TO READ: Things to Do in Santiago Island
4. Parque 5 de Julho, meeting point
A lovely little park to take a break, rest from your walk, and observe people playing Uri, a very popular African game in Cape Verde. When I was there, it was December 25th, and it was interesting to see the locals coming out of the church and celebrating Christmas.
5. The rest of the city
Do not be afraid to venture away from tourist spots. I walked a lot in Praia during the day and in the evening. Getting lost in its streets is the best way to immerse yourself in the country’s atmosphere. Concerts in restaurants, crowds gathering in squares, children lining up at the ice cream shop, the sound of nightclubs, dust, graffiti, food stalls… Every corner is an immersion into the life of the Cape Verdeans.
How many days do you need to visit Praia?
The city can be easily visited in 1 day. However, if you want to use it as a base to explore the rest of the island, staying at least 2 days is recommended.
That said, a better idea is to stay for 5 days to visit the various points of interest on the island and fully enjoy the beach.
If you have the chance to travel slowly or as a digital nomad, you can easily stay between 2 and 4 weeks to explore and, most importantly, experience the island’s rhythm.
When to visit Praia?
As with the rest of the island, it is recommended to travel between November and July to avoid the rainy season.
Temperatures range between 24 °C and 30 °C, with the sunniest months being from March to June.
During Christmas holidays, European tourists flock to the area, although Santiago Island remains relatively spared compared to Sal Island.
In May, the Gamboa Festival takes place, offering the perfect opportunity to discover the local music scene and enjoy open-air concerts.
How to Get to Praia?
Praia has an airport. TACV, TAP, and Royal Air Maroc regularly offer flights from abroad, as does Air Sénégal.
If you are on another island, you can also take a domestic flight with the national carrier TACV.
Finally, it is possible to take a ferry between the islands with the company CV Interilhas. This is recommended for travelers who have time, as delays are often frequent.
Travel responsibly in Praia
