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Book your Cidade Velha excursion from Praia, Cape Verde

On this tour you’ll explore the rich history of cape verd as you visit the island of Santiago, learning how it was discovered by António da Noli in 1460 and later settled at Ribeira Grande in 1462 by families and settlers from Algarve and Alentejo; you’ll see beautiful Portuguese-built constructions from the 14th century and learn why the abundance of water from the Ribeira Grande river made this settlement thrive over nearby Alcatrazes. The town grew into a key port of call for Portuguese colonisation toward Africa and South America, becoming in the 16th and 17th centuries a centre of maritime trade linking the Cape, Brazil and the Caribbean, and, due to its proximity to the African coast, an important platform in the history of the transatlantic slave trade-making this walking tour essential for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of cape verd’s historical role and its surviving architectural highlights.

About this activity in Praia

Cancellation Policy
Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation.
Pet Policy
Pet Policy
Pets are allowed.

Highlights

  • Discover the layered history of Cape Verde as you trace the island’s colonial past and Portuguese-built historic architecture on Santiago.
  • Learn about António da Noli’s 1460 discovery and the early settlement at Ribeira Grande, a pivotal port in transatlantic maritime routes.
  • See how Ribeira Grande’s abundant river water shaped early settlement patterns and supported growth compared with other sites on Santiago.
  • Understand the island’s role in 16th–17th century maritime trade between Africa, the Cape, Brazil and the Caribbean, including its place in the tragic history of the Atlantic slave trade.

Important Information

  • This experience involves walking through historic streets and sites on Santiago; wear comfortable shoes and sun protection for outdoor segments.
  • Suitable for a wide range of travellers and groups - families, culture seekers and history enthusiasts will find the itinerary engaging.
  • Pets are allowed, so you can bring well-behaved animals; please keep them leashed and clean up after them out of respect for heritage sites.
  • Please be respectful when visiting sites linked to difficult history; guides will provide context and you’ll have opportunities to ask questions.

Meeting Point

You’ll meet your Varoom guide in central Praia; the exact meeting point will be confirmed on booking and in your pre-trip information.

Includes

  • You can bring pets - pets are allowed when booking Events or stays in Praia, Cape Verde.
  • Pet-friendly option: your pet is permitted to join you at bookings in the area.
  • If you travel with a pet, this policy confirms pets are allowed here.

Excludes

  • Pets are allowed - the policy does not list any pet-only exclusions for bookings in Praia, Cape Verde.
  • There are no stated prohibitions against bringing pets under this policy for the area.
  • You will find that pets are explicitly permitted rather than excluded in this destination’s policy.

Other

  • Pet allowance applies to bookings in the region, confirming a pet-friendly approach in Praia, Cape Verde.
  • This policy confirms that pets are part of the booking allowance for activities and stays here.
  • By stating pets are allowed, the policy highlights a traveler-friendly practice for those visiting the area with animals.

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Know more about Praia

You’ll learn about Santiago’s discovery by António da Noli in 1460 and his 1462 settlement at Ribeira Grande. The tour focuses on the island’s role as a key Portuguese port of call and shows the notable Portuguese construction described in the itinerary.
Yes. You’ll explore Santiago’s history as a centre of maritime trade between Africa, the Cape, Brazil and the Caribbean, and how that trade shaped the island’s development.
Yes. The focus on discovery, settlement at Ribeira Grande, Portuguese constructions, and maritime history makes it suitable for Art & Culture, Family & Kids, and Tours & Sightseeing bookings through Varoom.
The experience explains the Portuguese-built constructions referenced in the description, highlighting their historical importance and how they influenced settlement patterns around Ribeira Grande.
The itinerary covers Santiago’s proximity to the African coast and its role as an essential platform for the trade of enslaved persons, providing historical context for that difficult chapter.
Absolutely. The historical content-covering António da Noli’s discovery, the 1462 settlement at Ribeira Grande, and the island’s maritime trade history-works well as a multi-day or full-day sightseeing and learning experience.