Sao Tiago (Santiago island) was the first settled and it's still the major island of Cape Verde. Attractions on the island include Praia (the beautiful and sedate capital of the country), Vila velha (the oldest settlement of the country) and the beaches of Tarrafal.

The inland is rugged and mountainous and great for hiking.

Sights

Clay pots and other kitchen utensils made by the women of FONTELIMA are typical examples of the handicraft of this island.

Basket-weaving and articles made from coconut shells are also other interesting examples.

The beautiful woven cloths, which at one time were one of the articles exported from Cape Verde, can still be found, but in much smaller quantities.

The City of PRAIA, originally called Praia de Sta Maria, was built on a basaltic platform overlooking the bay and this area is known as the "Plateau". A walk through this lovely town, stopping for a coffee at one of the pleasant esplanades or just relaxing in the gardens is an excellent way to spend an afternoon. It is also fascinating to visit the local markets the real real commercial centres of the tropics-and come in contact with the local habits and customs. From Praia, one can also see the islet of Sta Maria. Prainha is the name given to the area right next to the sea. The Hotel Praia Mar is here and its small beach is a popular and very interesting meeting place. Another delightful beach is Quebra Canela.

Cidade Velha was the first capital of the Cape Verdean islands and is the birthplace of Cape Verdean culture. There are still a number of ruins testifying to its sumptuous past. The fortress of S.Filipe for example is still fairly well preserved.

A visit to TARRAFAL should be done in stages: The first step is PRAIA/ASSOMADA. The scenery along the route is magnificent and a stop at SÃO JORGE DE ORGAOS is a must to see the streets full of bougainvillae. Further on towards ASSOMADA is the highest peak on the island, called the Peak of António. In ASSOMADA itself, houses are very aftractive and 50 it the local market.

From ASSOMADA, the road goes to Boa Entrada and one can admire a magnificent tree here of extraordinary proportions with the name of "Pei de Polom". On the way to RIBEIRA da BARCA there is a deep canyon which is also worth seeing.

In RIBEIRA da BARCA, take a boat trip to the grotto called "Águas Bella" which is very unusual inasmuch as there is a beach in the interior. TARRAFAL is next on the route. Here there are two points of interest, the beautiful beach and the old political prison located 3 Km away from the town centre.

On the way back to Praia, the road passes by Pedro Badejo on the coast where the limpid blue of the lagoons and the rich green of the luxurious tropical vegetation blend together beautifully.