Santiago
The capital Praia and a World Heritage site — the largest, most African island.
Area
991 km²
Main town
Praia (national capital)
Known for
Capital & history
Santiago
Photo: Cayambe, CC BY-SA 3.0 — Wikimedia Commons
The largest island and the political and economic center, home to the capital Praia and a hub for island-hopping. With UNESCO-listed Cidade Velha (the first city Europeans built in tropical Africa), lively markets, the green Serra Malagueta mountains, and beautiful Tarrafal beach, it's often called the 'most African' island — history and nature in one.
✨Highlights
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Cidade Velha
A World Heritage site — the first European-built city in the tropics, marking the slave-trade era.
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Praia
The capital's bustling markets and nightlife; a main gateway to the country.
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Tarrafal
The island's most beautiful beach, framed by palms and hills.