Travel to Island of Santiago

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Island of Santiago, Cape Verde

Santiago is the most African island of Cape Verde, but also the largest and most populated. In 1460, the Portuguese settled on the island with their African slaves, giving the miscegenation (mixed race) that we see today on the island and Cape Verde. The African culture is also seen in local dance, music, cuisine and clothing. The slave trade and the timber trade have marked the past history of Santiago. The villages, further inland, have kept their Creole identity and Cape Verdean traditional culture remains very strong. Many massifs form this island, including Pico d'Antonia, culminating at 4566 ft. Of volcanic origin, the landscape of the island is shared between ribeiras, valleys and hills. The western coast, very rugged, is emphasised by its many coves. The island has a varied landscape, mountains, beaches, plantations, forests and a strongly pronounced identity, which gives it its charm. Its historic heritage remains the richest in Cape Verde. A must to explore !

The island has a rich history that gives it an important cultural and historical aspect.

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Weather Island of Santiago - choosing the best time to go

Cape Verde - Island of Santiago

All overall indicators 86/100 Excellent
Temperature indicators 100/100 Excellent
Bad weather indicators 98/100 Excellent
Sunbathing indicators 50/100 Average
Swimming indicators 82/100 Excellent
Wind indicators 82/100 Excellent
Temperature indicatorsOptimal :
Maximim temperature between 22°C and 24°C, the perceived temperature is <30°.
Bad weather indicatorsDry / Optimal :
Little or no rain (less than 1.5mm per day).
Sunbathing indicatorsSunny intervals :
Cloudy with sunny intervals (40% to 60% cloud cover).
Swimming indicatorsVery pleasant / Optimal :
High air temperature (>24°C), high sea temperature (>24°C), light to moderate winds (between 7 mph and 12 mph).
Wind indicatorsLight breeze / Optimal :
Optimal comfort: optimal wind speed (between 7 mph and 12 mph) in a warm environment (>24°C).

Weather finder : Island of Santiago / May Annual weather finder : Island of Santiago

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Visit Island of Santiago

To see

Santiago is the most African island of Cape Verde, but also the largest and most populated. The villages, further inland, have kept their Creole identity and Cape Verdean traditional culture remains very strong.

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To do

The African influence is felt throughout the city (the market, the colours, the clothes, the music ...). To the west of Praia, lies the small city of Cidade Veilha, which was the first city in Cape Verde. The beaches of Tarrafal or Châo Bom are very lively at the weekend because the people of Praia come here just to relax and have fun.

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To think about

As for swimming, beware of the strong sea currents, which are the cause of many drowning incidents.

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To avoid

Avoid drinking tap water and having ice in your drinks.

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To try

The national dish, caechupa, is like a cassoulet, and is based on corn, bacon, and chorizo. Fish, chicken, pork, rice and some vegetables are the basic constituents of local cuisine. You can also find excellent grilled lobster. Typical of the archipelago, Grogue is white or brown rum served like a punch.

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To bring back

The crafts industry is quite poor and is mainly limited to crochet objects (tablecloths, table mats, bedspreads, etc.) and naive paintings, some batik, straw hats and objects made from sea shells. Also bring back the grogue and Fogo wine.

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