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Santiago Island Exploration: Hiking in Serra Malagueta Natural Park and Swimming at Tarrafal Beach
4.9
35 Ratings
Praia
Embark on a hiking adventure across Santiago Island, exploring the Serra Malagueta Natural Park and Tarrafal Beach. Discover and gain insights into the native flora and fauna, and enjoy a swim at Tarrafal, Santiago’s most stunning beach, nestled among hills and palm trees.
Embark on a hiking adventure across Santiago Island, exploring the Serra Malagueta Natural Park and Tarrafal Beach. Discover and gain insights into the native flora and fauna, and enjoy a swim at Tarrafal, Santiago’s most stunning beach, nestled among hills and palm trees.
Duration:
7 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Praia - Start the day with a convenient pickup from your accommodation in Praia, heading towards the heart of Santiago Island.
- Serra de Malagueta - Journey through the mountains to reach Serra Malagueta Natural Park, where an exciting hiking adventure awaits. Embark on a hike through fertile regions at an elevation of 850 meters above sea…
- Praia - Start the day with a convenient pickup from your accommodation in Praia, heading towards the heart of Santiago Island.
- Serra de Malagueta - Journey through the mountains to reach Serra Malagueta Natural Park, where an exciting hiking adventure awaits. Embark on a hike through fertile regions at an elevation of 850 meters above sea level, guided through the park’s lush landscapes, which cover 774 hectares and are home to over 124 plant species and 19 bird species. Marvel at the stunning mountain views and listen as your guide shares insights about the unique local flora and fauna, many of which are exclusive to the park. Please note that the €2 per person park entrance fee is not included.
- Tarrafal Beach - The following destination is Tarrafal Beach, the most picturesque beach on Santiago Island, surrounded by white sand, hills, and palm trees. Enjoy swimming and relaxing on the shore, followed by a delightful lunch break.
- Praia - Conclude this unforgettable day by unwinding on the return trip to Praia.
What's Included
- Pickup and drop-off at your accommodation in Praia
- Liability insurance
- Picnic
- Transportation
- Professional Tour Guide
- Pickup and drop-off at your accommodation in Praia
- Liability insurance
- Picnic
- Transportation
- Professional Tour Guide
What's Not Included
- Entrance fee (€2 for Serra Malagueta Natural Park)
- Entrance fee (€2 for Serra Malagueta Natural Park)
Additional Information
- Please bring hiking shoes, flip-flops/sandals, a towel, a hat, swimwear, and sunscreen. We also strongly advise wearing hiking pants, especially from August to November.
- Note that the visit to Assomada Market is only on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
- Activity for travelers over 6 years old.
- ROUTE FILE : Walking Distance: +/- 8,5 km Total Walking…
- Please bring hiking shoes, flip-flops/sandals, a towel, a hat, swimwear, and sunscreen. We also strongly advise wearing hiking pants, especially from August to November.
- Note that the visit to Assomada Market is only on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
- Activity for travelers over 6 years old.
- ROUTE FILE : Walking Distance: +/- 8,5 km Total Walking Duration: +/- 3 hours  Degree of difficulty: Moderate Elevation gain: +/- 280 m Elevation loss: -/+ 280 m Max Elevation: +/- 1075 m Min Elevation: +/- 800 m, Trail type: Loop Path quality: Flat, wide and safe trail
Location
Praia
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(35 Ratings)
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Phillip_b
Mar 29, 2026
Nice day out to see the... - Nice day out to see the more natural parts of the island! Pick-up was a breeze, and our guide was very knowledgeable. Free time at the beach was great at the end!
Review provided by Viator
Thomas
Mar 5, 2026
Exhausting hike with many great views - Exhausting hike with many great views
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Adam_b
Jan 31, 2026
Great way to explore the island - Elizandro was an amazing guide and even taught me some kriolu as we hiked and drove. Very chill and plenty of time to take photos and explore.
Review provided by Viator
Cristina_m
Nov 25, 2025
A must if you are on Santiago island - Very competent guides, friendly atmosphere, and safe driving.
The nature in Serra Malagueta is simply amazing. The hiking rhythm was adapted to the group's fitness level.
Review provided by Viator
Ninonm769
Oct 12, 2025
Explore the city! - Very nice excursion that allows to take the time to visit well.
Our guide Ricardo was very friendly and introduced us to the local culture! Our visit to the market was very pleasant.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Micaelamv1617su
Feb 2, 2025
Highly recommended! - Riccardo and Brian our guides were very nice, two kind and prepared guys, we felt really comfortable and told us so much about their country, the fauna and flora of which it is characterized. I absolutely recommend the excursion which consists of: pick up at the hotel, then drive about 1 hour and 30 from Praia to the natural park of the Serra Malagueta, trekking about 3 hours, where the guys will also offer you a small snack, in our case a sandwich with tuna, eggs and vegetables, fruit and juice. Then after returning to the car we leave towards the terrafal beach with a stretch of about 20 minutes where you will have two hours free and then back to the hotel. If you are undecided our advice is to participate you will not regret it and you will get to see so much of the island. Thanks again to our guides!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Oliverhr7597ti
Jan 15, 2025
Friendly, fun and informative - Fantastic tour guide and fun friendly driver. The sights were really cool and the guide displayed much knowledge about the local culture, flora and fauna.
We had a lot of fun learning about the park and about Cabo Verde as a whole.
Tasty lunch provided for us and some awesome conversations :).
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lemonnierf
Dec 31, 2024
Great ride, great organization, great guide - Very nice tour with a nice walk in the park with magnificent views and a tarafal swim. Very good organization and Cynthia our guide at the top: full of information and explanations. Highly recommended
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Simon
Dec 17, 2024
An interesting tour with friendly, accommodating and knowledgeable guides! - Our guide, Ivana, was friendly and very knowledgeable. We booked a private tour, because we wanted to include a visit to Tarrafal concentration camp. This was done seamlessly, the camp was very interesting and at the end we still had time to refresh in the sea at Tarrafal beach. Without a guide, the walk in the national park would not be too interesting (except for the fantastic views of the valley). However, along the path Ivana told us about the flora and fauna on the island (some endemic, some not) as well as many other stories about the history and culture or Cabo Verde. We learned a lot and would definitely recommend this tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Surfing-17
Jul 16, 2024
AMAZING - Amazing tour and thank you to our great guides!!!
We loved it all the way. A great hike in good company.
I really advise this company if you come to Cape Verde. They are respectful of nature and locals. A BIG THANK YOU!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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