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Santiago Island Tourist Information

Santiago Tourist Information        Map of Santiago Island        Santiago Island Photo Gallery        Santiago Island Weather

Location Map of Santiago Island

Santiago Island

This is the largest island and includes the capital of the republic, Praia, which is a distinctly African town, vibrant and pulsating with a thriving market. Like Sal it has an international airport and a few hotels. A stay on Santiago offers more variety than other islands, and most people will enjoy the excursions around the island and into the mountainous and agricultural hinterland. The coast is rugged with a few sandy coves and a visit to the northern fishing village of Tarrafal is popular. Santiago (Portuguese for Saint James), is the largest island of Cape Verde, its most important agricultural centre and home to half the nation's population. Santiago is located between the islands of Maio (40 km west) and Fogo (50 km east) and is one of the Sotavento, it was the first of the islands to be settled, the town of Cidadw Velha being founded as Riberia Grande in 1462. It is also home to the nation's capital city of Praia and to one of the islands' two international international airports including Francisco Mendes 2km from the capital Praia. The island population has doubled from the independence of Cape Verde in 1975. Other towns on the island include Cidada Velha, 15 km west of Praia, Cape Verde's first capital, others include Assomada, 60 km north and Tarrafal in the northern part of the island 75 km from the capital. The main industries are agriculture, tourism, fishing, others and least of all manufacturing. Main agricultural products are corn, sugar cane, banana, coffee and mango. 

History

The island was discovered by António da Noli in around 1460 and built a garrison in Cidade Velha which was then known as Ribeira Grande. The local Crioulos are the oldest African-European community in colonial history, and the local creole language, called Crioulo de Santiago or Bádiu, became a separate language. Transcontinental slavery  Cidade Velha the second richest city in the Portuguese realm. Portugal was unable to protect its colonies because the English, Dutch, French and Spanish took over the slave trade and the island was later raided by pirates. In 1712, the capital no longer served Cidade Velha which was attacked by pirates and was moved to the Praia plateau. The island population were disadvantaged by the Portuguese colonial system. Santiago several times hosted conferences on Creole culture. Since the independence of Cape Verde, infrastructure has improved, especially schools, ports, airports, roads, etc.

Main Towns

Praia, Santa Catarina, Santa Cruz, Sao Domingos, Sao Miguel and Tarrafal

Cape Verde Photo Galleries

Sal Island Photo Gallery            Santiago Island Photo Gallery            Fogo Island Photo Gallery

Boa Vista Island Photo Gallery            Sao Vicente Island Photo Gallery            Maio Island Photo Gallery

Santo Antao Island Photo Gallery            Sao Nicalau Island Photo Gallery            Brava Photo Gallery