Santiago, Cape Verde: the main island and the capital Praia

Santiago is the main island of Cape Verde (Cabo Verde) and the administrative centre of the country, with the capital Praia. The government, the ministries and the main institutions are based here.

Not touristy

Santiago is not a tourist island and not really suited to a beach holiday. It is an island for working, sorting things out and seeing everyday Cape Verdean life, not for weeks on the beach. Cidade Velha, the country's first settlement, is also on Santiago.

The beaches of Santiago

The beaches are not as white as on Sal. Praia has two small beaches of about 300 metres long. The most beautiful beach of the island is in the north, in Tarrafal.

Sal or Santiago?

For sun, sea and beach, choose Sal: kilometres of white beaches, a calm sea for swimming all year and a lively centre in Santa Maria. You mainly visit Santiago for business or official appointments.

Frequently asked questions about Santiago

What is the main island of Cape Verde? Santiago, with the capital Praia. It is the administrative centre of the country.

Is Santiago suitable for a beach holiday? Not really: the island is not touristy and the beaches are not as white as on Sal. The most beautiful beach is in Tarrafal, in the north.

Are there beaches in Praia? Yes, two small beaches of about 300 metres long.

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Written by Tom Wegter of The Huefter Group, Santa Maria, Sal (Cape Verde) · last updated: 13 November 2026