Santiago
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£1305pp(from/pp) SAVE £40pp (based on 2 sharing)
Quinta da Montanha is a small, family-run hotel which is blessed by a collection of fantastic mountain views.
Our Guest's Opinion
- Mr Alker
The owner, Lindorfo, and his staff are extremely friendly; it often feels like you’re visiting friends in a rural retreat.
The views from the hotel are quite simply stunning. Lush green mountains, birds soaring, farming immersed into the hillsides and simple local life define the surroundings.
Although a simple no frills property, Quinta da Montanha boasts a breathtaking surrounding scenery of mountains and verdant green landscapes; promising a peaceful and completely ‘get away from it all’ retreat. Recognised as an excellent base for walkers who want to explore the natural landscapes, this hotel is a great addition to an island hopping itinerary, while its restaurant serves traditional dishes that source homegrown ingredients.
Built on a hillside of inland Santiago, 24km from the capital Praia, this is a hotel that encapsulates tranquillity on one hand, and adventure on the other. Combine relaxing on the rooftop terrace and soaking up the vistas with getting out and about on the walking trails from the hotel. There are many excellent walking tours you can enjoy from Quinta da Montanha, allowing you to soak up the stunning scenery that inland Santiago showcases.
Quinta da Montanha’s rural location in the interior of the island provides its guests with a secluded mountain retreat, surrounded by nature. It’s the ideal choice for those whose perfect holiday is to explore the island’s natural landscapes and relax at the hotel, including dining there. We recommend maximum stays of three or four nights and to consider upgrading to half-board.
You'll take a direct international flight to Sal, then an internal flight to/from Santiago.
Santiago is best experienced as part of a multi-centre island hopping holiday around the archipelago. We offer a number of itineraries that include a stay on Santiago. Visit our Island-Hopping Holiday Ideas, or call one of our experts about a tailormade itinerary.
Official local hotel rating: Guesthouse
Internal flights are provided by Cabo Verde Airlines. It should be noted that internal flights can and do change schedules and flights are sometimes cancelled, delayed or even early!
Travelling time between Sal and Santiago is approximately 45 minutes' flying time.
Standard Room
From £1,245pp
Sleeps up to 3
Standard rooms have twin or double beds with shower over bath (doubles) or just shower (twins & singles) and communal balconies. The rooms are small and simply furnished.
The largest island in the archipelago and the first to be populated, Santiago is rich in history and culture. The various mountainous peaks of the island reflect its volcanic origin.
With a unique blend of diverse landscapes, volcanic rocks, green valleys, barren regions and beautiful beaches Santiago is aesthetically pleasing. Hiking is popular here as this is one of the few islands with a refreshing hinterland which can be very rewarding. Ornithologists will be in their element as most of the species endemic to Cape Verde can be spotted here.
Praia is the capital of Santiago, a traditional bustling African town and the trading hub for agricultural products. Live music plays a huge role in the city's culture and can be heard playing in bars and restaurants and is hugely popular amongst the locals and tourists. No visit to Santiago would be complete without a trip to the old capital of Cidade Velha and Forte Real de Sao Filipe, the main slave trading point between Europe, Africa and America.
The following are just a couple of festivals that take place on Santiago:
Gamboa Festival - 17/18/19 May - Held in the bay of San Fransisco and arguably the biggest music festival in Cape Verde. Musicians from other countries come to Santiago to participate.
Tabanka - June/July - A celebration of the liberation of slaves which takes place in Assomada.
The Islands provide some spectacular scenery and there are walks to suit all levels of fitness and experience.
Some of the walks in the islands provide challenges which require previous hill walking experience, a higher-than-average level of fitness and proper walking footwear. For some walks guides are a necessity and can be arranged and paid for locally where as others are well signposted and there is no need for a guide.
The interior of Santiago provides many beautiful walks that start at a point in the centre of the island and follow a Ribeira down to the coast.
We highly recommend taking part in a full day tour of Santiago. Visit Praia - the island's capital, local markets, old settlements and Cidade Velha, the old capital.