Everything you want to know before you go, so you can visit Santiago, Cape Verde, well prepared: visa and EASE registration, safety, transport, the best time to visit, money, language and hiking. On this page you'll find a short answer on each topic and a link to the full guide.
Last checked: 4 October 2026.
Visa, EASE and Airport Security Tax
As a Dutch, Belgian or other EU citizen you do not need a visa for Cape Verde for a stay of up to 30 days, but online EASE registration is mandatory (at least 5 days before departure). You usually pay the Airport Security Tax (TSA, approx. 3,400 CVE) in advance online, in the same step as the EASE registration. Read all current conditions, including passport requirements and travelling with children, on our visa page.
Safety on Santiago
Santiago is generally a safe island to visit, with the same ordinary precautions you would take on any holiday. Our guides know the island inside out. For details on local points of attention, transport, health and current emergency numbers, read our detailed safety guide for Santiago.
Getting around Santiago
On Santiago you travel by aluguer (local shared minibus), taxi, rental car or private transfer. For routes such as Praia–Cidade Velha, Praia–Assomada and Praia–Tarrafal, a private transfer or guided tour is especially comfortable. See all options, guide prices and routes in our guide: getting around Santiago.
Best time to visit
The dry season (November–July) is the most pleasant for hikes and the beach: little rain and stable paths. August–October is warmer, more humid and greener. Read the month-by-month explanation, including what it means for hikes such as Pico d’Antónia, in our guide: best time to visit Santiago.
Money and payments
The official currency is the Cape Verdean escudo (CVE), pegged to the euro. In many hotels, restaurants and shops on Santiago you can also pay in euros, and there are ATMs in Praia and Assomada. You can easily book and pay for our tours online in euros.
Language
The official language is Portuguese; most Cape Verdeans also speak Cape Verdean Creole (Kriolu), and English is spoken in the tourism sector. Our guides speak Dutch, so as a Dutch-speaking traveller you are always well looked after.
Hiking and seasons
Santiago has the finest hikes in Cape Verde, from the climb up Pico d’Antónia to walks in Serra Malagueta. The dry season is best for hiking; see best time to visit for the details by month, and see all routes in our overview of hikes on Santiago.
Beaches on Santiago
Santiago is not a classic beach island like Sal or Boa Vista, but it does have a few strong choices: calm Tarrafal with the natural pools of Ribeira da Prata, and Quebra Canela and Prainha in Praia itself. Read the full comparison, including how to get there and practical tips, in our guide: most beautiful beaches on Santiago.
Assomada: the market of the interior
Looking for more than beaches and hikes? Assomada, Santiago's second city, has one of the largest markets on the island and is just 2 km from the kapok tree of Boa Entrada. Read all about timing, getting there and combinations in our guide: Visiting Assomada.
Tours, transfers and personal advice
Rather not work everything out yourself? Our Dutch-speaking guides take care of transport, planning and local knowledge for you, from a short tour to a fully arranged trip on Santiago. See the full range of tours of contact us for personal advice.