Praia Audio Tours

Nelson Mandela International Airport serves Santiago Island with connections to Lisbon, the Netherlands, and several other European cities, as well as inter-island flights. From the airport, the city centre is about 7 kilometres by taxi. Inter-island ferries and flights connect Praia to other Cape Verdean islands including Sao Vicente and Sal.

The central Platona and Fazenda areas are generally safe in daylight. Praia has seen some petty crime in less touristed outer districts, so stay aware in unfamiliar neighbourhoods and keep valuables secure. Walking in groups and avoiding the display of expensive equipment reduces risk.

Portuguese is the official language and used in government, education, and formal contexts. Kriolu, a Portuguese-based Creole specific to Cape Verde, is the everyday spoken language. English is not widely spoken outside hotels and tourist facilities. Some knowledge of Portuguese is helpful but not essential for a guided audio tour.

Cachupa, a slow-cooked stew of hominy corn, beans, vegetables, and meat or fish, is the national dish and eaten for breakfast as cachupa refogada (fried with egg the morning after) as often as at dinner. Grilled freshly caught fish is excellent near the port. Grogue, the local sugarcane rum, is both very cheap and better than its price suggests.