Things to do in Tarrafal

Tarrafal Beach

Tarrafal Concentration Camp Museum

Piscinas naturais

Lighthouse Dona Maria Pia

Lighthouse Dona Maria Pia stands on the cliffs of Ponta Temerosa at the southern tip of Santiago Island, guarding the entrance to the port of Praia. Locals also call it the Ponta Temerosa Lighthouse or the Praia Lighthouse. The lighthouse was built in 1881 and named after the then-Queen of Portugal, Maria Pia. It was the first of many lighthouses to be lit across the Cape Verde islands, marking a significant milestone in the modern maritime history of Cape Verde. The white octagonal masonry tower stands over 20m tall, topped with a lantern room and gallery. The gray dome of the lantern room contrasts with the white walls, and it is attached to a single-story keeper's cottage. After a complete renovation, it remains in service today, flashing white light twice every few seconds at night to guide ships entering and leaving the port. Today, this lighthouse is a highly recognizable landmark in Praia, often referred to as the city's postcard. Visitors can walk along the cape to the foot of the lighthouse to overlook the Atlantic Ocean, the ships entering and leaving the harbor, and the city skyline. At dusk, the white tower set against the sunset glow on the sea is a popular photo opportunity.

Divecenter Santiago

Tuna Point

Mar di Baxu

Beautiful Harbor

São Filipe Royal Fortress

São Filipe Royal Fortress is a historic defensive fortification. The fortress was built in the 16th century to protect local residents from pirates and other foreign invaders. The attraction sits on a strategic high point overlooking the surrounding area, offering an ideal defensive vantage point. The fortress' architectural style blends military function with colonial-era aesthetics, and its thick stone walls and sturdy construction demonstrate the advanced building techniques of its time. Today, São Filipe Royal Fortress is not only a historical site but also an attraction, drawing many history enthusiasts and visitors. Visitors can explore the interior of the fortress, see the gun emplacements and observation towers that were once used for defense, and learn about its important role in history. The fortress houses exhibits about its construction, its use, and its role in history.

Tarrafal Square