In the middle of the leeward group of islands with a surface area of 991 Km2, SANTIAGO is the biggest island in the Archipelago. In the north/south direction, its longest point is 55 Km and from east to west, 29 Km. Of volcanic origin, the highest point of its mountainous peaks is called PICO de ANTÓNIO, with an altitude of 1392 m. The deep and beautiful valleys, the result of hundreds of years of erosion, after good agricultural conditions and the view of these regions from above is truly picturesque. There is a great contrast between the vegetation and the mild and humid climate of the higher regions and that of some lower regions, which are very dry and arid.
SANTIAGO was the first island to be populated after the Portuguese discovery of Cape Verde in the XV century. The economy of the island was developed mainly through the use of African slave labor. As a result it became a commercial trading post with the African Continent and naturally assimilated more of the African influence than the rest of the islands. Pirate attacks were frequent on the capital town of RIBEIRA GRANDE, the name given to CIDADE VELHA at that time. In 1583, it was also attacked by forces supporting the Prior of Crato, in the battle for the succession to the throne of Portugal and the French pirate J.Cassard finally devasted the town in 1712. It was from this point on that PRAIA assumed predominance and today remains the capital of the Republic. Agriculture and fishing are still the main industries of SANTIAGO. The island is full of beautiful scenery, charming beaches and living examples of its historical past.
Tourist information about another destination in Cape Verde Islands