Top 5 Assomada Car Tours: Explore Cape Verde

Assomada, located right in the heart of Santiago Island, surely is a place filled with life and Cape Verdean culture, so you really should think about seeing it sometime. Finding what you want to do here can feel overwhelming with plenty options available, that it’s almost like trying to pick just one sweet from an enormous candy shop. I think, for many, hitting the open road on your own terms definitely is the way to truly get a feel for a place. I believe taking a car allows you to discover hidden gems and go at a pace that fits just your needs. So, here’s a little peek at five solid car tours, each one providing something special, for, perhaps your visit to Assomada and its beautiful surroundings.

1. Assomada Market and Cultural Center Tour

Want to throw yourself headfirst into the busy energy of Assomada? This first tour, I believe, should be at the top of your list. First, it’s almost best to hit the Assomada Market, a sprawling, very colourful display of local produce, crafts, and clothing. As a matter of fact, the sounds, scents, and sights all combine in creating a truly sensory feast. Be ready to deal and haggle; it’s almost how things get done here! Take your time to taste a ‘pastel’ or two (fried pastries filled with tasty things), chat to vendors, and simply absorb the overall vibe of the place. Afterwards, take a quick drive up to the Cultural Center. Actually, there, you’ll find art exhibits that focus a light on Cape Verdean history, traditions and culture. Typically, many of these exhibits include local artists, telling unique tales of island life. Plan to devote at least half a day to completely experience the market and the cultural center – and, of course, make time for just random coffee breaks at local cafes.

2. Serra Malagueta Natural Park Loop

Looking to get away from the city? Hop in your car, ’cause we got you covered. Actually, the Serra Malagueta Natural Park gives just stunning views and a change of scenery you won’t soon forget. It starts, typically, with a drive north out of Assomada; so, quickly the scenery goes from built-up to green rolling hills and valleys. The roads in the park are mountain roads and, though unpaved, they’re generally manageable in a regular car, just so you go at a speed you’re okay with. While you’re making your way up, maybe think about making stops at certain scenic spots, for they provide expansive views across the valleys. And for the hikers in the crowd? Seemingly, there’s a whole heap of trails dotted across the park ranging in severity. So, be sure to take a bit of a walk, you might get the change to maybe see some indigenous flora and fauna that thrives up in this unique, high altitude spot. And keep your eye to the skies as the Park happens to be, very well-known for the species of bird that live there; I’d grab the binoculars before hitting the road.

3. Tarrafal Beach and Coastal Drive

A fan of sandy toes and chilling by crystal clear waters? Very, very well, just drive toward Tarrafal. That drive south out of Assomada passes through some rural areas, really showcasing island life at its calmest. After getting to Tarrafal, surely make for the beach! The beach is famous for its pure, gentle sands, that being one great place to spend the afternoon, basking up rays. Also, very definitely take a dip – the ocean is usually inviting. If you’ve brought children or are a weaker swimmer yourself then that you may find, especially appealing, that this beach usually has pretty soft waves and shallow areas for splashing around in. Just along the coast near Tarrafal there happens to be a few restaurants, each one focused on using the freshest local seafood. As I was saying, treat yourself to lunch while admiring at that breathtaking sea views; surely does taste better with that backdrop! Try not to feel afraid of maybe just hopping in the car and seeing what little beaches and coves you can find on the route; sometimes, those less-traveled spots deliver up just great experiences.

4. Coffee Plantation Tour in Rui Vaz

Coffee fan? Of course you are. So, maybe consider that a drive to Rui Vaz and that tour to the coffee plantation could just really suit you. The road winding its way to Rui Vaz gives yet more beautiful glimpses of Santiago’s interiors; I believe those vistas, are a pretty perfect complement, in many ways, to whatever is on the coffee front. While at the plantation, get the chance to see how that coffee goes, just really, from seed all the way to cup. This can feature walking around coffee plants, where you can hear about their farming strategies and about the significance this specific crop holds when regarding that the region. The tastings will mean that, of course, there will be, more or less, cups that overflow with Cape Verdean coffee. These coffees happen to have quite an unique flavour due to where these have come from in these Islands’ microclimate; also it is often an offering of local pastries to nibble along with it! Very often this trip turns out very charming for visitors; it tends to be just one unique break from beaches and markets – with the addition of having a chance to back a couple of packs that have your own names on. This gives them a taste that just shouts home, sweet, sweet memories!

5. Cidade Velha Historical Site Visit

Would like a small portion of history to feature during the stay, then it appears a drive, south-ward this time again to Cidade Velha is just the way you go. Clearly, that town served as that the first capital of Cape Verde and can boast recognition by UNESCO due to its important position in history. I mean it was that very location where trade of humans had really devastating events take shape – really powerful stuff, in other words! When walking around that historical sites there’s stuff such as a old fortress, colonial styled churches ruins really telling us very thought provoking, very deep messages. Give the time a shot by spending at each one of them especially while viewing around that area with so great tales connected with colonial history together within it, with slavery too – seriously really strong stuff. Make some efforts on having learned from what have gone over at that place just as reminder of learning during each experience. The thing with this destination – is usually just simple enough, to travel. Usually it just provides an excellent journey to get insights regards this specific area around these captivating isles.