Planning to visit the beautiful islands of Cape Verde? Then find out which are the best places to stay in Praia!
Located in the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of Senegal, the small Republic of Cape Verde is made up of an archipelago of ten volcanic islands. Praia, whose name means « beach » in Portuguese, is the largest city and capital of Cape Verde. It is also located on the island of Santiago, the largest of the archipelago’s nine inhabited islands.
The islands were originally uninhabited when the Portuguese first set foot on these African islands. Subsequently, the archipelago was at the heart of trade between the Americas, Africa, Asia and Europe. Today, the population defines itself more as Creole than Portuguese. Speaking both Portuguese and Cape Verdean Creole, its culture is nourished by European and African influences, creating a surprising and invigorating mix. Home to a third of Cape Verde’s inhabitants, Praia is the archipelago’s most cosmopolitan and lively city. To immerse yourself in this unique, multicultural Cape Verdean atmosphere, what better way than to visit the beautiful capital or attend its famous carnival!
To enjoy a superb stay on the island of Santiago, choosing the right accommodation in Praia is essential. So where to sleep in Praia during your trip? To help you prepare for your adventure, we’ve put together a list of the best places to stay in Praia! You’ll have all the information you need to have fun and discover this wonderful city and islands of the Atlantic Ocean from the comfort of your accommodation.
Le Plateau
Photo credit: Flickr – A. v. Z.
The Plateau district, or « Plato » in Cape Verdean, is Praia’s historic city center. It’s also the best place to stay in Praia.
There’s plenty to do in this charming town center, from strolling along the picturesque streets to the magnificent Gamboa beach, tasting coffee in one of the many typical bars or visiting the local markets!
From your accommodation in Praia sur le Plato, you’ll have easy access to the Cape Verdean capital’s most interesting places and buildings: the Nossa Senhora da Graça Church, the Town Hall, the Capela de S. António Chapel, the Praça Alexandre Albuquerque, as well as the Palácio da Justiça and the Palácio Presidencial!
If you don’t know where to sleep in Praia, we can only recommend the Plateau, by far the safest and most touristic area of the capital.
Find a hotel in Plateau
Find an Airbnb in the Plateau district
Achada de Santo António
Photo credit: Instagram – 573phane
For more authenticity, the Achada de Santo António district is also a good place to stay in Praia. Several charming hotels have established themselves on the heights and slopes of Santa Antonio.
You’ll have no trouble finding accommodation in Praia’s picturesque Achada de Santo António district. What’s more, the historic center is just a short walk away, as are the beautiful beaches of Gamboa and Prainha. In the area, you’ll also find typical restaurants where you can sample local specialities, seafood or simply enjoy a coffee on the terrace.
Find a hotel in Achada de Santo António
Find an Airbnb in Achada de Santo António
Palmarejo
Photo credit: Instagram – martine.trumpet
Beneath the Achada de Santo António district and heights lies the residential area of Palmarejo. For charming accommodation in Praia, Palmarejo is also perfect: many hotels have established themselves in the area. You’ll also find several very comfortable Airbnbs in Palmarejo.
However, for the price of this authenticity, it won’t be easy to walk to the Plateau district and its tourist attractions. Rest assured, however, that you’ll always have easy access to the seafront or the heights of Santo Antonio!
Find a hotel in Palmarejo
Find an Airbnb in Palmarejo
Although Praia is a fairly safe city, it is poorly lit at night. It is therefore advisable to walk in pairs or in groups, and to avoid straying far from the city center or the lit streets after dark. During the day, it’s also advisable to avoid groups of young men.