Cape Verde Islands (Africa) & Split + HMX

The Cities

Praia — literally “Beach” in Portuguese — is the capital and busiest city of the island nation of Cape Verde. Located in the southern end of Santiago Island, Praia is a port city with some of its biggest exports being bananas, coffee, sugarcane, a variety of tropical fruits and castor beans.

The city is divided into various small unofficial districts, the most important ones being, Platô (city center), Achada Santo Antonio, Palmarejo, Fazenda, Achada Grande, Varzea, Safende, Sucupira (bazaar area), Calbeciera, Terra Branca, Vila Nova, Achadinha, Bairro, Prainha, Monte Vermelho, Achada Mato, Achada Sao Felipe, and other smaller ones. With a population of only about 160,000, Praia is home to over 90% of the nation’s population.

The city experiences a mild desert climate due a short monsoon season and the surrounding Atlantic Ocean moderating the weather. The history of Praia dates back to 1615 when it was originally founded by Portuguese explorers and named Praia de Santa Maria. Cape Verde gained its freedom from the Portuguese on July 5, 1975 after an almost 15 year war for independence which was linked to anti-Portuguese struggles in Guinea-Bissau, Angola, and Mozambique. All four nations became free in 1975. Upon independence Praia became the official capital of the new nation of Cape Verde.

Praia has a cosmopolitan culture. People of African ancestry are the majority in the city, mainly because of the centuries old slave trade and plantation economy of the islands, but there is still a significant European population including many Portuguese. The African influence predominates in the languages, food, and social patterns. The European influence can be seen in the Catholic religion, urban architecture, and clothing. Like other former Portuguese colonies there is a significant Kriol (creole) culture as a result of the intermarriage of many Portuguese and Africans.

Split is known for its Roman ruins, medieval old town, stunning beaches and amazing seafood.

Diocletian’s Palace, an impressive Roman ruin situated on the waterfront, was built by emporer Diocletian as his retirement home, but has been occupied since and features architecture and style from Medieval, Renassiance and Baroque periods.

In Split’s old town, you’ll weave through medieval cobblestoned paths to shops, restaurants and bars. Wandering through town, you’ll find yourself at the Cathederal of St. Domnius, which is considered to be the oldest cathedral in the world.

If you’re looking for hiking and views, be sure to check out Marjan Forest Park, which has a 300+ stair climb to a summit overlooking Split.

There is beach access within a 10-minute walk from the city center at Bačvice Beach where you can participate in water sports or just relax on the beautiful sand.