Santiago (Portuguese for “Saint James”) is the largest of the Cape Verde islands and is home to the capital of Praia; a bustling, noisy, crowded and distinctly African town.

Santiago is located between the islands of Maio (40 km west) and Fogo (50 km east). This is where half the nation’s population live.

This tropical paradise with its lush forests and beautiful beaches has huge investment potential. Buying property here, be it a villa, apartment, off-plan or new development, can be an extremely lucrative investment, especially if you get in before foreign investors push up the property prices.

Santiago is the most important agricultural centre on Cape Verde. The main agricultural products are corn, sugar cane, bananas, coffee and mangoes. It has a lush green landscape, quite distinct from the deserts of Sal and Boa Vista. All over the island, in the highlands and valleys, you’ll see vast stretches of lavish green vegetation.

Towards the centre of Santiago, the landscape is mountainous with dramatic valleys and even some permanent water fountains. It’s fertile and farming is evident with papaya and maize thriving here.

The island has two mountain chains; Pico d’Antonia, which has the highest point of the island (1392 meters), and Malagueta mountain which reaches to 1064 meters.

The beaches on Santiago are quite small with clean white sands that contrast dramatically with the pitch-black reefs. With sea and air temperatures of about 24ºC throughout the year, the island has perfect conditions for fishing, diving and many other water sports.

Santiago is also home to the “Cidade Velha” which lies about 10kms from Praia. This was once the famous Portuguese capital of Cape Verde, characterised by its huge cathedral and magnificent fort.

Cidade’s fortunes came about from the slave trade between the Africans and Europeans. This went on for over 200 years – the buying and selling of manpower from West Africa.

Merchant galleons would visit Santiago to barter and buy slaves imported from West Africa. Famous explorers like Sir Francis Drake, Captain Cook and Vasco de Gama all docked here on their epic voyages of discovery.

Some of the best places to visit include; Cidade Velha – 15 km west of Praia, Assomada – 60 km north and the pretty fishing village of Tarrafal in the northern part of the island, which genuinely looks as if it hasn’t changed for centuries. Tarrafal is 75 km from Praia.

Santiago also has some spectacular botanical gardens along with a bustling African market.

In August 2005 a new international airport (IATA airport code: RAI, Praia) was opened in the capital Praia and from November 2006 there have been direct flights from UK airports. As competition between the carriers increases lower airfares are set to follow.

Santiago is likely to become a very popular tourist hub for European holidaymakers and investors. It’s got unspoilt beaches, a stunning mountainous landscape and a year-round warm and sunny climate.

Santiago is suitable for all ages. As well as the beaches and water sports, there are plenty of things to do and see.

It’s an island with fantastic potential – certainly as a place to invest (in either off-plan, new developments or existing property) and also as a place to live.
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