Ribeira da Barca
A black-sand fishing village on the west coast of Santiago, where you can take a fishing boat to nearby sea caves and hidden coves and experience authentic fishing life.
Ribeira da Barca is a fishing village on the west coast of Santiago Island, set on a black sand beach at the mouth of a river valley. Colorful fishing boats are hauled ashore, and fishermen mend nets and dry fish, giving it a strong sense of everyday local life. You can arrange with local fishermen to take a boat north along the coast to see the Águas Belas sea caves and the nearby Achada Leite cove, where the basalt cliffs contrast sharply with the blue water. The minibus ride down the hill from Assomada takes about 30 minutes. Boat fares are negotiated in person. Don't push to go out when the surf is high, and watch for rocks overhead inside the caves.
Opening hours
Daytime
Nearby sights
- Tabanka Museum
- Serra Malagueta Natural Park
- Poilão de Boa Entrada
- Assomada Market
- Tarrafal Concentration Camp Museum
- Tarrafal Beach
- Pico de Antónia
- Monte Graciosa