Tarrafal Beach
Praia do Tarrafal
A crescent of white sand beside a small town at the island’s northernmost tip, sheltered by palm trees, with calm water. It is Santiago Island’s most beautiful beach.
Praia do Tarrafal lies beside the town of Tarrafal on the northwest tip of Santiago Island. A golden-white crescent of sand is ringed with palm trees, with the Serra da Graciosa mountains behind it. The bay is sheltered by the terrain, so its water is calm and clear, which makes it good for swimming, snorkelling and kayaking. It is the most popular beach resort on the island. At one end of the beach is a small fishing harbour, where fishing boats unload their catch every afternoon. The town has seafood restaurants and mid-range guesthouses. You can stay a night or two here and visit the concentration camp museum and Monte Malagueta on the way. A minibus from Praia takes about 2 hours via Assomada, and a private car takes about 1.5 hours.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Monte Graciosa
- Tarrafal Concentration Camp Museum
- Serra Malagueta Natural Park
- Ribeira da Barca
- Poilão de Boa Entrada
- Tabanka Museum
- Assomada Market
- Pico de Antónia