Cidade Velha

Travel Guide

An aerial view of a coastal town with a rugged coastline, a bay, and distant mountains.
A coastal town with a rugged coastline, terraced fields, and a mix of residential and commercial buildings.
A coastal village with houses along the shoreline, a road curving through the landscape, and a clear view of the ocean.
A stone fort with a flag, a small tower, and a view of the sea.
A hilly landscape with green vegetation and a few scattered buildings.
Hotel Vulcão

Hotel Vulcão

4 out of 5
Ribeira Grande de Santiago Cidade Velha Ilha de Santiago
Fully refundable
$65 nightly
The price is $81 total per night from Sep 28 to Sep 29
$81 total
Sep 28 - Sep 29
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Cidade Velha. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and 2 bars/lounges. Popular attractions Royal Fortress of São ...
7.6/10 Good! (64 reviews)
"Nothing to say"

Reviewed on Jun 26, 2026

Hotel Vulcão
Secluded modern villa with pebble beach near Unesco heritage city

Secluded modern villa with pebble beach near Unesco heritage city

Cidade Velha Ribeira Grande de Santiago
Stay at this villa in Cidade Velha. Enjoy laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions Royal Fortress of São Filipe and Montes Redondos are located ...
Get rates
Secluded modern villa with pebble beach near Unesco heritage city
Pestana Trópico

Pestana Trópico

4 out of 5
Prainha, Cidade Da Praia Praia Santiago
$129 nightly
The price is $154 total per night from Oct 17 to Oct 18
$154 total
Oct 17 - Oct 18
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Praia. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and in-room massages. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (289 reviews)
"Only resort that is handicap accessible! Stuff are friendly and helpful! Great customer service! definitely recommend"

Reviewed on Aug 25, 2026

Pestana Trópico
See all 273 properties in Cidade Velha
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Secluded modern villa with pebble beach near Unesco heritage city

Secluded modern villa with pebble beach near Unesco heritage city

Cidade Velha Ribeira Grande de Santiago
Stay at this villa in Cidade Velha. Enjoy laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions Royal Fortress of São Filipe and Montes Redondos are located ...
Secluded modern villa with pebble beach near Unesco heritage city
Praia City Apartments

Praia City Apartments

4 out of 5
Achada São Filipe Praia Santiago
Stay at this aparthotel in Praia. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Museu Etnográfico de Praia and Alexandre Albuquerque ...
Praia City Apartments
Quinta Achada Fazenda

Quinta Achada Fazenda

3.5 out of 5
Achada Fazenda Baixo Santa Cruz Santa Cruz
Stay at this apartment in Santa Cruz. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 10 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Pedra Badejo Beach and Pedra Badejo Municipal ...
Quinta Achada Fazenda
See all properties in Cidade Velha
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Cidade Velha attractions

Royal Fortress of São Filipe

8.4/10 (58 reviews)
Find out about the history of Cidade Velha when you take a trip to Royal Fortress of São Filipe. While you're in the area, stroll along the beaches.
See properties

Things to do

Hiking to Gongon Valley

Hiking to Vale de Gongon – Sierra Malagueta Trail

$103
per adult
Hiking to Vale de Gongon – Sierra Malagueta Trail
4h Guided city tour Praia & Cidade Velha

Praia & Cidade Velha: Guided City Tour

$52
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Praia & Cidade Velha: Guided City Tour
Old Town: Private historical tour with meals and admissions included

Old Town: Private historical tour with meals and admissions included

$184
per traveler
Old Town: Private historical tour with meals and admissions included
Santiago ISLAND TOUR by Aventour - Nature & Local Life Tour

Santiago ISLAND TOUR by Aventour - Nature & Local Life Tour

$69
per adult
Santiago ISLAND TOUR by Aventour - Nature & Local Life Tour
Santiago Island: Banana Plantation, Natural Park & Workshop with a local family

Santiago Island: Banana Plantation, Natural Park & Workshop with a local family

$87
per adult
Santiago Island: Banana Plantation, Natural Park & Workshop with a local family
From Praia: Explore the whole island in 1 day

From Praia: Explore the whole island in 1 day

$57
per adult
From Praia: Explore the whole island in 1 day
See all activities in Cidade Velha

Frequently asked questions

Is Cidade Velha worth visiting?
Cidade Velha is worth visiting for its historical sites, such as the Royal Fortress of São Filipe and the São Francisco monastery and church. Travelers can explore these significant landmarks to experience the destination's history.
When is the best time to visit Cidade Velha?
The best time to visit Cidade Velha is from January through May, when travelers can enjoy pleasant weather. For fewer crowds and better value, the warmer months of August through October are a good option, offering a different experience with potentially higher temperatures.
What is Cidade Velha known for?
Cidade Velha is known for its significant historical sites, including the Royal Fortress of São Filipe. Travelers can also explore the São Francisco monastery and church, and the Igreja Nossa Senhora do Rosario, all located in this city on Santiago, Cape Verde.
What is a good itinerary length for Cidade Velha?
A good itinerary length for Cidade Velha is one to two days to explore key highlights like the Royal Fortress of São Filipe, São Francisco monastery and church, and Igreja Nossa Senhora do Rosario, perhaps with a walking tour. An extended stay of three to four days allows for a more relaxed pace and deeper exploration of these historic sites. See Cidade Velha Activities.
What are the top things to do in and around Cidade Velha?
Cidade Velha offers a journey through history with its significant landmarks and engaging tours:


How do I plan a trip to Cidade Velha?
To plan your trip to Cidade Velha, book flights and accommodations in advance. Consider activities like the Cidade Velha Walking Tour and visiting landmarks such as the Royal Fortress of São Filipe. Plan outdoor activities, like exploring the São Francisco monastery and church or Igreja Nossa Senhora do Rosario, for early morning or late afternoon to make the most of your visit.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Cidade Velha?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Cidade Velha by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Cidade Velha with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Cidade Velha trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Cidade Velha?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Cidade Velha can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Cidade Velha trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Cidade Velha trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Cidade Velha trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Cidade Velha trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Cidade Velha?
If it's your first trip to Cidade Velha, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Cidade Velha hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Cidade Velha hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

Cities near Cidade Velha

A coastal town with buildings along the shoreline, a prominent hill in the background, and the ocean in the foreground.

Praia

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