Tarrafal Bay
A curved sand bay at the northern end of Santiago, the island's best swimming beach.
Saved in this browser only - no account, nothing sent anywhere. See your map
Tarrafal sits at the northern end of Santiago where the coast turns, and its bay is a curve of pale sand backed by coconut palms with a headland closing it on one side, which makes it calm and swimmable when much of the island's coast is not. The town behind it is a working fishing place with boats drawn up at one end of the beach. The Serra Malagueta mountains rise inland on the road from Praia.
What you actually see
- The curved bay - pale sand backed by palms and closed by a headland.
- The calm water - sheltered swimming, unusual on this coast.
- The fishing boats - the working end of the beach at the town side.
- The mountain road - the drive over the Serra Malagueta from Praia.
When to go
November to June is the dry season. The harmattan can bring dust between January and March. August and September bring the rains and rough seas.
Honest expectations
The drive from Praia takes a couple of hours on a winding road. The town is modest and facilities are basic. Dust haze in the winter months can be heavy.
Nearby
Serra Malagueta is south, and Praia is beyond it.
What to pack for Tarrafal Bay
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
