Local highlights for a stay in Santa Cruz include historical and cultural traces in Achada Igreja and Achada Bel-Bel, festival events in Pedra Badejo, and landscapes and opportunities for nature observation near João Toro and Ribeira dos Picos. You can plan your trip around what matters most to you: historical landmarks, a festival date or a natural attraction.

Cultural history in Achada Igreja and Achada Bel-Bel

In Achada Igreja, the ruins of a church and some graves in its associated cemetery are among the area’s historical and cultural features. These features are included in visitor itineraries through the Concelho de Santa Cruz; the church ruins need restoration. The church and its associated cemetery therefore form a specific historical highlight.

There are Rabelados communities in Achada Bel-Bel. This is distinct from the architectural traces in Achada Igreja: Santa Cruz’s cultural character includes both historical remains and a named community.

Festivals in Pedra Badejo

A festival is held in Pedra Badejo every year in March, featuring Funaná, Batuco and Tabanka. It is associated with the anniversary of Catchás’s death and the founding of the Concelho de Santa Cruz. The event is named after the three musical styles. Visitors come from different parts of the country and from abroad. Dates and programmes vary from year to year; check the current edition before planning a trip around the festival.

A description from 2013 gives 25 July as the date of the municipal day in the Concelho de Santa Cruz and the patronal festival in honour of São Tiago Maior, also known as “Nhu Santiago”. If you would like to plan your trip around this occasion, check the latest dates and programme details. March and 25 July offer different time frames to consider when planning your trip.

Landscape and nature

A description from 2013 highlights the expansive view from João Toro over the green Ribeira dos Picos, with its striking coconut palms and banana plants. It also mentions the many birds and endemic plants along the stream. The panorama and the stream’s flora and birdlife offer different perspectives on the landscape of Santa Cruz.

Nesting turtles can also be observed in Santa Cruz. If you would like to include this natural attraction in your plans, check in advance what options are currently available.

Choosing hotels in Santa Cruz

Your reason for travelling is a good starting point when looking for a hotel in Santa Cruz. If you are planning around a festival, first check its latest date and programme. Also compare the availability of each hotel for your travel dates.

Discover more destinations: Santa Cruz, Pedra Badejo, Tarrafal, Boa Vista, Brava, Sao Miguel, Mosteiros, Sao Vicente

For the broader travel overview: Cape Verde.