Serra Malagueta hike & Tarrafal Beach swim from Praia

Three hours in the mountains, then the island's best beach

A full-day tour from Praia that combines a moderate hike through Serra Malagueta Natural Park with a swim and lunch at Tarrafal Beach. The hike climbs to 850 meters through 774 hectares of protected landscape home to over 124 plant species and 19 bird species found nowhere else. Pickup and drop-off at your Praia accommodation are included. The park entrance fee (€2 per person) is separate. Choose between a private hike or a shared group departure.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hike Serra Malagueta and swim at Tarrafal

• Pickup from accommodation in Praia
• Drive to Serra Malagueta Natural Park
• Hike through Serra Malagueta Natural Park
• Swim and relax at Tarrafal Beach
• Lunch break at Tarrafal Beach
• Return to Praia

The experience

The day starts with pickup from your accommodation in Praia and a drive inland through Santiago Island's mountains to Serra Malagueta Natural Park. Your guide leads a moderate loop hike of roughly 8.5 kilometers that takes about 3 hours, climbing through fertile terrain to a maximum elevation of around 1,075 meters. The trail is flat, wide and safe, with an elevation gain of roughly 280 meters. As you walk, your guide points out the native plants and birds that live only in this park (more than 124 plant species and 19 bird species in total), and explains how the landscape has shaped life on the island.

After the hike, you head to Tarrafal Beach, Santiago Island's most beautiful stretch of sand, ringed by white sand, hills and palm trees. You'll have time to swim and rest on the shore before a picnic lunch. The return to Praia is a relaxed drive back to your accommodation, where you arrive after roughly 7 hours out.

What’s included

• Pickup and drop-off at your Praia accommodation.
• professional guide in your choice of language.
• transportation to and from the park.
• liability insurance.
• and a picnic lunch after your swim.

Options for this experience

2 options

Shared Group HikeGuide in 4 languages · 08:30Shared full trekking in the Natural Park, with stunning views at over 1,000 meters above sea level. Includes tasting grogue made by Mr Marcelino, who is still going strong at 99 years old. Pickup is included.

Private HikeGuide in 4 languages · 08:30Private car. Pickup is included.

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30

Book up to10h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 2.04

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Bu Country Tours

Is this one for you?Book the private hike if you want to set your own pace through the mountains and have flexibility with timing. Choose the shared group option if you'd rather split the cost and meet other travelers on the same route.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years). Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.

What is Serra Malagueta Natural Park like to hike?

Serra Malagueta is a 774-hectare protected area at high elevation where the hike follows a loop trail of roughly 8.5 kilometers over about 3 hours. The path is flat, wide and safe, with a moderate difficulty rating and an elevation gain of roughly 280 meters. You'll reach a maximum elevation of around 1,075 meters and pass through landscapes where over 124 plant species and 19 bird species live, many found nowhere else on earth.

Can I swim at Tarrafal Beach, and how much time do I have there?

Yes, swimming is part of the tour. After the hike, you have time to swim and relax on the shore at Tarrafal Beach before a picnic lunch is served. The beach is surrounded by white sand, hills and palm trees.

What's included in the price, and what do I need to bring?

Pickup and drop-off from your Praia accommodation, transportation, a professional guide, liability insurance, and a picnic lunch are all included. The park entrance fee of €2 per person is not included. Bring hiking shoes, flip-flops or sandals, a towel, a hat, swimwear, and sunscreen. Hiking pants are strongly recommended, especially from August to November.

Can I book this as a private hike or do I have to join a group?

You can choose between a private hike or a shared group departure at checkout. Both options follow the same route and include the same guide, transportation and lunch.