A few days in Cidade Velha

I packed my things after another delicious breakfast at my guesthouse, a true oasis in Plateau - Praia. I made my way to the central Aluguer "shared taxi" departure point, right below my guesthouse at the "Mercado de Sucupira" market.

After a short search, I found the right vehicle and to my surprise, we started after only a 5-minute wait. The ride itself was very pleasant and, above all, short. It took us just 20 minutes to reach "Cidade Velha", a small peaceful town dominated by the old "Fortaleza Real de Sao Filipe". The fortress was completed in 1593 when Portugal was under Spanish rule.

As peaceful and quaint as the town appears today, it has a rather sad history. The town was founded by the first Portuguese settlers in 1461, and in 1466 it became the monopoly trading post for the slave trade with West Africa. Today, you can still find the old restored pillory in the town center as a reminder of that time.

Otherwise, life seems to flow slowly here. If you're looking for peace and tranquility, you shouldn't overlook this little village. And if you want a bit of exercise in between, a small hike into the countryside is recommended.

The first 5 km were rather uneventful, and the sun was scorching. We followed a new road until we reached the village of "Salineiro". I passed through it, feeling a bit uneasy as it seemed all attention was on me. I had heard and read about occasional attacks before my trip. However, I was warmly welcomed, and they even showed me the way.

I had to descend into a valley at the end of the village, a bit skeptical at first, but after a few steps, I found myself in the Garden of Eden, now at 'Miradouro do Salinero'. Everything around me was beautifully green, and the air was fresh. I simply followed the currently dry riverbed and after another 6 km, I was back in the idyllic 'Banana Street' in the peaceful town of "Cidade Velha".

A slight touch to the green valley is that this is where the slaves were kept (captive).

Today, it is simply pure nature, a garden where you feel alone, if it weren't for the occasional sounds of the farmers working their fields and plantations.