Cape Verde, Africa (continent)April 11, 2025, by Carmen Esselink

The four best cocktail bars in Tarrafal on Santiago, Cape Verde

Cocktails
Cape Verde, Africa (continent), April 11, 2025, by Carmen Esselink

The four best cocktail bars in Tarrafal on Santiago, Cape Verde

While the capital Praia is the big, busy city on Santiago, Tarrafal is the polar opposite. In this fishing village in the north of the island, time moves a little slower, and your only real responsibility is choosing the right cocktail. Luckily, we know exactly where to go. So, where should we go first?

Restaurant Riba Mar

Restaurant Riba Mar

At Restaurante Riba Mar this 'Bart' tasted without a doubt the best pina colada from her life. No chemical junk from a bottle like you get in the Netherlands, but a creamy, freshly made explosion of coconut, rum and pineapple. Promise: if you only have one cocktail in Tarrafal, make it this one. Order a fresh fish of the day and your evening will be legendary.

Kabungo Beach Bar

Kabungo Beach Bar

Still craving a bite after your pina colada? Just a stone’s throw away is Kabungo Beach Bar – another must-visit. Here you can drink the best caipirinhas on the island. Choose from kiwi, lime, passion fruit or papaya, among others. No pretentious frills; just a wooden bar, a great view, sand between your toes and music. Nothing more, nothing less.

Sun and Moon

Sun and Moon

Sometimes you want a cocktail with a little more style. At Sol e Luna you can do that in your best outfit. Here you can order a Negroni or Espresso Martini, while soft lighting and a breeze from the ocean complete the atmosphere. Every now and then there is live, music and you stay longer than you planned.

Hello Orla

Hello Orla

Next to Sol e Luna is Hola Orla, so you don't have to walk far during your pub crawl. This is the place where your taste buds will be put to work. The Bartenders here classical mix cocktails with local ingredients, resulting in gems such as the passion fruit mojito or a spicy margarita. Do you dare to try something new? Let the б then something special for you shake – you won't regret it.

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