Chão Bom

Chão Bom is a settlement in the northwestern part of Santiago Island, located just south of the city of Tarrafal. The town is historically significant due to the presence of the Tarrafal Concentration Camp, established in 1936 by the Portuguese Estado Novo regime. The camp was designed to imprison political opponents of the dictatorship and later became a site of detention for freedom fighters from African colonies such as Angola and Guinea-Bissau. Geographically, the area is situated on a dry coastal plain, bordered to the east by the foothills of the Serra Malagueta mountain range. Today, the former prison complex serves as a museum and a national memorial, chronicling the history of the struggle against colonial rule. Chão Bom has seen significant residential growth in recent years, functioning as an extension of the nearby urban center of Tarrafal. Agriculture in the surrounding fields remains a primary local activity, though it is heavily dependent on the archipelago's sparse and seasonal rainfall.

Nearby cities

Tarrafal

Tarrafal is a city in the north of Santiago island, famous for its white sand beach.

Achada Monte

Achada Monte is a rural settlement in the northeastern part of Santiago island.

Ribeira da Barca

Ribeira da Barca is a picturesque fishing village on the west coast of Santiago.

Calheta de São Miguel

Calheta de São Miguel is a city on the northeastern coast of Santiago and the seat of the São Miguel municipality.

Assomada

Assomada is a city in the central highlands of Santiago island and the seat of the Santa Catarina municipality.

Porto Rincão

Porto Rincão is an isolated coastal village in the west of Santiago island.

Picos

Picos, also known as Achada Igreja, is the seat of the São Salvador do Mundo municipality.

João Teves

João Teves is a city in the interior of Santiago and the seat of the São Lourenço dos Órgãos municipality.

Pedra Badejo

Pedra Badejo is a coastal city on the east coast of Santiago island and the seat of the Santa Cruz municipality.

Porto Mosquito

Porto Mosquito is a small fishing village west of the capital Praia.

Calheta

Calheta is a traditional fishing village on the west coast of Maio.

Barreiro

Barreiro is a suburb of Porto Inglês with a rural character.

Morrinho

Morrinho is a peaceful village on the Cape Verdean island of Maio.

Figueira da Horta

Figueira da Horta is an agricultural center on Maio island.

Cascabulho

Cascabulho is a small settlement in the north of Maio island.

History & landmarks

National Stadium of Cape Verde

The largest football stadium in the country, considered a symbol of Cape Verde's sporting ambitions.

Ponta Temerosa Lighthouse

A prominent lighthouse at the southern tip of Santiago Island, guiding ships to the port of Praia.

More places

Tarrafal Concentration Camp

The Tarrafal Concentration Camp in Chao Bom, on Santiago, was a Portuguese colonial detention camp.

Serra Malagueta

A mountain range in the north of Santiago, known for its cloud forest and hiking trails.

Monte Semedo

A striking peak in the north of Santiago, impressing with its steep rock walls and sparse, rocky environment.

Monte Duarte

Monte Duarte is a high volcanic mountain on Fogo.

Maize Fields of the Inland

Traditional maize fields in the highlands of Santiago, providing the staple food for Cape Verdeans.

Santiago

The largest and most populous island, offering both green mountains and dry coasts.

Banana Plantations of Santa Cruz

Large agricultural areas on Santiago that supply the archipelago with fresh bananas.

Grandvaux Barbosa National Botanical Garden

The only botanical garden in the country, protecting the rich endemic flora of Cape Verde.