Tarrafal Concentration Camp

Cabo Verde


On the main highway about 1km before the centre of Tarrafal is the ominous former Tarrafal Concentration Camp. Here Portuguese authorities used to hold and interrogate political prisoners during the 1940s. It shut down in 1975 and was later converted into a museum. Today it remains a haunting reminder of colonial abuses.

You can wander through the former barracks, prison cells, library, the old infirmary and a handful of other buildings, with signage in English, French and Portuguese giving details of life in the camp.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Cabo Verde attractions

1. Parque Natural Serra da Malagueta

6.71 MILES

Parque Natural Serra da Malagueta encompasses the dramatic, tumbling ridges 15 minutes' drive back along the road to Praia. There are a number of…

2. São Francisco Monastery & Church

25.05 MILES

Complete with Gothic portals and walls covered in azulejo tiles, this once imposing monastery is worth a look, and is reached along a marked trail that…

3. Fortaleza Real de São Filipe

25.25 MILES

For sweeping views, take the curving trail up to this dramatic cliff-side fort built in 1593. A 15-minute film in English and Portuguese gives an overview…

4. Museu Etnográfico de Praia

27.89 MILES

This small museum has a tiny collection of traditional Cabo Verdean artefacts (pottery, textiles and baskets), plus a few treasures hauled up from the…

5. Mercado de Sucupira

27.95 MILES

It's well worth taking a stroll through this bustling food market in the Platô.

7. Sala-Museu Amilcar Cabral

28.07 MILES

This small museum and foundation is dedicated to preserving the memory of freedom fighter Amilcar Cabral (1924–73). Photographs and other memorabilia shed…

8. Farol Dona Maria Pia

28.99 MILES

Built in 1881 and named after a Portuguese queen, this wind-battered lighthouse provides a scenic vantage point for views across the coastline.

  • placement: superzone
  • path: Destinations/POIs/superzone
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "cabo-verde/tarrafal-1327557/attractions/tarrafal-concentration-camp/a/poi-sig/1555781/1327557",
      "destination": "Cabo-Verde",
      "continent": "Africa",
      "country": "Cabo-Verde",
      "position": "superzone"
    }