Cape Verde, a destination that is gradually becoming more democratic around the world, is a magnificent country that offers many possibilities, each as varied as the next.
It is sometimes difficult to choose which islands among the 10 to visit but even more to know what is interesting to see on each of them.
To allow you to see it a little more clearly perhaps, here is a list of the essentials of Cape Verde.
When to go to Cape Verde?
Located off Senegal in the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Verde is an archipelago of 10 volcanic islands and covers an area of 4000km2.
Cape Verde is often cut in half with:
- On one side the northern islands: Sal, Sao Vicente, Sao Nicolau, Santo Antao, Boa Vista, Santa Luzia
- On the other hand, the southern islands: Santiago, Fogo, Maio, Brava
Its location makes it a destination with a relatively pleasant dry and warm tropical climate throughout the year.
However, you should know that there are mainly two seasons:
- A dry season: from November to June
- A rainy season: from July to October
Temperatures vary throughout the year between 20°C and 25°C.
What to do in Cape Verde?
Before choosing the islands you want to visit in Cape Verde, here is a list of what you can do in Cape Verde and which are worth a visit.
This list is not exhaustive and is not written in any specific order. If you want to know the 15-day itinerary I followed in Cape Verde, it's here.
1- Visit Santiago for its culture and typical Cape Verdean atmosphere
Santiago is the largest island of Cape Verde but also the most populated. This is the island that is said to have the most “African” history and culture. This is where the Portuguese landed in 1460.
So take the opportunity to visit Praia which is the capital of the island but above all the capital of Cape Verde, although little known internationally. It is the perfect place for an immersion in the Cape Verdean way of life.
In Santiago you will see many landscapes between desserts, sandy beaches, small fishing villages.
2- Immerse yourself in the city of Mindelo on Sao Vicente
Mindelo is not the capital of Cape Verde but it is the capital of Sao Vicente but also the second most important city of Cape Verde. It is the cultural capital of the country.
Some will know this city because it is the city where the famous singer Cesaria Evora was born.
The city is known for its live music and the many musicians who are there. Mindelo is therefore an excellent city for its nightlife and culture. I therefore advise you to walk around the city and come back by chance in the evening in one of these bars to see local musicians playing there.
Beyond this good atmosphere aspect with its music, if you spend some time in Mindelo, take the opportunity to go see its famous fish market which is relatively impressive.
But also :
- The cultural center of Mindelo
- The Tower of Belém
- The main market
- The government palace
- Estrela Square
- The fort of Mindelo
- Etc
If you are in Mindelo at the right time (February-March), the must is to do the carnival which is incredible as it seems!
3- Climb the volcano on Fogo
Mount Fogo is the highest peak in Cape Verde at an altitude of 2 m. Located on the island of Fogo, this volcano had its last eruption in 829, its slopes are covered with ash.
Since then, one of the essential activities of Cape Verde and to climb this famous volcano. This climb is not recognized as a climb of particular difficulty, however, good physical condition is necessary to climb the 1 m drop with a gradient of 000-30 degrees. This climb will take you about 40-3 hours. And about 4 minutes – 45 hour to go down.
4- Santo Antao and its many hikes
In my opinion, it is really one of the essentials of Cape Verde. The island of Santo Antao is a small wonder in the middle of the ocean. Its landscapes and reliefs are simply breathtaking. I therefore recommend 100% to make a stopover on this island of wonders.
You can stay there for 2 days or 2 weeks. There are many hikes to do on this island to discover a little more each day.
The island is divided in two with a rather dry and arid part of the island, which is in total contrast to the other part of the island which is very verdant, tropical and green.
5- Enjoy the splendid beaches of Cape Verde
Cape Verde is an archipelago of islands, so inevitably, it was to be expected, there are splendid paradisiacal beaches with fine white sand (but also black).
On many islands there are very beautiful beaches (Sal, Boa Vista, Santiago, Sao Nicolau, Maio...). But there is a special mention for the beaches of Maio and Boa Vista which are apparently the most beautiful.
6- Go diving in Cape Verde
Obviously, Cape Verde is an archipelago of islands in the Atlantic Ocean, so it's no surprise that we can say that the seabed is beautiful and that we can come across a whole bunch of underwater spaces.
Cape Verde is therefore a well-known destination for diving. Among the 10 islands of Cape Verde, it is quite possible to dive on several of them and in particular:
- Sal Island
- Boa Vista
- Sao Vicente
It's a great destination for diving, I really liked the seabed as well as the different species that you can come across (manta rays, sharks, etc.).
7- Practice one of the many nautical activities in Cape Verde
The Cape Verde islands are a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. Indeed, some islands and in particular Sal, Boa Vista, Santiago, are high places to practice sports such as surfing, kite surfing, windsurfing, wing foil, etc.
If these activities interest you, know that you will find what you are looking for in Cape Verde without any problem.
On most of the islands conducive to these sports, you will find something to rent equipment or take lessons for those who wish to get started.
8- The Dunes of Boa Vista
Nicknamed the island of dunes, Boa Vista is known in particular for its white sand beaches as far as the eye can see. One of the island's flagship activities are the dunes with the Viana desert in particular.
You can explore these dunes by doing a quad excursion for example.
9- The Salt Pans of Pedra Da Lume de Sal
The island of Sal is one of the best known of the archipelago, rather flat and desert, this island welcomes many tourists.
Among the main activities of the island are the salt pans of Pedra de Lume. They are part of the protected areas of Cape Verde. These salt pans are located in the crater of an extinct volcano 39 meters below sea level.
There is a set of infrastructure that was created for the extraction of salt.
You will also have the opportunity to swim in the salt water. It's a nice experience because with the salt content, you float a lot in the water. It is to be tested!!
10- Observe turtles in Cape Verde
Cape Verde having a central geographical location with a tropical climate, it is rich in food resources and therefore offers turtles a refuge and a popular breeding ground.
At least 5 different species of turtles frequent the waters of Cape Verde.
Turtles can be found on various beaches in the Cape Verde Islands, including Sao Vicente, Boa Vista, Sal and others.
If you go to Cape Verde to have the chance to observe turtles, you have to go there at the right time, namely between the months of June and October.
11- Taste local specialties
Beyond all the incredible things to see and do on the different islands of Cape Verde, I strongly recommend that you taste the local specialties. Both the culinary specialties and the national drink, the "grog". This is rum which is made from the many sugar cane plantations found on certain islands and mainly Santo Antao.
In addition to the Cape Verdean specialties to try, take the opportunity to live to the rhythm of the locals and share their daily life. Cape Verdeans are very kind and welcoming!
For more information to prepare your trip, I suggest you consult this list of articles:
French
Arabic
Chinese (Simplified)
Dutch
English
German
Italian
Portuguese
Russian
Spanish
Hi Margaux, I'm Giulio.
I found your guide really helpful, and inspiring! Me and my girlfriend are about to go to Cape Verde in 2 days, and we'll probably follow some of your tips. Would you be so kind as to share with me the contacts of your guides so I can get in touch with them and organize some tours on the different islands?
Thanks a lot for your help!
Cheers!