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Cape Verde -

Cape Verde is a central Atlantic archipelago located off the west coast of the African continent. It consists of 10 volcanic islands.

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History -

The islands were uninhabited until the 15th century, when the Portuguese colonized them. The country became independent in 1975.

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Population -

There are around 540,000 people living across the archipelago.

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Language -

The official language in Cape Verde is Portuguese, although the Cape Verdean Creole is a recognized language and more commonly used.

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Food -

The diet in Cape Verde consists mainly of fish, corn, and rice. The typical national dish is cachupa, a slow-cooked corn and bean stew, served with either fish or meat.

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Economy -

Cape Verde’s economy depends very much on tourism, as the agriculture and fishing industries only make up about 9% of the national GDP.

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Transport - Transportation between islands is typically by airplane, with the airline Binter being responsible for all domestic flights. There are also ferry services between islands.

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Climate -

The weather is pretty mild all year round, and rainy season is usually from August to October.

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Visa -

Most tourists in Cape Verde must obtain a visa to enter the country. A visa can be obtained beforehand or upon arrival at the airport.

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Santiago -

Santiago is the largest island both in size and population, and is home to the nation’s capital, Praia.

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Santiago -

Santiago boasts huge diversity in terms of both landscapes and culture, so it’s worth renting a car and exploring the island.

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Santiago -

Highlights include heading to the Cidade Velha (“Old Town”), laying out on Tarrafal beach, and visiting the Tarrafal concentration camp (where political prisoners were sent during the Portuguese dictatorship regime).

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São Vicente -

São Vicente is considered the cultural hub of Cape Verde, as popular music and dance genres “morna” and “coladera” were born there.

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São Vicente -

Many Cape Verdean authors and artists are also connected to São Vicente, which makes it a great place to explore the country’s culture.

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São Vicente -

The Mindelo area is the most popular, with Laginha beach’s famous clear-blue water, and vibrant nightlife.

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Santo Antão -

Santo Antão is one of the most popular islands among hikers and outdoorsy people in general.

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Santo Antão -

From the striking coastline cliffs and deserted beaches along the northeast coast to the vegetation-dense and mountainous Vale do Paúl region (Paul Valley), Santo Antão is a treat for all nature-lovers.

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Santo Antão -

The island requires at least a three-day trip, as it offers various treks that vary in difficulty. Try the national alcohol beverage—the “grogue!”

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Sal -

Sal island is one of the most touristic, as it offers some of the best beaches in the whole country. It’s the perfect destination if you just want to rest (and tan) for a few days.

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Sal -

Santa Maria is the most popular beach, and locals gather every morning at the port to sell the fresh catch of the day.

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Sal - Head to Ponta Preta beach for a quieter time, but don’t miss out on a day trip to the Buracona (the “Blue Eye”), which is a natural pool with an underground cave.

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São Nicolau -

São Nicolau’s dramatic peaks and landscapes also make it a desirable destination for the more adventurous tourists.

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São Nicolau -

The Monte Gordo Natural Park and the Baixo Rocha Beach are among the island’s highlights.

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Fogo -

Fogo offers a complex range of landscapes due to its impressive active volcano (which you can climb) and the trail of lava it left behind after the last eruption in 2015.

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Fogo -

This is also where you can try lobster in Cape Verde for the cheapest prices, and the wine is some of the best in the country.

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Boavista -

Boavista is also a dreamy destination for beach lovers. Its proximity to the African coast is responsible for the somewhat arid climate.

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Boavista -

You can go whale-watching in the winter, while in the summer you’ll catch turtle season. Go for a dip at the beautiful Santa Mónica and Chaves beaches.

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Brava -

Due to its climate, Brava is one of the few islands that can support significant agricultural production.

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Music -

Music is a very important part of the country’s culture, and traditional genres include the morna, coladera, and funaná. Cesária Évora remains the best-known Cape Verdean singer in the world.

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