Cape Verde travel guide
Cape Verde Tourism | Cape Verde Guide
You're Going to Love Cape Verde
Isolated off the coast of Northwest Africa, Cape Verde holds a unique combination of landscapes. Spread across 10 volcanic islands that mightily rise out of the Atlantic Ocean, the country is blessed with picturesque beaches and sugarcane fields at every turn. The locals are passionate about music and you'll be able to hear their soulful songs at bars and restaurants, which take influence from Portuguese, African, and Brazilian styles.
What to do in Cape Verde
1. Trek Across Santo Antão
A thriving climate and ecosystem have developed a lush jungle that provides some of the most scenic hikes you could imagine. Tremendous valleys slope down from mountain peaks as blissful waterfalls are found tucked away behind corners.
2. Get Festive in Mindelo
The small port city on the island of São Vicente bursts with color during Mindelo Carnival as flamboyant dancers and drummers fill the streets.
3. Swim Until your Heart's Content at Sal
The flattest of all the 10 islands, Sal offers the greatest range of accessible beaches and sports activities. Float in the ocean or take a windsurfing lesson across the turquoise waters.
4. Climb to the Peak of Pico do Fogo
The 9,281 ft active volcano is the highest peak in West Africa and the climb takes between 3-5h. There is also Pico Pequeno, which offers a less demanding route while the bordering town of Chã das Caldeiras is a must-see.
5. Tackle Boa Vista's desert
An island in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean is the last place you'd expect to find a desert, however, there is 3 mi stretch of undulating dunes right in the heart of Boa Vista.
When to visit Cape Verde
The warm climate is most appealing during the dry season that stretches from November until June. Daily temperatures hover around the high seventies during this period and rain becomes a distant memory.
How to Get to Cape Verde
Entry Requirements
An entry visa is required and can be pre-purchased in countries such as Portugal, Brazil, Belgium, the United Kingdom, and the USA. Citizens of other nationalities can purchase the approximately 3,400 CVE (34 USD) visa upon arrival.
Plane
International airports are located on the islands of São Vicente, Sal, Boa Vista, and Santiago with direct services available from cities such as Lisbon, Madrid, Dakar, Boston, and Bissau. Airlines operating these routes include TAP Air Portugal, TUI Airways, Cabo Verde Airlines, and Royal Air Maroc. A 7h 30min flight from Boston to Praia can be booked for approximately 31,200 CVE (315 USD).
Boat
The most common crossing by sea is from Dakar on the western edge of Senegal, though there is no regularly scheduled ferry.
Popular airlines serving Cape Verde
Where to stay in Cape Verde
The large islands of Santiago and Sal attract the majority of tourists, while smaller islands, such as Maoi and Fogo, offer a more authentic insight into the lives of Cape Verde locals.
Where to stay in popular areas of Cape Verde
Most booked hotels in Cape Verde
How to Get Around Cape Verde
Public Transportation
Santiago and São Vicente have municipal bus services across the islands operating between 6:00 am and 9:00 am for fares of roughly 45 CVE (0.45 USD). The schedules are sometimes unreliable and minibuses referred to as "yasi" can be caught instead.
Bus
Yasis are the only form of land transport between cities available to the public, with services arranged to align with arrival times of ferries and flights. There are no timetables for the minibuses; however, they are always easy to spot on the streets.
Car
If you plan on renting a car and driving yourself, it is recommended that you get a 4x4 as there are many dirt roads. An international driving license makes life easier and a rental car can be picked up for about 8,000 CVE (80 USD) per day.
Plane
Cabo Verde Airlines has a hub at Amílcar Cabral Airport on Sal and has domestic services to Praia and São Vicente. The 45min flight from Sal to Praia costs roughly 8,320 CVE (84 USD).
Boat
Ferry routes link many cities and towns across Cape Verde, including Palmeira, Mindelo, Porto Novo, and Praia. Long-distance trips from Praia can be made in overnight sleeper cabins.
The Cost of Living in Cape Verde
Eating out at a nice restaurant costs approximately 1,600 CVE (16 USD) per person, while a bottle of wine can be bought for roughly 800 CVE (8 USD). It is recommended to carry cash as credit cards are not widely accepted.