Cape Verde Travel Guide

Plan your ultimate trip to Cape Verde with this comprehensive guide. Discover the best places to visit, eat, stay, and more.


Introduction to Cape Verde

Cape Verde is a stunning island nation located off the coast of West Africa. With its diverse landscapes, unique culture, and friendly locals, it offers a wonderful travel experience for all types of travelers. This guide will provide you with everything you need to know to plan your ultimate trip to Cape Verde, from the best places to visit to the top things to do, and more.

List of Places to Visit in Cape Verde

Cape Verde is known for its beautiful coastlines, stunning natural scenery, and rich cultural heritage. Here are some of the top places you should visit during your trip to the islands.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Cidade Velha: This historic city is one of the most important cultural destinations in Cape Verde. It’s the oldest settlement in the country, and it has preserved much of its colonial architecture, churches, fortresses, and museums.
  2. Museu da Tabanka: This museum is dedicated to the country’s rich music heritage and showcases a collection of various instruments and other artifacts.
  3. Ethnographic Museum: This museum is located in the town of Praia and provides a comprehensive overview of the country’s history, culture, and traditions.

Natural Attractions of Cape Verde: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Boa Vista: This island is known for its stunning beaches and impressive sand dunes. There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy here, such as snorkeling, diving, and windsurfing.
  2. Fogo Island: This island is home to Cape Verde’s highest peak, Mount Fogo, an active volcano. Visitors can hike to the top of the mountain for scenic views of the island.
  3. Sal: This island is known for its crystal-clear waters and white sand beaches. It’s a popular spot for watersports and swimming with sea turtles.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Cape Verde

Cape Verde has plenty of hiking and biking routes, which provide great ways to explore the country’s natural beauty. Here are some of the best routes:

  1. Santo Antão Circuit: This circuit provides stunning views of deep valleys, towering mountains, and tropical forests.
  2. Salto do Cabrito: This hike is located in São Nicolau and takes you to a waterfall and swimming hole.
  3. Boa Vista: There are several scenic bike routes around the island, including the Santa Maria to Espargos route, which takes you through charming rural villages.

Best Things to Do in Cape Verde: Activities and Tours

  1. Kiteboarding lessons: Cape Verde is a mecca for kitesurfing, and there are plenty of kiteboarding schools on the islands.
  2. Take a boat tour: There are numerous boat tours to choose from in Cape Verde, including fishing and whale watching tours.
  3. Visit a local market: Cape Verdean markets are full of colorful stalls selling everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts.

Week-Long Itinerary for Cape Verde

If you’re short on time, here’s a week-long itinerary to help you make the most out of your trip to Cape Verde:

Day 1-2: Explore the historic city of Cidade Velha, visit the Museu da Tabanka and take a swim at Praia de Santa Maria.

Day 3-4: Spend time on the island of Sal, head to the beach for some watersports and take a boat tour.

Day 5-6: Hike the Santo Antão Circuit and take a bike ride through Boa Vista.

Day 7: Visit the capital city of Praia, and go shopping at the local markets.

Food and Drink Scene of Cape Verde

Cape Verde has a rich culinary heritage, with a mix of African, Portuguese, and Brazilian influences. Here are some of the standout dishes and drinks:

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Cachupa: This traditional Cape Verdean dish is made with corn, beans, vegetables, and meat or fish.
  2. Pastel com ovo: This pastry dish is filled with eggs, onions, and tomatoes.
  3. Bolo de Fubá: A cake made from cornmeal, coconut, and sugar.

Local Beverages

  1. Grogue: This is a popular alcoholic beverage made from fermented sugarcane.
  2. Ponche: A sweet alcoholic drink made with rum and fruit juice.
  3. Tropical fruit juices: Cape Verde has an abundant selection of fresh tropical fruits such as papaya, mango, and passion fruit which can be blended into delicious drinks.

Where to Stay in Cape Verde: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Cape Verde offers a wide variety of accommodations to suit all budgets and preferences. Here are some of the best options:

  1. Hilton Cabo Verde Sal Resort: This luxurious hotel is located on Sal Island, offering direct beach access and infinity pools.
  2. Boutique Hotel Pescador: Located on the island of Brava, this charming boutique hotel offers stunning sea views and authentic local cuisine.
  3. Casa Branca: Located in the capital city of Praia, this guesthouse offers affordable and comfortable accommodation.

What to Buy in Cape Verde: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Grogue: This alcoholic beverage is a popular souvenir from Cape Verde.
  2. Handmade crafts: Local artisans create beautiful handicrafts from weaving baskets to embroidering clothing.
  3. Batiks: These handcrafted fabrics are dyed using waxed designs and colors, and are popular for clothing and home decor.

Local Culture and Customs of Cape Verde

The people of Cape Verde are known for their friendly and welcoming nature. It is important to respect the local culture and customs. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

  1. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
  2. Always accept food and drink offerings.
  3. Show respect to elders and greet them with a handshake or kiss on each cheek.

Best Time to Visit Cape Verde

The best time to visit Cape Verde is from November to June when the weather is dry and sunny. Hurricane season runs from August to October, so travel during this time is not recommended.

Do’s and Don’ts of Cape Verde

Do:

  1. Respect the local culture and customs.
  2. Try out the local cuisine.
  3. Take time to explore the islands’ natural beauty.

Don’t:

  1. Disrespect locals or their customs.
  2. Take pictures of locals without their permission.
  3. Litter on beaches or natural sites.

Safety and Health

It is generally safe to travel in Cape Verde, but visitors should still take precautions to ensure their safety and health.

Safety in Cape Verde

  1. Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
  2. Avoid displaying expensive valuables.
  3. Check with locals about safe areas to avoid.

Health in Cape Verde

  1. Make sure you are up-to-date with your vaccinations before your trip.
  2. Drink bottled or filtered water.
  3. Bring sunscreen and insect repellent.

Getting to Cape Verde: Transportation Options and Logistics

There are several options for getting to Cape Verde, including flights, ferries, and cruise ships.

Airports Near Cape Verde

  1. Amílcar Cabral International Airport, Sal Island
  2. Praia International Airport, Santiago Island
  3. Cesária Évora Airport, São Vicente Island

Bus Stations Near Cape Verde

Cape Verde does not have a dedicated bus system, but taxis and shared minivans are available as public transportation.

Other Options

Cruise ships also dock at some of the main ports of Cape Verde.

How to Get Around in Cape Verde

There are several options for getting around in Cape Verde, including taxis, shared minivans, rental cars, and bikes.

Where to Go Next from Cape Verde: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Senegal: This West African country borders Cape Verde, offering a similar cultural experience.
  2. Morocco: This country is a great destination for travelers looking for a mix of African and Arabic culture.
  3. Portugal: This country is the colonial ruler of Cape Verde and is only a short flight away.

Conclusion

Cape Verde is a beautiful island nation with diverse landscapes, rich culture, and friendly locals. Use this guide to help plan your trip and make the most of your time in this wonderful country.

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    Boa Vista
    Fogo
    Sal
    Santiago
    Santo Antão
    São Vicente