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Hundreds of Cape Verde five-star hotel guests struck down by sickness

Officials have not found a definitive source for the infection, article bookmarked.

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Hundreds of guests at five-star hotels in Cape Verde have been struck down by a sickness bug.

An outbreak of shigella – a highly contagious bacterial infection affecting the intestines and digestive system – has been traced back to the isolated volcanic archipelago in the central Atlantic Ocean, which is a popular destination for winter sun .

According to a recent report by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), an increased reporting of cases has been ongoing since September 2022, “evolving rapidly” during November and December.

So far, 221 cases have been confirmed, and a further 37 possible cases recorded, in 10 countries, including the UK, the US, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany and the Netherlands.

No deaths have been reported, but at least one person (in Portugal) was hospitalised as a result.

According to the ECDC, “most cases have stayed in five-star, all-inclusive hotels in the Santa Maria region of the island Sal”.

At present, it is not known which hotels have been impacted by the infection.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) , shigella is the leading cause of bacterial diarrhoea in the world.

Symptoms tend to include bloody diarrhoea (also known as dysentery), cramps and fever.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that the majority of people who contract the infection tend to get better in five to seven days without treatment.

In certain cases, shigella can be treated with a course of antibiotics.

There are approximately 80 to 165 million cases of shigella worldwide every year, according to the CDC.

The infection can cause severe and sometimes life-threatening complications in very young children or those with weakened immunity.

While officials aren’t sure how the outbreak has spread, the most likely cause is through contaminated food or water.

The infection can also spread from person to person through poor hygiene and even sex.

ECDC officials have suggested that there is a moderate risk of new infections emerging from the country.

The Independent has contacted the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) for further comment.

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Breaking News

Cape Verde's tourism industry battered by coronavirus pandemic

By Africanews and AFP

With its pristine beaches and luxury resorts, Cape Verde is a tourist's paradise

But the tropical Atlantic island off Senegal has been struggling since the coronavirus pandemic with few tourists arriving.

While many hotels are shuttered the new Pensao Por Do Sol recently opened its doors.

The hotel's opening day should have been in December when the year-end tourist season kicks into gear. It was then delayed until February and postponed again, and has now only just taken place.

"We're worried," said hotel manager Maya Duarte.

"We're afraid that if we stay open, we won't have any income and be unable to pay the staff."

The solution, she said, was to ease dependence on vacationers from Europe.

"We can't expect just Europeans to come here -- we have to invest locally."

Silvio Antonio Lopes Borge sells trinkets and postcards. Due to Covid, he has lost 80 percent of his income. He says can no longer afford his two-year-old son's playgroup.

"We play together -- at least he's happy," he said. "And it's free."

"Before, I was able to put aside savings. Now I don't have enough to live on," he said.

He agrees with Duarte that the local economy needs to be strengthened by investing in fishing and agriculture.

Lacking freshwater and arable land, Cape Verde has to import 90 percent of what it consumes.

The crushing impact of the pandemic has brought home to many how dependent Cape Verde is on distant Europe, said economist Jose Agnelo Sanches.

"The future lies with diversifying the economy" and trading more with Africa, he said. "And we have to develop strengths in other sectors, such as agriculture and fishing."

Tourists, drawn to Cape Verde's gentle hospitality, year-round warmth and turquoise seas, account for a full quarter of the country's gross domestic product (GDP).

After growth of 4.5 percent in 2018 and 5.7 percent in 2019, the former Portuguese colony suffered a record slump last year -- a retraction of 14.8 percent.

While the island is struggling from the effects of the pandemic, the tourists who have been able to travel to the former Portuguese colony are enjoying the sights without the crowds.

"We made a reservation on Booking.com, we went to the hotel but it is closed, so it's a bit of a hassle in that sense," said Portuguese tourist Miguel Almeida.

"But at the same time, it's true that we take advantage of the city because there aren't that many people. "

The pandemic has had, relatively speaking, only a limited medical effect on Cape Verde -- the country has recorded 19,780 cases, of which 188 have been fatal.

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Insider's guide to visiting Cape Verde

Although this is undoubtedly Africa, European influences in the towns are unmistakable, in the architecture, language and even religion. There is a bounty of Portuguese, German, French, Dutch and Italian speakers, but you may never hear another English voice on the islands. That, along with the astounding landscapes, the year-round warm climate and the most hypnotic music east of Havana, is reason enough to visit this miniature Galápagos on a shark-encircled sea-mount off Africa.

What to see in Cape Verde

Where most of the Cape Verde islands are millions of years old, Fogo ('fire') is only a few hundred thousand years young. It is a classic sea-mount volcano rising up from the sea, its most recent eruption (1995), a sooty black cone jutting through the clouds. The original crater is now 12km wide and home to a group of smaller, more recent craters, the Chã das Caldeiras ('plain of volcanoes'). In the complex dispersal of peoples around the archipelago, Fogo was only settled in the 18th century. Some chose to live in the old crater, where the mineral-rich soil supports farming and even the local Chã de Fogo Vinho Tinto, a smooth country red wine with a distinct overtone of Ribena. An international team of vulcanologists keeps an eye on the smoking volcano's behaviour. Fogo's tiny capital, São Filipe, is a lovely if ramshackle jumble of wooden houses on a steep slope above cliffs overlooking a black volcanic beach. You come for the volcano, not creature comforts. Despite its shortcomings, Fogo more than compensates with the breathtaking, alien landscape of volcano and crater.

If you were looking for a location to film a sci-fi epic set on Mars, you could do worse than come to the red deserts and salt pans of Sal. This is a world-class wind- and board-surfing destination: the winds here, unimpeded by any land since they roared out of the Sahara Desert, are so strong you could go parascending with a tea bag. Known chiefly for its international airport, Sal is also home to one of the most attractive destinations in the archipelago (though now under threat by property developers): the long white beaches and turquoise seas that run in either direction from the fishing village of Santa Maria. With its open-air bars garlanded with lights, and people and music spilling into the streets, Santa Maria is a great place to go bar-hopping. There are wind- and kite-surfing centres on Santa Maria's beach, but serious surfers tend to take their boards to Pedra de Lume in the north-east, where the conditions have won plaudits even from Hawaiian surfies. The German-run (but anglophone) Stingray diving centre on the beach near the Odjo d'Agua offers everything from beginners' courses to advanced wreck and reef dives.

The first of the Cape Verde islands to be settled, Santiago is also the largest in the archipelago and site of its capital, Praia. Praia is built on a dramatic plateau above the port and bay, but its suburbs have spread into the surrounding hills. The low-rise architecture is a mix of 19th-century, colonial English and Portuguese, much of it in disrepair. Its grid of boulevards and squares conceals a cinema and at least one decent outdoor bar-restaurant, the Sofia. Sucupira market, below the wall of the plateau, is the biggest and liveliest in Cape Verde. It's also the place to catch an aluguer (bus) across the island, which is where Santiago comes into its own. The main tourist destination outside Praia is Tarrafal, a tiny port on a crescent of gold sand backed by palm trees. Between Praia and Tarrafal is an extraordinary switchback ride over two spectacular mountain ranges, the Serra do Pico do Santo António and the Serra da Malagueta. (Buses stop halfway, in the market of Assomada, where you have to get another bus; connections are fairly frequent). Hamlets cling to the very tops of the mountains, largely because escaped slaves sought refuge here. Away from the beach, Tarrafal is a half-built dump, but the beachfront has two good international hotels.

SÃO VICENTE

Santiago may have the Cape Verdean capital, but the islands' cultural and political heart is the São Vicente port of Mindelo. It is the most sophisticated city in the archipelago and the hub of its music industry (when not in her adopted Paris, Evora lives here); and over the years it has been a breeding ground for poets and revolutionaries educated at its lycée. Mindelo has one of the archipelago's most venerable music venues, the Café Musica on Rua Lisboa, and several shops specialising in Cape Verdean music. And each August, at full moon, the island hosts a three-day festival of Cape Verdean music on the beach at the Baia das Gatas ('bay of cats') on the east coast. The Cape Verde Cultural Centre, in a converted warehouse on the quayside, is worth visiting. It has a workshop selling traditional fabrics, a small museum and bookshop, a cafeteria in the leafy courtyard and one of the many Internet cafes in the islands. Although Saõ Pedro has a good hotel - Hotel Foya Branca - it is a fly-blown one-horse hamlet with little to commend it beyond its beach. The windsurfing is excellent, but it points up that tiresome corollary of any windsurfing beach: however good the surfing, it's perfect hell for anyone who just wants to use the beach.

Where to stay in Cape Verde

Odjo d'agua hotel.

One of the best places to stay is this small, locally owned hotel. It has a garden, a pool, anachronistically decorated rooms (antiques and curios, fishing equipment and so on) and an open-air restaurant-bar jutting out into the sea, where you can dine as the Atlantic rollers crash past. Its menu tends towards steak and burgers, but also includes freshly caught fish such as wahoo. (+238 242 1400; odjodagua-hotel.com )

PESTANA TRÓPICO HOTEL

This is the best place to stay. Built around a large pool, it is quiet, airy and spacious, with generously proportioned rooms and suites, plus a bar and restaurant. Here, as at most other restaurants in the islands, the cuisine will typically include bacalhau (cod) or the Cape Verde staple cachupa, a distant relative of paella or gumbo which comes pobre ('poor', ie vegetarian) or rica ('rich', with meat or fish). Cachupa takes a long time to prepare, so order it a day in advance. Praia (00 238 261 4200, pestana.com ).

SAO VICENTE

Hotel oásis atlântico porto grand.

Mindelo has at least one decent international hotel, where the decor is rather conference-hotel anonymous but the restaurant is good, tending towards a Cape Verdean version of nouvelle, with fried goat's cheese starters, avant-garde salads and exotic sauces. It also has a large swimming pool and terrace. Mindelo (00 238 232 1176; oasisatlantico.com ).

Where to eat out in Cape Verde

This is the best place to eat in Sao Filipe, it juggles pasta and other international dishes with Cape Verdean staples. Afterwards, check out Club Trópico for a taste of how São Filipe rocks.

CHEZ LOUTCHA

This hotel/restaurant has local musicians playing Cape Verdean folk on Wednesdays and Fridays, and the food is delicious, with perhaps 50 different dishes of chicken, goat, fish and seafood, including the inevitable cachupa. Rua de Coco, C.P. 303, Mindelo (+238 232 1636, chezloutcha.com )

By Jessica Puckett

By Rebecca Cope

By Becky Lucas

By Marti Buckley

How to get to Cape Verde

Sal International Airport, Praia Airport and São Pedro International Airport.

AIRLINES FROM THE UK

Royal Air Maroc flies direct between the UK and Praia in Cape Verde. Flight time is approximately eight hours.

When to go to Cape Verde

Cape Verde has a monsoon season between August and October, and trade winds from October to June. December to April are the months favoured by windsurfers (non-surfers beware). Climate varies between islands and altitudes in the mountains.

Travel tips for Cape Verde

A Portuguese phrase book, such as the one published by Rough Guide, is essential, although English is spoken in most hotels. Acclimatise in either of the two cultural capitals - ideally, scruffier Praia before Mindelo - before lighting out for the territories. If you plan to spend time on Sal, leave it until last, as you'll be flying out from there. Fogo is unmissable, but try to visit other mountainous islands - preferably Santiago and Santo Antão, in that order - before tackling the volcano. Read Aisling Irwin and Colum Wilson's Cape Verde Islands: The Bradt Travel Guide (£13.99) before booking. Hotel star ratings rarely accord with European standards, and much accommodation was built to serve business travellers on a budget. In general, you should pay as much as you can to avoid checking into the Bates Motel. Overbooking and delays are common on flights with the inter-island TACV airline. Always reconfirm flights as advised, check in early and factor possible delays into connecting flights. Ideally, pre-book an itinerary with an agency such as Cape Verde Travel. Credit cards are not usually accepted outside international hotels, and the Cape Verdean escudo is a closed currency without value outside the islands. Take travellers' cheques or dollars instead.

Although there are no vaccination requirements for Cape Verde, there is some dispute over the possibility of malaria on Santiago between October and December. Take advice from a travel agent and your doctor.

Reviving Cape Verde Tourism Is Key Issue in West African Achipelago’s Election

Julio Rodrigues and Aaron Ross, Reuters

October 17th, 2021 at 12:00 PM EDT

Voters turned out Sunday for the presidential election in Cape Verde to pick the candidate they believe will be the best to lead the country's Covid-decimated tourism economy back from the pandemic. It won't be the last election focused on Covid and a tourism revival.

The West African archipelago nation of Cape Verde , one of the continent’s most stable democracies, voted on Sunday for a new president who faces the task of stabilising its tourism-driven economy after the ravages of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Seven candidates are vying to replace Jorge Carlo Fonseca, who has reached the end of his two-term limit, but only two are widely considered to command enough popular support to be real contenders: Carlos Veiga and Jose Maria Neves.

Both are former prime ministers. Veiga, from Fonseca’s centre-right Movement for Democracy (MpD), served from 1991 to 2000. Neves, of the leftist African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde (PAICV), held the position from 2001 to 2016.

The economy is the dominant issue. It contracted 14% in 2020 as border closures caused by the pandemic cut off Cape Verde’s beaches and mountains from tourists. It is expected to bounce back this year with growth of nearly 6%.

“In the last two years we have had complicated moments with the pandemic,” said Daniel Ferreira, a psychiatrist in the capital Praia, after casting his ballot for 71-year-old Veiga.

“We want to choose a president who can be the arbiter of the system and can contribute to the development of Cape Verde. I voted for candidate Carlos Veiga because he guarantees to respect the rule of law and human rights.”

Another voter in Praia, Helene Gomes, said she had chosen the 61-year-old Neves: “I believe in him. His ideas match my expectations.”

The MpD and PAICV have accounted for all of Cape Verde’s presidents – two apiece – since independence from Portugal in 1975. Democratic presidential elections have been held since 1991.

The MpD maintained its parliamentary majority in an April election despite criticism from the PAICV over its handling of the pandemic.

The presidential election will head to a run-off if no candidate receives more than 50% of first-round votes.

(Reporting by Julio Rodrigues; Writing by Aaron Ross; Editing by Jan Harvey and Pravin Char)

Copyright (2021) Thomson Reuters. Click for restrictions

This article was written by Julio Rodrigues from Reuters and was legally licensed through the Industry Dive publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to [email protected] .

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Jutting up from the Atlantic, some 311 miles (500km) west of Senegal, Cabo Verde is a stunning island chain with a captivating blend of mountains, beaches and peaceful seaside villages. On Santo Antão, craggy peaks hide piercing green valleys of flowers and sugar cane, ideal for epic hikes.

Best Places to Visit

Attractions, must-see attractions.

Pico do Fogo

Cabo Verde's highest peak (2829m/9382ft), the conical, cinder-clad Mt Fogo, rises dramatically out of the floor of an ancient crater known as Chã das…

Dja'r Fogo

A must-stop for visitors interested in history, culture and coffee, Dja'r Fogo is run by a local artist who splits his time between Lisbon, Paris and Fogo…

Tarrafal Concentration Camp

On the main highway about 1km before the centre of Tarrafal is the ominous former Tarrafal Concentration Camp. Here Portuguese authorities used to hold…

Pedra do Lume

A great attraction is this surreal, lunarlike crater of an ancient volcano, where seawater is transformed into shimmering salt beds. You can see the old…

Museu do Mar

Inside the Torre de Belém, Mindelo's most intriguing museum gives an overview of São Vicente's history, from the island's role in the triangular trade to…

Museu Municipal

Pop into this airy colonial mansion with two floors of exhibits, showcasing old photographs, traditional music instruments, sewing machines and sundry…

Sala-Museu Amilcar Cabral

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

Praia de Estoril

A short stroll south of the Sal Rei town centre, this lovely beach has turquoise waters and white sands, making it a fine setting for a day out. A handful…

Latest stories from Cabo Verde

Filter by interest:

• All Interests
• Adventure Travel
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• Beaches, Coasts & Islands
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Destination Practicalities

May 20, 2024 • 6 min read

Cabo Verde is an intriguing country that packs in an incredible amount of diversity. Here are our top tips for first-time visitors.

Nov 15, 2017 • 2 min read

in partnership with getyourguide

EU boosts sustainable tourism in Cabo Verde

Today, the European Union and the Government of Cabo Verde signed an agreement to finance the extension of two port infrastructures and to promote sustainable tourism.

Jutta Urpilainen, Commissioner for International Partnerships, said: “ In line with the objectives of the Green Deal, this action promotes a green and inclusive growth model for the tourism industry that can then be replicated in other parts of the archipelago. In a country where tourism contributes 25% of GDP this action will have a transformative impact. ”

The aim of both the EU and the Government of Cabo Verde is to modernise and extend the ports of Palmeira and Porto Ingles, in the islands of Sal and Maio, as well as to support the sustainable economic development of both islands.

Sustainable tourism will trigger positive dynamics for other sectors of Maio’s economy, like the cattle industry, fisheries and transport, transforming the island into a net contributor to the country’s GDP growth.

The Financing Agreement signed with the Ministry of Finances is a blending action amounting to €44.1 million. The EU contribution is €17 million, while the rest has been co-financed by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Government of Cabo Verde.

This action is part of a regional programme to leverage financing for infrastructure projects that promote sustainable economic development and regional integration in West Africa.

Team Europe leads the way on regional partnerships

The Team Europe initiative encompasses a duration of 5 years and will be implemented through three contracts:

• a contribution agreement with the African Development Bank to develop the port infrastructures in Sal and Maio islands, along with measures to support communities in the intervention zones;
• a grant with the Municipality of the island of Maio to implement social, economic and environmental initiatives in consortia with civil society organisations
• a contribution agreement with Camões, to develop a sustainable solid waste management plant for the island of Maio.

To ensure the success of the programme the government has agreed to develop a number of policies and regulatory frameworks for Maio that are critical for the environmental and social sustainability of the program. The extension of the port infrastructures together with the Declaration of the Island of Maio as a UNESCO Reserve of the Biosphere, last October, will have a positive impact for the future evolution of this island. The action is aligned with the Government’s recently launched “Ambition 2030” strategy.

The consequences of climate change and the COVID-19 crisis are putting at risk the modest economic achievements of the island of Maio, and its long-term future development. In this context, international tourism will play a positive role.

Background information

Since 2007, the partnership between the EU and Cabo Verde is focused on good governance; security and stability, including the fight against drug-trafficking and organised crime; regional integration; sustainable development and the fight against poverty; information and knowledge-based society and culture and normative and technical convergence. The EU also has a Mobility Partnership with Cabo Verde since 2008, as well as a Readmission Agreement, the first one with an African country.

The EU supports Cabo Verde’s efforts in eradicating poverty as well as promoting sustainable and inclusive growth, fostering domestic accountability, strengthening national control mechanisms, improving basic services delivery, and contributing to its competiveness and private sector development.

In the framework of the 11th EDF, the country has benefitted extensively from EU development funds: €82 million through the national envelope. Those funds have been complemented by additional funds from regional initiatives, such as this Team Europe action to renovate the ports of Maio and Sal.

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45 Best Things To Do in Cape Verde in every Island

By Author Paulina

Posted on Published: February 19, 2020  - Last updated: March 11, 2024

A travel guide to the best Cape Verde attractions on every island

Recently, Cape Verde has been experiencing a boom when it comes to tourism. No wonder as the archipelago in the heart of the Atlantic has tons of things to offer! Whereas most people are just seeking pristine beaches and endless sunshine, there is much more to do in Cape Verde.

After having visited every island of Cape Verde (except Boa Vista and Sao Nicolau ), I put together this extensive guide about the best things to do in Cape Verde.

Cape Verde consists of 10 islands. However, only 3 of them are properly suitable for beach holidays. They are divided into 2 groups: the Barlovento (northern) Islands and the Sotavento (southern) Islands.

So, what are the islands of the Cape Verde archipelago?

• Santiago (with Cape Verde’s capital Praia )
• Sao Vicente
• Santo Antao
• Sao Nicolau
• Santa Luzia (a desert island)

After visiting every island of the Cape Verdean archipelago, I want to share with you a non-exhaustive list of the best things to do in Cape Verde and the most gorgeous attractions in Cape Verde.

Do u want to plan the perfect trip to Cape Verde? Make sure to get the Ultimate Cape Verde Travel Guide Book !

You, dear reader, support this blog. When you purchase through a link, I may earn a small commission. As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Table of Contents

Top Resources to Travel Cape Verde

⚘ Don’t leave without a travel guide. Be prepared and get the Ultimate Cape Verde Travel Guide Book ✈ Book cheap flights to Cape Verde with Skyscanner ✔ Book the best tours in Cape Verde with GetYourGuide ➳ Find the best hotel deals in Cape Verde with Trivago ❖ Get the best car rental deals with DiscoverCars ☘ Get the best discounted outdoor gear (outlet) at REI.com ✎ Never leave without travel insurance. I get mine at HeyMondo . It’s easy to set up, cheap, and reliable. ✔ Skip the queue at the airport and get your Cape Verde visa in advance with iVisa $ Withdraw money without hidden fees and avoid rubbish exchange rates with Wise (You’ll get a card for free!)

Intro: Tourism in Cape Verde: Why you matter!

Cape Verde has extremely ambitious plans to become one of the most important holiday destinations in Western Africa.

So far, Sal and Boa Vista have been converted into mass tourism hubs with large all-inclusive holidays managed by international hotel groups. Unfortunately, the local population doesn’t see much of the benefits generated by the tourism on Sal and Boa Vista .

Even worse; the massive growth on these 2 islands fosters emigration from other, smaller islands. Hoping to land a (not very rewarding) job in the tourism sector, young people leave the poorer islands such as Brava , Fogo , or Santo Antao . The results are abandoned villages and lands. 

However, in theory, there is no need to leave the outer islands of Cape Verde!

Every single one is a treasure on its own and mostly; they differ a lot! Not only the landscapes but also the people and the culture are very different on every island. In all, every single island has the potential to be a tourist destination on its own: 

• Brava , Fogo and Santo Antao for hikers
• Santiago and Sao Vicente for culture, music, and water sports
• Maio for its pristine beaches

For some reason (that are unknown to me yet), Sal and Boa Vista get all the attention of large tour operators and most tourists in general, leaving the other islands deserted.

The good news though is, that you can change this! Take the decision to go beyond Sal and Boa Vista and you’ll be rewarded with a travel experience of a lifetime when going on sustainable holidays in Cape Verde .

Go dance alone on the empty beaches of Maio , wonder at the mesmerizing valleys of Santo Antao , listen to century-old music in Mindelo , be in awe of the Fogo volcano, etc.

In short; fall in love with the real wonders of Cape Verde!

Best Things to do in Cape Verde: Sal

How to get to Sal:

• By plane to international Sal International Airport – Book flights to Sal here

How to move around in Sal:

• By aluguer (collective taxi)

Where to stay in Sal:

The Budha Beach Hotel **** Odjo d’Agua Hotel **** Ocean Suites Hilton Cabo Verde Sal Resort ***** Oasis Salinas Sea ***** Melia Tortuga Beach Resort & Spa *****

Where to book tours: Viator

Read more: The best things to do in Sal

1. Visit Santa Maria and its beaches

Santa Maria is the main tourist hub of Sal . Most of the resorts, hotels, restaurants, and bars are located here. The town is famous for its Santa Maria Beach which boasts turquoise water and extremely fine sand.

There are many bars and restaurants on the beach that are waiting for you to serve the finest fish. 

The highlight of Santa Maria Beach is the pier where the locals sell their fish. It’s the best place to watch the daily grind and interact with the locals. It’s definitely one of the top things to do in Sal , Cape Verde.

2. Head to Kite Beach

Kite Beach is only a 10-min drive away from Santa Maria . It’s one of the best beaches for kite surfing in Cape Verde. It’s extremely windy and the waves can be very strong!

Even if you don’t kite surf, you can just relax at the bar and watch the stunts of the surfers.

If you are eager to learn, there’s a kite school on site where you can borrow material or get a kite surfing lesson. It’s one of the coolest things to do in Santa Maria , Cape Verde.

Book here a kite lesson in Sal

3. Visit Blue Eye – Buracona Lagoon

Visiting the Blue Eye is probably one of the most popular tours from Santa Maria . Also known as “ Buracona “, this place has a very special, almost magical atmosphere. 

The lagoon is located northwest of the island and a perfect place for a swim.

If the sun rays hit the water, its color turns turquoise and allows you to see the ground of the water.

Check rates for island tours here

4. Visit the Pedro Lume Salt Mines

Sal is small and mostly desert. Besides the Buracona Lagoon , the salt mines of Pedro Luma are a must-do!

Located in the east of the country, they can be visited with a guided tour or by aluguer (collective taxi).

If you reach the village, you can already feel the remote vibe. To me, it felt like a ship graveyard as there were plenty of them. There’s also the emblematic church that makes a great photo motive.

Once you actually made it to the salt mines, you’ll stand in front of a natural wonder that once made Sal one of the wealthiest islands of Cape Verde.

Tourists can float in the salty waters of the salt mines and learn more about the salt production back in time.

There’s also an excellent restaurant next to the mine’s entrance. It serves some of the best fish carpaccio I’ve eaten in my life!

5. Go Sea Turtle Watching

Did you know that Cape Verde has the third-largest population of nesting Caretta Caretta (loggerhead sea turtles) in the world?

If you love animals, sea turtle watching is a must in Cape Verde, and particularly on the sandy islands of Sal , Maio , and Boa Vista .

Indeed, the Cape Verde archipelago is one of the most important places for sea turtle nesting. The best time to spot turtles is between July and October. But please, always book a tour with a professional guide and respect the sea turtles!

Check sea turtle watching tours here

6. Go diving in Cape Verde

If you love to dive into the big blue, I recommend go diving in Cape Verde.

Whereas there are also dive clubs in Boa Vista and Maio , you have the largest offer in Sal .

Book dives in advance here

Best Things to do in Cape Verde: Boa Vista

How to get to Boa Vista:

• By plane to Boa Vista International Airport – Check rates to Boa Vista here
• By ferry to Sal Rei port – Check schedules here

How to move around in Boa Vista:

Where to stay in boa vista:.

Iberostar Club Boa Vista ***** Hotel Riu Karamboa **** Royal Horizons Boa Vista ****

Read more: The best beaches in Cape Verde

7. Do Watersports

Boa Vista is one of the best places to do water sports. Not only is the water extremely clear but on top, there seems to be a beach for every taste.

Whether you just want to have a relaxing swim, watch turtles or get active, there is a beach for you!

When it comes to water sports, you can opt between kite surfing, windsurfing, surfing, sailing, kayaking or diving. As you see, you’ll be spoiled for choice if you enjoy being in the sea.

Check water sport tours here

8. Visit The Viana Desert

The Viana Desert is one of the natural wonders of Cape Verde. Located in the northwestern part of the island, it is one of the top things to do in Cape Verde.

On a stretch of 5 km, the Atlantic winds carried the fine sands of the Sahara to Boa Vista . It’s truly a place where you’ll wonder at nature and its tranquility.

In order to visit the desert, you should book a tour and please note that access to motor vehicles is limited!

9. Explore Sal Rei

Sal Rei is the capital of Boa Vista and with its 6.000 inhabitants, it’s home to more than half of Boa Vista ’s population.

However, it is not a bustling capital! Sal Rei is famous for its relaxing and laid-back vibe. If you love colorful architecture, you’ll be amazed by the colorful houses and churches.

I also recommend just taking the time to sit down at a bar, have a local drink, and just soak up the Cape Verdean vibe of “No stress!”.

Check island tours and reviews here

10. Visit the Shipwreck of the Cabo Santa Maria

The massive shipwreck of the Cabo Santa Maria on the beach of Atalanta is probably the most popular photo motive of Boa Vista . It quickly became one of the most popular attractions of Cape Verde.

Standing out tall of the water, these are the remains of a large cargo ship that ran aground in 1968 while crossing the Atlantic.

Today, the shipwreck is a source of inspiration for local artists and a popular destination for tours from Boa Vista . It’s one of the prettiest things to do on Cape Verde.

Please, note that recently, petty theft is raising on Atalanta Beach !

11. Relax at Chaves Beach

Chaves Beach is located in the western part of the island. This 5 km long beach is probably one of the best beaches in Cape Verde.

The gold-white sand is extremely fine and you’ll be amazed by the saturated turquoise color of the ocean. There are almost no facilities, but it is a great place for a swim. If you are lucky, there will be some wind so that you can even go windsurfing!

During July and August, Chaves Beach is one of the best places to go turtle watching in Cape Verde. But please always remain respectful and keep your distance!

Best Things to do in Cape Verde: Fogo

How to get to Fogo:

• By plane from Praia to Fogo National Airport – Check flights to Fogo here
• By ferry to Fogo – Check schedules and book tickets here

How to move around in Fogo:

Where to stay in fogo:.

The Colonial Guest House Hotel Xaguate ****

In the volcano crater (a must do!):

C asa Alcin do Ciza e Rose

Where to eat in Fogo:

• Tropical Club
• Espaço 24
• Pipi’s Bar

Read more: The best things to do in Fogo

12. Hike the volcano

The Pico do Fogo is probably one of the most stunning natural attractions of Cape Verde. No wonder that it is considered one of the 7 natural wonders of the archipelago.

The hike takes around 5 hours and is of moderate difficulty. You’ll climb up to 2.829 m. You can also opt to do the Pico do Fogo combined with the Pico Pequeno (small volcano). 

The trail starts Cha das Caldeiras and I recommend asking your host to organize a guided hike. Indeed, the trail is not easy to find and it can even be dangerous to climb the volcano!

I recommend staying at Casa Alcindo as he’s not only an extraordinary guide but also provides beautiful accommodation inside the crater. 

Guided tour of the big volcano: 40 €

Check tours here

13. Do a wine tasting

Did you ever associate wine to Cape Verde? Well, Fogo is home to the only wine production on the entire archipelago!

The grapes are growing inside the crater which gives the wine of Fogo its unique, characteristic taste. Fogo wine, generally known as “ Vinho do Chã “, is only selectively exported, thus it’s a true gem that you’ll taste here!

The entire production is eco-friendly and managed by small, local and family-owned businesses.

In order to visit the wine cellars, follow the signs after reaching the Fogo crater.

14. Buy local coffee

Fogo boasts the largest coffee production on Cape Verde. The plantations are located in the surroundings of Mostreiros and can be visited.

However, you don’t need to head to Fogo to purchase coffee from Cape Verde. Almost every supermarket on any island sells the tasty coffee beans. Just ask the vendor for “ kriola ” or “ emicela ” coffee.

15. Visit the colonial town of Sao Filipe

There are only a few towns on Cape Verde that can compete with Sao Filipe from an architectural perspective. 

The bright, colorful buildings, the town’s grid layout, and the cobblestone paved, narrow streets are symbolical for colonial architecture.

Most hotels on Fogo are located in Sao Filipe and I recommend staying at least one night in order to dive into the local, easy-going grind.

A walk at night in Sao Filipe is one of the most scenic experiences in Cape Verde.

16. Hike from Cha das Caldeiras to Mostreiros

If you think that hiking up the Pico do Fogo is the only hike to do on Fogo , you couldn’t be more wrong. 

There is another spectacular trail waiting for you from Cha das Caldeiras to Mostreiros . 

I particularly liked the extremely saturated green colors of Mother Nature. They seem even brighter after experiencing the baren, black sands of the Fogo crater.

17. Enjoy local music in Fogo

Before Cape Verde became a coveted holiday destination, the archipelago was mostly known for one thing: its music! Namely; it was Cesaria Evora who exported the most famous music genre of Cape Verde: morna .

However, there are plenty of talented musicians who are excelling at morna . If you want to enjoy local music and support local artists, I recommend attending a concert at the Sete Sois Sete Luas cultural center in Sao Filipe, Fogo.

The center is the cultural hub of the island and is home to an excellent restaurant. A must thing to do in Fogo ! 

Top Things to do in Cape Verde: Sao Vicente

How to get to Sao Vicente:

• By plane from Europe and Praia to Sao Vicente International Airport – Check flights to Sao Vicente here
• By ferry from Sal and Praia to Sao Vicente – Check schedules and book tickets here

How to move around in Sao Vicente:

Where to stay in sao vicente:.

Flag Hotel Foya Branca **** Hotel Residencial Goa Aquiles Eco Hotel

Where to eat in Sao Vicente:

• Elvis Restobar (Mindelo)
• Le Goût (Mindelo)
• Fund d’Mar (Mindelo)
• Marina Mindelo Club – Floating Bar and Bistro
• Chez Loutcha (Calhau)
• Restaurante Hamburg (Calhau)
• Things to do in Sao Vicente
• Things to do in Mindelo

18. Enjoy culture in Mindelo

Mindelo is also known for being the cultural capital of Cape Verde. Not only is it the hometown of the most famous Cape Verdean singer, Cesaria Evora , but it also boasts numerous museums and art shops.

The variety and cultural wealth of Mindelo are partly due to the Mindelo marina and harbor. For a long time, the port of Mindelo was the main gate for exports and imports.

Nowadays, Mindelo is home to the only marina in Cape Verde. There’s thus always a large international community in Mindelo .

Considered as one of the top things to do in Cape Verde, the cultural scene of Mindelo is a must!

Check guided tours of Mindelo here

19. Visit the Mindelo Market

One of my favorite places in Mindelo is definitely the covered market. In fact, there are 2 markets in Mindelo .

The first one is the most traditional, ancient and covered one. It’s located in the main boulevard street. The building alone is worth a visit!

The second one is open-air and is located on Praça d’Estrela . Here, you can get all kinds of fruits, vegetables, electronic gadgets, and clothes.

My highlight was the tailors from the African mainland who will make you a tailor-made dress within 3 days! It’s definitely one of the best Cape Verde souvenirs to get in Mindelo .

20. Hike Monte Verde

Even though Sao Vicente is often seen as a gate to Santo Antao (a hiker’s paradise!), you can also do fabulous hikes in Sao Vicente .

One of the best ones is without any doubt climbing Monte Verde . It will provide you with breathtaking views over Mindelo , Monte Cara , and neighboring Santo Antao .

In order to get to the trail, take an aluguer (collective taxi) to Calhau and ask the driver to drop you off at the feet of Monte Verde.

The hike is of intermediate difficulty and takes about 2-3 hours.

Check Sao Vicente tours here

21. Dine out in Calhau

I probably had the best meal of all my Cape Verde visits in Calhau . The small town is a coveted destination for Sunday excursions which consist in eating all day long!

There are 2 main restaurants in Calhao , Restaurante Hamburg and Chez Loutcha . Both are competing for the title of the best fish and seafood barbecue in Cape Verde.

If you want to enjoy their legendary buffet, book your experience ahead in Chez Loutcha in Mindelo . Prices include the transfer to Calhau .

Restaurante Hamburg is much smaller but the grilled baby squids were some of the best I had in my entire life!

If you want to extend your visit, head to Calhao Beach which is one of the prettiest beaches in Sao Vicente . 

22. Windsurf in Sao Pedro

Somehow, Sao Vicente holds something for every type of traveler. Also for water sports lovers!

If you come with your own material, you can have great surfing conditions in Salamansa and Baia das Gatas .

However, the best conditions for windsurfing can be found in Sao Pedro . It’s a scenic bay and there are several companies where you can rent your surfing gear.

If you don’t want to get wet, I recommend hiking to the Farol de D. Amélia lighthouse. It provides some of the best panorama views on the island!

23. Eat a cachupa

You can’t leave Cape Verde without eating a cachupa ! It’s the most typical food from Cape Verde .

Every restaurant and family have their very own recipe and you can have cachupa on any island. 

It consists of corn and beans, topped with a fried egg. To make it extra tasty, a slice of fried linguiça (sausage) is added. Cachupa is not only a must-eat in Cape Verde but also one of the cheapest food to eat in Cape Verde.

I particularly liked the cachupas in Mindelo and my favorite one was at Dokas , at the dive center of Mindelo .

Set in a cool, rather sophisticated location with perfect Wi-Fi, you can get a cachupa for 1,5 €! Add a fresh fruit juice to it and you’ll have the perfect foodie experience in Cabo Verde !

Top Things to do in Cape Verde: Santo Antao

How to get to Santo Antao:

• By plane from Europe and Praia to Sao Vicente International Airport – Check flight rates to Sao Vicente here
• By ferry from Sao Vicente to Santo Antao (3 x per day)

How to move around in Santo Antao:

Where to stay in santo antao:.

Casa Santa Barbara Deluxe Ribeira Grande Country House Biosfera Amor do Dia Tiduca Hotel ****

Where to eat in Santo Antao:

• Casa Maracujá
• Cantinho de Amizade
• Divin’Art

Read more : Discover Santo Antao

24. Hike Cova Crater – Paul trail

Santo Antao is famous for being a paradise for hikers. There are countless trails awaiting you and one is more scenic than the other one. In total, I stayed more than 10 days in Santo Antao and I found it too short to do all the hikes that I wanted to do!

Thus, even if you are staying only 2 days in Santo Antao , I recommend doing at least the most scenic trail: from Cova Crater through Paul valley .

Take an aluguer (collective taxi) to Cova and have a quick breakfast at Biosfera do Amor which offers splendid views over Sao Vicente . Their handmade jams and bread are a real delight!

From here, hike down the crater until the trail takes you up to the crater’s borders. You’ll enjoy the best view of Santo Antao in Paul valley .

The entire trail goes downwards and lasts about 3 hours. You’ll pass through scenic villages where you can stop at local bars, having a drink or traditional meal. To me, it’s one of Cape Verde’s main points of interest. 

Read more: The best hiking trails in Santo Antao

25. Enjoy street art of Ribeira Grande

Santo Antao is not all about nature! If you want to enjoy local street art and culture, I strongly recommend heading to Ribeira Grande . Have a walk through the city and explore its colorful murals.

Even though the town appears to be really grey at first sight, the colorful street art makes the city walks much more enjoyable.

If you can’t get enough of the local, contemporary art, head to the cultural center of 7 Sois 7 Luas , which hosts concerts and exhibitions on a regular basis. It’s definitely one of the best places to get to know local artists.

26. Take a dip at the natural swimming pools

Unfortunately, Santo Antao doesn’t boast many beaches (except Tarrafal on the southern side). The few beaches that you may come across may seem tempting, but please keep in mind that it’s extremely dangerous to swim here!

Thus, in order to be on the safe side when it comes to swimming, take an aluguer (collective taxi) to Sinagoga (15 min from Ribeira Grande ). This quaint village boasts some of the best natural swimming pools in Santo Antao.

They are completely safe! Ask the locals for the “ piscinas naturais ” or head directly towards the ruins on top of the rocks.

27. Visit Fontainhas, the prettiest village of Cape Verde

Some consider Fontainhas one of the natural wonders of Cape Verde. No wonder as the scenic setting of this small village even was awarded the label of “prettiest village of Cape Verde” by National Geographic !

It’s definitely a must-do when visiting Santo Antao ! I recommend discovering the village on foot. It’s an easy hike away from Ponta do Sol and lasts about 1 hour.

When in Fontainhas , make sure to enter the village and have a drink at Tchu’s Bar. His fruit juices are a delight!

28. Have a grogue and local fruit

Santo Antao is also known as being the garden of Cape Verde. Almost ⅓ of the archipelago’s population is being sustained by fruits and vegetables coming from Santo Antao .

One of the lushest valleys is probably Paul valley . It’s home to countless coconut, papaya, banana, and mango trees.

Thus, when in Santo Antao , ask at the restaurant for the seasonal fruit and indulge in coconut biscuits, passion fruit caipirinhas, and banana bread.

Santo Antao is also home to one of the largest grogue production sites in the archipelago. The local distilled spirit is made of sugar cane and used to prepare tasty caipirinhas.

If you want to go for the softer option, try a ponche . It’s a liquor prepared with local fruits, such as passion fruit, coconut, or tamarind.

29. Hike til you drop

If you enjoy hiking, Santo Antao will be your heaven! Even after staying for more than 10 days in Santo Antao , I didn’t have time enough to do all the hikes I wanted!

The volcanic landscape created plenty of valleys and each of them has a different microclimate. Some trails take you to villages such as Corvo or Fontainhas that seem to be cut off from time. 

So far, not many trails are indicated. However, there are efforts to put landmarks in order to help hikers. In most cases, the trails are former caminhos vicinais (side roads) which were used to interconnect villages. 

Some of the best hikes in Santo Antao are:

• Ponta do Sol – Cha d’Igreja
• Ribeira Grande – Xoxo
• Corda – Coculi

Best Things to do in Cape Verde: Santiago

How to get to Santiago:

• By plane from the USA , Southern America, and Europe to Praia International Airport – Check flights to Praia here
• By ferry from most islands – Check schedules and book tickets here

How to move around in Santiago:

Where to stay in santiago:.

Pestana Tropico **** Oasis Praiamar **** Syd’s Guesthouse   (outstanding, home-made breakfast!)

Read more: The best things to do in Santiago

30. Visit Cidade Velha

Santiago is home to Cidade Velha (Old Town), declared “Intangible Heritage of Humanity” by the UNESCO. It’s the first city to be built by the Europeans in the South of the Sahara and it was the capital of Cape Verde until 1770.

The original design of the settlement is still intact and you feel like you dived right into the 16th century! It’s impressive how the original features remain untouched!

Cidade Velha (Old Town) was one of the most important places for the Atlantic trade of enslaved persons. That’s why it is also considered as one of the birthplaces of the first developed creole societies.

Book a tour to Cidade Velha here

31. Explore the bustling capital of Praia

Praia is a “love at second sight affair”. Before visiting, I mostly heard that it was a dangerous place, for locals and tourists alike. Then, when you arrive, you’ll spot countless grey, often unfinished houses or resorts. 

However, Praia ’s magic becomes evident after you scratch on the surface. 

The main tourist area is the Plateau where you can enjoy the administrative buildings in colonial architecture style. Don’t forget to visit the market which is considered one of the prettiest in Cape Verde.

From here, head towards Prainha and Quebra Canela to enjoy a drink at the numerous beach bars that opened recently.

Check guided tours in Praia here

32. Have a music night out in Praia

If you are interested in enjoying Cape Verde’s rich musical culture, Praia is the place to be! Quintal da Musica – 5al da Musica host live concerts in Cape Verde’s most famous music styles such as morna, funan á, and coladeira.

Some of the best music bars in Praia are:

• Fogo d’África Restaurante/Bar & Club
• Quintal da Musica – 5al da Musica
• Kebra Kabana

Praia music festivals you shouldn’t miss:

• Kriol Jazz Festival Praia
• Festival Gamboa
• Virada d’Anu
• Noite Branca 

A night out in the Cape Verdean capital is definitely one of the best things to do in Cape Verde.

33. Enjoy the beach of Tarrafal

Tarrafal Beach , located in the north of Santiago , is often considered as one of the prettiest beaches in Cape Verde.

Indeed, it’s different from the beaches of Maio or Boa Vista , as Tarrafal Beach has palm trees and a very laid-back, surfer vibe that you can’t find on any other islands. On top, it has white, fine sand.

There are plenty of accommodation options and restaurants. Thus, I recommend staying at least a few days in order to enjoy the “No stress!” vibe.

34. Hike in Serra Malagueta

Santiago holds something for any type of traveler. It’s not only an island with an immense cultural offer but it also has numerous hiking trails for nature lovers.

The best hikes of Santiago , Cape Verde can be found in Serra Malagueta . With a total surface of 774 hectares and 25 endemic species, this natural park is one of the most important ones of the archipelago.

There are hikes for any level, whether you’re up to a 2-hours hike or an 8-hours one!

You can reach the entrance gate of Serra Malagueta natural park by aluguer (collective taxi) from Praia , Assomada , and Tarrafal . Just tell the driver that he should drop you off at Serra Malagueta .

The entrance fee to the natural park costs 200 CVE (1,81 €)

35. Visit the Market of Assomada

The market of Assomada is the most important market in Santiago . It’s even livelier than the market of Praia !

Whereas every day is market day in Assomada , Tuesdays and Saturdays are the most important days. On these days, the market duplicates in size!

From early in the morning until 5 pm, you can buy anything from vegetables, fruits, Cabo Verde souvenirs , clothing, and even animals!

Visiting the market of Assomada is definitely a unique way to dive into the Cape Verdean daily grind.

Visit the Assomada market with a guided tour.

Best Things to do in Cape Verde: Maio

How to get to Maio:

• By ferry from Praia ( Santiago ) – Check schedules and book tickets here

How to move around in Maio:

• By aluguer (collective taxi) – only until 6 pm!

Where to stay in Maio:

Barracuda Casa Evora (the cutest boutique hotel on the entire island!) Villa Maris Ecolodge Stella Maris Villa

Where to eat in Maio:

• Restaurante 7Sois7Luas (best views in town!)
• Bar Tropikal Maio
• Bar Tibau (run by the legendary singer Tibau Tavares !)
• Horace Silver (known for its great cocktails!)

Read more: The best things to do in Maio

36. Chill at the best beaches of Cape Verde

To me, Maio has the best beaches in Cape Verde . Although Sal and Boa Vista also have beautiful beaches, in recent years they have fallen victim to mass tourism and the large hotel complexes that go with it.

Maio seems to be a precious gem that managed to (still) protect its pristine beaches and unspoiled character. On some beaches, you can literally walk for hours without ever crossing a soul!

So don’t expect to find any bars or restaurants ! The beaches of Maio have preserved their original state.

Some of the best beaches in Maio can be found close to the capital, Vila do Maio . In order to explore the other ones, I recommend taking a taxi or renting a bike.

The best beaches in Maio are:

• Bitche Rocha
• Ponta Preta
• Ribeira Dom Joao (for surfing!)
• Praia de Santana

To me, it is the best place to go in Cape Verde for pristine beaches.

37. Eat fresh goat cheese 

Fresh goat cheese is one of the star products of the Sotavento (southern) Islands. Almost every household produces its own! However, in Maio , more precisely in Ribeira Dom Joao , one of the first goat cheese factories has been built.

Maintained exclusively by women and supported by the European Union, I strongly recommend visiting them and supporting this small, local business.

They have installed a little bar where you can taste the freshly made goat cheese.

Address: Main road of Ribeira Dom João

38. Enjoy Cape Verdean music

If the Gross Domestic Product of Cape Verde could be measured in terms of music, the country would be one of the richest in the world!

Whereas Cesaria Evora and Mayra Andrade are Cape Verde’s most famous exports, there are plenty of local artists to be discovered. You’ll hear some of the songs during your entire stay because music is simply everywhere in Cape Verde!

If you want to support local artists in Cape Verde and have a unique experience, why not organize a private concert? The 7Sois7Luas cultural centers are fostering and supporting local musicians.

The centers are spread out throughout the archipelago and at any of them, you can order a private concert.

Find all the information and contacts at www.7sois7luas.com

39. Go sea turtle spotting in Maio

Did you know that the flattest island in Cape Verde is also one of the most important places for sea turtle nesting?

Second only to Boa Vista , the extensive sandy beaches of Maio are important for the nesting Caretta caretta (loggerhead sea turtles).

In order to preserve this unique wealth, the Maio Biodiversity Foundation was created in 2010, with the main objective to know and protect nature for sustainable development.

For this purpose, the Maio Biodiversity Foundation invites both national and international volunteers to come to Maio for an extended stay and support their endeavors.

However, if you are only staying for a short time in Maio , ask for a sea turtle nesting tour at the office of the Maio Biodiversity Foundation at the church’s square. Indeed, sea turtle tours are one of the top things to do in Cape Verde.

Best Things to do in Cape Verde: Brava

How to get to Brava:

• By ferry from Fogo – Check schedules and book tickets here

How to move around in Brava:

Where to stay in brava:.

Hotel Pousada Djabraba’s Eco-Lodge Giandinoto’s Place Hotel Cruz Grande *** H otel Nazareth

Where to eat in Brava:

• Bar Mansa (Nova Sintra)
• Djabraba’s Eco-Lodge Giandinoto’s Place (Nova Sintra)
• Residential Restaurante O Castelo (Nova Sintra)
• Paulo Sena Pensao (Nova Sintra)
• Pôr do Sol (Faja d’Agua)

40. Explore the colonial town of Nova Sintra

Nova Sintra is the only island capital that is not located on the sea. After arriving in Furna with the ferry, a long winding road takes you up to Nova Sintra , with its 7.000 inhabitants.

Named after the Portuguese town near Lisbon , Nova Sintra shares some characteristics with its Portuguese equivalent. It has a humid and fresh climate and is surrounded by lush greenery and fabulous views on the ocean.

Even the floors and the houses have been built in an architectural style that remembers Portugal . In my humble opinion, Nova Sintra is one of the prettiest cities in Cape Verde.

Find more hidden gems and local insights in the Ultimate Cape Verde Travel Guide

41. Swim in the natural swimming pools of Faja d’Agua

After Nova Sintra , the bay of Fajã d’Agua is a real must-see in Brava ! Cut out on an imposing escarpment dotted with colorful houses, Fajã d’Agua is a place to watch time go by.

But it is the natural pools of Fajã d’Agua that are the real attraction of the village. With its crystal clear waters, it invites visitors to have a refreshing bath. For me, the swimming pools are some of the best Cape Verde tourist attractions.

Fajã d’Agua can be reached by hiking or by aluguer (collective taxi).

42. Hike, hike, hike!

Brava has plenty of trails to be explored. Serving initially to connect villages, they are nowadays mostly used by tourists that fell in love with Brava ’s rough landscape.

Also known as “ Ilhas das Flores ” (“Island of Flowers”), your hikes will be a green delight if you visit between August and October. The trails are framed by colorful bougainvillea, hibiscus flowers, and jasmine.

The best hiking Trails in Brava are:

• Mato Grande : I recommend hiking up to Mato Grande in order to have a privileged view on Fogo and its massive volcano.
• Fontainhas trail: It takes 4 hours and starts at the Mira Beleza viewpoint.
• Hiking to Fajã d’Agua .

43. Enjoy some of the best Cape Verdean music

The rhythm of Brava is easy going and Nova Sintra has an almost enchanting, relaxing atmosphere.

In order to mingle with the locals and to get to know the music of Brava , I recommend watching out for the small tocatines (traditional music halls) in a bar or even in private houses that are open to visitors.

I am a big fan of the 7Sois7Lua s band of Brava . The main singer, Rosa , is a real “power of nature”, as friends of mine call her! Her charism and the rhythm of the band are unbeatable and will make sure that you’ll fall in love with the Cape Verdean music.

Ask at the 7Sois7Luas center in Nova Sintra about their next performances.

Best Things to do in Cape Verde: Sao Nicolau

How to get to Sao Nicolau:

• By flight to Sao Nicolau National Airport – Check flights here
• By ferry from Praia , Santiago and Mindelo – Check schedules and book tickets here

How to move around in Sao Nicolau:

Where to stay in sao nicolau:.

Bed & Breakfast Regina  Farinha de Pau – Eco B&B Edificio Magico Casa Patio

Where to eat in Sao Nicolau:

• Restaurante Bar Didi Évora
• Bar Felicidade
• Ka So Pizza

Read more: The best things to do in Sao Nicolau

44. Visit Carbeirinho

The rock formations of Carbeinho are considered one of the 7 natural wonders of Cape Verde.

If you are visiting Sao Nicolau , it’s a real must on every visit to marvel at Mother Nature’s artistry!

The rock formations and shapes will remind you of the Grand Canyon . Just that in Sao Nicolau you can have on top a refreshing swim next to the rock formations!

45. Hike the Monte Gordo National Park

Monte Gordo , a magnificent mountain volcanic in origin, rises to 1.312 m, the highest point in Sao Nicolau . 

It’s the perfect place for those who enjoy hiking in remote places.

Indeed, tourism is not very developed in Sao Nicolau . Thus, you’ll get a unique privileged experience.

Map of Cape Verde

FAQ – Cape Verde Travel

What is the best place in cape verde.

The best place in Cape Verde for your holiday depends on your plans. If you want beaches, go to Sal , Boa Vista , and Maio . If you want hiking, go to Santo Antao , Brava and Fogo . If you want culture, go to Santiago and Sao Vicente .

What is the best time to go to Cape Verde?

If you want greenery: August – October If you want to enjoy the winter sun: November – February If you like it really hot: April – June

What’s the best Cape Verde island?

In terms of beach holidays, Maio , Sal, and Boa Vista are the best options. But, that doesn’t mean that you should ignore the other island gems! Indeed, they hide a paradise for hikers, such as Santo Antao or dramatic volcanic landscapes such as Fogo .

Whereas Sal and Boa Vista are the most touristy islands, it’s absolutely worth it to go beyond and explore the colorful landscapes and the rich culture of the other Cape Verdean islands. 

Hola! I’m Paulina, a seasoned travelette who crossed the Atlantic Ocean by Boat HitchHiking. On my blog, find expert insights for an extraordinary holiday through outdoor and sustainable travel like hiking, cycling, and sailing. Let’s embark on unforgettable journeys together! 🌍🚀

Monday 11th of March 2024

Bonjour Paulina, Je vous remercie pour votre magnifique récit, plein de bonnes adresses et de conseils. Je prévois un séjour au Cap Vert, du 2 juin au 21 juin prochains, durant lequel j'aimerais profiter de 4 îles : - Santiago, où nous arrivons - Maio [Au départ, je visais Boa Vista pour le côté détente. Vous m'avez fait changer d'avis] - Santo Antao - Sao Vicento, d'où nous repartons. Il m'est difficile de quantifier le nombre de journées par île. L'idée est de découvrir sans trop se presser pour pouvoir profiter des couleurs locales et se reposer. Si vous pouviez m'aider dans cette définition, ce serait vraiment gentil à vous. Un grand merci d'avance. Bien cordialement, Evelyne

Et encore merci pour toute cette richesse d'informations et cette présentation authentique.

Saturday 16th of March 2024

Bonjour Paulina, Un grand merci pour votre réponse. Un doute persiste sur le choix entre Maio et Boa Vista pour son désert de Viana et son lagon de Buracona]. Qu'en pensez-vous ?

Bonjour Evelyne,

Merci infiniment pour vos aimables paroles et votre enthousiasme à propos de mon récit sur le Cap Vert ! Je suis ravie que mes conseils aient pu vous inspirer.

Pour profiter pleinement de chaque endroit sans vous presser, voici une suggestion approximative :

- Santiago : 5 jours pour explorer la culture locale et les paysages variés. - Maio : 4 jours pour la détente que vous recherchez, découvrant ses plages préservées et son atmosphère tranquille. - Santo Antao : 6 jours pour s'imprégner de ses paysages montagneux et des randonnées inoubliables. - Sao Vicente : 4 jours pour terminer votre voyage en explorant la ville animée de Mindelo.

Cela vous laisse également quelques jours supplémentaires pour des découvertes imprévues ou des moments de repos. N'hésitez pas à ajuster selon vos préférences.

Je vous souhaite un séjour exceptionnel au Cap Vert ! Si vous avez d'autres questions ou besoin de plus de détails, n'hésitez pas.

Saturday 22nd of February 2020

This place looks like outdoor paradise! Can;t wait to visit Cape Verde someday :)

Monday 24th of February 2020

Yes, they are stunning indeed! I absolutely fell in love with this country.

Alanna Koritzke

Wow those natural swimming pools look incredible! I need to add this to my travel bucket list!

Yes, they are absolutely fabulous!

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The Ultimate 7-Day Cape Verde Itinerary (& 7 Pro Tips)

When I embarked on a journey to the small, remote Cape (Cabo) Verde islands in the middle of the Atlantic, I did not know what to expect.

Would the islands, because of their deep importance with the Atlantic slave trade routes, remind me of my travels across Senegal ? Or instead, would they remind me of the Canary Islands or even the Azores?

What I experienced instead was totally unexpected – and far better.

Though I’m jealous of those who get to spend weeks on end in these enchanting islands, a week is just enough to get a good taste of Cape Verde. And perhaps little enough to make you want to come back for more.

The Ultimate 7-Day Cape Verde (Cabo Verde) Itinerary

This jam-packed 7-day expedition across Cape Verde is sure to maximize your exploration and enjoyment of these magnificent islands.

• Fly directly to Sal, Cape Verde (SID) and explore this magnificent desert-island: 2 days
• Hop on a local turboprop plane and ferry to Santo Antão for 3 days of ultimate hiking
• Ferry back to São Vicente for an incredible night in Mindelo
• Turboprop it down to Praia, Santiago Island and enjoy the most underrated island of Cape Verde: 2 days

Pro Tip : Book a multi-city ticket finishing your trip in Praia – where you can either fly directly to Europe and Africa, or connect in Sal for your onwards flight. This way you do a nice circuit tour of the islands.

Related: The 20 Ultimate Things to Do in Sal, Cape Verde [2023-2024]

What to do with 9 days in Cape (Cabo) Verde?

An additional adventure I wish I had done in Cabo Verde is exploring the nation’s only active volcano , on Fogo Island .

Some people only spend one full day in Fogo, as it is a small island. However, I recommend taking a full 2-day dose of this gem so you have time to hike and rest.

What you need to know before traveling to and around Cape Verde

Cape verde travel requirements.

As of May 2023, Cape Verde has removed all Covid-19 restrictions.

• Many flights are running to Sal and Praia from Europe and Africa, on airlines such as Air Senegal, TAP Air Portugal, Azores, Royal Air Maroc, and TUIFly.
• Restaurants are mostly open as pre-covid, with only a few restaurants that shut down during the pandemic.
• There is not currently a curfew or limitations on seating, indoors or out.

Pro Tip: iVisa is a great tool to assist with the any visa concerns you may have prior to entering Cape Verde. They offer free advice and information without needing to sign up for anything.

How to book flights within Cape Verde

The pre-covid airline that was running convenient flights between the Cape Verde islands, TICV, is out of business. Replacing that airline is BestFly – an Angolan airline that picked up TICV’s route structure, airplanes, and infrastructure.

In other words, you will basically have the same services as before.

I’ve had zero luck booking my flights on BestFly’s online website . The online payment always fails. However, the website is a great place to check schedules. And maybe you’ll have better luck booking than I did.

I’m told by locals that the BestFly website online works for bookings made a month or more ahead. I’m not even sure that’s true.

Since we were much more last-minute with our bookings, we were forced to visit a travel agency in Cape Verde to book our flights for a surcharge of about $11USD per booking. There are many tour agencies; Girassol (2 locations in Santiago), Polar (Praia, Santiago), Barracuda Tours (Sal), Morabitur and more.

Pro Tip : If you can’t book online with BestFly, contact a tour operator as early as possible; flights tend to fill up 3-10 days ahead, and there’s no way to book them once they’re full.

Best way to rent a car across Cape Verde

There’s an excellent, family owned, one-stop rental car company that covers almost all of the islands.

They’re called caboverde Rental Cars and they have top-rated partners around most of the airports and ferry terminals.

I mention them now because you can sort out all your bookings from one convenient website instead of having to crawl around searching for each one individually.

First Stop: Sal, Cape Verde (2 Days)

Sal is characterized as a typical beach destination for sunshine-seeking European holidayers looking to get some sun. But it can be fun too. In fact, I absolutely recommend reading about the 20 Ultimate Things You Can Do in Sal, Cape Verde .

What to do in Sal, Cape Verde

Our favorite activity in Sal was the diving at the Santa Maria Dive Center , which was much better than we ever expected.

• Dive crystal-clear warm waters beaming with sea life
• Rent an ATV Quad and hop along sand dunes
• Go for a swim and enjoy the beach or resort life

Take a kite surf lesson

• Enjoy Cape Verde’s finest cuisine

Dive Cape Verde’s splendid waters

Divers from abroad might be surprised to hear that the diving in Cape Verde is actually quite good . From large shipwrecks to underwater mountains and enormous drop offs, there’s something to see for everyone.

The infrastructure is actually pretty good too, with lines attached down to popular shipwrecks and well documented dive sites. Depths vary from 30 feet for some wrecks to 130+ feet on some of the walls.

Underwater wildlife includes giant turtles, manta and eagle rays, sharks of various sorts, and occasionally even whales!

Rent an ATV and explore salt and sand dunes

There’s no shortage of ATV / 4×4 rentals in Santa Maria, and the entire island is quite accessible.

You can reach the Dune of Sal from Santa Maria in about 10 minutes for a world of fun hopping around the dunes.

The combination of constant, strong trade winds and miles of pristine shoreline makes for a wonderful place to kite surf. There are dozens of outfits that have kite surf schools , including Mito & Djo Kite Surf School.

Relax at the beach

Looking to unwind and relax? I can’t blame you. After all, it’s likely you had a long journey to get here.

Sal offers miles and miles of unspoiled white sand beaches and clear, turquoise water.

Ponta Sino, the main beach just off of Santa Maria, is a wonderful place to relax. Afterwards, head to nearby Cape Fruit and grab a fresh fruit smoothie to rehydrate after a day of sun.

Best places to eat in Santa Maria

As a mega hub for European tourists, Sal has quite a few restaurants… and many of them are quite good!

Although we loved Cape Fruit for a quick snack and healthy food, we loved Soul Kitchen for its truly exceptional cuisine and prime beachfront location.

Another great spot is R estaurante Farolim, located on a jetty over the water. It’s probably the best-placed restaurant on the island.

Best places to stay in Santa Maria

There are plenty of places to stay in Santa Maria, Sal, for all kinds of budgets.

For those visiting Sal on a lower to average budget, we strongly recommend Casa Pau and Casa Blue . Both offer shared or private rooms, options of fantastic complimentary breakfast, and great service.

Those on a higher budget won’t struggle to find world-class resorts, such as the Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria – with the absolute prime location of the island.

Next stop: the brilliant island of Santo Antão, Cape Verde (3 Days)

Wondering why this itinerary calls for 3 days in Santo Antão, unlike the other islands?

Here’s why;

Santo Antão is Cape Verde’s best island

If you’re planning on staying longer on any particular island, Santo Antão is the one you should choose.

In every single island we visited, I mean every island, the locals told us about their favorite island: Santo Antão.

And the second we arrived in Porto Novo, we understood why.

Santo Antão: also the most beautiful island of Cape Verde?

Without a doubt, Santo Antão takes the cake for most beautiful island not just in Cape Verde, but much of the world.

Extravagant valleys and jaw-droppingly massive volcanic mountains and cliffs make the island jut out of the Atlantic with incredible beauty.

The islands are raw nature at its finest, and there’s no other way to put it.

You can experience the beauty of Santo Antão on a plethora of amazing hikes located on all corners of the island.

How to get from Sal to Santo Antão, Cape Verde on the same day

Wondering how to get to Santo Antão?

It’s very easy from Sal or Santiago. All it takes is a flight to Sao Vicente and then a ferry ride to Santo Antão.

Getting from Sal to Santo Antão, all the way on the other end of the Cape Verde islands, may seem like a stretch – especially considering that Santo Antão does not have an active airport.

But it’s feasible, even easy.

You’ll need to book a flight on BestFly from SID-VXE (Sal to São Vicente). The flight should arrive in Sao Vicente before 1PM so you can make the 2PM ferry to Santo Antao.

As of November 2021, there is a 950AM or 1150AM flight (depending on the day) on BestFly from Sal to São Vicente. There are also two flights per day from Praia.

Getting from Sao Vicente Airport to the Ferry

The next step is getting to the ferry in São Vicente so you can head to Santo Antão.

Upon arrival, exit to the left and head to a taxi stand. Ask for the ferry. A one-way fare from São Vicente to the Mindelo Ferry Port costs 1000CVE ($10USD) and takes 15-20 minutes.

The ferry schedule, as of November 2021, is as follows:

The last departure to Santo Antão departs at 1400, which can be made with ease if you take any flight departing from Sal before noon.

Pro Tip : Make sure to book your ferry ticket ahead at CV Interhilas to skip the line and have an easier time.

The ferry from São Vicente to Santo Antão costs about 800CVE per person and takes just under an hour.

Renting a car from the ferry port in Santo Antão

You can rent a car directly from the ferry port in Porto Novo, Santo Antão.

We rented a lovely 4×4 Suzuki Jimmy for less than $50USD per day with Vale&Montanha . A representative from the rental agency had the car ready and waiting for us at the port.

He had us sign a few papers, leave a $200USD deposit (cash only) and then we were on our way. We had no hassles or issues with our rental.

The best hotel in all of Cape Verde. Surprise: it’s not expensive!

We spent hours going through all of the hotels on Santo Antão before we found this one. And even then, it took a couple phone calls and some patience before we confirmed our reservation for one night.

And what a night it was.

Quinta Cochete , located basically in the middle of the island, is such a gem of a hotel. It’s not expensive, at less than $100USD a night, but it should be.

The food here is at standards not found outside top chef restaurants in Europe, the views include 360 degrees of complete stupefaction, and if that’s not enough there’s a complete garden and animal farm to keep you company.

The owner is supremely friendly and the ambiance here is of utmost relaxation. You’ll be in a prime location to start some of the best hikes on the island and after eating to your hearts content and sleeping like sleeping beauty, you’ll be ready for them.

What to do in Santo Antão

The whole time we were in Santo Antão, we had one thought: “man, this place really gives Hawaii a run for its money”.

There’s just so much nature to enjoy here. Make sure to:

• Head up to Ponta do Sol for epic sunset and sunrise views.
• Hike along the north shore from Ponta do Sol through Fontainhas onto Corva and take a taxi back
• Visit Paul’s Cove and explore the area
• Get lost driving around the island in a 4×4 and enjoy the most epic views of your life

Third stop: Mindelo, São Vicente

Mindelo is a surprisingly large and densely populated city in São Vicente.

Here you’ll find sailboats moored on the gorgeous bay surrounded by jagged volcanic mountains with brightly colored houses and building adorning the hills of the city.

There are a number of great restaurants and hotels here, and Mindelo makes for a quite pleasant – but not totally necessary stop.

How to get from Santo Antão to São Vicente

You have the choice between a 9AM or 4PM ferry, either of which takes about an hour. We chose to take the 4PM ferry and spend a night exploring Mindelo, but you could take a 9AM ferry followed by a flight to your next destination.

Again, booked on CV Interhilas.

The Ultimate Night in Mindelo and What You Need to Know

After hopping off the ferry, take a taxi for 200CVE ($2USD) and head to the nicest viewpoint in Mindelo; the Casamarel.

Pro Tip : Avoid non-official taxis if you can. It’s pretty obvious when you see the car.

The Casamarel is a well-priced yet luxurious and not yet discovered restaurant/hotel with a lovely pool and even better views.

Stay and eat here for a wonderful evening of good food, great accommodations, and a view on the city and bay for sunset. Maybe with your bae. Up to you.

Walking around Mindelo is generally safe, but we were told to take taxis at night. We did not and had no issues; it’s up to you to decide. The locals probably know best.

What to do around Mindelo

• Perfect your negotiation skills at the Central Market
• Take a swim on the white-sand Praia de Laginha
• Rent a scooter and explore the island

Make sure not to miss the Central Market of Mindelo. It’s one of the more authentic ones I’ve seen.

There’s an incredible white-sand beach right in the heart of downtown called Praia de Laginha . It makes for a fun afternoon of jumping in and out of rough waves.

Pro Tip : For those looking to explore more of São Vicente, there’s a scooter rental called Zoom Zoom Mindelo. You’ll find decent prices and great scooters.

The island of São Vicente is very accessible and has generally exceptional roads.

Final/fourth stop: Santiago Island (2 Days)

Next up is Santiago island, a totally underrated gem. Praia , the capital of Cape Verde, is located here and people unfortunately tend to conflate it with the entire island of Santiago.

Praia isn’t the nicest city, but the rest of the island of Santiago provides absolutely magnificent mountain views combined with lovely coves and wonderful beaches.

How to get to Praia, Santiago

To get to Santiago, you’ll have to fly into Praia. Here’s how to get there from São Vicente.

From Mindelo, take a taxi to São Vicente airport (VXE). The ride lasts about 10 minutes and costs 1000CVE ($10).

BestFly generally runs two flights a day from São Vicente to Praia, Santiago.

Security is generally not an issue in São Vicente airport as there are hardly international flights.

Again, make sure to have your Covid-19 documents ready – with QR code.

Renting a car in Santiago: the struggle is real

There are several local agencies as well as a Hertz, though we were unable to get in contact with any of them.

Instead, our hotel arranged for us to rent from someone local for 5000CVE/day – about $50USD.

It is otherwise not terribly hard to get around the island by taxi or ‘alaguer’ – shared shuttles.

The only issue: taxis are expensive and alaguers wait to fill up before leaving, leaving you waiting. However, alaguers tend to be very cheap with fares as low as 300CVE to get all the way across the island.

Must-sees on Santiago island

Santiago has so much to offer, and honestly ended up being one of our favorite islands.

We had plenty of great food, wonderful accommodation at Dunas de Areia Preta, and were welcomed by so many lovely locals. And the sights are absolutely stunning.

Make sure not to miss:

• Piscina Natural de Cuba, a “natural swimming pool”/amazing oasis
• Silverbeach, a volcanic beach in Tarrafal
• Parque Nacional de Serra Malagueta, the most amazing mountain chain on the island

Bonus stop: Fogo Island

Literally translating to “Island of Fire”, Fogo is Cabo Verde’s only active volcanic island.

As the active volcanic island, Fogo provides for some incredible hikes up to the crater.

How to get to Fogo Island

• Fly on BestFly or take a ferry on CV Interilhas

On Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, CV Interhilas runs a fast ferry from Praia, Santiago to Fogo island. It take approximately 3.5 hours and costs 3300CVE (about $34 USD) per person.

There are also flights to/from Fogo on BestFly, the local inter island airline. Watch out – these tend to fill up far in advance.

How to get around Fogo

Although we would rent a car, especially in a time crunch, it is possible to get all around Fogo by taxi or Alaguer.

What to do in Fogo

• Hiking Fogo National Park to the crater
• Enjoying a road trip around the island
• Hanging out with local fisherman and enjoying fresh seafood

The main attractions of course, is to hike the volcano of Fogo!

Many tour companies offer guided tours of the volcano, including equipment rental.

The ring road going around the island also provides epic views on the volcano and surrounding islands, especially around sunset and sunrise.

In summary, the ultimate 7-day itinerary in Cabo Verde includes:

• Flying to Sal from Europe or Africa
• Enjoying 2 days of ATVs, beaching, diving, relaxing, sunning, and kitesurfing
• Navigating from Sal to Santo Antão on the same day
• Exploring Cabo Verde’s most beautiful island, Santo Antão, for 2 days by hiking and road tripping
• Taking the local airline down to Praia, Santiago Island
• Dipping in a natural pool, walking on volcanic sand beaches, taking in the spectacular views of Santiago for 2 days
• Flying home, via Europe, Sal, or Africa

Theres an enormous amount to do and see in Cabo Verde, and hopefully this allows you to see the most on your 7-day trip.

Thanks for reading! Consider these similar posts:

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Cabo Verde’s Sustainable Growth relies on Economic Diversification and Resilience to External Shocks

© Marco Medina Silva, World Bank

PRAIA, JULY 14 th , 2023 – In 2022, Cabo Verde witnessed strong economic growth, led by the sectors of tourism, transport, and commerce. This surge in economic activity boosted the country's GDP and contributed to poverty reduction. However, the need for economic diversification and for resilience to external shocks, particularly climate related, posed significant threats to the sustainability of growth. These are the key issues tackled by the 2023 Country Economic Memorandum and the 2023 Economic Update , two new reports published by the World Bank.

Cabo Verde has achieved significant social and economic progress since its independence in 1975, despite its geographical challenges and limited resources. However, there are still challenges that need to be addressed to ensure sustainable and inclusive long-term economic growth. Three priorities discussed in the CEM are (i) the importance of increasing firm-level productivity to generate more and better jobs; (ii) the need to reduce economic fragmentation by reduction transportation costs among islands; and (iii) the significance of building economic resilience to climate shocks.

The 2023 Economic Update is a comprehensive overview of Cabo Verde's economy in 2022. The report provides a clear understanding of the economic context and challenges faced by the country in the short term, facilitating the implementation of necessary reforms moving forward.

“By implementing the recommendations outlined in these reports, in line with the national development policy (PEDS II), Cabo Verde has the potential to gradually diversify its economy, improve firm-level productivity, and prepare better for the impacts of climate shocks. These efforts will foster sustainable and inclusive growth, reduce poverty, and promote shared prosperity for the country and its people”, said Eneida Fernandes, World Bank Resident Representative in Cabo Verde.

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Tourism is a primary driver of Cabo Verde’s economy and, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, accounted for at least 24 percent of the country’s GDP, 10 percent of formal employment, and the majority of Cabo Verde’s foreign direct investment.  In 2019, Cabo Verde welcomed almost 820,000 tourists (up from 145,000 in 2000), and pre-pandemic, the government anticipated reaching one million tourists in 2021, with visitors now expected to return to pre-pandemic levels by 2023.  Europe is the traditional source market, with 24 percent of total visitors coming from the United Kingdom.  As the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated, the economy’s dependence on tourism makes it vulnerable to external shocks.  Cabo Verde’s tourism market, brought to a halt by COVID-19, is characterized by dependency on international operators and concentrated on two islands (Sal and Boa Vista) offering “sun, sea, and sand.”  The government is seeking to diversify the tourism sector – and attract more private sector investment – by promoting other kinds of attractions, including sea turtle nesting sites, big game fishing, water sports (including sailing, yachting, wind and kite surfing), hiking and trekking, volcanic exploration, birdwatching, canyoning, culture (music, festivals, and cultural heritage), cruise ships, and retirement options for senior citizens.  Successful diversification of the tourism sector will require better packaging and promotion of these offerings, investments in high-quality medical care, and further improvements to inter-island and international transportation.  Despite the pandemic crisis, it is expected that tourism will remain the largest economic sector.  The government launched its tourism operational plan 2022-2026, which among other objectives has the goal of attracting 1.2 million tourists by 2026.  Cabo Verde has fully vaccinated more than 85 percent of its adult population and is considered a model in its response to the COVID-19 pandemic, an important factor for the country’s tourism relaunch.  Planned tourism investments suggest high investor confidence – including from U.S. investors – in Cabo Verde’s post-pandemic recovery.

Leading Sub-Sectors

Health :  The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the critical need to improve healthcare facilities to provide tourists peace of mind and keep them safe while visiting Cabo Verde.  The government is already investing in health centers on the most visited islands.  Additional opportunities exist in construction, health equipment, and technical assistance.

Ecotourism :  Although some of the rural islands receive tourists interested in ecotourism, this sector is still underdeveloped and a viable niche market.  Some of the less explored islands offer unique experiences that combine sun and sand with mountain trekking (including on an active volcano), viewing turtle nests, scuba diving, and bird watching.

Cruise Services:  These include on shore activities for cruise ship passengers as well as bunkering services.  Despite the sector’s pre-COVID rapid growth, small- and medium-sized businesses in Cabo Verde are not taking advantage of this market niche.

Sporting Events/Nautical Tourism :  Cabo Verde is well positioned and already has good infrastructure for these types of events, such as kite surfing, wind surfing, sailing, volleyball, international beach games, and other aquatic activities.  U.S. businesses operating in the area could take advantage of these opportunities.

Cultural/Heritage Tourism :  Cabo Verde’s history, including its role in the slave trade, and its unique culture could attract specific groups of tourists, but this area has not been fully explored.

Agribusiness :  Most of the country’s resorts and hotels (particularly the large European-owned resorts) rely on imported food, beverages, and supplies from Europe.  Local Cabo Verdean producers struggle to place their agricultural and fisheries products in hotels and resorts due to transportation challenges, a lack of packaging and refrigeration, the seasonality of certain products, and difficulty obtaining required certifications.  U.S. businesses with experience in these matters could tap into a growing market in Cabo Verde.

Opportunities

Cabo Verde has developed a good reputation among its European visitors.  Development and diversification of the tourism sector is a high priority for the government.  The country already has significant tourism infrastructure and incentives in place, including four international airports, domestic airports, ports, and tax benefits with special provisions for investment in the tourism sector.  Due to the crosscutting nature of the sector and the requirements of the market, opportunities abound.  Investments in health, agribusiness, specific market niches, and even renewable energy and ICT solutions would contribute to, and benefit from, Cabo Verde’s continued development as an international tourist destination.

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A beginner's guide to Cape Verde

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written by Georgia Stephens

updated 12.02.2019

Eternally sun-soaked and sculpted by the elements, Cape Verde – almost 600km off the west coast of Africa – is far more than just a destination for reliable winter warmth. Its islands (Santo Antão, São Vicente, Santa Luzia, São Nicolau, Sal, Boa Vista, Maio, Santiago, Fogo and Brava) seem to go from one environmental extreme to another, offering visitors everything from undulating sand dunes to forest-swathed mountains and everything in between – even an active volcano. Here’s everything you need to know about exploring this utterly unique African archipelago.

Our guide to Cape Verde

(Continued below...)

Let’s start with the basics, as it’s safe to say that many would struggle to point to Cape Verde on a map. If you find yourself floundering, look for the Canary Islands and let your gaze drift southwest for 1,000km, or simply strike out into the Atlantic from Senegal and keep going west until you make landfall. It’s an isolated island chain, that’s for sure.

A brief history of the islands

Any visitor to the islands needs to know a little about Cape Verde’s fascinating – albeit tragic – history. For a long time, the islands were completely uninhabited, save perhaps for the turtles that arrive seasonally to nest. But in 1456, Cape Verde was discovered by Portuguese sailors who, realising its strategic position, quickly settled and built it into an outpost for the slave trade.

Over the years, the descendants of slavers and slaves developed a unique Creole culture on Cape Verde, not quite African, not quite European. The people who live here are still around seventy percent mixed race, speak a mixture of Portuguese and Creole, and use the Euro alongside the Cape Verdean Escudo.

Tarrafal beach on Santiago island in Cape Verde © Samuel Borges Photography/Shutterstock

Which islands should I visit?

Sal and boa vista.

A couple of islands over, Santiago is the largest in the archipelago and home to over half of Cape Verde’s population. It was the first island to be settled by the Portuguese and is considered the most African in culture. Don’t miss the lively market in the capital city of Praia, where you can buy all kinds of fish, spices and fresh produce.

Fogo , meanwhile, is instantly recognisable thanks to the simmering volcano at its heart, which last erupted in 2014. The local population, many of which are descended from the same promiscuous French nobleman, still live amid its lava flows and cinder cones, perched on steep slopes overlooking black sand beaches.

São Vicente

To the north, São Vicente is the islands’ cultural capital and home to Mindelo, Cape Verde’s prettiest and most sophisticated city. Over the years it’s been frequented by poets, free-thinkers and artistic types, including famous Cape Verdean singer Cesária Évora. The island is known for its vibrant nightlife, and every August it hosts the Baia das Gatas Festival, a three-day extravaganza of local music.

Santo Antão

Finally, Santo Antão is the remotest island in this remote island chain. It is the polar opposite of Sal and Boa Vista, characterised by towering peaks, terraced fields and thick forests full of banana palms and papaya trees. If you were wondering how Cabo Verde (literally “Cape Green”) earned its name, you’ll probably find some clues here.

Santo Antao, Cape Verde © Plrang Art/Shutterstock

What things shouldn’t I miss?

First off, the island of Sal takes its name from its historic salt production, and you can see how it was produced at Pedra de Lume on the island. Here, you’ll find a sea of shimmering salt lakes in the crater of an extinct volcano, alongside the crumbling machinery once used for salt extraction. Take a dip in the medicinal waters and, thanks to the salt, you’ll float like a cork.

You can pair this visit with a trip to Shark Bay , which is also on Sal. You can wade out into the ocean to join a school of lemon sharks, which cruise up and down this area hunting for fish. While the sharks aren’t a threat to people, it’s still exhilarating watching their fins slicing through the waves. Make sure you hire a pair of water shoes on the beach, as the rocks here can be sharp.

On Fogo, it’s possible to climb Pico do Fogo , Cape Verde’s only active volcano and highest peak (2829m). It's a three to six hour walk, depending on your fitness. The paths can shift with the movement of the knee-deep ash, so it’s worth hiring a guide to take you up to the crater. Some of the guides experienced the 2014 eruption first hand, and their tales make for fascinating, albeit unsettling, listening.

Over on Santiago, the highlight is the UNESCO-listed city of Cidade Velha (once known as Ribeira Grande), built by the Portuguese in 1462 as the first European settlement in the tropics. It was at one point Cape Verde’s capital, and you can still see the remains of its fortress, churches and town square, where disobedient slaves were punished. It only flourished until 1770, when sustained pirate attacks led the Portuguese to name nearby Praia Cape Verde’s capital instead.

Cidade Velha old fort on Santiago Island, Cape Verde © Samuel Borges Photography/Shutterstock

What about the food?

Unsurprisingly, Cape Verde is best known for its fresh seafood, which can go from ocean to plate in a matter of hours. You’ll find dorado, wahoo, snapper, scorpionfish and tuna alongside a multitude of other delicacies on menus across the islands, often served under the ubiquitous ‘fish of the day’ label with a side of chips or rice.

Alternatively, try the Cape Verdean speciality cachupa , a hearty stew simmered for hours with beans, herbs, cassava and sometimes meat. As it takes a long time to prepare, it’s usually only available for one or two days each week, so grab it when you see it. If you’re feeling brave, wash it down with a glass of grogue , a strong traditional tipple hailing from the maritime days made by a small, family-run distillery on Santo Antão.

Cachupa, a classic slow-cooked Cape Verdean dish © AS Food studio/Shutterstock

Anything else I need to know before I go?

Cape Verde is a year-round destination, with temperatures rarely dipping below 20°C, though it’s best to avoid the rainy season between July and October.

There are international airports on Sal, Santiago, Boa Vista and São Vicente. You can get around the islands cheaply by taking one of the ferries, but they are typically slow and unreliable, and the crossings can be rough. Instead, you can fly between most of the islands with Binter Cabo Verde .

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Opposition candidate Neves wins Cape Verde election

Josia Maria Neves, a former prime minister, wins the presidency in the first round as his main rival concedes defeat.

Opposition candidate and former Prime Minister Jose Maria Neves won Cape Verde’s presidential election on Sunday, as his main rival, the ruling party’s flagbearer Carlos Veiga, conceded defeat.

Neves, 61, who served as prime minister from 2000-2016, will inherit the responsibility for stabilising the Atlantic archipelago nation’s tourism-driven economy after the COVID-19 pandemic drove it deep into recession.

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President Jorge Carlos Fonseca is stepping down after serving the maximum two five-year terms allowed by the constitution.

Neves had 51.7 percent of the vote based on official results from 99.4 percent of polling stations, ahead of Veiga with 42.4 percent. Five other candidates all won less than 2 percent each.

Veiga, who served as prime minister from 1991-2000 and represents Fonseca’s centre-right Movement for Democracy (MpD), conceded defeat late on Sunday.

“The will of the people was heard and the will of the people was granted,” he said in a statement. “I want to offer my congratulations to Jose Maria on his election as president of the republic.”

Neves, of the left-wing African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde (PAICV), said he wanted to be a president “who unites, protects and cares”.

“I must say that it is a great responsibility to preside over the Cape Verdean nation in these difficult times, and I receive this victory with the great humility that has always characterised me,” he told supporters.

The transfer of power will be the fourth between the MpD and PAICV since independence from Portugal in 1975, consolidating Cape Verde’s status as one of Africa’s most stable democracies.

Neves will have to work with a prime minister from the MpD after the party maintained its parliamentary majority in an April election.

His first challenge will be the economy, which contracted 14 percent in 2020 as border closures caused by the pandemic cut off Cape Verde’s beaches and mountains from tourists. It is expected to bounce back this year with growth of nearly 6 percent.

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Your full Wanderlust guide to

Set sail from the west coast of Africa and 500km later you’ll reach the islands of Cape Verde. Uninhabited until they were discovered and colonised by the Portuguese in the 15th century, Cape Verde may be part of Africa but it feels like an intoxicating mix of Europe and the Caribbean. The remote islands of Cape Verde (there are 10 main islands in all) are home to endless white dunes, lush valleys and lofty peaks. On Santo Antão  hike among the pine trees and canyons or head to popular Sal and Boa Visa where windsurfers flock to the beaches for the mega waves.

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Songs of freedom: exploring the cape verde islands.

Look out and listen for Cesária Evora, Cape Verde’s smoky voiced barefoot diva who is hugely popular in Portugal and France.

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On Sal – float in the dense briny lake in the Pedra de Lume collapsed volcano; drive through the desert marvelling at the mirages.

On Santiago – visit the central market in Praia; wander round the pelhourinho (pillory) and old streets of Cidade Velha; the colonial prison at Tarrafal is being restored as a museum.

On Mindelo – have a strange round of golf; visit a guitar maker; take a day-trip across to scenic Santo Antão. Discover the soulful songs of Cape VerdeOn Sal – float in the dense briny lake in the Pedra de Lume collapsed volcano; drive through the desert marvelling at the mirages. On Santiago – visit the central market in Praia; wander round the pelhourinho (pillory) and old streets of Cidade Velha; the colonial prison at Tarrafal is being restored as a museum.

On Mindelo – have a strange round of golf; visit a guitar maker; take a day-trip across to scenic Santo Antão. Discover the soulful songs of Cape Verde

Average temperatures are generally +25°C throughout the winter, though strong winds can make it feel cooler. Summers, considered ‘low season’, can be hot, with temperatures around 30°C. Rain usually falls from July to October, though Sal and São Vicente often get little or none. For the liveliest festival, head there for the pre-lent carnival.

International airport

Amilcar Cabral (SID) on Sal, 2km from Espargos. Praia-Francisco Mendes (RAI) 2km from Praia.

Getting around

The easiest way to get around is to fly with local airline TACV. However, flights get overbooked, and travelling without an advance reservation is unreliable.

The (far cheaper) alternative is ferries. While safe and reliable, crossings can be rough. Four- and six-berth cabins are available. Praia to Mindelo takes 12 hours.

Car hire is available on all the main islands; the cheaper option is aluguers, African minibuses which will pick you up and drop you off where you like.

Accommodation

Resort hotels are the norm on package-holiday-friendly Sal and Boa Vista. Elsewhere, there are simple mid-range doubles but few hostels. Prices in Cape Verde are considerably higher than in other areas of West Africa. There are no official campsites but it is possible to camp on remote beaches.

Food & drink

Fresh, locally caught fish and seafood are available throughout the archipelago. A traditional dish is cachupa, a vegetable stew that can also be served with meat or fish. Portuguese food, particularly bacalau (dried, salted cod), is also common, but more expensive.

Portuguese wine and beer (Sagres and Super Bock) are widely available. Wine from the island of Fogo is just about drinkable. Grogue and ponche (sugarcane firewater) less so.

Health & safety

Cape Verde is free of many of the diseases affecting mainland Africa. All the islands are free from malaria except Santiago.

Upset stomachs are fairly common – watch out for salads and unpeeled fruit.

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Things to do in Cape Verde

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"Kabu Verdi é sabi", meaning cabo verde is wonderful

Sun and beach, mountain trails, landscapes of a nature that so easily springs up everywhere and a wealth of customs and traditions that does not translate into any price: Cabo Verde is a paradise that rests by the sea .

With the morabeza of the people and the magic that is only found in Islands of sun and sea, this archipelago is a universe of experiences to discover.

Flavors, smells and colors permeate memories and here you can feel the warm breeze on the skin and the sweetness of life.

Sun & Beach in Cape Verde

Golden sand, a blue-greenish sea and postcard-worthy landscapes.

Cabo Verde has beaches that deserve to be the backdrop of unforgettable memories.

Enjoying the mild climate is possible all year round and Cabo Verde's beaches are a desired destination for many.

Nature & Adventure in Cape Verde

Its climate, geomorphology and botanical diversity turn the Cabo Verde Islands into true pearls in the Atlantic Ocean.

For nature and adventure lovers, there are routes and trails to explore, with a unique scenery.

Discovering the rural villages and the mountains is a challenge for everyone.

Culture & Art in Cape Verde

In Cabo Verde, the original Portuguese colonial culture and African traditions come together in symbiosis and reveal themselves in a rich legacy of literature, music and art.

Cultural life on the Islands is vibrant and the mix of colors, flavors and sounds that flows in the air is contagious.

Circuits in Cape Verde

Sunny routes of landscape and adventure through trails that nature embraces.

There are many circuits to discover in Cabo Verde and to enjoy the purity of a tropical environment, rich in fauna and flora.

Morabeza, the art of hospitality, is also a sigh through the vegetation of the Islands.

Cruises in Cape Verde

Located on the shores of the African continent and in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, Cabo Verde is a destination for many cruises.

Getting to know the world aboard has a unique dynamic and it is worth including this sunny archipelago as part of the journey or as a point of arrival in paradise.

Nautic Tourism in Cape Verde

Kite and windsurf are popular sports in Cabo Verde.

But there are more: sport fishing , stand-up paddle, surf and diving are also activities that find the right wave in the waters of the Archipelago.

Originally promoted by tourists, nowadays these sports are a common practice for all to see, inside or out of water.

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Mark Costa Reflects on Travel Course to Cabo Verde

Mark Costa, ’24, is third generation Cape Verdean and has never had occasion to visit the island nation.

[Dr. Haye’s Bohanan’s Travel Course] opened my eyes in a lot of ways as to how I, as a geography major, must think spatially.”

Mark Costa, ’24, is third generation Cape Verdean and has never had occasion to visit the island nation. So, it is not surprising that in January 2024, when Dr. Hayes-Bohanan led a Travel Course to Cabo Verde, he seized the opportunity to join. It was not only a chance to acquaint himself with the land of his heritage, but also to learn more about environmental geography and sustainability as Hayes-Bohanan employed coffee growing as one way to learn about the environment.

When asked his biggest takeaway from his experience, Mark said, “Fogo is such a small island, and the environment varies – the soil, the weather, the vegetation, everything. One of the key factors driven home to us was how many circumstances must go right for coffee to grow there in the first place. If any one of these factors were to change even a little bit, the impact on coffee would be disastrous.”

Mark’s first experience upon landing in Cabo Verde was being whisked to the Cabo Verdean Parliament in the capital city of Praia. Members of Parliament talk with the students about climate change and its impact. “This was very informative and a huge opportunity for us. Parliamentarians took the time to talk with us, ask questions,” he said, sharing key things about Cabo Verde.

When asked to describe the Travel Course, he said, “I would describe it as one of the most informative trips I’ve ever been on. It opened my eyes in a lot of ways as to how I, as a geography major, must think spatially. With the scale of the island, everything changes.” With those changes comes a shift in perspective and a need for creative solutions to existing challenges. The land mass is small; resources, limited; weather unpredictable. All these factors, he said, must be taken into consideration.

As a third-generation Cape Verdean who has heard stories about the islands all his life, Mark found his visit to Cabo Verde enlightening. “Although I’d never been to Cape Verde, there were aspects of the trip that felt familiar to me,” he said, clearly appreciative of all he saw and learned.

A 2024 graduate, Mark Costa is beginning his professional journey and is looking into land surveying as a strong career option.

Read more Notable Cape Verdean Alumni +

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The Government of Canada’s official source of travel information and advice, the Travel Advice and Advisories help you to make informed decisions and travel safely while you are outside Canada. Check the page for your destination often, because safety and security conditions may change. See Travel Advice and Advisories – FAQ for more information.

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Aboubakar stars as Cameroon hammer Cape Verde after chaotic build-up

Johannesburg (AFP) – Vincent Aboubakar scored twice as Cameroon shrugged off a chaotic build-up to trounce Cape Verde 4-1 on Saturday in a 2026 World Cup qualifier in Yaounde.

Issued on: 08/06/2024 - 20:41

The veteran forward hitb two as the Indomitable Lions built a 3-1 half-time lead after Michael Ngadeu-Ngadjui had put the home team ahead in a Group D matchday three clash.

Nouhou Tolo netted the only goal of the second half in the Cameroonian capital. Jamiro Monteiro was the lone Cape Verdian scorer.

The showdown between two unbeaten teams was surprisingly one sided given Cameroon are only 14 places higher than Cape Verde in the world rankings.

Cape Verde performed better at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations in the Ivory Coast, losing to South Africa on penalties in a quarter-final while Cameroon fell to Nigeria in a last-16 match.

Cameroon lead Group D on goal difference from Libya with both teams have accumulated seven points. Angola have five, Cape Verde four, Mauritius one and Eswatini none.

On Tuesday, Cameroon face a potentially trickier fixture away to Angola. Cape Verde will host Libya the same day.

The Cameroonian build-up had been marred by a power struggle between the sports ministry and the football federation, which former Barcelona and Inter Milan star Samuel Eto'o heads.

Four-time African Footballer of the Year Eto'o was furious when the ministry appointed Belgian Marc Brys as coach several months ago after the contract of Rigobert Song expired.

War of words

While former Liverpool defender Song plotted a play-off victory over Algeria which took Cameroon to the 2022 World Cup, they failed to get past the first round in Qatar.

Eto'o fired Brys, who previously coached clubs in his homeland, Netherlands and Saudi Arabia, after heated exchanges ahead of the Cape Verde qualifier only to reinstate him 24 hours later.

Federation officials later temporarily withdrew equipment from the national squad, including kit, as a war of words with ministry counterparts raged.

Amid the chaos, the squad displayed unity to maintain a perfect World Cup record against Cape Verde, having beaten the island nation home and away in qualifiers for the 2010 finals.

New Gambia coach Johnny McKinstry from Northern Ireland made a dream debut as successor to Belgian Tom Saintfiet when his team whipped the Seychelles 5-1 in Moroccan city Berkane.

After the first half ended 1-1, goals from Muhammed Badamosi, Musa Barrow, Yankuba Minteh and Adama Sidibeh delivered a record winning margin for the Gambians in a World Cup qualifier.

Badamosi had opened the scoring on 10 minutes only for Ryan Henriette to equalise soon after for the Seychelles, who have conceded 19 goals.

Despite the huge win, the Gambia remain fifth in Group F with three points, six behind leaders the Ivory Coast. Seychelles prop up the standings after three heavy losses.

Matchday four kicks off on Sunday with top-10 ranked teams Senegal and Tunisia among the nations in action.

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25 Interesting Facts About Cabo Verde (Cape Verde)

T he most interesting facts about Cabo Verde, from Africa’s second-most democratic country to a mysterious ghost ship carrying synthesizers.

Official name: Republic of Cabo Verde

Population: 611,014

Area: 4,033 sq km

Capital city: Praia

Major languages: Portuguese, Krioulo (Crioulo/creole)

Major religions: Roman Catholic, Protestant

Time zone: UTC-1 (Cape Verde Time)

Interesting facts about Cabo Verde

1. Cabo Verde is a mountainous  island nation  made up of 10 islands and five islets located off the west coast of  Africa .

2. Cabo Verde was uninhabited when the islands were discovered by Portuguese explorers in the 15th century.

3. During the 20th century, Cabo Verde was hit by extreme droughts which caused the deaths of around 200,000 people. The events provoked extensive emigration to the extent where today, more people with origins in Cape Verde live outside the country than inside it. The money sent back by emigres and descendants is an important source of foreign currency.

4. From 1462, Portuguese settlers began arriving on the island of São Tiago (Santiago), and the island soon became a trading post for slaves as well as ivory, gold, firearms, rum and cloth.

5. Cabo Verde gained complete independence in 1975, following years of campaigning and a 1974 military coup in Portugal.

6. Cabo Verde gets its name from Cap-Vert (Green Cape) on the Senegalese coast, which is the westernmost point of continental Africa and the nearest mainland to the islands.

7. From 1975, Cabo Verde was officially known by its English translation, Cape Verde. However, in 2013, the country formerly changed its name via the United Nations to the Portuguese name ‘Cabo Verde’.

8. Cabo Verde was the first landing of Charles Darwin’s famed HMS   Beagle  voyage. The British naturalist, just 22 at the time, visited the island of Santiago in 1832 where he was particularly impressed by the island’s octopuses, among other specimens.

9. Cabo Verde’s flag has two unequal stripes of blue framing narrower stripes of white and red with a ring of 10 off-centre yellow stars. The stars represent the 10 main islands while blue represents the ocean. The red (effort) and white (peace) represent the process of the founding of the country.

10. Cabo Verde’s capital city, Praia, was named by the Portuguese as Villa de Praia or “Village of the Beach”. It was renamed just Praia in 1974 just before full independence in 1975.

11. Morna is the national music of Cabo Verde. The music is a creole fusion of Portuguese, African, Brazilian and Cuban music which is reminiscent of the Blues. The most famous Morna musician was singer Cesária Évora who achieved global recognition for her work.

12. In 1968, a “ghost” ship carrying the latest Korgs, Moogs and Hammond organs was marooned off the Cabo Verde island of São Nicolau. The crew was nowhere to be found and the cargo was distributed to local schools. Overnight, a whole generation of young Cabo Verdeans gained access to the latest electric keyboards which inadvertently inspired the country’s post-independence music explosion several years later.

13. Cabo Verde has just one UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Cidade Velha, Historic Centre of Ribeira Grande. The town was the first European colonial outpost in the tropics and is famous for its “remains including two churches, a royal fortress and Pillory Square with its ornate 16th-century marble pillar.”

14. In 2015, Cabo Verde famously pulled off a surprise football (soccer) result over their former colonial masters. They beat the highly-rated Portugal team 0-2 in a friendly match in Estoril, Portugal.

16. On the island of Santiago is the Tarrafal Concentration Camp. Here, the Portuguese authorities used to hold and interrogate political prisoners during the 1940s. It was shut down in 1975 and later converted into a museum.

15. Cabo Verde is the world’s third-largest nesting site for loggerhead turtles (in terms of numbers of nesting females), after Florida in the USA and Oman. There are believed to be almost 200,000 loggerheads in total, according to 2020 data.

17. Grogue is the national drink of Cabo Verde. The local spirit – similar to rum – is distilled from sugarcane and can have an alcohol rate of up to 80%, but generally is made to around 60%.

18. Cabo Verde has Africa’s second-highest level of press freedom , behind only Namibia. It is 33rd overall.

19. A traditional dish in Cabo Verde is cachupa , a hearty stew made with beans, herbs, cassava and occasionally meat, that is simmered for hours before serving.

20. Cabo Verde is considered to be Africa’s third-most democratic country after Mauritius. It is ranked 35th overall according to the Democracy Index according to 2023 data from the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU).

21. Cabo Verde’s highest peak is the active volcano, Pico do Fogo. The 2,829m (9,382ft) conical peak last erupted in late 2014 to early 2015. Despite the obvious risk, farmers continue to grow coffee, fruit and even vineyards on its slopes.

22. Following independence, Cabo Verde initially voted to merge with Guinea-Bissau who had also gained independence from Portugal around the same time. However, following a 1980 coup in Guinea-Bissau, the unity plan was scrapped.

23. Cabo Verde’s only indigenous mammal is the long-eared bat. All other mammal species – such as goats, rodents and monkeys – were introduced to the islands.

24. Cabo Verde announced its plans to be 50% powered by renewable energy by 2030 – within just six years. The plan is to use a system of solar, wind and energy storage to achieve the ambitious goal. They hope to be almost 100% powered by 2040-2050.

25. Cabo Verde is considered to be one of the safest countries in the world to visit. It has been assessed as carrying an ‘insignificant travel security risk’.

Every effort has been made to verify these facts about Cabo Verde. However, if you find an error or have any questions, please contact us .

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James Lawson, US civil rights leader who championed nonviolence, dies at 95

James Lawson, a prominent civil rights leader whose advocacy of nonviolent protest influenced Martin Luther King Jr. and helped shape the 1960s movement to outlaw discrimination in the U.S., died at 95 on Sunday, his family said.

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Cameroon 4-1 Cape Verde: Indomitable Lions roar to top of Group D

Cameroon delivered a scintillating performance as they roared to a resounding 4-1 victory over Cape Verde in their 2026 African World Cup qualifier at the Stade Omnisport Roumdé Adjia on Saturday. 

The Indomitable Lions showcased their attacking prowess, surging to the top of Group D with an impressive seven points, level with Libya but boasting a superior goal difference.

The hosts wasted no time in asserting their dominance, with Michael Ngadeu opening the scoring in the 13th minute.

The powerful header from the center of the box was expertly assisted by Moumi Ngamaleu, setting the tone for Cameroon's offensive onslaught.

Captain Vincent Aboubakar doubled the lead in the 25th minute, finishing clinically from the center of the box after another precise assist from Ngamaleu. 

Cape Verde briefly threatened a comeback when Jamiro Monteiro netted from close range in the 37th minute, but the Indomitable Lions swiftly restored their two-goal cushion.

Aboubakar confidently converted a penalty in the 44th minute after Cape Verde's defence was caught napping, ensuring Cameroon took a 3-1 lead into the halftime break.

The second half saw no let-up from the rampant hosts, as Nouhou Tolo headed in from the center of the box in the 54th minute, assisted by Ngadeu, making it 4-1 and effectively sealing the victory for the Indomitable Lions.

Cape Verde made several substitutions in a bid to claw their way back into the match, but Cameroon's defense remained resolute, thwarting any potential comeback. 

The final stages witnessed a flurry of substitutions and bookings, with Carlos Baleba and Jackson Tchatchoua of Cameroon receiving yellow cards.

The comprehensive victory propels Cameroon to joint top of Group D alongside Libya, setting the stage for their crucial clash against Angola in Luanda on Tuesday. 

Meanwhile, Cape Verde, who host Libya in their next match, will need to regroup quickly to keep their qualification hopes alive.

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You are here, tourism continues to grow with visitors to wc attractions topping 3.2 million, creation_wines.png.

The exciting upward trend we have seen in the Western Cape tourism sector continues, bringing economic and job-creating benefits to the Western Cape.

“The latest report on tourism in the Western Cape tells us that the 53 participating attractions across the six regions of the Western Cape recorded a total of 3 206 546 visitors between January and April 2024, a 17% growth in the number of visitors, when compared to January to April 2023. I always look forward to receiving these monthly reports as they contain such promising news of growth, that I know will translate into benefits and jobs for residents across the Western Cape” announced Provincial Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities, Mireille Wenger.

Other highlights from the report compiled by the Western Cape Government’s (WCG) tourism, trade and investment promotion agency, Wesgro, include:

• The top 5 participating Western Cape attractions with the highest volume of visitors between January and April 2024 were recorded for:
• Table Mountain National Park (1 176 683)
• Table Mountain Aerial Cableway (425 515)
• Table Mountain National Park: Cape of Good Hope (371 620)
• Table Mountain National Park: Boulders (319 766)
• Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden (251 301) (Sources: LTOs and Attractions (2024)).
• The top 5 highest year-on-year growth rates for the period January and April 2024 were recorded amongst the Western Cape’s nature/outdoor attractions:
• Stony Point Eco Venue (383%)
• De Hoop Nature Reserve (331%)
• Walker Bay Nature Reserve (224%)
• Kogelberg Nature Reserve (202%)
• Swartberg Nature Reserve (169%) (Sources: LTOs and Attractions (2024).
• Total tourist arrivals to Cape Town International Airport (CTIA) via air maintain a positive trend moving into the second quarter of 2024, showing a 13% year-on-year increase between January and April 2024, reaching 405 021 tourists and exceeding the 2019 figure of 350 020 (Source: StatsSA).
• Between January and April 2024, 91% of total air arrivals to Cape Town were from overseas markets and 9% were from the rest of Africa (Source: StatsSA).
• Between January and April 2024, the United Kingdom led as the top overseas air market to Cape Town, with Germany a very close second, followed by the United States of America, Netherlands and France in the rest of the top 5 positions.
• The first four months of 2024 reflected a strong European presence, with 7 out of the top 10 source markets originating from the continent (Source: StatsSA).
• Over the same period, Namibia led as the top air market from Africa to Cape Town, with Zimbabwe following in second position. Angola, Kenya and Mozambique followed in the rest of the top 5 positions (Source: StatsSA).
• CTIA’s international terminal saw a 12% year-on-year growth compared to the same period in 2023, with over 1 158 000 two-way passengers moving though the terminal.
• Similarly, the domestic terminal also recorded a 12% year-on-year growth compared to the same period in 2023, with over 2 430 000 two-way passengers passing through the domestic terminal (Source: ACSA).
• George Airport recorded 264 571 two-way passengers between January and April 2024. The year-to-date passenger movement between January and April 2024, recovered by 98% (Source: ACSA).

“Together with Wesgro and our partners across the sector, we are determined to boost this incredible sector. We have just opened applications for the Province’s 2024 Tourism Growth Fund, which will provide project funding to qualifying organisations for tourism development, tourism infrastructure, and tourism product development. This will assist businesses to expand their already impressive offerings as well as further develop tourism infrastructure, to support the growth of the number of visitors to the Western Cape. Applications remain open until all funds have been allocated and all interested tourism organisation are invited to apply, with more information on our website, here - https://www.westerncape.gov.za/site-page/economic-sector-support-tourism-growth-fund ” continued Minister Wenger.

“The growth in the tourism sector shows promise that the WCG’s ambitious goal set out in our economic action plan, ‘Growth For Jobs’ (G4J), is starting to deliver practical results. G4J aims to double the number of visitors to the province by 2035 to enable a R1 trillion, jobs-rich, inclusive, diverse, and resilient provincial economy that is growing at between 4% and 6% in real terms. Together, we can realise this vision across the economy, to lift many more residents from poverty into prosperity,” concluded Minister Wenger.

Georgina Maree

Spokesperson for the Provincial Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities

(Responsible for the Provincial Treasury and the Department of Economic Development and Tourism)

Cell: 076 423 7541

Email:  [email protected]

• 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers - Africa

Libya hoping to maintain unbeaten start in Group D

by Staff Reporter

Monday Jun 10, 2024. 17:00

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