The Cape Verde Islands are a place like no other. With miles of stunning scenery, from mountains to beaches, rich culture, good vibes, and friendly locals, there are plenty of reasons to fall in love with Cape Verde.
Cape Verdians take pride in their distinct heritage, embracing a unique sense of belonging that stems from their mixed-raced heritage – partAfrican, partEuropean, constituting up to 70% of the population.
Beautiful beaches in Cape Verde at Santa Maria
While Portuguese is the official language, daily communication often involves Creole, a fusion of African and European languages. Additionally, English is prevalent and taught in schools.
Cape Verde consists of ten islands, nine of which are inhabited. Each island offers something unique and is perfect for short or long trips. Let’s explore them.
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Sal Island
Sal is the most famous island among tourists. It is known for its stunning golden miles of sand and is a real beach lovers’ paradise. Sal’s name originates from the once-booming salt trade, a salt pan crater, Preda de Lume, 5km from Sal’s capital, Espargos.
The colourful towns and charming streets, like Santa Maria and Espargos, are perfect for wandering and immersing yourself in local life. Sal promises a delightful mix of relaxation and exploration in this tropical paradise.
The pier at Santa Maria Beach in Sal
What To Do In Sal
Pedra de Lume Salt Pans: Dive into the second saltiest sea in the world at Pedra de Lume. Don’t miss the chance to float effortlessly in its therapeutic waters. The day tour is the best way to explore this attraction.
Swim with Sharks: Feel the adrenaline rush as you swim with sharks – an unforgettable Shark Experience for the brave-hearted! The question is, are you wild enough to give this a go?
Kite Beach: Catch some waves surfing, or watch the pros kite surf at Kite Beach. Alternatively, sunbathe the day away if you just need a beach day.
4×4 Buggy Desert Ride: Hold tight for a thrilling2-hour buggy ride through the desert. This cool tour, with incredible views and a fast-paced vibe, will certainly get your heart racing.
Sal Day Tour: Experience the best of Sal on a Day Tour. This includes exploring multiple attractions, including the iconic Pedra de Lume, and making unforgettable memories.
Festivals: You can join the festivities at the ‘Nossa Sra. De Piedade Festival in August or the Santa Maria Festival in September. Enjoy music, processions, swimming contests, and delicious local cuisine.
Santiago Island is the largest of Cape Verde’s islands and was also the first to be inhabited. The country’s old capital, Cidade Velha, is a registered UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was the first city Europeans built in West Africa and was the primary slave trading point betweenAfrica, Europe, and America.
Santiago Island is best known for its rich history, culture, diversity, lively nightlife, beautiful mountainous peaks, green valleys, and plantations.
Playa de Tarrafel en la Costa Norte de la isla de Santiago
Things To Do In Santiago
Day Tour: Consider doing a day tour to explore Santiago’s highlights in just one day. It’s the perfect way to see various places quickly and efficiently, especially when time is constrained.
Wine Tasting & Market: Dive into the local culture by tasting wine with the friendly locals and exploring the buzzing markets in Assomada city. Don’t forget to embrace the unique traditions of the Rabelados religious community!
Tarrafal Beach Bliss: Spend a day soaking up the sun on Santiago’s most beautiful beach, Tarrafal. Whether you’re lounging or splashing in the waves, relaxation awaits.
Trekking In Serra Malagueta: Lace up your hiking boots and venture into the stunning scenery of Serra Malagueta on ahiking tour. Get ready for breathtaking views and exhilarating adventures!
Plantation Paradise: On a day tourto Plantation Paradise, visit the largest banana and coconut plantation in the country and indulge in complimentary food tastings with a local family. Enjoy the lush surroundings while savouring delicious flavours!
Music Festival Madness: Don’t miss the biggest music festival in Santiago, the Bay of San Francisco festival in May. With musicians worldwide, it’s bound to be an epic celebration! Be sure to catch the Tabanka festival in June/July in Assomada, which celebrates liberation with lively festivities.
Boa Vista is the third largest of the Cape Verde islands and the second most popular among tourists. It boasts 55km of beautiful golden sand beaches with crystal clear waters. It’s the world’s third reserve for the Caretta Caretta turtles, and their eggs can be found on the shores.
Boa Vista is the destination if you’re searching for a laid-back, good-vibes retreat. With its ‘no stress’ attitude, you can relax. Make sure to visit the capital, Sal Rei, to explore the up-and-coming development of Boa Vista island.
Beautiful, clean, sandy beaches in Boa Vista
Excursions In Boa Vista
Day Tour Delight: Spend an action-packed day touring the island. Explore local handicrafts in Rabil, sandboard on the dunes at Deserto de Viana, travel through Sal Rei, visit the Chapel of Our Lady of Fatima, and marvel at the famous Shipwreck of Cabo Santa Maria.
Buggy/Quad Days: Join a fun day out Quad Biking, a popular tour in any destination. Have fun riding the dunes in the desert – a great way to let loose on your vacation.
Whale Watching Wonder: From March to May, hop on a luxury yacht to spot majestic humpback whales. It’s a breathtaking experience you won’t want to miss!
Sunset Spectacular: Enjoy a magical sunset tour featuring a delicious food buffet, cocktails, and live entertainment, including African drummers, a fire show, and live music. This tour on a stunning white sandy beach is a must-do!
Lobster Lover’s Luncheon: Head to Santa Monica Beach for a BBQ lobster feast if you prefer daytime activities. Savour the flavours while soaking up the sun – it’s a lunchtime vibe you won’t forget.
Festival Fun: Boa Vista hosts several exciting festivals each year. Don’t miss Santa Isabel on the 4th of July, featuring swimming competitions, horse racing, and a lively public ball.
Santo Antao, known in Portuguese as Saint Anthony and typically called Sao Antao, is a relatively untouched and spectacular destination. Its capital, Ribera Grande, is located in these large green valleys.
Santo Antao is great for hiking and adventurous walks, opposite the typical sandy beach vacation. You can admire the mountains and towering green peaks as you coast along the off-the-beaten-track island of Santo Antáo.
Mountain ridge leading to Ribeira Grande on Santo Antao island
Things To Do In Santo Antao
Trekking Adventures: Embark on fantastic day trekking tours that take you through stunning mountain landscapes. These treks are a must-do, offering amazing views that will leave you in awe.
Full-Day Tour Highlights: Explore Santo Antão on a full-day tour and soak in breathtaking views of Cova Natural Park and the 1000-meter-high Paúl volcano crater. You’ll also visit a charming local fishing village, enjoy a delicious lunch, and stop by a distillery to taste the famous local rum.
Fontainhas: According to National Geographic, Santo Antão is home to the picturesque village of Fontainhas, ranked as one of the ten villages with the best view in the world. It’s a sight you won’t want to miss!
Are you a wine lover? Fogo Island provides not just great wine but incredible scenery. It’s the highlight of the Cape Verde Islands, with its striking active volcano, which can be hiked.
Pico do Figo volcano dominates the landscape of the Island. Although the volcano is the main attraction, Fogo Island offers plenty more excitement, including great coffee and iconic wines.
Looking down onto the town of Fogo Island, Cape Verde
Activities To Do On Fogo Island
Fogo Island is mainly known for its volcano, so many tours focus on exploring the Pico do Fogo mountain. Explore the hiking opportunitiesoffered. Make sure to do this one-in-a-lifetime trek up the active mountain. There are not many other activities on Fogo Island, but it’s the perfect destination if you’re looking to relax.
Sao Vicente, a lively island, is home to great writers, thinkers, and musicians. Surrounded by great architecture and white sandy beaches perfect for windsurfing, Sao Vicente is a tourist favourite. It offers a vibrant music scene, good vibes, and a nightlife buzz dominating the atmosphere.
While in Sao Vicente, visit the town of Mindelo, the capital of rich culture; here, you’ll find colourful houses, a lively atmosphere, and a beautiful harbour.
The streets of Sao Vicente
Things To Do In Sao Vicente
Explore Mindelo: Dive deep into the vibrant capital, Mindelo. Visit historic churches, wander through bustling African markets, and soak in the stunning views of the Calhau Valley on a Day Tour. You’ll discover a popular fishing village where you can swim in nearby waters and immerse yourself in local life. Cap off your day with a visit to Monte Verde National Park, a favourite spot for admiring breathtaking views.
More Activities: São Vicente offers a variety of exciting activities. You can snorkel withsea turtles, enjoy spectacular rooftop views, and savourlocal dishes.
Festival Fun: If you love to party, São Vicente’s festivals are a must! Don’t miss Carnival, held on Shrove Tuesday before Lent, featuring vibrant costumes and flavours inspired by Rio, Brazil, and Portugal. Be sure to check the dates beforehand to join in on the festivities.
Look no further if you are looking for unspoilt scenery, a tranquil atmosphere and chilled vibes. Maio Island is the island of peace. With a population of just 4000, you’ll find the community spirit here. Maio is home to stunning beaches and turtles, while you’ll find rare birds in the north of the island.
Maoi streets bring a vibrant atmosphere
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Maio: A Fun Day Tour
Eco-Museum: Start your fun day tour, booked on the island, learning about the island’s colonization history at the fascinating Eco-Museum.
Salt Production: Watch locals produce salt at the Salanas wetland of Porto Inglés and enjoy a traditional cuscus breakfast with the friendly locals.
Handicraft Center: Visit a local handicraft centre and explore the agricultural and fishing areas to taste island life.
Morrinhao White Dunes: Take a leisurely walk through the picturesque white dunes of Morrinhao.
Pedro Vaz Village: Discover Pedro Vaz village, the first inhabited village on the island, and delve into its rich history.
Goat Cheese Production: Learn about goat cheese production in Ribeira João, and perhaps even taste some fresh local cheese!
Our Lady of Grace Church: Stop by this popular and beautiful church to admire its architecture and significance.
São José Fortress: Visit the historic São José Fortress, built in the 18th century to protect the island from pirate attacks.
Bitchirotcha Beach: End your day tour by relaxing at the beautiful Bitchirotcha Beach, soaking in the sun and enjoying the tranquil surroundings.
Brava Island
Brava is the smallest of Cape Verde’s inhabited islands. It is known for its unique flora and fauna and is often called the ‘island of flowers’. If you’re looking for relaxation, Brava Island is perfect for that.
Often viewed as the secret island, it is the most mountainous, boasting stunning towering lava cliffs that drop into the sea, deep gorges, and dramatic peaks.
Gorgeous views on Brava Island
Exploring Brava Island
Self-Guided: Visit the island’s capital, Vila Nova Sintra, and check out 7sois7Lusas Centre, the central hub. Here, you can explore the exhibitions and enjoy live Cape Verdean music.
Hike: A paradise for hikers, you can explore two main trails, Nova Sintra Monte Fontainhas and Fajá Água. Another thing to see is the cheese factory in Cachaco.
Another relatively untouched island of Cape Verde is Sáo Nicolau, a quiet island with picturesque mountainscapes. This island of nostalgia evolved by Cersária Évora in her most famous song, ‘Sodade’.
Sao Nicolau is the perfect island to explore if you enjoy a calm environment with lots of adventure. From hiking the mountains in Sao Nicolau to exploring the colourful colonial town with striking architecture in the capital, Ribeira Brava is considered a UNESCO National Heritage. You’ll find a perfect balance of rest and exploration on Sao Nicolau island.
Sao Nicolau is the best place for relaxation
Things To Do In Sao Nicolau
Hikes: There are a few hiking tours available in Sao Nicolau. Other than hiking, there’s not much else to do on the island, so get acquainted with locals and enjoy a more authentic vibe of Sao Nicolau.
History: While there, check out the historic centre of Riberia Brava, which is considered a UNESCO National Heritage Site. You can also relax and enjoy the peace Sao Nicolau island brings.
Santa Luzia is the smallest and only uninhabited island. It was once inhabited in the 17th century when a small community raised livestock. However, by the 1990s, Santa Luzia was uninhabited again. You can still explore the island by taking a boat from Sáo Vicente, which takes two hours one way.
That’s A Wrap!
There is lots to offer and great places to see; whether you’re searching for serenity in Sao Nicolau or the lively town of Boa Vista, explore the beautiful islands of Cape Verde. So, are you ready?
Or would you like to explore the main city, Boa Vista, more deeply? Check out all the great things you can see in Boa Vista.
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