Geographical overview of Cape Verde

Cape Verde's landscape

Cape Verde, an island country off the northwest coast of Africa, features a variety of geomorphological characteristics that distinguish its unique landscape. This archipelago comprises 10 volcanic islands and several islets, each presenting diverse relief forms that include mountains, plateaus, and coastal plains.

Mountains of Cape Verde

The mountainous terrain is one of the defining features of Cape Verde's geography. The highest peak is Pico do Fogo, which stands at 2,829 meters on the island of Fogo. This active volcano is a significant landmark, contributing to the island's rugged topography. Other notable mountains include Monte Verde on São Vicente, and Pico da Antónia on Santiago, both of which enhance the archipelago's dramatic landscape with peaks surpassing 1,000 meters.

Plateaus and Highland Areas

Cape Verde's plateaus are predominantly found on the islands of Santo Antão, Santiago, and São Nicolau. These flattened surfaces, often lying between altitudes of 400 to 1,000 meters, are characterized by their arid, rocky soils and sparse vegetation. On the island of Santo Antão, plateaus such as the Paúl Valley sit amidst steep cliffs and deep ravines, offering a contrast between flatlands and rugged terrain.

Coastal Plains and Lowlands

Although Cape Verde is primarily known for its volcanic and mountainous landscapes, it also features significant coastal plains, particularly on the islands of Sal, Boa Vista, and Maio. These islands largely consist of flat, sandy terrains with altitudes below 100 meters. The coastal plains of these islands are marked by extensive beaches and dunes, creating idyllic settings that are popular for tourism. The low-lying areas also include salt flats, known locally as 'salinas', particularly prominent on Sal and Maio.

Volcanic Landscapes and Formations

The volcanic origin of Cape Verde is evident in the numerous craters, lava fields, and basalt formations spread across the islands. The island of Fogo, in particular, displays dramatic volcanic landscapes, including the Caldeira, a massive crater surrounding Pico do Fogo. Other islands, such as São Nicolau and Santo Antão, boast eroded volcanic cones and basaltic valleys that illustrate the islands' fiery origins.

Islands' Climatological Influence

The geography of Cape Verde is significantly influenced by its climatological patterns, especially the trade winds and the Humboldt current. These factors contribute to the semi-arid climate that characterizes most of the islands, marked by sporadic rainfall and consistent sunshine. The contrast between the lush, green valleys in the mountainous regions and the dry, barren landscapes of the eastern islands underscores the climatic and geographical diversity within the archipelago.

Maritime Aspects

Surrounded by the vast Atlantic Ocean, Cape Verde's maritime geography is just as compelling as its terrestrial features. The coastal zones often feature cliffs, coves, and small bays providing rich marine biodiversity. The islands' underwater relief includes coral reefs, which are hotspots for marine life and essential to the local fishing economy.

Cape Verde's varied geographical features, from towering mountains to tranquil coastal plains, create an incredible diversity that defines the archipelago. Each island offers its own unique charm, making Cape Verde a captivating destination for travelers and researchers alike.

The Geography of Cape Verde

Despite its relatively small area, Cape Verde offers tremendous landscape diversity. From gentle beaches to steep volcanic slopes, there is much to discover and experience. Whether one is interested in hiking, beach vacations, or cultural explorations, the islands of Cape Verde have something to offer for everyone. Enjoy your stay and let the unique beauty of this island group captivate you! 

Flat Islands

Cape Verde can be categorized based on its topographical features into two main groups. The first group consists of the flat islands, characterized by gently rolling terrain and few low hills. These islands—Maio, Boa Vista, Sal, and Santa Luzia—boast long, flat beaches and expansive sandy areas. Notably, the salt flats on the islands of Sal and Maio are significant for salt production and enhance the scenic beauty of the region.

Mountainous Islands

The second group comprises the mountainous islands, which feature steep and rugged relief. Santo Antão, São Nicolau, Santiago, Fogo, and Brava belong to this category and offer impressive cliffs, deep ravines, and steep slopes, attracting particularly hiking enthusiasts and adventurers. A key highlight is the active volcano on Fogo Island, which stands as one of the main attractions of the archipelago. The cliffs of Santo Antão, São Nicolau, and Brava provide breathtaking views, making these islands hidden gems among hiking aficionados.

São Vicente occupies a middle ground between the flat and mountainous islands. It features a relatively flat coastline, alongside some hills and elevations inland. The harbor city of Mindelo is renowned for its vibrant culture and music scene, lending the island a unique charm.

With the exception of the flatter islands—Santa Luzia, Sal, Boa Vista, and Maio—the relief of the archipelago is generally quite rugged. The landscapes differ significantly between the islands, with long sandy beaches characteristic of the flat islands. For instance, Praia de Santa Mónica on Boa Vista offers a stunning coastline that is ideal for sunbathing and swimming. Additionally, the islands of Sal and Maio are known for their large white salt flats, which are not only visually striking but also economically important.

On the mountainous islands, spectacular cliffs can be found, especially on Santo Antão, São Nicolau, and Brava. These islands are excellent for hiking and provide breathtaking views of the sea. Particularly noteworthy is the Pico do Fogo volcano on Fogo Island, which, at 2,829 meters, is the highest point in the archipelago and represents a significant geological and tourist attraction.

Geology and Agricultural Potential of the Cape Verde Islands

The Cape Verde Islands encompass a total area of 4,033 square kilometers, characterized by an average annual rainfall of 230 millimeters. Of this expanse, approximately 41,090 hectares, or about 10% of the total area, are designated for agricultural use. The diverse climatic and geological conditions across the islands contribute to their uniqueness, presenting both a variety of agricultural opportunities and challenges.

Santo Antão

Santo Antão, one of the largest islands in the archipelago, spans 785 square kilometers and features elevations reaching up to 1,979 meters above sea level. With an average annual rainfall of 237 millimeters, 21.4% of the island is classified as arable land, establishing Santo Antão as one of the most agriculturally productive areas.

São Vicente

In contrast, São Vicente covers a smaller area of 230 square kilometers and peaks at 750 meters. The island receives an average of only 93 millimeters of rainfall per year, resulting in just 1.1% of its land being suitable for agricultural practices. This reflects an arid climate that significantly constrains agricultural potential.

São Nicolau

São Nicolau encompasses 347 square kilometers with hills and mountains soaring up to 1,312 meters. The island receives an annual rainfall of 142 millimeters, allowing only 4.9% of its area to be classified as arable land. The relatively high elevations may influence the distribution of rainfall across the island.

Sal

Sal is noted as one of the flattest islands within the archipelago, featuring a maximum elevation of only 406 meters across its 221 square kilometers. With an average annual rainfall of merely 60 millimeters, only 0.5% of the island's area is deemed suitable for agriculture. Sal is recognized for its dry climate and saline soils.

Boa Vista

Boa Vista covers an area of 628 square kilometers, with altitudes reaching up to 387 meters. The island experiences about 68 millimeters of annual rainfall, and only 1.2% of its land is arable. The dry climate further restricts agricultural use on this island.

Maio

Measuring 275 square kilometers with a maximum altitude of 437 meters, Maio receives an annual rainfall of 150 millimeters, resulting in 1.6% of its area being cultivable. Despite the limited precipitation, its moderate elevation permits some agricultural practices.

Santiago

As the largest island in the archipelago, Santiago spans 1,007 square kilometers and rises to 1,394 meters. It receives an average of 321 millimeters of rainfall annually, enabling 52.3% of the island to be designated as arable land. This makes Santiago the most significant island for agricultural activities.

Fogo

Fogo, occupying 470 square kilometers, is renowned for the Pico do Fogo volcano, which reaches an altitude of 2,829 meters. The island experiences an average annual rainfall of 495 millimeters, permitting 14.4% of its area to be considered arable. The volcanic soils contribute to a fertile environment, particularly noted for wine production.

Brava

Brava, the smallest island with an area of 63 square kilometers and an elevation of 976 meters, receives 268 millimeters of rainfall per year. This enables 12.6% of the island to be allocated for agricultural use. The mild climate and comparatively higher rainfall favor agricultural activities on this small island.

Santa Luzia

Santa Luzia, in contrast, is the smallest inhabited island, measuring 46 square kilometers, and does not possess significant agricultural or climatic data due to its uninhabited status.

source: schéma Directeur pour la mise en valeur des ressources en eau (1993 – 2005)