What to do in Cape Verde ?

What to Do in Cape Verde?

Cape Verde, an archipelago off the northwest coast of Africa, is a destination that entices visitors with its enviable climate, stunning beaches, vibrant water sports scene, and laid-back atmosphere. Each of Cape Verde's ten islands offers a unique experience, whether you're an avid hiker, beach enthusiast, culture lover, or nature explorer. The archipelago's diversity means there's something for everyone to discover and enjoy. From the volcanic heights of Fogo to the serene beaches of Sal and Boa Vista, each island tells its own story and offers its unique charm.

Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural exploration, Cape Verde's islands—particularly Sal and Boa Vista—offer a wealth of experiences. As the ideal winter escape, Cape Verde combines luxurious all-inclusive resorts with water sports, stunning beaches, and rich local culture

Let's take a closer look at the two most visited islands, Sal and Boa Vista, along with their impressive all-inclusive resorts.

Sal Island

Sal is known for its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, making it a haven for sun-seekers and water sports enthusiasts. Spanning about 216 square kilometers, Sal has a population of around 39,000 inhabitants.

Santa Maria Beach is a must-visit; this expansive stretch of pristine sand offers ideal conditions for sunbathing, strolling, and enjoying the vibrant nightlife along with numerous water sports activities like windsurfing and kitesurfing. The island is also home to impressive all-inclusive resorts such as the Meliã Llana Beach Resort & Spa and the Oasis Atlantico Salinas Sea. These resorts provide luxurious accommodations, multiple dining options, and extensive recreational facilities, ensuring a relaxing and convenient stay.

A unique experience on Sal is visiting the salt flats of Pedra de Lume, located inside a volcanic crater. Here, you can float effortlessly in the salt-rich waters, enjoying the therapeutic benefits while surrounded by stunning scenery. For adventure seekers, Sal provides excellent conditions for kitesurfing and surfing. Kite Beach and Ponta Preta are especially popular among enthusiasts, offering ideal wind and wave conditions nearly year-round.

Exploring Espargos, the island's main city, offers a mix of local culture and modern amenities. Walk through its streets to discover local markets, eateries, and the simple yet rich everyday life of Cape Verdeans.

Boa Vista Island

Boa Vista, meaning "Beautiful View," is renowned for its stunning dunes and pristine beaches. Covering approximately 620 square kilometers and home to around 15,000 inhabitants, Boa Vista is perfect for those looking to unwind and soak in natural beauty.

Praia de Chaves is a long, golden sandy beach ideal for relaxing and enjoying the tranquil environment. The island also boasts impressive all-inclusive resorts like the Iberostar Club Boa Vista and Riu Karamboa, which offer luxurious amenities, diverse dining options, and a wide range of activities, perfect for a hassle-free vacation.

For the more adventurous, a quad biking experience in Deserto de Viana reveals unique landscapes and provides a thrilling way to explore the island. The small desert, with its rolling dunes, offers a fascinating contrast to the coastal areas. Boa Vista also provides fantastic conditions for kitesurfing and surfing. Praia do Estoril and Ponta Antónia are particularly popular spots where you can catch excellent waves and wind.

The island's main town, Sal Rei, offers a charming, quiet atmosphere. Wander through its streets to experience local life, shop for crafts, or enjoy meals at local restaurants.

Practical Travel Information

Cape Verde is accessible via international flights into islands like Sal and Santiago. The average flying time from major European cities to Cape Verde is around 5 to 6 hours. Inter-island travel is facilitated by domestic flights and ferries. The local currency is the Cape Verdean Escudo (CVE), but the Euro is also widely accepted. It's advisable to carry local currency for smaller transactions, especially in remote areas.

Discover the islands of Cape Verde – a trip you will never forget!

Let's take a journey through this magnificent archipelago and discover what makes each island so special.

Mountainous Islands

Santiago

Santiago is the largest and most populous island in Cabo Verde. Home to the capital city, Praia, it combines stunning landscapes with rich history and modern amenities. The island features mountainous terrain, making it ideal for hiking and adventure. Covering approximately 991 square kilometers and hosting around 290,000 inhabitants, Santiago is a vibrant cultural and economic hub.

• What to Do: Explore the historic sites in Cidade Velha, including the Royal Fortress of São Filipe and the Nossa Senhora do Rosário church. Hike through the green mountains and valleys of Serra Malagueta. Visit Praia, the capital, and wander through its Plateaus to discover colonial architecture, bustling markets, and rich cultural experiences.

São Vicente

Known for its cultural vibrancy, São Vicente is the artistic and musical heart of Cabo Verde. The island's capital, Mindelo, is famed for its vibrant nightlife and live music scene. São Vicente's mountainous landscape includes Monte Verde, which offers panoramic views of the island and the Atlantic Ocean. The island covers about 227 square kilometers and has a population of around 83,000 inhabitants.

• What to Do: Experience Mindelo's vibrant nightlife and live music scene. Participate in the lively and colorful Carnival. Hike to Monte Verde to take in panoramic views of the island and the Atlantic Ocean.

Santo Antão

Santo Antão is a paradise for nature lovers and hikers. Its rugged terrain features deep valleys, towering cliffs, and verdant landscapes perfect for trekking adventures. The island covers approximately 779 square kilometers and houses around 38,000 inhabitants. Cova Crater and Paul Valley are must-visit spots for their dramatic landscapes and beautiful trails.

• What to Do: Hike the stunning trails through the Cova Crater. Trek through the dramatic landscapes of Paul Valley. Visit Ribeira Grande to experience local life and culture, vibrant markets, and colonial architecture.

Fogo

Dominated by its towering, active volcano, Pico do Fogo, the island of Fogo offers dramatic landscapes and is a haven for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts. Pico do Fogo, the highest peak in Cabo Verde at 2,829 meters, offers stunning views and challenging hiking trails. The island spans approximately 476 square kilometers and is home to around 35,000 inhabitants.

• What to Do: Hike up Pico do Fogo, the highest peak in Cabo Verde. Explore the unique village of Chã das Caldeiras known for its volcanic scenery and wine production. Wander through São Filipe to enjoy its cobblestone streets and colorful colonial houses.

São Nicolau

São Nicolau blends lush valleys and rugged mountains, offering excellent hiking opportunities and stunning natural beauty. This lesser-visited island spans approximately 388 square kilometers and is home to around 13,000 inhabitants, making it a hidden gem. Key attractions include Monte Gordo, the highest point on the island.

• What to Do: Climb Monte Gordo for extensive hiking trails and breathtaking views. Explore Ribeira Brava with its colonial architecture and vibrant market. Visit the fishing village of Tarrafal to experience local culture and delicious fresh seafood.

Brava

Often referred to as the "island of flowers," Brava is known for its lush greenery and mountainous terrain. Covering about 67 square kilometers and hosting around 5,000 inhabitants, Brava is perfect for quiet retreats and challenging hikes.

• What to Do: Relax in the picturesque town of Nova Sintra. Visit the scenic Fajã d'Água bay. Hike Monte Fontainhas to enjoy panoramic views of the island and the surrounding sea.

Flat Islands

Sal

Known for its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, Sal is a haven for sun-seekers and water sports enthusiasts. This relatively flat island spans about 216 square kilometers and has a population of around 39,000 inhabitants. Key attractions include Santa Maria Beach, Pedra de Lume, and impressive all-inclusive resorts such as Meliã Llana Beach Resort & Spa and Oasis Atlantico Salinas Sea.

Boa Vista

Boa Vista, meaning "Beautiful View," is renowned for its stunning dunes and pristine beaches. Covering approximately 620 square kilometers and home to around 15,000 inhabitants, Boa Vista is perfect for those looking to unwind and soak in natural beauty. The island boasts impressive all-inclusive resorts like Iberostar Club Boa Vista and Riu Karamboa.

Maio

Maio is one of the more tranquil and relatively flat islands, offering peaceful beaches, charming villages, and a laid-back vibe. Covering roughly 269 square kilometers and hosting around 7,000 inhabitants, it's ideal for those seeking to escape the hustle and bustle. Key attractions include Barra Beach and the historical salt flats.

• What to Do: Relax at the secluded Barra Beach. Explore Vila do Maio with its colonial architecture and serene beaches. Visit the historical Salt Flats to learn about their significance in the island's economy.

Santa Luzia

Santa Luzia is the least explored and the only uninhabited island in the Cabo Verde archipelago. This flat island covers approximately 35 square kilometers and is ideal for those seeking unspoiled natural beauty and solitude. It is known for its pristine beaches and diverse marine life.

• What to Do: Unwind on the quiet and untouched beaches ideal for exploration and relaxation. Engage in diving and snorkeling to discover rich marine biodiversity. Appreciate the island's status as a nature reserve and sanctuary for rare flora and fauna.