Cape Verde is a set of islands in the Atlantic Ocean, off the west coast of Africa. These islands are loved for their pretty views, calm beaches, and mix of African and European ways. Over time, Cape Verde has turned into a quiet, sunny place for those who want a break from busy tourist spots.
*This is a collaborative post
If you plan to go there, looking up info before your trip helps you enjoy it more. This article will guide you on what to expect, how to get ready, and why Cape Verde is a good spot to visit.
Table of Contents
Knowing Cape Verde’s Islands
Cape Verde holds 5 main islands, each with its own feel. Some are perfect for laying on the beach, while some are great for walks or seeing how locals live.
1. Sal – Best for beaches and watersports
Sal and Boa Vista are known for their sandy shores and clear seas. They are built up a bit and a lot of tourists go there.
2. Santiago – Best for local culture
It is the biggest island, with the main city, Praia. It gives a closer look at how the people live and their culture.
3. Fogo – Best for volcano lovers
Fogo has a volcano in the middle. If you like walks or nature, it’s worth seeing.
4. Boa Vista – Good for calm and sand
Known for big sand hills and a calm feel, Boa Vista is great for new couples and those who love nature.
5. São Vicente – Good for songs and night fun
The true center of Cape Verde culture. Go see Mindelo, a small town full of live tunes, coffee spots, and a busy port.
If you are just starting to look into your trip, you can start by checking trusted travel sites that give info and holiday plans. For example, you can explore the islands of Cape Verde with Voyage Privé, where you can find different choices based on what you like and where you want to go.
Best Time to Visit and What to Expect
Cape Verde has a dry, hot climate with sun most of the year. It doesn’t have the big wet seasons that other places in Africa do, making it good to visit all year.
- November to June is the dry time, with warm and nice weather.
- August to October might see some rain, but it’s often short and light.
- Winter months (Dec–Feb) are liked by visitors from Europe looking for warm weather.
Temperature stay from 22°C to 29°C, so it’s nice for beach fun and seeing the islands. Ocean temps are warm too, good for swimming, snorkeling, and more.
Culture, Language and Currency
Cape Verde was once ruled by the Portuguese, so the main language is Portuguese, but most locals use Cape Verdean Creole every day. In places with a lot of tourists, people often speak English, but it’s good to know a few local words.
The money used here is the Cape Verdean escudo (CVE), but some places take euros. Yet, it’s smart to change a bit of cash when you get there or use local ATMs for a better rate. You can use credit cards in most big hotels and places to eat, but having cash helps in markets and less city-like spots.
The people in Cape Verde are warm and nice. Music is a big part of life here, with types like morna and coladeira, which you might hear in bars or at happenings.
Transportation and Getting Around
You can catch a flight to Cape Verde from many places in Europe, like Portugal, France, and the UK. The country has a few big airports. AmÃlcar Cabral International Airport (on Sal island) is the busiest one.
To travel between the islands, you can pick:
- Domestic flights (fast but costs more)
- Ferries (less costly but can be slow if the weather is bad)
On the islands, people take taxis, rent cars, or hop on local minibuses known as aluguers. These shared vans travel set paths and don’t cost much. Note that roads on some islands, such as Santo Antão or Fogo, might be steep and rough.
Things to Do and Places to See
Cape Verde has a lot of fun stuff to do — from active outings to lazy days by the sea. Here are some good options:
- Snorkeling and Diving – The clear sea and coral reefs near Sal and Boa Vista are perfect for this.
- Volcano Hiking – You can climb Pico do Fogo on Fogo island if you enjoy hikes.
- Music and Nightlife – Mindelo city on São Vicente is famous for its music scene and parties.
- Walking Trails – Santo Antão boasts stunning paths through lush valleys and by the coast.
- Cultural Visits – Santiago offers markets, local art, and old spots, like the town of Cidade Velha.
What to Pack on a Trip to Cape Verde
As the days are hot and bright, go for breezy fits. Below is a quick list of items to pack:
- Soft cotton outfits
- Bathing suit and sunblock
- Shades and a cap
- Easy walking shoes or flip-flops
- Small bag for day outings
- Power plug adapter (Cape Verde has plugs like in Europe)
Don’t drink from the tap as it may not be safe, buy bottled water. Basic health items and bath stuff you can buy in towns, but they may be hard to find if you’re far out.
Tips for Staying Safe and Healthy
Cape Verde is mostly safe for visitors. There is not much rough crime, but still be wise and watch out, more so at night or in quiet spots. Health help is not that great on some islands, so it’s smart to get travel cover. If you’re going for hikes or into the wild, bring any health gear you might need.
There are no big sick risks, but still take your normal shots before you go. Look up health tips from home before your trip.
Conclusion
Cape Verde doesn’t look like other tourist places—and that’s what makes it great.
If you want sun and waves, tunes and eats, or trails and volcanoes—there’s an island in Cape Verde for you. And using sites like Voyage Privé makes making your plans easy and calm.
