Officially the Republic of Cape Verde, the country is an archipelago in the central Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of West Africa, formed by ten volcanic islands:
- To the north: Santo Antão, São Vicente, Santa Luzia (uninhabited), São Nicolau, Sal and Boa Vista.
- To the south: Maio, Santiago, Fogo and Brava.
The official language is Portuguese. The national language of Cape Verde, the language of the people, is Cape Verdean Creole
Transport
International airports are located on the main islands:
- Sal
- Santiago
- Boa Vista
- São Vicente, with less frequent flights to the other islands.
How to move?
In major cities, public transport by bus is regular and taxis are common.
Travel to the island of Santo Antão is only accessible by sea, from Mindelo, on the island of São Vicente.
Climate
The Cape Verde archipelago has an arid or semi-arid climate. The annual average rarely exceeds 25°C and does not drop below 20°C. The sea water temperature varies between 21°C in February and 25°C in September.
The driest season, from December to July, is characterized by constant winds. The so-called “dry mist”, brought by the wind from the sands of the Sahara.
Best Beaches
- Santa Monica (Boa Vista Island). Access to this paradise in the southwest of Boa Vista island is possible by jeep, pick-up or 4×4 motorcycle.
- Ponta Preta Beach (Sal Island). Bathed by the wind and with rougher waters, Ponta Preta beach is the perfect spot for surfing and windsurfing or for those who prefer tranquility. This beach is located in the south of do Sal Island, 2 km west of Santa Maria.
- Porto Inglês Beach (Maio Island). Porto Inglês beach offers a unique experience of socializing with the local population. Access to the island of Maio is an 8-minute plane ride from the city of Praia, on the island of Santiago.
Nature and Adventure
Cape Verde is a paradise for mountain hiking fans and there are several routes and trails to discover on the island of Santo Antão, in Ribeira do Paúl.
Being an archipelago of volcanic origin, Cape Verde is a country of volcanoes with cyclical activity. The Pico volcano, on Fogo Island, is the highest mountain in Cape Verde, reaching an altitude of 2829 m.
Gastronomy
- A popular dish served in Cape Verde is Cachupa, a stew of corn, beans and fish or meat.
- A common appetizer is the pastel, usually stuffed with meat or fish.
- The modje of São Nicolau is a typical goat stew to try on this island.
Notes:
- Foreign citizens need to have a passport valid for a minimum period of 6 months and a visa for entry and stay.
- It is mandatory that the passenger, tour operator or travel agency, pre-register on the EASE platform and arrange for the payment of the Airport Security Fee (TSA) up to 5 days before the trip.