Country guides
Africa
Things to do in Cape Verde
Cape Verde has a feast of thrilling experiences for holidaymakers, who are certain to find the type of sun-filled adventure they're after. Those who wish to retreat into a natural paradise where bustling crowds simply do not exist should visit the volcanic island of Santo Antao. Along with world-class treks for hikers, the island showcases the destination's Portuguese roots and is home to the famed Cape Verde rum called , which is enjoyed by visitors and locals alike.
Culture lovers should add Santiago to their itineraries. The island promises an authentic taste of African traditions and, through the 15th-century fortress of Cidade Velha, a glimpse of the region's dramatic history with the slave trade. Sao Vicente is the place to be for travellers who want to dance the night away at lively parties, savour local cuisine at charming restaurants, or windsurf the Atlantic Ocean.
Sal
Sal is the liveliest and most developed of the Cape Verde islands. More than half of the tourists in Cape Verde make the trip to Sal to enjoy the crystal waters lapping long stretc…
Sal
Sal is the liveliest and most developed of the Cape Verde islands. More than half of the tourists in Cape Verde make the trip to Sal to enjoy the crystal waters lapping long stretches of white, sandy beach, including watersports enthusiasts and holidaymakers who make the most of the rapidly developing hotels and resorts. The town of Santa Maria is home to the most popular resorts in Cape Verde. A former fishing village, the streets are lined with pastel-painted buildings that are more likely to host a souvenir shop, bar, or restaurant than anything else. Santa Maria has some of the best beaches in Cape Verde, stretching for five miles (8km) and popular for windsurfing, fishing, and scuba diving.
Santiago
The largest island in the archipelago and arguably boasting the best scenery, Santiago is also the most populated. Its residents are more traditionally African in culture than thos…
Santiago
The largest island in the archipelago and arguably boasting the best scenery, Santiago is also the most populated. Its residents are more traditionally African in culture than those on many of the other islands, which is reflected in their musical traditions, markets and the many festivals held during the year. Santiago is the site of Cape Verde's capital city, Praia, and the picturesque fishing town of Tarrafal. Praia has an interesting marine archaeology museum dedicated to documenting the various shipwrecks that have occurred around the islands. The interior of Santiago is characterised by two towering chains of mountains, while the coastline sports small, sandy, palm-fringed coves.
Santo Antao
The island of Santo Antao is divided dramatically in two by a mountain range with peaks rearing up to 4,921ft (1,500m), making it attractive for trekking, particularly through the …
Santo Antao
The island of Santo Antao is divided dramatically in two by a mountain range with peaks rearing up to 4,921ft (1,500m), making it attractive for trekking, particularly through the tropical vegetation of the deep green valleys that encase the 16th-century town of Povoacao. Hiking is the most popular activity for tourists on Santo Antao, and the sparse human development ensures a special experience of nature. Canyoning and biking are also fun activities on this beautiful, volcanic island. A walk around the small town of Ponta do Sol is recommended to enjoy the old buildings and colonial heritage. Visitors can reach Santo Antao by ferry from the port of Mindelo on the more populated island of Sao Vicente.
Sao Vicente
Lovely voices and volcanic mountains characterise Sao Vicente, the most sophisticated island of the Cape Verde archipelago. It is the home of Cape Verde's most famous singer, Cesar…
Sao Vicente
Lovely voices and volcanic mountains characterise Sao Vicente, the most sophisticated island of the Cape Verde archipelago. It is the home of Cape Verde's most famous singer, Cesaria Evora, renowned as the 'barefoot diva'. The port city of Mindelo is the cultural capital of Cape Verde. Home to over 90 percent of the population of Sao Vicente, it houses a number of interesting markets, a few picturesque colonial-style government buildings, and restaurants serving delicious local cuisine such as cachupa stew. Mindelo has a lively nightlife all year long, but truly comes alive each March for Carnaval, one of the biggest parties in Cape Verde.