Sal – Sal is known for its white sand beaches, salt mines, and abandoned villages. The island has a population of around 40,000 people and is a popular tourist destination. Sal is also home to the Laguna Rose, a hypersaline lake that is one of the few permanent bodies of water on the island.
Boa Vista – Boa Vista is also known for its white-sand beaches, like Santa Monica, and for kitesurfing. Desert landscapes and salt pans are inland. The island’s capital, Sal Rei, has a colonial church and 18th-century fort overlooking the port. Windsurfing equipment can be rented at Ponta do Sol. Offshore, dive sites include the wreck of the German cargo ship Ulma.
Brava – Brava is the smallest and most isolated island in Cape Verde. With its dramatic volcanic landscapes and Hebraic roots, Brava is a truly unique place to visit. Although it can be difficult to get to, the island is definitely worth the effort. Once you arrive, you’ll be greeted by friendly locals and treated to some of the most stunning scenery in all of Cape Verde.
Fogo – Fogo is Cape Verde’s most active volcano and one of its major attractions. A trip to the island isn’t complete without a visit to the crater, which offers stunning views of the surrounding islands. hike to the top of the volcano takes about four hours, but it’s worth it for the panoramic views. Just be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water.
Maio – Maio as a small island is known for its laid-back atmosphere and its beautiful beaches. Visitors can find a number of small hotels and guesthouses on Maio, as well as a few restaurants and cafes. The island is a great place to relax and enjoy the warm weather, but there are also a few activities such as hiking and swimming
Santiago – Santiago is the largest island of Cape Verde. The island is about 22 miles long and 7 miles wide, making it the perfect size for exploring. Santiago is home to the country’s capital, Praia, as well as a number of other towns and villages. The island’s landscape is varied, with mountains, forests, and beaches all within easy reach. Santiago is a popular tourist destination, thanks to its year-round warm weather and stunning natural beauty.
Sau Nicolau – Sau Nicolau is one of the most scenic and unspoiled islands in Cape Verde. With its dramatic cliffs, turquoise waters and lush vegetation, it’s no wonder that this island is a popular destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. While there are plenty of activities to keep you busy on Sau Nicolau, the best way to experience the island is to simply relax and soak up the stunning surroundings.
Sao Vicente – Sao Vicente is located off the coast of West Africa, about 350 miles from Senegal. Sao Vicente is known for its unspoiled beaches, fishing villages, and variety of seafood. The island is also a popular destination for windsurfing and kitesurfing. Visitors can explore the island’s volcanic crater lakes, go on safari in the Monte Verde Nature Reserve, or take a boat trip to see the whale sharks that frequent the waters off Sao Vicente.
Santa Luzia – Santa Luzia is the easternmost island of Cape Verde. It’s known for its beaches, diving and fishing. The island has one settlement, Vila do Porto Novo. The village consists of a church, a school, a health centre and some small shops. There are no roads on the island, only footpaths. The best way to get around is by boat. Santa Luzia is a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors
The History of Cape Verde
The uninhabited Cape Verde archipelago was discovered and colonized by Portuguese explorers in the 15th century, thus establishing the first European settlement in the tropics. Because the Cape Verde islands were located in a convenient location to play a role in the Atlantic slave trade, Cape Verde became economically prosperous during the 16th and 17th centuries, attracting merchants, privateers, and pirates. It declined economically in the 19th century due to the suppression of the Atlantic slave trade, and many of its inhabitants emigrated during that period.
Although Cape Verde initially struggled economically, it eventually became a prosperous commercial centre and an important stopover point for ships sailing along major trade routes. In 1951, Cape Verde was annexed by Portugal as an overseas territory, but its residents continued to fight for independence, which they finally achieved in 1975.
The official language of Cape Verde is Portuguese, but most people also speak Creole dialects.
The culture of Cape Verde is unique and richly-textured, blending African and European influences. If you’re looking for an exotic vacation destination with beautiful beaches and friendly people, then be sure to check out the Cape Verde Islands
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the currency used in Cape Verde?
Cape Verde’s currency is the Cape Verdean Escudo (CVE). One CVE is worth about $0.01 USD. TheCVE is divided into 100 centavos. There are CVE Coins of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 500 centavos and Banknotes of 1,000, 2,000, 5,000 and 10,000 CVE. CVE coins have pictures of animals on them such as lizards or fish. CVE banknotes have pictures of notable Cape Verdeans on them such as Amilcar Cabral who was a leader in the independence movement. Credit cards are not widely accepted on the islands so it’s best to bring cash in CVE or Euros. There are ATMs on the islands that dispense CVE. The exchange rate for Euros to CVE is about 110 CVE to 1 Euro.
Are Cape Verde islands Portuguese?
The official language of Cape Verde is Portuguese, but many people also speak Creole. Portuguese is used for government and education, while Creole is more commonly spoken in everyday life. However, both languages are widely understood on the islands.
Are Cape Verde islands safe?
Yes, they are safe. The Cape Verde islands are located in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Africa, and they are a popular tourist destination. The country is known for its beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters, and warm climate.
The Cape Verde islands have been independent since 1975, and they have a stable democracy. The government is working to improve the economy and to make the country more attractive to tourists and investors. The islands are safe for visitors, and there is no reason to avoid them.
Can you swim in Cape Verde?
The Cape Verde Islands are a great place to swim, and each island has its own unique set of beaches that offer excellent swimming conditions.
The best islands for swimming are Sal, Boa Vista, and Fogo. Sal is known for its crystal-clear waters and lovely white-sand beaches, Boa Vista offers stunning Atlantic views and secluded coves for swimming, and Fogo is home to a few black-sand beaches that are perfect for a day of swimming and sunbathing.
Can you snorkel in Cape Verde?
Yes, you can snorkel in Cape Verde. In fact, the islands of Boa Vista and Sal are known for their excellent snorkelling opportunities.
Boa Vista is home to some of the most beautiful coral reefs in the world, and its crystal-clear waters provide a perfect backdrop for snorkelling. The beaches on Boa Vista are also some of the best in Cape Verde, so it’s the perfect place to enjoy both snorkelling and sunbathing. Keen scuba divers can also experience amazing under water life through scuba diving around cape verde islands, but you’ll need to be sure you have all the right gear and experience.
Sal is another great destination for snorkelers. Its sheltered bays and crystal-clear waters offer a wealth of marine life to explore, including dolphins, whales, and turtles. You can find details about whale watching and turtle watching here.
Can you surf in Cape Verde?
Yes, there are some great surfing spots in Cape Verde. Sal and Boa Vista are probably the best islands for surfing, with Praia de Santa Monica on Boa Vista being the best beach for surfing. Other good beaches for surfing include Ponta Preta on Sal and Camara de Lobos on Fogo. You’ll often find locals and holiday-makers kite surfing on many of the great beaches as more often than not the winds make it perfect conditions!
How did Cape Verde gain independence?
On July 5, 1975, Cape Verde gained independence from Portugal. The date is significant because it marks the day that the Portuguese military overthrew the dictatorship and began to return power to the people. Cape Verde has a unique history because it was colonized not by Spain or Portugal, but rather by both countries. This led to a culture that blended elements of both European and African traditions. Today, Cape Verde is known for its music and dance, as well as for its rich culture and history.
Which electric plugs are needed in Cape Verde?
There are two types of plugs commonly used in Cape Verdean households – the standard European plug and the round, African-style plug. If you’re coming from Europe or another country that uses standard plugs, you’ll need to bring adapters for your appliances. African-style plugs are less common, but can be found in some homes and businesses. Regardless of which type of plug you use, you’ll need to make sure that your voltage is compatible with Cape Verde’s electrical system (220 volts).
When is Cape Verde windy?
Windy conditions are most common on the islands of Sal and Boa Vista, as well as in the months of January and February. However, windy weather can occur on any of the Cape Verde islands at any time of year. The best way to predict whether it will be windy or not is to check the local forecast before you travel.
Which Cape Verde island has the best beaches?
If you’re looking for the best beaches in Cape Verde, you’ll want to head to the island of Sal. Sal is home to some of the most incredible beaches in the country, including Espargos Beach, Santa Maria Beach, and PALM Lapa da Justa. These beaches are perfect for a relaxing day by the water, with beautiful white sand and crystal clear blue water. If you’re looking for a bit more action, you can also find great surfing and windsurfing conditions on many of Sal’s beaches. So whether you’re looking to relax or make the most of your time in the water, Sal is definitely the place to be.
Which Cape Verde island has the best weather?
Of the ten inhabited islands in Cape Verde, Sal is known for having the best weather. Boa Vista, Maio and Santiago are also popular choices among travellers because of their beaches and agreeable climate