Travelwings

Holiday in the sun, at a destination known for its diversity located in the North Atlantic. The archipelago also called Cabo Verde is about 600 km off the western tip of Africa and is made up of a cluster of 10 islands. Witness the influences of a vibrant mix of African, Caribbean, Portuguese, and Brazil influences in Cape Verde's culture. Each island boasts of a unique character that you will love as a Cape Verde tourist. Santo Antao is known for its rugged peaks, green valleys, colorful flowers and sugar cane. Sao Vicente is the cultural capital of the islands, Sal and Mao are exotic where the windswept dunes merge with the turquoise blue sea, while Mindelo welcomes you for an exciting time at the bars with throbbing music. Fago and Brava offer volcanic landscapes and sparkling bays that make the islands a great hiking spot. We take you on an ecstatic journey in the guide so you visit Cape Verde, the unknown archipelago and travel to the destination of paradisal islands.

USEFUL INFO ABOUT CAPE VERDE

Official Name: Republic of Cabo Verde

Form of Government: Unitary semi-presidential republic

Capital & Largest City: Praia

Population: 543,767 (2018 estimate)

Official Language: Portuguese

Languages Spoken: Cape Verdean Creole

Ethnicity: Creole (Mulatto) 71%, African 28%, European 1%

Currency: Cape Verdean Escudo (CVE)

Map Referred: AFRICA

Area: 4033 sq km

Land: 100%

Water: Negligible

Lowest Point: Atlantic Ocean 0 meters (0 ft)

Highest Point: Mount Fogo 2,829 meters (9,281 ft)

Coastline: 965 km

Neighboring places

Senegal 988 km

Mauritania 1490 km

The Gambia 958 km

Famous For: Volcanic Islands |Tropical Climate | Golden Beaches of Sal | Pico do Fogo | Musical Town of Sao Vicente | Buracona | Praia da Atalanta | Deserto de Viana | Praia da Chave | Praia de Santa MÃ´nica | Expansive Salt Flats

Time Zone: GMT -1

Ethnicity: Creole (Mulatto) 71%, African 28%, European 1%.

Driving Side: Right

Airports in Cape Verde: Amilcar Cabral International Airport | Aristides Pereira International Airport |Sao Filipe Airport | Maio Airport | Nelson Mandela International Airport | Sao Nicolau Airport | Cesaria Evora Airport

Network Connectivity:
Cape Verde has two major mobile network providers, CV Movel and T-Mais. CV Movel offers better 3G coverage; however, both the providers are good. Praia, Mindelo, and other tourist areas are also internet-connected. A SIM card for about 200 CVE can also be bought with a small calling credit. There are many stores with the symbol of the providers that sell SIM cards and you could also buy a SIM card at the airports. It may be useful to see how much data you have used from your bundle and upgrade your bundle from time to time. A data bundle of 1 GB valid for 30 days could cost about 4.5 Euros. Do look out for shops at the airport as they have salespeople who speak good English and can help you with your internet and SIM card set up in five minutes.

Cape Verde currency is Cape Verde Escudo and the currency code is CVE. The Cape Verde currency symbol is C V Esc and Cape Verde money is no longer broken up into subunits of 100 centavos due to inflation. The $ sign is used in place of a decimal.

Symbol: C V Esc
Code: CVE

Few Cape Verde Currency Conversions (updated on 1st Oct)
1 CVE = 4.02 Nigerian Naira (Cape Verde currency to Naira)
1 CVE = 0.011 USD (Cape Verde currency to dollar)
1 Dollar = 95.25 CVE (US dollar to Cape Verde Escudo)

Cape Verde Escudo banknote denominations: 100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000, 2500, 5000
Cape Verde Escudo coin denominations: 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100
Please note that Travelers Cheques are NOT accepted in most places.

In 1462, the island of Santiago was founded and colonized by the Portuguese. Slaves were brought here from West Africa and the island became successful due to the transatlantic slave trade. In 1675, the Portuguese crown agreed to bring slaves directly from the coast of New Guinea bypassing Cape Verde. Also, the island country was under attack by rival countries and pirates. In 1712, the French attacked and robbed Ribeira Grande of its riches and the city of Santiago declined in importance. In 1770 Praia became the capital. Cape Verde saw a terrible famine in 1742 and the Portuguese refused to put in money for nothing. Due to lack of funds, the drought killed almost 44% of its population and the lush island was left barren. Many left Cape Verde to find a better life and immigrated to America. By 1876, when the slave trade was abolished, Cape Verde suffered economic decline.

As the 19th century approached and with the start of steamships and the industrial revolution, changes occurred as the ships stopped at Cape Verde en route a long journey. The island's location made it ideal especially for America bound ships to stop for repairs and supplies. Brits also set up coaling stations in Cape Verde and Mindelo. In 1951, the island's status changed from colony to overseas province and on 5th July 1975, the Cape Verdean nation was born. The 1980s saw a lot of development under the PAICV government and by the 1900s the multiparty system was also introduced. In 1991 MPD came to power for a decade until the 2001 elections. Despite a lot of plague by droughts, the island enjoys peace and stability. Tourism has been a big economic booster as well.

Cabo Verde is in the westernmost cape of Africa with Senegal being the nearest point in Africa. Mindelo is the largest port in the islands on Sao Vicente. The deep-water harbor accommodates sizable vessels that use the port for refueling since the 19th century. Cape Verde consists of nine inhabited islands and one uninhabited. The archipelago is divided into the Barlavento in the north and the Sotavento group in the south. Santo Antao, Sao Vicente, Santa Luzia (uninhabited), Boa Vista, Sal, and Sao Nicolau together with islets of Raso and Branco form the Barlavento Islands. Maio, Santiago, Fogo and Brava and the three islets of Grande, Cima, and Luis Carneiro form the Sotavento Islands.

Cape Verde is situated in the Atlantic Ocean around 620 km from the west coast of Africa. Each island is unique but most have mountain peaks the highest being Pico do Fogo. Much of the land is infertile and the country imports food and goods in plenty. The islands in the east are known for flat beaches and desert land.

Cape Verde culture has music and art influences and is a traditional part of life. Music is inspired by the brutal history of the islands with the biggest music festival in Sao Vicente. Music and dance are a central point of the Cape Verdean culture, the most traditional sounds being the funana played on an accordion and an iron bar. Batuque is performed by women who beat rhythmic music from plastic sacks held between their legs. Morna is a slower form of music that is more a Portuguese ballad. Many hotels have cultural nights with a sampling of food along with song and dance of the islands and art displays. Other forms of art include basket weaving, carvings from hardened lava, woodworking, embroidery, clay pottery, and crocheting among others.

Food and Drink
Cape Verde food Cachupa recipe is famous as it is the national dish. The delicious stew is slow-cooked with beans, vegetables, fish, or meat. Soups are also popular like canjo that is a must-try. It is a Cape Verde experience to treat your palate to, a thick chicken soup with rice, carrot, and onions. Flavors of the sea are enticing here with Portuguese, Creole, African, and Brazilian culinary influences.

Must-Try Cape Verde National Dishes
Cachupa (stew with corn kernels, beans, vegetables, fish or meat), Canjo (thick chicken soup served with rice and onions), Cachupa Rica (fish stew), Buzio (shellfish stew with soya sauce), Cado de Peixe ou Caiderado (a fish dish with carrots, pumpkin, tomato puree), Bafas (tomato, onion, peppers in breadcrumbs), Carpaccio (raw tuna marinated in lime, salt, and oil), Tuna Tartar (raw tuna marinated in soya), Moray (eel fried in oil).

Must-Try Cape Verde National Drinks
Grogue (distilled sugar cane with over 40% alcohol), Strela (beer), Fogo Coffee, Fogo Wine, Cape Verde Caipirinha (Brazilian inspired cocktail)

Hospitality
People in Cape Verde are relaxed slow-paced, and cordial that even being late to work is acceptable. The islands are famous for its 'Morabeza' which means 'hospitality'. Each island has its own unique culture which is fascinating. People often travel to join or visit a family member on other islands. Here, hospitality is important and even the poor will invite you for a meal. It is considered rude not to share your food in Cape Verde with others. Handshakes are customary and women greet each other by kissing on each other's cheeks. Cracking knuckles while conversing is also considered rude. Funerals are a big event where the color black represents mourning.

Santa Maria, the beautiful beach in Sal, a popular Cape Verde thing to do is inviting with huge stretches of golden sands and pristine clear ocean waters.

Horse Riding tours across the beaches, hills, and trails on the islands.

Enjoy a mesmerizing experience of landscapes and coastlines.

Witness vast salt flats beyond waterlines of the popular beach, a famous Sal Cape Verde thing to do.

Trek near the summit of Pico do Fogo to be at the highest point in Cape Verde, a popular Cape Verde tourist attraction for amazing views.

Discover picturesque routes on the trek and interact with locals in a few villages.

One of the best things to do in Cape Verde is to visit Boa Vista, the desert island, and go on an adventurous dune buggy ride. The desert sands are another world altogether.

Explore scenic trails between Lin d' Corvo towards Joao Afonso on a guided trek, one of the best things to do in Cape Verde.

Witness gorgeous coastline views of Sao Vicente, a Cape Verde point of interest.

Kitesurfing and regular surfing at Surf Zone Cabo Verde for astonishing moments, even for a beginner.

Witness the Loggerhead sea turtles in Boa Vista, a great place to visit in Cape Verde.

Swim in the marvelous Pedra Lume Crater, one of the highlights of a Cape Verde tourist, a once in a lifetime experience for sure.

Cape Verde Weather | CPV Climate
The best months to visit Cape Verde is in the summer between November and June. The tropical climate with Cape Verde temperatures in the mid-twenties makes it pleasant to make the most out of the golden beaches. For slightly cooler temperatures, Cape Verde weather in December to February is ideal when the waters become cooler at about 23℃. Expect about 180 mm of rainfall between August and October.

The islands of Cape Verde boast of tropical weather throughout the year with sunny days except for the winter season. Bask in the sun or go for a swim to enjoy the Cape Verde climate during the dry season. The average Cape Verde temperature ranges from about 24℃ to 30℃ in the summer, a good time to visit Cape Verde.

Visit Cape Verde With Family

Dive deep into the ocean waters beneath the waves of Santa Maria Beach and go diving or snorkeling, an adventurous Sal Cape Verde thing to do.

Chill by the beach of Praia de Chaves, one of the finest Cape Verde tourist attractions.

Discover some beachside restaurants in Santa Maria such as Ponta Preta for fabulous seafood.

Join in the fun experience of a carnival celebration and witness dancing, music, and festivities in Cape Verde.

Visit Cape Verde as a Couple

Romance and dine with your feet in soft sands at Barracuda Restaurant and Bar and try grilled green lobster or the Portuguese seafood cataplana on Santa Maria Beach.

Hike hand in hand in the Cha das Caldeiras towards the remains of Pico do Fogo and fall in love with outdoor adventures.

Visit the Ervatao Beach on Boa Vista and say hello to turtles that lay eggs in the sand.

Adopt a turtle or nest in your visit to Sal, south of Ponta Preta Beach, and be a part of the Project Biodiversity.

Visit Cape Verde with Friends

Go whale watching, nature's magnificent animal in the waters around Boa Vista, a popular Cape Verde thing to do.

Take a four-hour catamaran tour and travel across the waters with the cool sea breeze in Boa Vista.

Go horseback riding and soak in some enjoyable sights of Boa Vista and have a great Cape Verde tourist experience.

Another Cape Verde thing to do is the deep-sea fishing or rock fishing that you can experience in Sal and Bon Vista.

Visit Cape Verde with Kids

Enjoy a visit to Sal's salt mines and feel thrilled by soaking in the salt pond.

Take the kids quad biking across the dunes of Sal and Boa Vista, a truly remarkable Cape Verde thing to do.

Laze on the sands of the many Cape Verde golden beaches and soak in dramatic landscapes.

Take part in surfing, sailing and other wind sports, on the island beaches of Sal, a popular place to visit in Cape Verde.

What To Buy?

Fogo Wine

Cheese

Creative Handicrafts

Djunta Mo Art

Coffee Beans

Woven Baskets

Cape Verdean Clothing

Island Music

African Fabric

Local Pottery

Jam

Grogue

Pico do Fogo
Pico do Fogo is a popular Cape Verde tourist attraction that stands at 2829 meters above sea level. It is the highest peak in Cape Verde and is an active stratovolcano lying on the island of Fogo. See the smoke from the top of the volcano and witness one of the most fulfilling landscape views of Old Caldera from Pico do Fogo. You can climb it in around six hours, one of the best things to do in Cape Verde.
Best Time to Visit: November to June
Entry Price: Tour cost

Buracona
The beautiful bay in Cape Verde is a popular Cape Verde tourist attraction. One of Cape Verde`s points of interest, the spectacular lagoon is surrounded by rocks and is a great place for swimming. Located in the northwest of Sal, the bay is part of a protected landscape of the Buracona-Ragona region. It is also known as the Blue Eye as you can see the image of a Blue Eye from inside a cave. The rocky lagoon and the blue cave are must-see places to visit in Cape Verde.
Best Time to Visit: Summer season
Entry Price: EUR 3

Praia de Santa Maria
The marvelous beach in Cape Verde welcomes you with soft sands and turquoise blue waters. The best thing to do in Cape Verde is to spend a day on Sal island in Santa Maria with turquoise blue sea, warm air, blue skies in the paradisal island. You could go ahead and dive in the clear waters or walk on the golden sand. The Santa Maria Beach on the island`s south coast is a thing to see in Cape Verde and experience. Spend time in the comforts of luxury in one of the marvelous archipelago's beach resorts as well.
Best Time to Visit: Summer season
Entry Price: Tour cost

Pedra do Lume Salt Crater
The old salt mine is located inside a volcano crater and is one of the main Cape Verde tourist attractions. Bathe in the natural lake, float, doggy paddle, and have a fun time. Experience just tumbling over the salt mine and try a massage treatment with salt as well. A freshwater bath after the salt floating is a cathartic experience. A really fun activity for kids, spend the day in Sal island and enjoy the Sal Cape Verde thing to do.
Best Time to Visit: Summer season
Entry Price: Eur 5

Fort of Sao Filipe, Cidade Velha
Fort of Sao Filipe is in Santiago, the largest island in Cape Verde. The fort is a symbol of royal power and is a notable landmark. The castle has been painstakingly restored into a national monument. Look around for plenty of restaurants in the area that sell seafood. Try out Tereru di Kultura, a popular Cape Verde restaurant serving local cuisine. Explore the Sao Filipe Castle on the right bank of the mouth of the Sado River. The historic center of Cidade Velha has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2009 and a popular Cape Verde tourist spot.
Best Time to Visit: Summer season
Entry Price: Free to explore the battlements

Deserto de Viana
The sprawling desert in the northwestern part of Boa Vista is a popular place to see in Cape Verde. This beautiful rugged expanse with its picturesque dunes is an attraction when you visit Cape Verde. It is located east of the towns of Rabil and Sal Rei. Go on a dune buggy adventure and have the best time in your Cape Verde travel. There is also a nearby nature reserve. Explore the untouched desert and have a marvelous time.
Best Time to Visit: Winter season
Entry Price: Tour cost

If you can make time, here are a few more places to visit in Cape Verde,

Praia de Chaves

Ervatao Beach

Praia da Atalanta

Chapel of Our Lady of Fatima

Quebra Canela Beach

Viveiro Botanical Garden & Zoo di Terra

Praia Santa MÃ´nica

Rua da Banana

Most Popular Regions and Cities to Visit in Cape Verde
Sal Island
The island is the archipelago's most popular island with gold-colored stretches of sandy beaches in the Santa Maria region, south of the island. The beach with azure waters gently sinking into the soft sands is truly a beach lover's paradise. Explore Espargos, the capital of the island although Santa Maria remains Cape Verde tourist favorite spot with resorts, restaurants, and lots of beach fun. Absorb history as well as you head inland to discover barren landscapes and understand the island's salt trade.
Visit For: Terra Boa Mirage, Buracona, Viveiro Botanical Garden, Porto Antigo, Shark Bay, Ponta Sino~Kite Beach, Monte Leao, Monte Grande, Monte Curral

Brava
The beautiful tiny island is known for its abundant flora and fauna. Brava is in the southernmost tip in Cape Verde also known as the 'Island of Flowers'. Witness deep gorges and fabulous peaks in the archipelagos' most mountainous islands. Be awestruck by the popular things to see in Cape Verde with towering lava cliffs, ocean views, and fertile landscapes that lay beyond. Enjoy the dramatic coastlines and cliffs, once thought to be part of Fogo that lies 20 km away.
Visit For: Monte Fontainhas, Ponta Jalunga, Ilheus do Rombo, Ilheu Grande

Santo Antao
Witness the most spectacular things to see in Cape Verde of towering green peaks, fertile craters and colorful cliff-hanging towns. You are at one of the best hiking spots in a place untouched by tourism with fascinating sights. Welcome to Santo Antao with deep Ribeira and spectacular panorama under bright blue island sky. Drive down the coastlines and meander through villages and verdant valleys, to experience as part of a multi-island-hopping tour.
Visit For: Topo da Coroa, Pico da Cruz, Ribeira das Patas, Ribeira da Janela, Rabo Curto

Boa Vista
The island welcomes you to visit Cape Verde, at a fabulous destination of its island Boa Vista. The virgin sands, turquoise seas, breezy atmosphere all combine to give you a fabulous holiday. Rejuvenate in the rewarding beaches with sands stretching to about 55 km that offers gorgeous sunshine and a huge range of water-sports activities. Inland excursions take you to luna-like landscapes dotted with date trees and rock-filled vistas. Visit the main town of Sal Rei and chill in the bars and restaurants as you explore architectural landmarks.
Visit For: Deserto de Viana,Praia de Santa MÃ´nica, Praia da Chave, Chaves Beach, Praia da Atalanta, Sal Rei Islet

Santiago
Cape Verde's largest island promises plenty of history and lively nightlife. The volcanic origin of the island is reflected in the various mountainous peaks. Praia is the capital that functions as the main hub for inter-island transport. Enjoy being among rich green valleys, buzzing African towns, rugged mountain views, and unique diversity. Explore the old capital of Cidade Velha that is registered today as a World Heritage Site.
Visit For: Serra da Malagueta, Quebra Canela, Pico da Antonia, Prainha Beach, Praca Alexandre Albuquerque, Farol de D.Maria Pia

If you have time some of the other famous islands are;

Fogo

Sao Vicente

Maio

Santa Luzia

Sao Nicolau

Santa Cruz Music Festival The festival is held north of Sal Rei and witnesses the participation of famous music artists from Cape Verde. The celebration is enjoyed with festivities and is an important event in Boa Vista, although the island has a small population. Look out for different performers from across the archipelago. Location: North of Sal Rei Date: Few Days in August Sao Vicente Carnival A great place to visit in Cape Verde is Sao Vicente during the Cape Verde Carnival held 40 days before Easter. Witness colorful street parades with dance and music, a wonderful sight to see. The largest celebrations are held around the town of Mindelo with the carnivals influenced greatly by carnivals of Brazil. It also has a tinge of Portuguese flavors and influences of Portugal's history. Location: Sao Vicente Date: February The Flag Feast The festival is held in Fogo in honor of the patron saint of Fogo. Women pound maize to the beat of a drum and the flags in the festival are blessed in water. Horse racing events are held for males along with other festival activities such as street dancing and a ceremonial mass. The festival happens every year in the city of Sao Filipe. Location: Sao Filipe Date: 30 April The Festival of Sao Joao The festival of Saint John is celebrated all over the archipelago and includes folk dances, singing, street parties, and a lot of bustling festivities. A fire is lit to keep away evil spirits and protect the fertile land. Women dance the Kola Dance to the sound of drums that is very intense and loud. Performers dress in colorful costumes that represent ships and pirates who demand gifts from onlookers. Location: Cape Verde Date: 24 June The Gamboa Festival The festival happens in Praia that draws huge crowds to witness musical talent and artists who entertain the crowd. A popular Cape Verde thing to do is to be part of the musical extravaganza and feel the electrifying atmosphere. Salsa and Latino music with other entertaining performances is a sure way to enjoy a holiday. Location: Praia Date: May Other festivals/events celebrated in Cape Verde are;

Violin Festival

Baia das Gatas Festival

Sal Music Festival

Sete SÃ³is e Sete Luas Festival

Christmas and New Year

Tabanka Festival

Passports
All travelers must have a valid passport to apply for a Cape Verde visa. The passport needs to be valid for six months beyond the date of return. The passport must have at least two blank pages as well. Old passports if any, 2 scanned recent color photographs, accommodation proof, an invitation letter from a host, visa fee payment by cash and financial funds proof to support your trip are the required documents.

Visa-on-arrival/eVisa/Visa Free Entry
Cape Verde has introduced Pre-Arrival Registration for citizens of African and most European countries since 1 January 2019. The registration can be done online and the process is fast and simple. The citizens of the following countries can apply for Pre-Arrival Registration.

The European Union

Angola

Benin

Burkina Faso

CÃ´te d'Ivoire

The Gambia

Ghana

Guinea- Bissau

Guinea

Hong Kong

Iceland

Liberia

Liechtenstein

Macau

Mali

Mauritania

Mozambique

Niger

Nigeria

Norway

Senegal

Sierra Leone

Singapore

Switzerland

Timor-Leste

The i-visa has three different processing plans; Standard Plan that takes 10 working days to process, Rush Processing that takes 8 working days, and Super Rush Processing that takes 6 working days. The Pre-Arrival Registration, however, does not guarantee entry to Cape Verde. The traveler has to fulfill the Immigration Officers' requirements as well.

Citizens of the following countries can visit Cape Verde for a maximum of 30 days without a visa;

Andorra

Austria

Belgium

Bulgaria

Croatia

Cyprus

Czech Republic

Denmark

Estonia

Finland

France

Germany

Greece

Hungary

Iceland

Republic of Ireland

Italy

Latvia

Liechtenstein

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Malta

Monaco

Netherlands

Norway

Poland

Portugal

Romania

San Marino

Singapore

Slovakia

Slovenia

Spain

Sweden

Switzerland

Vatican City

Types of Visa and Validity
The Cape Verde Pre-Arrival Registration is valid for 30 days after being issued. The single-entry visa is valid for a maximum stay of up to 90 days per entry. The fee for a single-entry visa is EUR 25 and is an ideal tourist visa.

The multiple-entry visa is valid for five years and the visa processing cost is about EUR 86.30.

Air
TAP Portugal and TACV are the operators in Cape Verde that are national airlines. The best way to get around the islands is by air with tickets around EUR 50. However, not all major islands have airports and can be reached by ferry transport. Brava and Santo Antao are not serviced by plane. Do remember that the frequency of flights varies from airport to airport and not all working airports are directly connected either.

Ferry/ Cruise
The ferry is the next best route, especially if you have the sea route as the only option. However please note that the Atlantic Ocean can be very rough with ferry rides leading to seasickness. There could be delays as well as the ferries schedules are rarely on time. It is a good idea to hire the services of a travel agency who can guide and recommend the best timetable and schedule for inter-island travel.

Adventure cruising between islands is the ultimate adventure cruise trip you can take. The incredible archipelago will be an exotic cruise experience. The cruise starts and ends at Palmeria, Cape Verde operated by Variety. The excursions also include onshore activities.

Taxi
Hired taxis are available for commuting between towns within the islands. Most of the paths to some villages can be only reached by hiking/walking. A lot of Cape Verde is still rural with basalt cobblestone pavements built in the era of the trans-Atlantic slave trade. Taxis can also take you beyond towns you hired them in and into different locations on the islands which is a convenient plus.

Via Air Route
Flights are the easiest way to get into Cape Verde with major airlines operating the network from major European cities. TAP Portugal operates flights from The Netherlands to Cape Verde and there are direct flights on Transavia from Rotterdam to the island. TUI Airways flies directly from the United Kingdom.

Via Sea
Sao Vincente serves cargo as well as passenger ships while Mindelo and Praia are the main ports. Sea travel is not frequent and can be very expensive.

Santa Maria is a good place to start the holiday in Cape Verde as you get to experience a little bit of everything.

For incredible dunes and never-ending beaches, Boa Vista Island is a must-visit.

Base your holiday from one island, but remember to explore beyond the beach and embark on other adventurous excursions as well.

Don't miss the turtles hatching at the Project Biodiversity in Sal.

Sao Vicente is a hub for music and culture. Mindelo, the island's capital, is a place to visit in Cape Verde for live music performances.

Sip on grogue, a rum-like alcoholic beverage when you visit Cape Verde.

An interesting Cape Verde point of interest is the walking trails in Santo Antao.

Keep all your travel documents safe and carry along a photocopy.

Go island hopping and don't get stuck to one island.

Carry our travel guide and download a map offline.

Learn a few important Portuguese phrases, such as 'voce fala inglais' that means 'do you speak English?'.

Carry along a lot of cash during travel, as locals prefer this method of payment.

Remember, whale watching is a seasonal activity. The best time for whale watching in Cape Verde is between February and March.

Safety Tips

Stay alert and don't leave the sight of your belongings or carry them to the beach.

Don't carry too much cash in one go during daily sightseeing excursions and use the safe in the hotel wisely.

Avoid dark and unlit areas due to pick-pocketing or handbag snatching occurrences.

Be careful of petty theft at the beach areas.

Carry your passport identification at all times.

Praia and Mindelo are common areas of violent mugging activity, so stay safe.

Cape Verde may have a natural hazardous activity such as tremors from eruptions as the islands are built upon a chain of volcanic islands.

Swimming in the waters is dangerous due to rip tides and strong currents.

Health Tips

Get travel insurance that offers full trip coverage and includes coverage for adventure activities and 24*7 emergency assistance.

The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations before travel - Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Cholera, Yellow Fever, Rabies, Meningitis, Polio, Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR), Tdap, Chickenpox, Shingles, Pneumonia, and Influenza.

Don't drink tap water and always carry boiled water during travel.

Carry along with a medical kit for emergencies.

Water purification tablets are useful to avoid stomach sickness.

Stay safe during the photography of deserts or wildlife and follow the tourist guides' advice.

Carry along an insect and mosquito repellent during the travel.

Follow the guidelines of travel advisory of the country of travel such as the Ministry of Health of Cape Verde or Office of Foreign Affairs.

What to Pack?

Weather-friendly clothes, preferably loose-fitted

Toiletries

Footwear

Sunscreen

Swimwear

Sun Hat, Sun Glasses

Medical Kit

Travel Documents

Lightweight Jacket

Umbrella

Travel Backpack

Electronics

Dress Code and Etiquette

Cape Verdeans are proud people in their dress and personal appearance. Long trousers for men are encouraged especially for formal outings.

American brand names are popular among African Americans and locals indicate class by the brands they wear.

Cape Verdeans are very hospitable and generous and even the poorest will invite you for a meal.

It is rude not to share your food with others.

Greetings are lengthy that include handshaking for men and kissing on the cheeks for women.

It is polite to enquire about each other's health and family in a conversation.

The locals are very hospitable and often stand close together when talking and can get physically demonstrative.

Senegal (988 km)
Travel to Senegal, on the west coast of Africa with impressive French colonial heritage, amazing wildlife, and beaches. Lake Retba, Goree, House of Slaves, Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary, Saloum Delta among others are the many attractions to see.

Mauritania (1490 km)
Mauritania with popular sights, national parks, impressive birdlife, wild desert plateau, and more makes for a popular tourist destination. Visit for Richat Structure, Banc d'Arguin National Park, Ben Amera, Amatlich, Parc national du Diawling, and more.

The Gambia (958 km)
The country is known for its beaches, wildlife, and the small but splendid Atlantic coastlines. Abuko Nature Reserve, Kachikally Crocodile Pool, Kunta Kinteh Island, Albert Market, Arch 22 are some of the top tourist spots to visit in the Gambia.

Cape Verde is made up of five islets and ten islands.

Sal is the smallest island but the most popular with white sandy beaches and exciting resorts.

Ervatao Beach is the third most important loggerhead turtle nesting site in the world.

Cape Verdeans living outside of Cape Verde are more than on the islands themselves.

Only half a million people live in Cape Verde.

Santa Luzia is an uninhabited island.

Humpback whales breed in the Boa Vista's waters.

Pedra de Lume's salt mines have been in use since 1990.

Fogo rose from the sea thousands of years ago in a volcanic eruption.

Cape Verde is a perfect destination for water sports.

The country has one of the most stable democratic governments in Africa.

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