Cape Verde guide: what to see from Sal to Boavista

A Cape Verde guide can only start from an observation: this is one of the archipelagos most fascinating in the world. And it is no coincidence that in recent years it has become a very popular tourist destination. In fact, the islands offer ideas and possibilities for all travellers’ tastes: obviously, you can swim but also fish, go canyoning or climb. In any case live outdoors in nature: and everyone will be able to find their own island of the heart.

Cape Verde guide: some information

The archipelago of Cape Verde it is located in the ocean Atlanticabout 600 km from the African coast of Senegal and until 1975 was a territory of the Portugal. It is a group of ten islands of volcanic origin with an extension of about 4000 square km. The cost of living it is very low: the average salary of the population barely reaches 100 euros per month and this is why you can afford a really cheap holiday.

The greatest expense will be that of flight ticket: for the rest you really don’t run the risk of squandering a patrimony. The hotels Western-style and maybe four-star or more, but obviously they have prices appropriate to Western standards and the purchasing power of those who frequent them. A very economical alternative is to look for accommodation with a family: le rooms in the houses of the inhabitants they are easily found and it is possible to find accommodations even between 15 and 20 euros per night. Then there are several campsites for those who love trekking and life in the open air.

How to move

To move from one island to another, the most comfortable and fastest way is the plane: the distances between the islands often exceed 300 km so a flight is recommended. You fly with the TACV company which is the national company. It is the only island without a stopover Sao Antao and therefore it is necessary to travel by sea.
Among the islands in fact there are some maritime connections low priced: to get an idea a ride from the island of Sao Vicente to Santo Antao it lasts about an hour and costs less than 4 euros per person.

To move around the islands, however, a taxi is the most convenient choice. TO Cape Verde they are quite cheap although long journeys might get a little more expensive. The locals, for example, use the aluguer, or mini buses that provide a collective service. As always in these cases you need to know how to explain yourself and a little spirit of adaptation. The bus it leaves when it’s full so if you’re in a hurry it won’t be for you. Another thing: the price is negotiable. Be prepared for long chats and remember that the driver calculates the cost based on the distance. Of course, if you have money to rent a car it is the best choice. But remember that the roads are in less than optimal condition. And it takes a certain dexterity behind the wheel.

What to eat

There kitchen of the archipelago of Cape Verde is tasty and tasty and you will often find fish and seafood even if the typical dish is the cachupa, a kind of corn and bean stew accompanied by meat. You may not like it but people love it. The price in the restaurant is generally low: you can even eat for 5 or 10 euros each.

Other very common dishes are the churrasco, or the classic grilled meat while for fish lobsters, octopuses and grouper are common. Instead of dessert, don’t miss tropical fruit such as papaya and mango.

Cape Verde guide: the islands to discover

Our guide to Cape Verde starts from Ps which is the most important island of the archipelago: and you will almost certainly pass through here since it hosts the airport Amilcar Cabral. It has a lunar aspect because it is completely flat and without water but it has beautiful beaches. Many tourists choose the destination of Saint Mary which has a coastline of about ten km with most of the hotels and villages.

That’s why if you are looking for a quiet and traditional atmosphere, perhaps not this is the place for you: a lot has been built here and tourism is rampant. Perhaps the only real area somewhat similar to the past is that of the pier where the locals still meet. Ps it is equipped for those who want to do water sports: there are diving and board and boat rentals. Not to be missed by all the natural pool of Burraconbeyond the sand dunes. In the center of the island is the village of Espargos, very lively and colourful. Finally, the last unmissable stop in the Cape Verde guide: Pedra do Lume it is an ancient crater filled with salt water. Bathing is a real emotion.

Boavista and Sao Vicente

Boavista it is flat but less arid than Sal. It is the closest to Africa and has its strength in the beautiful white beaches over 50km long which stretch beyond the dunes. It is therefore the destination for those seeking relaxation by the sea. The most beautiful and popular areas are those of Joao Barrosathe pleasant Praia de Varadinha and the long beach of Curralinho. After so much sea, Sal Rei, the capital of Boavista, deserves a visit. Another center to visit is the village of Rabil.

Sao Vicente it is an island of very small dimensions but very pleasant for its lively cultural life. The most important country is Mindelo, with its colonial houses spread over a beautiful bay. The inhabitants are very proud to live in the town where the singer was born Cesaria Évora and indeed music and dance are at the center of people’s daily lives. However, the beaches are not up to par: the sand gives way to pebbles and the waves are often as high as in Baia das Gatas. Not bad, not far from Mindelo, the beaches of Salamanca.

Santiago, the capital

For those who love fishing, the best island is perhaps that of Sao Nicolau. Small, mountainous and not very touristy, it offers the best under the waves and is therefore frequented by deep-sea fishermen. The most famous beach is that of Tarrafal: but it is famous not for the landscape but for the healing powers. The hot black volcanic sand is said to be good for arthritis.

The capital of the archipelago and the largest island is Santiago where is the capital Praia. The panorama is mixed with mountains and green valleys but also white and suggestive beaches. It is said that the inhabitants of the island are those with the purest blood and with the appearance most similar to Africans. The proof comes from the markets where the atmosphere is special and fascinating. A guide to Cape Verde cannot forget the places to visit such as the towns of Beach and of Cidade Velha. The first is the current capital while the other, as the name suggests, is the ancient one. Here is the fortress of San Felipe built by the Portuguese. For swimming, instead, focus on the white beaches of the east coast, including the beautiful one Sao Francisco.

Finally, in this schematic guide to Cape Verde, Fogowest of Santiagothe most particular island due to the presence of the 3000 meter high volcano which attracts trekking enthusiasts and those who are intrigued by the volcano Pico de Fogo. Getting to the top, however, is anything but a picnic. You have to travel in a group and with a local guide but the view from the top is stunning. The city of is also pretty Sao Felipe, overlooking a cliff and with a series of characteristic colored houses. One detail: don’t miss the tasting of the local wine called Manecon produced in the old crater of the volcano.

Cape Verde guide: when to go

A Cape Verde guide it would not be complete without the latest information: when to go. Cape Verde has a tropical climate with year-round sunshine with average temperatures around 25 degrees although there are big differences between the islands. In those with mountains it can be cold while in the flat ones it can even reach 40 degrees. The sea is almost always at 22 degrees.