Cape Verde brings together island history, volcanic landscapes, coastal trails and distinctive cuisine. When choosing a destination, it’s worth first considering your interests: Would you like to explore historical sites, go hiking, or focus on the islands’ landscapes and culture? These differences also give you a concrete starting point for your hotel search, without treating the islands as a single, uniform destination.
Islands with Different Characteristics
The archipelago comprises ten islands, nine of which are inhabited. Santa Luzia is the only uninhabited island. The landscapes also differ considerably: the eastern islands are considered older, flat and sandy, while the western islands are newer, mountainous, rocky and irregularly shaped. This contrast describes groups of islands, not individual islands. It can help you decide whether you’re looking for a sandier landscape or one that is more rugged and mountainous.
On Fogo, the volcano shapes the landscape: Pico do Fogo is considered the highest point in the archipelago and remains active. Chã das Caldeiras is a volcanic valley at its foot, surrounded by high lava walls. Fogo’s history dates back to the 15th century. If you’re interested in the changes following a volcanic eruption, the island’s geology and its villages, you’ll find these themes brought together there. Fogo Volcano and the nature parks are worthwhile destinations if you’d like to learn more about the islands.
Discover History and Culture
Cidade Velha, formerly Ribeira Grande, was the archipelago’s first capital and received town status in 1533. It is considered the earliest city founded by Europeans in the tropics and is an important place to learn more about Cape Verde’s history. Another way to explore the past is to visit Tarrafal: political prisoners were held in the former concentration camp, which now houses a museum commemorating the struggle for freedom and the years of repression.
On Boa Vista, the Shipwreck Museum is built of white limestone and volcanic rock. Sal Rei, meanwhile, stands out for its colourful architecture and a museum that conveys the island’s history and culture. Cape Verde’s literary and musical output reflects its European and African cultural roots. Music and dance traditions associated with the archipelago include morna, funaná, batuque, mazurca and coladeira.
Maio also tells its story through salt: the island was once a port for salt exports, and salt was produced there until the 20th century. To this day, it remains important to Maio and is one of the island’s tourist attractions. The salt pans preserve stories and the cultural identity of the local population.
Hiking and Activities on the Water
Allow up to six hours for the hike on the Chã das Caldeiras trail; it must be undertaken with a local mountain guide. Another route description takes you from Cruzinha to Ponta do Sol via cliffs offering panoramic views of the Atlantic. On São Vicente, Monte Cara is a popular hiking destination with views of Mindelo and the bay. These routes and destinations therefore differ both in their landscapes and in the stated time required for the hike.
Water activities range from kitesurfing and windsurfing to sport fishing, stand-up paddleboarding, surfing and diving. The natural pools of Gatas Bay are considered safe, calm places to swim. The bay is also suitable for diving and snorkelling in a rich marine environment.
Discover Cape Verde Through Its Cuisine
The archipelago’s cuisine includes cachupa, fish, seafood and fruit. Cachupa is made with meat or fish, stewed beans and corn, and served with cooked vegetables, potatoes and boiled bananas. Other traditional dishes include lobster, modje—a fried or grilled fish dish with spicy onions and tomato sauce—and deep-fried moray eel. These traditional dishes offer a glimpse of the archipelago’s cuisine.
Discover more destinations: Boa Vista, Sal, Praia, Sao Domingos, Sao Vicente, Paul, Maio, Brava, Tarrafal, Santa Cruz, Sao Filipe, Sao Miguel, Ribeira Grande, Cidade Velha, Mosteiros, Lazareto, Fajã de Água, Morro.
