Places you must visit in Cape Verde

Places you must visit in Cape Verde

Unknown, Cape Verde is an archipelago of ten paradisiacal islands off the coast of Senegal, in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. An African territory with abundant vegetation, it is a true delight for all lovers of open spaces and places protected from mass tourism. From island to island, from São Vicente to Santiago, the tourist will walk through virgin mountains, green fields, and white sand beaches.

This paradise is a very surprising place, both during the impressive eruptions of Pico do Fogo and through the discovery of its seabeds, offering travelers a great variety of memories. Here you will find a selection of the best tourist attractions in Cape Verde, an archipelago to discover as soon as possible.

Praia, a capital you must get to know

It is surely one of the most unknown capitals of the African continent, but Praia is the first stop on a trip to Cape Verde and it would be a mistake to underestimate it. Located on the southern coast of the island of Santiago, Praia is an authentic city, ideal for experiencing life in Cape Verde. Surrounded by beaches, Praia has an attractive historic center and an archaeological museum dedicated to the underwater discoveries that can be found in the archipelago. Praia, a capital you must get to know!

The island of Santiago, a mix of history and culture

The island of Santiago, the heart of Cape Verde, is the largest and most populated of the islands in the archipelago. It is the place where much of its history and culture is found. It was here that the Portuguese landed in 1460, where Cape Verdeans were born. Santiago, a mountainous island, has many desert landscapes, but also fishing villages like Tarrafal and its white sand beach.

Mount Fogo, a Dantean excursion

The island of Fogo, literally "fire", is dominated by Pico de Fogo, an active volcano that rises to 2,829 meters in height. It is the symbol of the island, where its residents have developed intensive agriculture directly on the lava; you can find peanuts, apples, pomegranates, or tamarinds.

At 1,800 m altitude, the summit of the volcano (Chã das Caldeiras) is an unforgettable place. The panorama of colorful houses with dark stones in the middle of nature is unique: the inhabitants of Chã das Caldeiras are the last who live on the volcano, which remains active.

Boa Vista, the island of dunes

The panorama of the island of Boa Vista is imbued with sand dunes that come from the Sahara desert. It is the closest island to the African continent; it is surrounded by wonderful natural beaches where turtles come to lay their eggs. You can also enjoy various activities such as kitesurfing or windsurfing thanks to its windy climate. A true paradise of peace, Boa Vista is the perfect place for a pleasant experience.

The island of Sal, an arid landscape

The island of Sal, with its airport, is undoubtedly one of the most visited of the archipelago. As its name indicates, the city of Sal once had an important salt trade through its salt flats. Today, they are still used for different excursions. Pedra de Lume is one of the most visited places on the island, especially for its brine baths that allow you to float effortlessly.

São Vicente, island of parties

São Vicente is the smallest island of Cape Verde, but it is not the least interesting. Numerous musicians, singers, and dancers gather here to enjoy and share their open and exotic culture. Monte Verde dominates the island from the top of its 774 m altitude.

Mindelo, the pearl of São Vicente

The city of Mindelo, birthplace of Cesaria Evora, the "barefoot diva" who dedicated herself to exporting Cape Verdean music, is undoubtedly the cultural capital of the country. Here you will find singers, performers, and artists who have come to experience its sweet life and share their works, mainly in the city's national handicraft center. The center is characterized by its history and is made up of different colonial houses and sobados, Portuguese constructions. Don't miss the replica of the Belém Tower and the mythical Lisbon street!

The island of Santo Antão, a fantastic trekking destination

From rugged mountains to steep peaks, the island of Santo Antão will satisfy the best trekking enthusiasts. The contrast of the landscapes is impressive: the arid lands in the south and the green landscapes in the north are places of interest to discover the nature of the island. Beaches are very rare in Santo Antão, the coast is rocky, but you can observe a great variety of banana and sugar cane plantations.

Brava, the unattainable

The island of Brava is the most difficult to access, but at the same time one of the most spectacular of the archipelago. The last step to reach the ocean towards America. It is still not very visited and its population is very small. It is the perfect place to rest. Its mountainous relief and very rich vegetation allow the island of Brava to be a privileged place where fishermen can enjoy long hours on one of the five uninhabited islets.

The island of São Nicolau, the most secret

The island of São Nicolau offers magnificent landscapes where nature has reclaimed its rights. It offers travelers and hiking enthusiasts a great variety of itineraries, particularly in its Monte Gordo Natural Park, which rises up to 1,382 meters. Lush vegetation and rich crops are to be discovered: cassava, bananas, beans, or tomatoes are grown in large quantities on this fertile island.