Imagine acres of pristine tropical beaches that can rival those of the Caribbean, amazing live volcanic craters, charming old colonial cities, crystal-clear turquoise waters teeming with colorful marine life, and a variety of awe-inspiring landscapes, not to mention wonderful temperature, exquisitely friendly people and the warm, welcoming atmosphere wherever you go. That’s exactly what you’ll find when you take a holiday to the enchanting Cape Verde Islands.
Formed of 10 intrinsically bijou and beautiful volcanic islands, each with its own charm, Cape Verde lies in the wilds of the Atlantic Ocean, some 460 km off the African coast of Senegal and 1,000 km south west of the Canary Islands, and covers a total area of 4,033 square kilometers. The Cape Verde Islands are arranged in a ‘U-shape’ that opens towards the west and were created by magma rising through the ocean. Uninhabited until the 15th century, when settled by the Portuguese, Cape Verde is a place of great contrasts and a melting pot of European, African and Brazilian cultures, expressed in everything from food to music.
Santiago
Santiago, known as the ‘Fertile Island,’ is the largest and most populated island in Cape Verde, where the republic’s pulsating capital Praia is situated. Dotted with banana plantations and lush forests, the island of Santiago offers tourists more than just a trip to Cidade Velha – the ancient capital and first Portuguese slaving base and a swim break in Tarrafal, famous for its many beaches of black volcanic lava. The tourists can engage in superb hiking – the mountain ranges provide a 400 feet climb; cultural events, especially during the summer months; jeep safaris, allowing visitors to view splendid views of African nature, as well as outstanding watersport opportunities from windsurfing to deep-sea fishing.
Sal & Boa Vista Islands
Sal and Boa Vista are the main tourist islands, offering a wealth of tourist sites and activities to keep them entertained day and night. Boa Vista or the Cozy Island is the easternmost and third-largest island of Cape Verde, boasting long white sandy beaches, dazzling sinuous sand dunes and clear azure sea with stunning underwater world. In addition to turtles on the beach, you may catch a glimpse of whales in the islet of Sal Rei, a feeding ground for humpback whales. The island was discovered in 1480 and was named by St. Christopher, then later Boa Vista, which literally means ‘nice view.’
Probably the oldest of all the Cape Verdean islands, the lunar-like Sal Island is a beach resort with long stretches of white sand (Santa Maria is the best beach) and an abundance of watersports and has a glowing reputation among the surfing fraternity. In the north of the island there is a majestic salt lake in an extinct volcano crater, which is a breathtaking sight not to be missed. The island is also a paradise for divers with dolphins, turtles and countless species of colorful tropical fish. As to shop enthusiasts, they will find a good variety of shops and markets selling everything from food to souvenirs.
Brava is the smallest of the inhabited islands and one of the most scenic with eye-catching mountains, offering some of the best hiking opportunities in Cape Verde and great beaches on the western side of the island ideal for beach combing and indulging in a range of water activities.
Cape Verde Accommodation
Cape Verde offers a wide selection of lodging scattered across the archipelago’s inhabited islands and islets, to suit the tastes of both budget and luxury travelers. Guests will find everything from international hotel chains and romantic boutique hotels in stunning beach locations to simple bed & breakfast and cheap hotels, all with a staff ready to make your stay a pleasant and memorable experience. However, the majority of the hotels are found on the islands of Sal and Santiago.
Meliá Tortuga Beach is one of the best luxury choices, found on a stretch of beach in Sal, comprising a variety of villas and apartments, all with private pools and gardens and ultra-modern conveniences. Of a budget category is the cozy Parque das Dunas Hotel, a typical example of Cape Verdean hotel and a truly tranquil retreat, where guests can relax and unwind at their best. Here the rooms are simply furnished bungalows, all surrounded by well-tended gardens of bougainvillea.
Cape Verde is also a great destination for shopping and dining. Praia is the main shopping center of Cape Verde. What concerns to the islands’ cuisine, it is as diverse as the culture with many restaurants serving Creole, Portuguese, African and Brazilian dishes. In larger towns, nightlife enthusiasts will find café bars with live music, however, nightlife is mostly hotel-based. In a nutshell, Cape Verde is a versatile holiday destination with the mystique of West Africa. So, if you enjoy beautiful scenery, fine beaches, diverse cultures and a sense of adventure, Cape Verde will not disappoint!
