If you are planning to spend your Cape Verde holidays, in this blog you will find all the information you need to enjoy one of the most unknown jewels of the African continent. Follow our recommendations for travelling to Cape Verde and save a lot of money on travel agencies and package tours.
Only specialised Travel Blog for your Cape Verde Holidays
Do you want to enjoy a wonderful holidays in Cape Verde? Known as the African Caribbean, Cape Verde is one of the most unknown places for world tourism. But that is about to change! Here you will find all kinds of recommendations to enjoy a unique and special holidays in Cape Verde.
From Holidays 2 Cape Verde, we will try to help you with everything you need or are looking for about this African jewel. We will recommend you from our point of view, the best places, plans and activities that you can do on your trip to Cape Verde, and help you to simplify all the information you are absorbing.
BEFORE TRAVELLING! Remember to hire the Best Travel Insurance for Cape Verde. Click here to find it!
Travelling to Cape Verde on your own
We understand that you don’t want to spend a lot of money on travel agencies or paid guides, but don’t worry! In this blog you will find much more complete information about travelling to Cape Verde, and you won’t have to pay anything for it. Therefore, you won’t need to add extra expenses to your Cape Verde holidays, beyond accommodation and flights (we will also recommend you the best options).
What to See on your Cape Verde Holidays
We come to the typical question we ask ourselves before any trip, don’t we? We usually end up saturating ourselves with endless information found on the internet, and it is not clear to us which places to visit, or how to organise our trip.
Well, don’t worry, because to avoid this information overload, we have tried to simplify the places in Cape Verde that you must visit during your stay. These are our simplified recommendations for your holidays in Cape Verde with your family, friends or partner.
Don’t worry, because to avoid information overload, we have tried to simplify the places in Cape Verde that you must visit during your stay. Here are our simplified recommendations for your holiday in Cape Verde:
Cape Verde Islands
As we have said, Cape Verde is known as the African Caribbean. For many years it has remained a ‘semi-unknown’ destination to the world, but in recent years tourism to Cape Verde has exploded, and much of the blame lies with the stunning Cape Verde Islands:
👉 Which Cape Verde Island should I visit?🤔
If there is one thing that makes Cape Verde stand out, it is its paradisiacal beaches. The beaches of the African Caribbean are characterised by majestic crystalline turquoise waters and fine, soft sand. Nothing to envy to any paradisiacal beach in the American Caribbean.
The good thing about having so many islands is that there are beaches for all tastes. There are those with a more family and relaxing atmosphere to enjoy with the children, and others that will make you dream and live a romantic experience with your partner. And if you’re looking for something a bit more up and coming, don’t worry, because you’ll be able to find it too. And what a party!
As you can see, there is a wide variety of beaches to choose from to choose which one to go to during your Cape Verde holidays. In any case, we assure you that you won’t regret your decision.
Cape Verde Beaches: Some of the most paradisiacal beaches in the World
If there is one thing that makes Cape Verde stand out, it is its paradisiacal beaches. The beaches of the African Caribbean are characterised by majestic crystalline turquoise waters and fine, soft sand. Nothing to envy to any paradisiacal beach in the American Caribbean.
The good thing about having so many islands is that there are beaches for all tastes. There are those with a more family and relaxing atmosphere to enjoy with the children, and others that will make you dream and live a romantic experience with your partner. And if you’re looking for something a bit more up and coming, don’t worry, because you’ll be able to find it too. And what a party!
As you can see, there is a wide variety of beaches to choose from to choose which one to go to during your Cape Verde family holidays. In any case, we assure you that you won’t regret your decision.
👉 Best 10 Beaches in Cape Verde 🌞
Flora and Fauna of Cape Verde
Cape Verde’s flora and fauna will not disappoint. You’ll find rare plants you won’t see in Europe or Latin America, a sea teeming with wildlife and a variety of exotic birds.
Flora
Historically, the Cape Verde Islands have not had much vegetation as they were formed by volcanic activity. In fact, many seeds and plants were introduced from other West African countries, Latin America or Mediterranean regions. Also through the oceanic current itself (Azores, Canary Islands, Madeira), birds or wind. As a result, of the 250 plant species that experts originally estimated, they have now counted more than 850 species.
Due to the different soil types and climatic conditions of Cape Verde, the flora is quite rich in species. Depending on which islands you are on, you can find drier or more colourful and humid environments. Even on the mountainous islands you can find bananas, mangoes, citrus fruits, sugar canes and flowers of many colours.
Aloe Vera, a popular medicinal plant, grows naturally in Cape Verde’s own streets.
Many plants have had to adapt over the centuries to Cape Verdean conditions, so that they eventually developed entirely new species from them. Some of these species exist only in the archipelago (endemic species). These include the Cape Verde spurge, which is only found in Santo Antão and São Nicolau, the bitterbrush of the Fogo volcano, the viper’s bugloss on the southern islands and a species of palm called Phoenix atlantica.
Fauna
As far as Cape Verde’s fauna is concerned, we are obliged to mention the famous Loggerhead Turtles. Without a doubt the animal most associated with the Cape Verdean country. The waters around the Cape Verde Islands also allow us to delight ourselves with other impressive marine animals such as whales, dolphins, octopuses or parrot fish.
In terms of birds, it is estimated that around 150 types of migratory birds visit the Cape Verde Islands during the year. And another 40 species of birds nest in the same country. This makes the island of Cape Verde a paradise for any ornithologist.
If you are a lover of the animal kingdom, you are bound to enjoy a holidays in Cape Verde!
Explore its Art and Culture in your Cape Verde holidays
In case you didn’t know, a holidays in Cape Verde can also offer you an interesting repertoire of art and culture. Now you’ll see why:
Arts and Crafts
The Cape Verde Islands are especially popular in Africa for their production of pottery and textiles. But you can also find paintings (e.g. Manuel Figueira, Barros-Gizzi and Maria-Luisa Queirós…), crocheted blankets (Portuguese tradition), woodwork, batik, embroidery and woven baskets (balai). Woven tapestries in the traditional colours of white, indigo blue and black are also very common. Ceramic art is found mainly in Maio, Santiago, Sal Boa Vista and São Vicente.
Theatre
Plays are very popular in Cape Verde. As a curiosity, the plays are often written by the actors themselves. They deal with everyday issues that interest the people of Cape Verde. In summer there is a theatre festival in Mindelo, which is highly recommended!
Literature
Even if you’re just going on holidays to Cape Verde, you might be interested to know that in the literary forms of the Cape Verde Islands, poetry plays an important role. During the years of strict censorship by the Portuguese governors, poetry was the means of escape for the country’s artists. Names like Pedro Cardoso and Eugénio Tavares, representatives of nativism, were the fathers of the islands’ literary movement. While in the 1940s, the intellectual group around Jorge Barbosa, Baltasar López da Silva and Manuel López, developed the origin of classic Cape Verdean literature.
Enjoy the Best Music on your Holidays in Cape Verde
Did you know that Cape Verde has its own version of Bachata? With 8 different recognised styles, Cape Verdean music is influenced by different places and cultures.
On your Cape Verde holidays, you will have the opportunity to enjoy live concerts, festivals and all kinds of dancing. Singing and dancing is the Cape Verdean way of life, so you won’t get bored on your holidays to Cape Verde.
👉 Learn more about Cape Verdean Music 🎵
What to do in Cape Verde
Your holidays to Cape Verde cannot be all about “sun and sand”. You are bound to discover the many other activities that the African Caribbean has to offer. To help you better manage all the information you will be given upon arrival in Cape Verde, here is a list of some of the typical activities available. Take note for your holidays in Cape Verde!
Thanks to our partners who live in Cape Verde, we can provide you with the best activities and excursions on the island, and book them in advance at the best price!
Hiking and Trekking during your Cape Verde Holidays
The mountainous islands of Cape Verde are perfect for hiking. Especially the islands of Santo Antão, São Nicolau and Fogo.
The year-round warm climate, with little rainfall, makes walking through Cape Verde’s majestic landscapes a real pleasure.
It’s also a great way to meet other tourists and even locals. The tropical valleys of Santo Antão, the mountainous areas of São Nicolau, or the Cape Verde volcano are some of the highlights. Here are our three favourite hiking activities – don’t hesitate to book them before they sell out!
Diving in Cape Verde
The Cape Verde Islands are a world-renowned destination for scuba diving. So if you are a diving lover, visiting Cape Verde is a “must” for you.
The underwater world of Cape Verde is unique, almost untouched and unspoilt. Diving centres are currently located in Sal, Santiago, Boa Vista, São Vicente and Santo Antão. Here are two of the best activities for scuba diving in Cape Verde:
Sailing in its crystal clear waters
Thanks to Cape Verde’s magnificent weather, sailing is one of the most fun and special activities you can do. No matter what month of the year you travel to Cape Verde, fun is guaranteed! In summer the winds are quite moderate with 2-4 Bft. The Cape Verde Islands are a dream for sailors looking for originality. And if you are a fishing enthusiast, you will be amazed by the underwater world of your own.
Would you like to give it a try? Dare to try this guided tour by the best professionals for an incredible day of fishing, highly recommended!
Windsurfing / Kitesurfing / Surfing in Cape Verde
For sailing enthusiasts, Cabo Verde is paradise. In fact, it is one of the favourite spots of multiple world windsurfing champion Josh Angulo. The island of Sal has become a popular destination for windsurfers, surfers and kite surfers.
The winds are ideal all year round, as are the pleasant water temperatures. Apart from Sal, there are also good conditions for wind and kite surfers in Boa Vista. So you know, if you like surfing, a holidays in Cape Verde will be doubly enjoyable.
Mountainbiking among its Great Mountains
If you are a tourist in Cape Verde and you like mountain biking, we are happy to tell you that you are in an ideal destination for it. Of course, the mountainous islands are the most suitable. On islands such as Santo Antão, there are stunning trails and routes.
Go wild with nightlife on your Cape Verde Holidays
Let’s not kid ourselves! On any kind of holidays we like to “let loose” and enjoy a night out, don’t we? Well, when you travel to Cape Verde you can enjoy some great nights out.
Although Cape Verde is not a tourist destination associated with partying and clubbing, you’ll find plenty of alternatives. Be aware, however, that in the rural areas there isn’t much of an entertainment programme (especially after 10pm). You will have to focus on the larger towns on each island such as Santa Maria (Sal Island), Esplanada and Sal Rei (Boa Vista), Mindelo (São Vicente) and Praia (Santiago). In all these cities, you will find a variety of music and atmospheres depending on what you are looking for. You can choose to go more local, or more tourist-focused.
As usual, during the high season, there will be more variety and alternatives for nightlife in Cape Verde. That is, in the summer months and during the Christmas and New Year’s weeks.
Cape Verde Tourism
Tourism in Cape Verde is mainly concentrated on its two main African islands; Salt Island and Boavista. However, it will depend on the type of holidays you are looking for as the great thing about holidaysing in Cape Verde is that you have a lot of options to choose from. Each island is usually associated with one type of tourism, although the great thing about Cape Verde is that there is a good connection and transit between the different islands. So you can alternate between them.
Weather on your holidays to Cape Verde
Cape Verde is one of the countries with the most hours of sunshine per year. There are 350 days of sunshine a year. Temperatures range between 21ºC and 29ºC, which is perfect for tourists, as you won’t suffer from excessive heat or low temperatures. Regardless of which month you go on holidays in Cape Verde.
The breeze blows constantly due to its proximity to the ocean with a relatively low average humidity, between 40% and 60%.
Due to the regularity of temperature throughout the year, the African Caribbean has only two seasons a year: Tempo das Brisas (windy weather) from October to July, and Tempo das chuvas (rainy weather) from August to September.
The coolest months are January and February with an average temperature of 21ºC. The hottest month is September with an average temperature of 27ºC, and a maximum of 36ºC.
The water temperature varies between 22ºC and 27ºC throughout the year. An ideal temperature for spending the whole day in the water and carrying out maritime activities.
Depending on the island you are on, the average temperatures may vary somewhat, so we recommend that you take a closer look before your Cape Verde holidays.
If you want more detailed information about the Temperatures of Cape Verde month by month, and in relation to each island, Click on this link!
Apply for your Visa before you go on holidays to Cape Verde
If you want to visit Cape Verde, you should first find out about the visa you will need to enter the country.
All tourists and visitors to Cape Verde need to acquire a visa (cost £35), and have a passport valid for at least another six months after the date of your Cape Verde holidays.
Visas can be obtained from the embassies or consulates of your country (United Kingdom, United States, Ireland, Australia, etc.) in advance, or on arrival at Cape Verde’s international airports.
With this visa, you have the right to stay in Cape Verde for a maximum of 90 days. You must enter the country within 180 days of visa issuance.
👉 In any case, for more complete and personalised information about the Visa to travel to Cape Verde, click on this link 🌍
Vaccinations before your Cape Verde Holidays
Fortunately, there are very few contagious diseases or epidemics in Cape Verde, due to the dry climate and constant wind.
You can feel safe while visiting Cape Verde because there are very few dangerous animals on the islands. Perhaps the animal you should be most wary of is scorpions, as they have a painful sting, similar to that of a wasp.
As far as vaccinations for travel to Cape Verde are concerned, vaccinations are generally not necessary. The health authorities only recommend basic vaccinations such as hepatitis A and B, typhoid, cholera, polio, yellow fever and tetanus.
👉 For more Complete and Detailed Information on Vaccinations for travel to Cape Verde click here! 💉
Flights for your Cape Verde Holidays
Nowadays you can find a variety of options to fly to Cape Verde. In recent years, tourism to Cape Verde has boomed and the frequency of flights to the African Caribbean has increased significantly. Especially from Europe.
Currently, Cape Verde has four international airports, located on the most popular islands; Boavista, Islas de Sal, Santiago and São Vicente. Sal International Airport is the most important airport in the country. There are also three other airports; Maio, São Nicolau and Fogo Island.
A direct flight from the UK to Cape Verde usually takes about 8 hours, although this will depend on the departure point and the island of arrival. If you are travelling to Cape Verde from the United States, it will be different.
As for the price of the ticket, it will depend very much on the time of year you travel, and the country/city you fly from. We will try to customise the information you need in our Flights to Cape Verde section.
Accommodation on your Cape Verde Holidays
As an increasingly touristy country, there are plenty of accommodation options in Cape Verde. Depending on which island you want to travel to, the results will vary, but we can assure you that you’ll be well served.
Hostels: Although there is not as much variety as with hotels, you can find good hostels for £8 to £25 per night.
Hotels: This is where you will find an infinite variety of accommodation. You will find hotels of all types and prices. In our Hotels in Cape Verde section we have created a list of the best hotels and other recommendations.
Resorts: If you are looking for a more “glamorous” and residential type of accommodation, you will also find a wide range of resorts for your holidays in Cape Verde.
👉 Visit our article on Best Hotels in Cape Verde 🔝
- Hostels and Guest Houses: Although there is not as much variety as with Hotels, you can find good hostels with a price between €11 and €20 per night.
- Hotels: This is where you will find an infinite variety of accommodations. You will find Hotels of all kinds and of all prices. In our Hotels in Cape Verde section we have created a list with the best and other recommendations.
- Resorts: If you are looking for a more “glamorous” and residential type of accommodation, you will also find a very extensive catalog of resorts for your vacations in Cape Verde.
Interesting Information for your Cape Verde Holidays
The City of Praia (Santiago Island) is the Capital of Cape Verde.- The official language of the country is Portuguese
- The official currency is the Cape Verdean Escudo (£1 = 128.00Esc).
- Since 1990 it has been a Free Democracy and one of the most developed African countries.
- The official name of the country is Republic of Cape Verde.
- Its population is estimated at 530,000 inhabitants, and it has 4,030km2.
Capital of Cape Verde
The city of Praia, located on Santiago Island, an archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, is the capital of Cape Verde. It is the most populated city in the country, with a total of 130,000 inhabitants (1/4 of the total).
Official Language of Cape Verde
The official language of the Republic of Cape Verde is Portuguese. For many years it was a Portuguese colony. Cape Verdean Creole is also spoken, although it is not official. It is a language with Portuguese roots but with a lot of influence from other African languages.
Typical Portuguese Phrases for your Cape Verdean Holidays
Although Spanish and Portuguese are similar, it won’t hurt to learn a few basic words for your Cape Verdean holidays:
| Spanish< /td> | Portuguese |
| Hello/Good morning | Bom dia |
| Goodbye | Goodbye |
| Yes/No | Sim/No |
| Do you speak English? | Fala Inglês? |
| My name is… | Chamo-me |
| Excuse me/Sorry | Com license |
| Please | Please |
| Thank you | Obrigado (man) Obrigada (woman) |
| How much does this cost? | How much does it cost? |
| I don’t understand | I don’t understand |
| The bill | On account |
| Water/Milk | Water/Milk |
| Tea/Coffee | Chá/Coffee |
| Red/White Wine | |
| Beer | Beer |
Official Currency of Cape Verde
Before you go on holidays to Cape Verde, you may also be interested to know what the official currency of Cape Verde is. Take a look at this information so you don’t go crazy with the exchange rates once you’re there!
The official currency of Cape Verde is the Cape Verdean Escudo. Here is a handy table to give you a quick idea of the exchange rate against the Euro.
| Euro | Cape Verdean escudo |
| 1€ | 110,260$ |
| 5€ | 553,06$ |
| 10€ | 1.106,13$ |
| 50€ | 5.530,63$ |
| 100€ | 11.061,26$ |
| 500€ | 55.306,29$ |
| 1000€ | 110.612,58$ |
Government of Cape Verde
Since 1995 the Republic of Cape Verde has been a Free Democracy, whose current president is Jorge Carlos Fonseca (appointed in 2011). Presidents can be re-elected every 5 years, and during their term of office they live in the Residential Palace in Praia (the capital of the Cape Verdean country). Currently, the Republic of Cape Verde is considered one of the most democratic countries in the world.
Cape Verdean food and gastronomy
The truth is that before travelling to any country, it is always interesting to take a look at its gastronomy. And that’s why, in our Holidays2Cape Verde Blog we wanted to give an important place to the food of Cape Verde.
Cape Verdean cuisine is known for its relatively hearty meals. There is no doubt that the national dish, and therefore the most characteristic, is Cachupa.
Typical National Dish of Cape Verde; The Cachupa
Cachupa is a type of stew consisting of mashed corn, onions, green plantains, cassava, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, yams, tomatoes, cabbage and in some cases bacon. It is seasoned with bay leaves, garlic and pepper.
Depending on the cook, it is also offered with various types of sausages, beef, pork or fish. Cape Verdeans enjoy their favourite food at almost any time of the day, whether for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
There is no doubt that stews, which also include the bean dish called feijoada, are very popular throughout the islands. In addition, there is the canja de galinha (a must at weddings); a rice soup with chicken and peixe broth, a fish soup, a tuna steak, and the traditional steamed beef stew with peppers.
If you are a good eater you will enjoy visiting Cape Verde in your vacations.
BEWARE! Capeverdeans often expect to receive some kind of gift or gift in appreciation of their hospitality – and if it’s your turn to share the food, don’t take the last portion! It is considered rude.
Desserts
There is also a great diversity of desserts in Cape Verde, most of which are usually homemade. Because of the many types of fruits on the islands (coconut, papaya, guavas, mangoes, etc.), imaginative creations are made. The Doce de Papaya (a type of papaya jelly), for example, is tremendous! The Cheese Pudding, the Fogo Coffee Pudding or the Coconut Twelve, are other very typical desserts from the wonderful African Caribbean.
Beverages
In addition to the classic Grogue, which is found on all the islands, be sure on your trip to Cape Verde to try the different variations of the national drink. Ponche is a mixture of grog and sugar cane molasses, refined with citrus. Coconut Punch or Orange Grogue are also very special.
Visit the Best Restaurants on your Cape Verde Holidays
First and foremost, it is important to stress that you should never be influenced by a restaurant’s outward appearance. Although it may look old and shabby, the food inside is far from being associated with it.
Think that on your Cape Verde holidays, you have to put aside the more “Western” thinking that if it looks bad on the outside… it’s going to look bad.
Food Prices in Cape Verde
You probably want to estimate a budget for your holidays in Cape Verde, don’t you? We’ll try to make your job easier with a list of “random” prices for some typical food and drinks:
| Type of Expenditure in a Bar/Restaurant | Average Price in Cape Verdean Escudos |
| Individual dish in Street Restaurant | 500$ |
| Full Menu for 2 in “medium/high” Restaurant | 4.000$ |
| One McMeal (or equivalent) at McDonald’s | 500$ |
| Imported Beer (33cl) | 250$ |
| Coca Cola/Pepsi (33cl) | 140$ |
| Water (33cl) | 72$ |
| Capuccino | 135$ |
Cape Verde Festivals and Festivals
Besides the popular Carnival, there are many other celebrations in Cape Verde. Cape Verdeans like to have very exuberant celebrations with colourful clothes, lots of food, and always accompanied by lots of music, singing and dancing.
The festivals of each city or island are usually celebrated on the respective name day of the saint for whom it was named. For this reason, there are festivities practically all year round.
Cape Verdeans love to celebrate. Their festivals support a sense of unity among the people and give them the confidence and strength to face their daily challenges. So, on your holidays in Cape Verde you are more than welcome to join in their celebrations.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cape Verde
The Republic of Cape Verde is an African archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, about 570 kilometres off the west coast of Africa. Its nearest countries are Senegal, Gambia and Mauritania. It belongs to the Macaronesia region.
It is one of the safest countries in Africa. It has a relatively low crime rate, and they make sure that all tourists are safe. Of course, you have to be extra cautious in the more rural areas, or be more alert than in “Western” countries. But there is no reason to be uneasy as a tourist.
This is a very relative question, as not everyone has the same way of travelling. It will also depend on the time of the year you go and the country you come from. What is for sure is that it is cheaper than other destinations like Punta Cana, Rivera Maya, Cancun…,etc. The African Caribbean is fashionable, but still has a very “affordable” price.
Of course. You don’t need to hire any kind of package tour or pay an agency to organise your trip. In fact, if you take a look at our Blog, and follow our recommendations, you will save a lot of money!