Cabo Verde (Cape Verde)

Cape Verde is a destination that feels like a melody. Floating 350 miles off the coast of Senegal, this ten-island archipelago is where the rugged volcanic beauty of the Macaronesia meets the vibrant heart of West Africa. It is a land of “Morabeza”—a local word for the soulful hospitality, open doors, and laid-back rhythm that defines the Cape Verdean way of life.

From the sahara-like dunes of Boa Vista to the dramatic, mist-shrouded peaks of Santo Antão, Cape Verde offers a diverse escape for the traveler who seeks sun, soul, and a soundtrack of morna music.

Why we love Cape Verde

We love Cape Verde for its “no stress” philosophy. It is a place that refuses to be rushed. It offers the rare ability to transition from a world-class kite-surfing beach to a lush coffee plantation on a volcanic slope in a single day. It is the blend of Portuguese architecture, Creole flavors, and the hauntingly beautiful voice of Cesária Évora echoing through the streets of Mindelo that makes these islands so deeply captivating.

The Most Beautiful Places in Cape Verde

From the salt flats to the cloud forests:

1. Sal & Boa Vista

These are the islands of “sun and sand.” Sal is world-renowned for its turquoise waters and the Pedra de Lume salt crater, where you can float in medicinal waters inside an extinct volcano. Boa Vista offers an endless desert landscape, with the Viana Desert dunes spilling directly into the Atlantic—a sanctuary for loggerhead turtles and humpback whales.

2. São Vicente & Mindelo

The cultural heartbeat of the archipelago. Mindelo, the capital of São Vicente, is widely considered the most beautiful city in Cape Verde. With its deep-blue bay, colonial-era mansions, and vibrant live-music bars, it is the place to experience the islands’ artistic soul and the world-famous Carnival celebrations.

3. Santo Antão

The “Green Island” and a hiker’s paradise. Only accessible by ferry from São Vicente, Santo Antão is a world of vertical landscapes. Dramatic ravines, terraced hillsides, and tropical fruit groves are hidden within the volcanic “Corda” road. It is arguably the most spectacular island in the Atlantic for trekking.

4. Fogo

Home to the Pico do Fogo, an active volcano that rises 2,829 meters directly from the sea. The highlight is the Chã das Caldeiras, a vast volcanic crater where a resilient community lives and produces the famous “Fogo Wine.” Walking across the black-lava fields feels like exploring a different planet.

5. Santiago

The largest island and the most “African” in feel. Explore the UNESCO-listed Cidade Velha, the first European colonial outpost in the tropics, and the bustling markets of Praia. It is an island of mountains, valleys, and the historic Assomada market, offering a deep dive into the country’s history.

Highlights of a Tour Through Cape Verde

  • Humpback Whale Watching: Between February and May, the waters around Boa Vista become a playground for breeding whales. Witnessing these giants breach from a private catamaran is a life-affirming experience.
  • The Rhythm of Morna: Spend an evening in a local taberna in Mindelo, listening to live musicians play the soulful, melancholic “morna” music that tells the story of the islands’ history and longing.
  • Island Hopping by Air: To truly understand Cape Verde, you must see more than one island. Small-plane flights offer incredible aerial views of the volcanic formations and the contrasting colors of the Atlantic.

Essential Travel Tips

  • When to go: Cape Verde is a year-round destination with constant sunshine. The best time for windsurfing and kite-surfing is November to March. For hiking in Santo Antão, visit between September and December when the islands are at their greenest.
  • Getting around: Domestic flights and ferries are the primary ways to move between islands. For the more rugged islands like Santo Antão or Fogo, we recommend private 4×4 transfers with local drivers who know the mountain roads.
  • Language: Portuguese is the official language, but Cape Verdean Creole (Kriolu) is spoken by everyone. English is widely understood in tourist areas, but a few words of Portuguese will open many doors.
  • Currency: The Cape Verdean Escudo (CVE) is pegged to the Euro. Euros are widely accepted in Sal and Boa Vista, but local currency is preferred in the smaller islands.