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Cape Verde Travel Guide

The latest travel Information on Cape Verde, includes ideas on Things to See and Do, Local Events, Consulate & Embassy Contact Addresses and much more, all from a first-time visitors point of view.

Cape Verde Information

Overview

The Portuguese discovered Cape Verde in the 15th century; its islands were uninhabited and there was no evidence of previous settlement. By the late 15th century, settlement had begun. Situated in the Atlantic Ocean, 600km (450 miles) west-northwest of Senegal, Cape Verde comprises 10 volcanic islands and five islets in two groups: the Balavento (Windwards) and the Sotavento (Leewards). The Cape Verde islands count as Africa’s most westerly point.

Evidently, the islands are no longer as verdant as they were when the Portuguese named them, but they offer much to interest the traveller: spectacular mountain scenery and beautiful deserted beaches. Indeed, every island on Cape Verde seems to have its own distinct character, from the lush and lively Santiago to the sandy and salty Sal, and from the volcanic Sao Nicolau to the diving paradise of Boa Vista. There are also good markets on some of the islands, and some are livelier than others. São Vicente’s is renowned for its exuberant Carnival, whilst the Baia das Gatas Festival is a more traditional affair but one that still has people boogieing until the early hours to Cape-Verdean rhythms.

In all the islands, however, is a fascinating mixture of African and European custom and conduct. This is best reflected in the foods on offer, with Portuguese foods (such as fish- and seafood-based dishes, olive oil, garlic, lemon and sausage) and African foods (stews, beans, maize and tropical crops) comfortably combined on most menus.

Many of the towns on the islands have retained their Portuguese architecture and it is worth a visit just to see these. Cape Verde’s government is now trying to develop the tourist industry, and the infrastructure is being expanded to accommodate the increasing number of visitors attracted to this unusual but attractive destination. As Cape Verde comprises islands, it will come as no great surprise to learn that, in the midst of a vibrant Creole culture, are very good conditions for watersports, such as windsurfing, diving (with shipwrecks dating back to the 16th century) and sailing. However, many might argue that Cape Verde’s isolation is a blessing, leaving these islands unspoiled and comparatively undiscovered.

Since achieving independence in 1975, Cape Verde has struggled somewhat economically (it has few natural resources and frequently suffers from very low rainfall). However, the government is sure to succeed in attracting visitors to Cape Verde when it offers so much natural beauty.

Top Things To See & Do

Santiago, the largest and most populated of Cape Verde’s nine populated islands, has a mountainous, lush interior fringed by small sandy beaches. The island’s capital, Praia, is a lively, pleasant town with a good nightlife. Other attractions include Cidade Velha, the first Portuguese settlement on Cape Verde. There are ruins and old buildings and, on the hill above, the Fort Real de San Felipe, an old Portuguese fort. The attractive fishing village of Tarrafal features one of the island’s best beaches and contains the old colonial prison where the Portuguese dictator, Salazar, held dissidents from all over his empire in the first two-thirds of the 20th century.

Make sure you check out Cape Verde’s fantastic beaches: in particular, go and see the fine white sand beaches of Sal and the black sand beaches of Sao Nicolau. The ever-present sea provides great sailing. Surfing and windsurfing are available on Sal, although the surfing is not generally suitable for beginners. Diving is gaining in popularity, mainly on the islands of Sal and Boa Vista, which offer qualified personnel and equipment. These islands also offer good wreck sites. Water temperatures are good all year round, though the seas can be rough.

Find the famous salt pits of Sal, after which the island is named, which produced salt for much of the former Portuguese empire.

Listen to some live music on São Vicente. The island’s most famous daughter is Cesaria Evora, an internationally-known singer who performs in the traditional style. The deep-water port of Mindelo is a lively town with old colonial buildings and a thriving local music scene. São Vicente’s Carnival is the liveliest in Cape Verde, while the traditional Baia das Gatas Festival, which usually falls in August, has become internationally renowned for the standard of its music.

Unveil an abundance of unique plant life on Brava, a lush island with more rainfall than most, offering beautiful views of the coast from its plateau.

Walk or climb amidst the spectacular scenery and rugged coastline of Santo Antão. It is one of Cape Verde’s greener islands and its interior contains forested hills. Many of the deep flat-bottomed valleys are the craters of extinct volcanoes, long overgrown by trees and tropical vegetation. Ribeira Grande Mountain takes a day to climb but is well worth the effort. The mountainous island of Fogo is also great for hikes with excellent views, and it also has an active volcano in its midst.

Sample Cape Verdean rum or grog, produced on Santo Antão.

See Contact Addresses for further tourist information.

Going Out

Food and Drink

There is an increasing number of restaurants and cafes on the islands.

National specialities:
• Pastel com diablo dentro (’pastry with the devil inside’) - a mix of tuna, onions, tomatoes and pastry, made from boiled potatoes and corn flour.
• Cachupa, a mess of maize and beans.
• Fruits include mangoes, bananas, papayas, goiabas (guavas), zimbrão, tambarinas, marmelos, azedinhas, tamaras and cocos.

National drinks:
• Aguardiente (sugar cane rum).
• A San Antao liquor made from coffee, cinnamon, fig leaf, peppermint, orange or lime.
• Manecome (local wine from Fogo).

Tipping: It is normal to give 10% for good service.

Nightlife

Some hotels provide evening entertainment. Small villages will have a lively taverna. Most nightlife is on the main islands: there are several nightclubs in Cape Verde – on Santiago, Sal, São Vicente and Fogo. Praia has a cultural centre at which local Cape Verdean artists and instrumentalists perform.

Shopping

There are daily markets. The Santa Catarina market is held Wednesday and Saturday. Coconut shells are carved by local craftspeople; there is also pottery, lacework and basketry.

Shopping hours: Mon-Sat 0800-1200 and 1500-1900.

Climate

Generally temperate, but rainfall is very low. The rainy season is August to October when rainfall is unpredictable.

Required Clothing

Lightweight throughout the year, tropical for midsummer.

Public Holidays

Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2008-December 2009 period.

2008
1 Jan New Year’s Day.
20 Jan Heroes’ Day.
5 Feb* Carnival.
6 Feb Ash Wednesday.
1 May Labour Day.
19 May* Municipal Day.
5 Jul Independence Day.
15 Aug Assumption (Day of Our Lady of Grace).
12 Sep National Day.
1 Nov All Saints’ Day.
25 Dec Christmas Day.

2009
1 Jan New Year’s Day.
20 Jan Heroes’ Day.
24 Feb* Carnival.
25 Feb Ash Wednesday.
1 May Labour Day.
19 May* Municipal Day.
5 Jul Independence Day.
15 Aug Assumption (Day of Our Lady of Grace).
12 Sep National Day.
1 Nov All Saints’ Day.
25 Dec Christmas Day.

* Regional.

Health

Diphtheria

Special Precaution: Yes

Hepatitis A

Special Precaution: Yes

Malaria

Special Precaution: Sometimes

Rabies

Special Precaution: Sometimes

Tetanus

Special Precaution: Yes

Typhoid

Special Precaution: Yes

Yellow Fever

Special Precaution: No*

Health Care

Health insurance, including emergency repatriation cover, is advised, although in-patient treatment is free in general wards on presentation of a passport. Treatment is private and expensive on the smaller islands.

Note

* A certificate of vaccination is required from travellers over one year of age arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission.

Further Health Information

We advise you to check health requirements for the country you are traveling to with your GP, practice nurse or travel health clinic as health requirements and vaccinations can change at short notice.

Money

Currency

Cape Verde Escudo (CVE) = 100 centavos. Notes are in denominations of CVE5,000, 2,000, 1,000 and 500. Coins are in denominations of CVE200, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1.

Currency Exchange

Available at the airport and in local banks. Currency cannot be reconverted, except in Portugal.

Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs

Credit cards are rarely used. A few major hotels accept Visa. Currency can be obtained in banks from credit cards but charges are very high. There are ATMs in Sal, Praia and Sâo Vincent.

Traveller's Cheques

Accepted in main towns and tourist areas. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller’s cheques in Pounds Sterling or US Dollars.

Currency Restrictions

Restrictions apply.

Banking Hours

Mon-Fri 0800-1400.

Passport/Visa

British