Cape Verde, Cape Verde - Travel Guide

Cape Verde is an Atlantic archipelago off West Africa where Portuguese and African cultures blend into something unique. From the white-sand beaches of Sal to the dramatic volcanic landscapes of Fogo, the musical soul of Mindelo to the hiking trails of Santo Antão, these islands offer year-round sunshine, world-class water sports, and the hauntingly beautiful sounds of morna music that made Cesária Évora famous worldwide.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay8 days

Budget$50/day

Mid-range$115/day

Luxury$300/day

Known For

cape_verdecabo_verdesalsanta_mariaboa_vistasantiagopraiasao_vicentemindelofogosanto_antaoafricawest_africaatlanticislandsarchipelagobeachbeacheskitesurfingwindsurfingdivingvolcanohikingmountainsdesertmusicmornacarnivalcesaria_evoraportuguesecreolecultureturtleswildlifenatureoff_the_beaten_pathisland_hoppingtropicalyear_roundunescocolonialwineseafoodcachupa

🇨🇻 Country Information: Cape Verde

CapitalPraia

CurrencyCape Verdean escudo ($)

LanguagePortuguese, Crioulo, English, French

Phone Code+238

Electricity220V (Type C, F)

Tap WaterNot recommended

Tipping

Tipping is generally expected in tourist areas
Restaurants: 5
10% of the bill, or round up
Taxis: Round up the fare
Hotel staff: A small amount for good service

Money & Payments

ATMs are available, especially in larger towns and tourist areas, but can be unreliable or run out of cash
It's advisable to have some local currency on hand
Credit cards are accepted in major hotels and some restaurants in larger towns, but cash is preferred for smaller establishments and local markets
It is better to bring some Euros as they are widely accepted, especially for larger transactions
There is no official black market for cash

Cultural Norms

Dress modestly, especially in rural areas and when visiting religious sites
Politeness and respect are highly valued
Greet people with a handshake
It is common to say "bom dia" (good morning), "boa tarde" (good afternoon), and "boa noite" (good evening)

LGBTQ+ Information

Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Cape Verde. While there are no specific laws protecting LGBTQ+ individuals from discrimination, the society is generally tolerant.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

Legal drinking age is 18
Drug laws are strict, and possession or use of illegal drugs can lead to severe penalties

Special Laws

Visitors should be aware of strong currents when swimming in the ocean
It is illegal to remove sand or stones from beaches
Be mindful of local customs and dress respectfully, especially when visiting religious sites

Common Phrases

NoNão (nah-ohn) Não

YesSim (seen) Sim

HelloOlá (oh-LAH) Olá

PleasePor favor (poor fah-VOR) Por favor

Thank youObrigado/Obrigada (oh-bree-GAH-doo/oh-bree-GAH-dah) Obrigado/Obrigada

Climate

Tropical dry climate with consistent temperatures year-round (24-30°C/75-86°F). Minimal rainfall except August-October. Trade winds provide cooling breezes. Harmattan winds from Sahara can bring hazy conditions December-March. Ocean temperature 23-26°C year-round.

Best Time to Visit

Dry Season: November
June (best overall conditions)
Wind Season: November
March (best for kitesurfing/windsurfing)
Rainy Season: August
October (brief but can affect activities)
Turtle Season: June
October (nesting on Boa Vista beaches)

Getting There

Most visitors arrive at Amílcar Cabral International Airport (SID) in Sal or Nelson Mandela International (RAI) in Praia, Santiago
Direct flights from Lisbon, London, Paris, Amsterdam, and other European cities (4
6 hours)
Limited connections from US (usually via Lisbon)
Inter
island flights via BestFly Cabo Verde

Getting Around

Inter
island travel by domestic flights (15
45 min, $60
150) or ferries (2
6 hours, $20
40)
Ferries can be irregular
flights more reliable
Within islands: taxis, shared aluguers (minivans, very cheap), car rental ($30
60/day), or walking in towns
Rental car recommended on larger islands

Health & Vaccinations

Routine vaccines (MMR, DPT, Polio) up to date
Hepatitis A recommended (food/water)
Typhoid recommended for adventurous eaters
Hepatitis B for extended stays
Malaria NOT endemic (no prophylaxis needed)
Zika present
consult doctor if pregnant

Staying Connected

CVMóvel and Unitel T+ are main providers
Good 4G coverage on tourist islands (Sal, Boa Vista, Santiago, São Vicente)
Limited coverage on smaller islands
eSIM providers (Airalo, Holafly) work in Cape Verde
Tourist SIM $5
10 at airport with data packages $10
30
WiFi at most hotels and cafes

Local Cuisine

Cachupa must_try

The national dish - a slow-cooked stew with corn, beans, cassava, sweet potato, and meat (cachupa rica) or simpler version (cachupa pobre). Often refr

Lagosta Grelhada must_try

Fresh Atlantic lobster grilled simply with lemon and garlic. Best enjoyed at beachfront restaurants in Santa Maria or Mindelo. Expensive but exception

Pastel com Diabo Dentro local_favorite

"Pastry with devil inside" - savory fried pastries filled with spicy tuna, onions, and tomatoes. Popular street food snack found at markets and roadsi

Percebes local_favorite

Goose barnacles - a delicacy harvested dangerously from rocks. Unusual seafood with sweet, briny flavor. Expensive due to difficult harvesting.

Grogue must_try

Local sugarcane spirit similar to rum. Pontche is the sweet liqueur version made with grogue, caramelized sugar, and flavors like coconut or passionfr

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Inter-Island Flights Transport

Book 1-4 weeks in advance

Limited flights between islands. BestFly operates small aircraft that sell out quickly, especially to Fogo and Santo Antão connections.

Turtle Watching Tours (Boa Vista) tour_or_activity

Book 3-14 days in advance

June-October season only. Licensed operators have limited capacity. Peak nesting months (July-August) sell out.

Carnival Accommodation (Mindelo) Accommodation

Book 2-6 months in advance

February carnival is Cape Verde's biggest event. Mindelo accommodation sells out months in advance.

Fun Facts

1. Cape Verde was uninhabited until Portuguese sailors discovered it in 1456.
2. Cesária Évora, the "Barefoot Diva," put Cape Verdean music on the world map - she always performed without shoes.
3. The islands are the remnants of volcanic activity - Fogo's volcano last erupted in 2014 and locals make wine from grapes grown in its crater.
4. Cape Verde is the only African country considered to have a high human development index.

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