Cape Verde Travel Guide
Cape Verde Essentials
Language: Portuguese
Currency: Cape Verdean escudo (CVE)
Rate:
Time Zone: GMT -1
Capital City: Praia
Population: 570,000
Layout: See Map
Travel to Cape Verde
Lying off the western coast of Africa, the Cape Verde Islands is an independent and unspoilt nation and is the closest tropical archipelago to Europe, offering excellent hiking and diving. Some islands are dry, flat and lively, while others are lush, hilly and peaceful, and all have a distinctly cabo flavour.
Sal is a flat desert island and home to the international airport and, as a result, is the main package-tour destination for holidaymakers looking for a slice of tropical paradise. The village of Santa Maria on the southern coast is the main resort on the island with many resorts, beaches and lively night scene, while the village of Espargos offers peace and quiet.
Sao Tiago is actually the most important island of the chain and houses the capital, Praia, perched on a plateau. Praia is a fairly large urban centre and yet is a pleasant place to spend some time. Tarrafal, Sao Tiago's second city, lies in the north of the island and is most noted for its stunning beaches, while the inland village of Sao Domingos is in a pretty, green valley.
Located in the northwest of the archipelago is Sao Vicente, Cape Verdes second most important island and home to the prettiest and liveliest city in the island chain, Mindelo. The town is one of picturesque two-storey colonial houses with balconies and shuttered windows, and the restaurants, bars and nightclubs are more upmarket than Praia. Cruise ships dock at Mindelo's port, adding to the influx of visitors.
The larger island of Santo Antao, to the northwest of Sao Vicente, is the greenest and most characteristic of the archipelago and is a favourite for hikers and nature lovers. Other lesser-visited islands include San Nicolau, Boa Vista, Maio, Fogo, and Brava; the latter is three hours west of Fogo by ferry. Smallest of the inhabited islands, Brava is also one of the most scenic, with its mountainous terrain being perfect for hikers.
