Comprised of nine inhabited islands; one uninhabited island and eight islets, the idyllic holiday getaway of Cape Verde offers a smorgasbord of attractions to thrill even the most jaded of travellers. The islands are blessed with stunning beaches lapped by azure waters as well as lush mountainous areas providing ample opportunities for adventurous outdoor activities including, among others: game fishing, kite surfing, jet skiing, canyoning and hiking. Culture lovers are also well catered for with plenty of interesting art, music, colonial architecture, lively markets, and delicious local cuisine on offer in the bustling cultural capital of Mindelo. From the UNESCO world heritage site of the old fort of Santiago to the vast remote beaches and exceptional shipwreck dive sites of Boa Vista, this diverse archipelago truly does have something to satisfy each and every visitor.
Set on the southern coast of Santiago Island, the bustling city of Praia is the capital of the Cape Verde Islands. As the economic, political, and cultural centre of Cape Verde, Praia offers a marvellous combination of heritage, beaches and community activities. Historic buildings worth seeing include the colonial town hall, the classicist cathedral, the grand Presidential Palace, and the old city wall, complete with cannons. The town's fascinating museums include the Sala-Museu Amilcar Cabral, which celebrates the freedom fighter Amilcar Cabral, and the Museu Etnografico de Praia, containing traditional Cabo Verdean artefacts. For those looking to sunbathe, swim and relax, Quebra Canela Beach offers large stretches of white sand beaches and inviting water, fringed by some delightful bars and restaurants. Prainha Beach is clean and close to the city centre. With a distinctly African character, one of the town's main attractions is its excellent market, selling fresh produce and other goods.
Sao Filipe is Fogo Island’s capital city, set on its west coast. The charming town still exhibits remnants of its colonial past. Here, amongst cobbled streets and brightly painted squares, visitors will find many fine examples of the ‘Sobrado’ architecture brought to the island by the Portuguese. A number of scenic black sandy beaches such as Ponta da Salina and Porto de Vale de Cavaleiros are easily accessible from the town. Those with a taste for coffee, art and culture should head to the Dja'r Fogo Gallery to taste the artisanal coffee made on the family-run plantation here since 1874 and enjoy the centre’s exhibits and guided trips. Visitors can also find out more about what life was like on the island in the last 200 years at the Casa da Memoria.
Set on the southern tip of Sal Island, Cape Verde, Santa Maria is the tourist mecca of the archipelago, filled with idyllic, palm-fringed beaches, live music bars, historic squares filled with cafes an restaurants, and an impressive array of luxury resorts and hotels. The long, golden stretches of sand are the area’s prime attraction, with crystalline, blue waters perfect for swimming. Try your hand at kitesurfing, or watch the sunset while walking across the beach on horseback. Nature lovers will delight in the Viveiro Botanical Garden, while history enthusiasts will enjoy exploring the heritage town’s pastel-coloured buildings, cobbled streets and pretty squares. Santa Maria is renowned for its alluring atmosphere: an intoxicating blend of African and European influences. Make sure to spend a weekend night soaking up the local ‘morna’ music with a cocktail in hand along the lively beachfront.
