Travel landscape in Cape Verde
Cape Verde flagRoutaya · Country guide

Travel guide to Cape Verde

Cape Verde, a volcanic archipelago off West Africa, offers rich Creole culture, stunning beaches, and a pleasant climate year-round.

Photo by Nico Marín · Pexels

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Two ways to explore

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THE ROUTE

68 km · Loop route

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ELEVATION PROFILE

Altitude 580 m

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Information is provided as a travel-planning aid. Confirm entry, health and safety requirements with official authorities before departure.

Quick facts

Official languages
Portuguese
Time zones
UTC-1 year-round
Electrical outlets
230V, 50Hz - European type C and F plugs
Climate
Semi-arid tropical with wet season (August–October) and dry season (November–July)

Health

Consult your doctor before travel for personalized advice.

Travel health advice

  • Drink bottled water
  • Use mosquito protection
  • Avoid raw or undercooked foods
  • Have travel health insurance

Recommended vaccines: Hepatitis A; Typhoid; Yellow fever (if coming from risk areas)

Required vaccines: Yellow fever (depending on origin)

Money

Currency: Cape Verdean Escudo (CVE)

Best to exchange euros or dollars for favorable rates.

Credit cards accepted in hotels and main cities; ATMs available in Praia and Mindelo.

Safety

Cape Verde is generally safe for tourists, but usual precautions apply.

  • Avoid walking alone at night in remote areas
  • Keep personal belongings secure in tourist areas
  • Use official taxis at night

Areas to check before travel: Isolated areas in Santiago at night; Outskirts of Praia

Regions

Santiago — travel guide
Region

Santiago

Largest and main island, capital Praia, cultural and political center.

São Vicente — travel guide
Region

São Vicente

Known for Mindelo, its lively port and vibrant nightlife.

Sal — travel guide
Region

Sal

Famous beach destination with white sandy shores and watersports.

Boa Vista — travel guide
Region

Boa Vista

Deserted island great for dunes, pristine beaches.

Fogo — travel guide
Region

Fogo

Active volcano Pico do Fogo offers hikes and unique landscapes.

Santo Antão — travel guide
Region

Santo Antão

Mountainous island with lush valleys and hiking trails.

Cities

Praia — city guide
City guide

Praia

Modern capital on Santiago, blend of culture, markets, and history.

  • Municipal market
  • Historic Plateau district
  • Quebra Canela beach
Mindelo — city guide
City guide

Mindelo

Bustling port town on São Vicente known for music and culture.

  • Mindelo Carnival
  • Fortim d'El Rei
  • Dom Pedro IV square
Santa Maria — city guide
City guide

Santa Maria

Tourist town on Sal with beaches and nightlife.

  • Santa Maria beach
  • Diving center
  • Bars and restaurants street
Sal Rei — city guide
City guide

Sal Rei

Main town of Boa Vista with a relaxed ambiance.

  • Chaves beach
  • Boa Vista museum
  • Fishing port
São Filipe — city guide
City guide

São Filipe

Charming town on Fogo at volcanic foothills.

  • Historic center
  • Fogo museum
  • Views of Pico do Fogo
Ribeira Grande — city guide
City guide

Ribeira Grande

Capital of Santo Antão, gateway for hiking.

  • Central square
  • Local market
  • Hiking trails

Highlights

Pico do Fogo — travel guide
Must-see

Pico do Fogo

Active volcano reaching 2829m with spectacular views.

Santa Luzia Nature Park — travel guide
Must-see

Santa Luzia Nature Park

Uninhabited natural reserve with unique flora and fauna.

Santa Maria Beach — travel guide
Must-see

Santa Maria Beach

White sandy beach with turquoise waters on Sal Island.

Ribeira Grande Valley in Santo Antão — travel guide
Must-see

Ribeira Grande Valley in Santo Antão

Lush valley perfect for hiking and nature exploration.

Mindelo and its Carnival — travel guide
Must-see

Mindelo and its Carnival

Famous colorful carnival with traditional music and dance.

Chã das Caldeiras Village — travel guide
Must-see

Chã das Caldeiras Village

Volcanic village in Fogo within the volcano’s crater.

Nature & other places

Pico do Fogo — travel guide
Mountain/Volcano

Pico do Fogo

Volcano peak, lunar landscapes, hiking

Viana Dunes — travel guide
Desert

Viana Dunes

Sand dunes south of Boa Vista with desert-like atmosphere

Santa Maria Marine Reserve — travel guide
Marine

Santa Maria Marine Reserve

Protected areas for diving and marine wildlife

Paul Valley on Santo Antão — travel guide
Valley

Paul Valley on Santo Antão

Lush valley ideal for hiking and agriculture

Cabo Verde National Park — travel guide
National park

Cabo Verde National Park

Protected natural areas across the archipelago

Serra Malagueta Natural Park — travel guide
Mountain

Serra Malagueta Natural Park

Wooded mountains north of Santiago, great for hiking

Travel conditions can change. Always consult official government travel advice and health authorities shortly before your trip.

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