A Guide to Cape Verde’s Top Islands and Attractions

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Ten tiny islands, one captivating country. Cape Verde floats like a string of precious stones off Africa’s western coast. This archipelago nation blends African and Portuguese heritage into a beguiling cultural cocktail. Craggy peaks and lush valleys, black-sand beaches and colourful towns—Cape Verde tourist places brim with surprises.

Santiago’s Cidade Velha transports you to the Age of Discovery. Fogo’s brooding volcano beckons hikers with its lunar allure. The dunes of Boa Vista echo the nearby Sahara. São Vicente pulses with Brazilian-infused beats. And the salt flats of Sal glisten in pastel hues.

Whether you’re craving adventure, culture, or chilled-out beach time, Cape Verde delivers. Let’s unpack the best places to visit in Cape Verde.

Sal: Watersports Wonderland

The island of Sal is Cape Verde’s aquatic playground and one of the best places to visit in Cape Verde. Its breezy shores and steady trade winds make it a mecca for kitesurfers and windsurfers.

Places to Visit in Cape Verde’s Sal

• Santa Maria Beach: Miles of powdery white sand lapped by turquoise waters

• Pedra de Lume: A striking salt crater where you can float in the mineral-rich pools

• Buracona: A hidden grotto known as the “Blue Eye” that glows an otherworldly azure

• Kite Beach: A long sandy stretch popular with kitesurfers

Sal’s resorts offer comfy digs for every budget. Melia Dunas and Hilton are top picks for luxury. Oasis Salinas Sea and Hotel Pontao cater to mid-range visitors.

Santiago: Cultural Heart

Santiago is Cape Verde’s pulsing heart. The island fizzes with African and European influences in its music, food, and architecture.

Cape Verde tourist places in Santiago

• Cidade Velha: The historic centre of Ribeira Grande, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

• Praia: The bustling capital city with its lively Sucupira Market

• Serra Malagueta Natural Park: A lush park crisscrossed with scenic hiking trails

• Tarrafal: A laid-back beach town with a dark past as a political prison camp

For an authentic stay, opt for locally run guesthouses or Airbnbs in Praia or Assomada. Pestana Tropico is a reliable hotel pick.

Fogo: Volcanic Vistas

Fogo, meaning “fire,” earns its name from the active volcano at its core. Pico do Fogo towers nearly 3,000 metres above the island.

Cape Verde’s Famous Place Fogo’s Highlights

• Pico do Fogo: Hike to the summit for panoramic views into the vast caldera

• Chã das Caldeiras: The village within the crater, known for its unique wine

• São Filipe: A charming colonial town with colourful Portuguese-style homes

• Salinas: A black-sand beach framed by dramatic cliffs

Stay at the rustic Pedra Brabo within the caldera for a front-row seat to Pico do Fogo. Colonial Guest House in São Filipe oozes old-world charm.

São Vicente: Festive Spirit

São Vicente may be small, but it packs a cultural punch. The island’s capital, Mindelo, is considered Cape Verde’s festive hub.

Cape Verde Tourist Places in São Vicente

• Mindelo: A lively port city with pastel houses, vibrant nightlife, and the iconic Torre de Belém replica

• Laginha Beach: A sheltered bay perfect for swimming and sunset strolls

• Carnaval: The island’s raucous pre-Lenten celebration filled with music and dancing

• Monte Verde: The island’s tallest peak offering sweeping views

Kira’s Boutique Hotel in Mindelo wins raves for its chic decor and rooftop terrace. Simabo’s Backpackers provides a social atmosphere on a budget.

Santo Antão: Hikers’ Haven

Rugged Santo Antão feels a world away from the rest of Cape Verde. This is an island made for walking.

Places to Visit in Cape Verde’s Santo Antão

• Cova de Paul: A lush volcanic crater with a patchwork of terraced fields

• Ponta do Sol to Chã de Igreja: A challenging cliff-hugging route with jaw-dropping views

• Ribeira Grande: A verdant valley dotted with mango trees and sugarcane

• Xôxô Waterfall: A hidden cascade tucked in a narrow gorge

Casa Cavoquinho and Kasa Kordis are charming guest houses in scenic Ponta do Sol. Pedracin Village offers comfy chalets in the mountains.

Tips for Exploring Cape Verde

• Getting Around: Domestic flights and ferries connect the islands. Shared taxis called “aluguers” are an affordable way to get around the best places to visit in Cape Verde.

• Best Time to Visit: November to June brings sunny skies and pleasant temperatures. Avoid August and September, the rainy season.

• Language: Portuguese is the official language, but most locals speak Cape Verdean Creole. In Cape Verde tourist places, English is widely understood.

• Money: The local currency is the Cape Verdean Escudo (CVE), but Euros are accepted everywhere. ATMs can be scarce on smaller islands.

• Visa: Many nationalities, including UK, EU, and US citizens, don’t need a tourist visa for stays up to 30 days.

Where to Next?

So far, we have covered the most beautiful places in Cape Verde. Inspired to visit more Cape Verde famous places? Continue your island-hopping adventure to these gems:

Stay Connected with Airtel for your trip to Cape Verde

Before jetting off to Cape Verde, pick up an Airtel international roaming pack. Share your favourite places to visit in Cape Verde in real-time, minus the hassle of local SIMs. Airtel’s 24/7 support has always got your back.

So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your escape to the most beautiful places in Cape Verde. Adventure awaits on these beguiling isles where Creole beats, and Atlantic breezes swirl. Bon voyage!