Cape Verde
Ten islands suspended between Africa, America, and the Old Continent
CABO VERDE, ten islands suspended between Africa, America, and the Old Continent, a meeting point of cultures, flavors, and colors that evoke colonial towns, tribal rhythms, and the vibrancy of South America.
The archipelago, of volcanic origin, is located 600 kilometers off the coast of Senegal, with each of its islands showcasing distinct morphological features.
Saharan, lunar, and Caribbean landscapes alternate with valleys and reliefs rich in vegetation.
Just a few hours’ flight from Europe, with a negligible time difference, Cape Verde offers a tropical and temperate climate all year round, making it the ideal destination for lovers of the sea, water sports, and trekking, or simply for experiencing the wonderful art of doing nothing.
- Temperature: annual average 27° C
- Currency: Cape Verdean escudo CVE (1 €/110.265 cve)
- Time Zone: CET -2 (CET -3 during daylight saving time)
- Required Vaccinations: none
- Documents: passport valid for at least 6 months
- Government System: Presidential republic
- Official Language: Portuguese
The archipelago
A Portuguese colony for 500 years, the archipelago of Cape Verde has been an Independent Republic since 1975 and is composed of 10 islands divided between Barlavento and Sotavento.
Santo Antão.
The westernmost and one of the most beautiful. A maze of mountains with profiles reminiscent of other latitudes, its valleys and pine forests are a paradise for trekking.
São Vicente.
One of the most fascinating islands: for the historic port of Mindelo, the cultural capital, for its musical tradition, its carnival, and its vaguely retro atmosphere.
São Nicolau.
Famous for the abundance of fish in its waters and, like S. Antão, for its lush green valleys.
Sal.
Boasts the highest concentration of tourist facilities, also because it was the first island to have an international airport. Particularly arid and windy.
Maio.
Flat and dry, with some beautiful beaches: a miniature Sal.
Santiago.
The historical island, the first to be colonized by Europeans who founded Cidade Velha, while today the new capital is Praia. The fort, with its cannons, and the slave trade square bear witness to the presence of the Portuguese.
Fogo. The island of the volcano, Pico do Fogo, standing over 2,800 meters high, which can be climbed to enjoy an extraordinary panorama from the top. The capital São Filipe, the second town founded in Cape Verde after Cidade Velha, is also of great interest.
Brava.
Also known as the island of flowers, it is the smallest and most remote. Suitable only for those who foster a hermit’s soul.
The island of Boavista
BOAVISTA, a landscape of striking contrasts where the ocean gives way to dunes, oases, and long stretches of red soil that hint at the island’s most African side. A picturesque cobblestone road, intersected by countless dirt tracks, connects Sal Rei to the inland villages. The island’s perimeter features fifty-five kilometers of beaches, a perfect circle surrounding the island made of long stretches of white sand and small coves—ideal starting points for scuba divers and surfers, or pristine spots for spotting turtles and whales.
In Boavista, there is no noise, only barulho—a vibrant mix of music and voices. Voices of women selling fruit at the market, children playing in the streets, and elders chatting in the shade of almond trees.
In the evening, however, it is all music. The notes of morna fill the air, born in Boavista to sing of sodade, the nostalgia felt by Cape Verdeans living abroad. And then the batuke, the coladera, and the passada warm the island’s nights, blending African rhythms with the livelier beats of Brazil. This is Boavista, far removed from mass tourism.
