Planning a Trip to Cabo Verde: A First-Timer’s Visitor Guide
So you’ve heard whispers about Cabo Verde (also called Cape Verde), and you’re wondering if it’s worth the hype? Short answer: absolutely. This little cluster of ten islands floating off the coast of West Africa is one of those places that sneaks up on you—it’s not just about the beaches (though they’re stunning), it’s the rhythm, the music, the warmth of the people, and the fact that no two islands feel remotely the same. You’ve got everything from volcanic peaks to desert dunes to lush green valleys, all packed into one tiny archipelago. Think of it as Africa meets Portugal meets the Atlantic, with a Creole twist that makes everything feel soulful and laid-back.
Where is Cabo Verde?
Cabo Verde is sitting pretty in the Atlantic Ocean, about 570 kilometers off the coast of West Africa (near Senegal, if you’re trying to picture it on a map). The country is made up of ten volcanic islands split into two groups: the Barlavento (windward) and Sotavento (leeward) islands. The official language is Portuguese, but most locals speak Cape Verdean Creole, and you’ll find people who understand some English, especially in tourist areas. The currency is the Cape Verdean Escudo (CVE), though euros are widely accepted at hotels and restaurants.
How to Get to Cabo Verde
Flying in is pretty straightforward. The two main airports are Amílcar Cabral International Airport on Sal (the most popular entry point) and Nelson Mandela International Airport on Santiago. You’ll find direct flights from major European cities, plus connections from the US, Brazil, and several African countries. Airlines like TAP Portugal, TUI Airways, and Cabo Verde Airlines operate regular routes.
Visa-wise, it’s super easy. Most nationalities can enter visa-free or get a visa on arrival, but here’s the catch: everyone needs to register online through the EASE system before arrival (ideally five days before your trip) and pay an Airport Security Tax of around €31. Americans, Canadians, Brits, and EU citizens get 30 days visa-free, while ECOWAS citizens get 90 days.
The Best Islands to Visit in Cabo Verde
Sal Island – Sun, Sand & Sea
Sal is where most people start, and honestly, it’s easy to see why. Santa Maria Beach is the star of the show—think turquoise water, white sand, and plenty of beach bars where you can nurse a cold beer. Don’t miss the Pedra de Lume salt flats, where you can float in super-salty water like you’re in the Dead Sea. Water sports lovers, this is your playground: kitesurfing, diving, snorkeling with lemon sharks—you name it.
Best for: Beach bums, water sports enthusiasts, and anyone who just wants to chill by the ocean.
Boa Vista – Dunes and Desert Vibes
If Sal feels too busy, Boa Vista is your escape. This island is all about endless desert landscapes, massive sand dunes (seriously, they look like something out of the Sahara), and beaches that stretch for miles. Between June and October, you might catch sea turtles nesting on the beaches, and from March to May, there’s whale watching. Chaves Beach and the Viana Desert are absolute must-sees.
Best for: Nature lovers, desert dreamers, and eco-tourists.
Santiago – The Cultural Capital
Santiago is the biggest and most populated island, and it’s where you’ll get a real taste of Cape Verdean life. The capital, Praia, is bustling and urban, with markets, museums, and a lively vibe. Just outside the city, Cidade Velha is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the oldest European settlement in the tropics—think crumbling forts, colonial churches, and cobblestone streets with ocean views.
Best for: History buffs, culture seekers, and anyone who wants to see “real” Cabo Verde beyond the resorts.
São Vicente – The Island of Music
São Vicente, specifically the city of Mindelo, is the cultural heartbeat of Cabo Verde. This is where the legendary singer Cesária Évora was from, and music is literally everywhere—spilling out of bars, filling the streets, especially during the famous Mindelo Carnival in February or March. If you’re into live music, art galleries, and nightlife, this is your island.
Best for: Music lovers, party people, and cultural explorers.
Santo Antão – A Paradise for Hikers
Santo Antão is the hiker’s dream. Lush green valleys, terraced mountainsides, dramatic cliffs—it’s like stepping into a completely different country. The trekking routes here connect villages through stunning landscapes, and you’ll find some of the friendliest people on the islands. You’ll need to take a ferry from São Vicente (about an hour), but it’s worth every minute.
Best for: Hikers, photographers, and adventure junkies.
Best Time to Visit Cabo Verde
Here’s the good news: Cabo Verde has sunshine pretty much 365 days a year. The best time to visit is November to June, which is the dry season. Temperatures hover between 20-29°C, it barely rains, and the sea is perfect for swimming (around 23-26°C). December to March is peak season, so expect more tourists and higher prices.
If you want fewer crowds and don’t mind a bit of heat, April to June is ideal. The rainy season runs from July to October, but “rainy” here means brief showers, not all-day downpours. September can get hot and humid, but it’s also when the landscape turns super green, especially on Santo Antão. Plus, if you’re into festivals, February/March brings Mindelo’s epic carnival.
Getting Around the Islands
Island hopping is part of the adventure. Binter Cabo Verde runs domestic flights between the main islands, and there are ferries operated by CV Interilhas (though schedules can be a bit… flexible). On each island, you’ll find aluguer vans (shared minibuses that are super cheap but run on “whenever they’re full” schedules), taxis, and car rentals. If you’re planning to explore multiple islands, definitely budget time for travel—flights and ferries don’t run constantly, so check schedules ahead of time.
Food & Drink in Cabo Verde
Cape Verdean food is a delicious mash-up of African, Portuguese, and Brazilian influences. The national dish is cachupa, a slow-cooked stew made with corn, beans, and either meat or fish—think of it as the Cape Verdean soul food. Every family makes it a bit differently, and it’s often served with a fried egg for breakfast as cachupa refogada.
Other must-tries include pastel com diabo dentro (fried pastries stuffed with spicy tuna), grilled lobster (fresh and ridiculously affordable from October to June), and pretty much any grilled fish you can get your hands on.
For drinks, you’ve gotta try grogue, an artisanal rum made from sugarcane that’s distilled in the mountains of Santo Antão. It’s strong stuff, so proceed with caution. If straight rum isn’t your thing, go for ponche, which is grogue mixed with honey and lemon—way smoother and perfect after dinner.
Culture, Music & Festivals
Music isn’t just entertainment in Cabo Verde—it’s basically the national identity. Morna is the soulful, melancholic genre made famous by Cesária Évora (the “Barefoot Diva”), and it’s been recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage. Coladeira and funaná are faster, more upbeat styles you’ll hear at parties and festivals.
Speaking of festivals, Mindelo Carnival is the big one—imagine Brazilian carnival meets Cape Verdean soul, with elaborate costumes, samba groups, parades, and street parties that last for days. Other highlights include the Gamboa Festival and the Baía das Gatas Music Festival, both celebrating local music and culture.
Where to Stay in Cabo Verde
You’ve got options for every budget. Luxury resorts like the Melia Llana and Riu Palace on Sal offer all-inclusive beachfront stays. For something more intimate, try boutique hotels like Kira’s Boutique Hotel in Mindelo or Hotel Pérola in Praia. If you’re hiking on Santo Antão, look for eco-lodges and guesthouses that support sustainable tourism—they’re often family-run and give you a real taste of local life.
Essential Travel Tips for First-Timers
Currency: The Cape Verdean Escudo (CVE) is the official currency, but euros are accepted in most tourist spots. ATMs are available on the main islands.
Language: Portuguese is the official, but Cape Verdean Creole (Kriolu) is what locals speak. English is understood in tourist areas, but a few Portuguese phrases will win you major points.
Safety: Cabo Verde is generally very safe for travelers, including solo travelers. Use common sense—don’t flash valuables, and stick to well-lit areas at night.
Health: Drink bottled water only. Tap water isn’t safe for drinking. The sun is strong, so pack sunscreen and stay hydrated.
Internet & SIM cards: Local SIM cards are cheap and widely available (CV Móvel and Unitel are the main providers).
Suggested 7-Day Itinerary for Cabo Verde
Days 1-3: Sal
Hit the beach in Santa Maria, float in the salt flats at Pedra de Lume, try kitesurfing or diving, and soak up the sun.
Days 4-5: Santiago
Explore Praia’s markets and museums, take a day trip to Cidade Velha for some history, and catch live music at night.
Days 6-7: São Vicente & Santo Antão
Spend a day in Mindelo listening to live morna, then hop on the ferry to Santo Antão for some epic hiking and mountain views.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with Cabo Verde
Cabo Verde isn’t just another beach destination—it’s a place where every island offers something totally different, from moonlike deserts to misty mountain trails. The people are incredibly welcoming, the music will get stuck in your head for weeks, and the food is way better than you’d expect. Plus, it’s still relatively under the radar, so you’re not fighting crowds everywhere you go. Whether you’re a beach person, a hiker, a foodie, or a culture vulture, Cabo Verde has something for you. So pack your bags, download that EASE registration, and get ready for an island adventure that’s unlike anywhere else.
FAQ
Is Cabo Verde safe for tourists?
Yes, Cabo Verde is one of the safest destinations in West Africa, with low crime rates and friendly locals.
Do I need a visa to visit Cabo Verde?
Most nationalities can enter visa-free or get a visa on arrival, but everyone must register online through the EASE system before traveling.
What’s the best time to visit Cabo Verde?
November to June is the best time, with dry weather, comfortable temperatures, and ideal conditions for beaches and hiking.
Can I island-hop easily in Cabo Verde?
Yes, you can island-hop via domestic flights (Binter Cabo Verde) and ferries (CV Interilhas), though schedules can be limited.
What currency is used in Cabo Verde?
The Cape Verdean Escudo (CVE), though euros are widely accepted in tourist areas.