Cape Verde was a spontaneous destination and turned out to be an extremely fun, authentic and easygoing country if you want a mix of sunshine, nature, incredible beaches, magnificent hiking adventures and a unique blend of African and Portuguese culture! I visited a few islands, explored them on a motorbike and here is my list of all the amazing things to do in Cape Verde!
Cape Verde is an African country located 570 km (350 miles) off the west coast of Africa in the Atlantic Ocean.
It is extremely friendly, untouristic and it felt really safe while traveling alone across the islands.
Cape Verde is often ranked among the most politically stable and democratic countries in Africa.
Things to do in Cape Verde.
Cape Verde is a beautiful country – each island represents a different character, from dramatic volcanic landscapes to green valleys, wild beaches and coastal cities.
Cape Verde is one of the world’s most important nesting areas for loggerhead sea turtles.
The 10 volcanic islands: The 10 volcanic islands vary dramatically.
SAL is the main island with the major airport.
Boa Vista and Sal are known for endless white sand beaches and Saharan dunes.
Santo Antão – green valleys and towering mountain peaks.
Fogo is dominated by a massive active volcano, Pico do Fogo.
São Vicente: music and nightlife.
Travel advice for Cape Verde.
MAIN ACTIVITIES: hiking, kitesurfing, windsurfing, surfing, diving and fishing.
Domestic Flights: CVsky.com – it’s a new website – the B service no longer works.
FERRIES: (updated schedules and prices): https://www.cvinterilhas.cv/routesschedules
CURRENCY: CEV, but Euros are widely accepted in tourist areas
ATMs: Main cities /withdrawal fee applies/.
CUISINE: Delicious food; try grilled seafood, fresh exotic fruits, and Cachupa – a traditional slow-cooked, hearty stew made with ground corn, beans, and vegetables! AVOID uncooked food; t drink tap water – there have been a few fatal food poisonings.
Getting around
- Inter-island travel: domestic flights (fastest) or ferries (cheaper but less reliable)
- On islands: shared taxis called aluguers are common and cheap
Language:
- Official: Portuguese
- Everyday: Cape Verdean Creole
Cape Verde climate in December and January.
December and January are perfect months for visiting Cape Verde, with warm, dry and pleasant weather.
Daily highs average around 26°C to 27°C, and at night it cools down to a comfortable 20°C to 22°C.
Cape Verde island compare.
Island | Best For | Vibe | ||
Sal | Beaches, resorts, first-time visitors | Easy & tourist-friendly | ||
Boa Vista | Quiet escapes, dunes, turtles | Remote & peaceful | ||
Santo Antão | Hiking, nature | Wild & green | ||
São Vicente | Culture, music, nightlife | Lively & artistic | ||
Santiago | Local life, history | Authentic & diverse | ||
Fogo | Volcano adventure | Unique & dramatic | ||
1. Sands of Santa Maria Beach (Sal)
Santa Maria Beach on Sal Island is a quintessential tropical haven.
It’s a famous, long stretch of soft golden sand and turquoise water. The beach is about 2 kilometres long; there’s a nice bar on one end and a rocky coastline on the other side.
2. Explore the Salinas of Pedra de Lume (Sal)
This place is unreal – it reminds a salt desert in Bolivia. The salt desert and pool are situated in a crater of an extinct volcano at Pedra de Lume on Sal Island. One of the best things to do in Cape Verde is floating effortlessly in the saltwater lagoons of Pedra de Lume. The attractions are completely free.
There is no entry ticket. The attractions are very well organised; you can safely enter the pools, and there are free changing rooms on site.
3. Swim with Baby Sharks (Sal)
It’s a thrilling adventure.
Shark Bay is a rocky, shallow bay with clear, warm water, where visitors can walk into the water and see harmless baby lemon sharks swimming around their feet.
Although I have dived with giant sharks before, it gives you a little chill when they touch your legs.
I went on a motorbike, but the road is a bit bumpy and sandy, so if you don’t feel comfortable driving, don’t stress yourself and go with a tour.
For very little money, you get a guide and water shoes /apparently you can’t go on your own/.
Best tours:
4. Drive around Sal Island.
Cape Verde is a very slow and quiet country. The roads are almost empty and it’s possible to take a lovely drive to loop the island.
I highly recommend renting a motorbike, a quad or, like many tourists, an eco-bike /although this option is for really fit visitors ;)/.
The landscape of the island is stunning; it feels like driving through an abandoned, otherworldly desert.
5. Paul Valley (Santo Antão)
This hike felt like Ecuador, Paul Valley is a stunning green valley that feels completely different from the dry image of Cape Verde. You start the hike above the clouds; the trail leads through rice terraces and traditional villages.
Go early in the morning for cooler weather and fewer people. The hike takes about 6 hours one way. Hiking Paul Valley is definitely on the top of my list of things to do in Cape Verde. The landscape is magnificent.
6. Explore Ribeira Grande Valley (Santo Antão)
I came by ferry from São Vicente. The ride is about 45 minutes, arriving at Porto Novo, from where you can take a minivan which drops you off at the starting point for Paul Valley.
After a few hours of hiking, you’ll reach Ribera Grande Valley, famous for its steep volcanic ridges and terraced farmland.
7. Hike Pico do Fogo Volcano (Fogo)
Hiking Pico do Fogo, Cape Verde’s highest peak, is a must. The active volcano offers a challenging trek with rewarding views from the summit,
The hike takes about 4 to 6 hours in total for a round trip.
The climb is steep and covers roughly 1,100 meters.
You can drive up to the caldera of Pico do Fogo; you won’t be able to drive all the way to the very top peak but up to the famous Chã das Caldeiras village.
8. Explore Mindelo (Sao Vincente)
Mindelo, located on the island of São Vicente, is known as the cultural heart of Cape Verde, this city is a treasure trove of music, art, and history.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Mindelo is its music scene (the birthplace of renowned musicians like Cesária Évora), and offers numerous clubs and bars where you can enjoy traditional morna and funaná music.
You can admire colorful townhouses with characteristic balconies and narrow streets.
Few other highlights of the islands among the best things to do in Cape Verde – Sao Vincente /I’ve done them all, and each trip was stunning and adventurous/:
- Hiking Monte Verde, the highest peak on the island, offering spectacular views of the entire city and ocean.
- Visiting the local market, where you can feel the pulse of everyday life in Mindelo. The market is full of fresh produce, spices, and handicrafts, I purchased plenty of unique souvenirs.
- Praia da Laginha is a heavenly beach! You can relax, swim in crystal-clear waters, or try water sports.
9. Hiking Monte Verde (Sao Vincente)
Obviously, I had to go hiking Monte Verde, the highest peak on the island. The views of the entire city and ocean were amazing but it was also extremely windy..
When planning your hike, it’s best to start early. The trail is well-marked, but wear appropriate footwear and carry plenty of water.
10. Boa Vista's Deserted Beaches (Boa Vista)
Boa Vista is a very quiet island, if you are looking for a peaceful rest in nature, that’s your destination, but if you want some hiking and cultural adventures, you won’t find it there.
Most beautiful beaches:
- Praia de Chaves, with its golden sands stretching as far as the eye can see.
- Santa Monica Beach, often touted as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
- Boa Vista is home to the Deserto de Viana, an expanse of sand dunes that evoke the Sahara Desert.
- Ervatão Beach is a perfect place for watching turtles nesting.
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