Cape Verde

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Cape Verde

Cape Verde's unique geographic location, tumultuous history of slavery and invasion, and fascinating mix of transatlantic cultures have given rise to a place unlike any other on the globe. A place as joyful as it is full of longing, a fact perhaps best reflected in Cape Verdean music and the hauntingly beautiful 'morna'. The sometimes harsh, drought-prone conditions of this mid-Atlantic scattering of islands have seen the flourishing of a fascinating Creole culture and the most stable democracy in Africa.

The Islands

Off the western coast of Africa, almost exactly halfway between Portugal and Brazil, lies a volcanic archipelago of breathtaking natural beauty and sobering historical tragedy. The terrain ranges from barren and rocky volcanic backdrops to lush tropical forests, with white and gold beaches and indigo seas. Equally varied is the cultural heritage of the islands' inhabitants, a Portuguese-African Creole with ties to the Caribbean, as much São Paulo and Kingston as it is Dakar and Lisbon, a fact reflected in their speech, their music, their cooking and their general outlook on life and 'morabeza', the hallmark Cape Verdean hospitality. The 10 islands that make up the archipelago (nine of which are currently inhabited) are rather charmingly laid out in the shape of an arrow, pointing southeast towards the Senegalese coast. Sal is the main island for tourists, with the city of Santa Maria offering plenty of resorts, restaurants and fine shopping, while São Vicente (and in particular the city of Mindelo) is the country's cultural hub. Santiago is home to the capital, Praia, and the main port, which handles most of the commercial and passenger vessels travelling to and from the islands. Visitors would do well to explore as much of the archipelago as possible, as each island is a world unto itself, deserving of our admiration and awe.

Do & See Dining Cafés Bars & Nightlife Shopping Tourist Information

Do & See

Adventure awaits amidst the rugged beauty of the Cape Verde islands. Thrill-seekers come from around the globe for first-class windsurfing and game fishing, to gape at the underwater marvels while diving and snorkelling and to admire the islands from atop an active volcano after a full-day hike. But there is plenty in the way of leisure, as well, with pristine golden beaches and a burgeoning resort infrastructure. Be sure, however, not to miss the historical wonders found at Cidade Velha and among the streets of Praia and Mindelo.

Cidade Velha (Santiago)

Cape Verde's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cidade Velha ('Old Town') was the first European settlement in the tropics, and once an important point in the Portuguese Empire. Parts of the original city still remain, including two churches, the town square and the imposing Forte Real de São Filipe (São Filipe Royal Fortress), looming …

Praia (Santiago)

Praia is Cape Verde's capital, largest city and centre of economic, political and religious life. The city boasts a distinct mix of African and Mediterranean vibes throughout the downtown area (known as Platô for its location on a small plateau), with its charming old quarter and rapidly expanding urban …

Mindelo (São Vicente)

Cape Verde's second city is also the undisputed centre of culture, entertainment and nightlife, including Brazilian-influenced Carnival celebrations. Mindelo's Porto Grande harbour is a visual feast with its colourful colonial houses gracing the shoreline against the dramatic backdrop of rugged mountains. Alongside the harbour, you’ll also find the Torre de Belém, a scaled-down replica …

Santa Maria (Sal)

The small fishing town of Santa Maria, on the island of Sal, boasts miles of picture-perfect beaches with golden sands and sparkling blue water. Relax at one of the numerous beachside bars, watch the fishermen reel in their daily catch, or jump off the pier into the refreshing water on a hot …

Pico do Fogo (Fogo)

Pico do Fogo, Cape Verde's youngest and most active volcano, towers beautifully but menacingly over the island of Fogo. The mesmerising black volcanic soil is reminiscent of similar fiery peaks in Hawaii and Iceland and is used to grow coffee. A small community, Chã das Caldeiras, is precariously located in the caldera very near …

Buracona — Blue Eye Cave (Sal)

A short drive north of the village of Palmeira on the island of Sal, a hidden gem awaits — a small inlet along the rocky coast unveils a natural wonder. At the opportune time, preferably in the morning, sunlight filters through a hole in the rocks, transforming the scene into a mesmerising display resembling …

Deserto de Viana (Boa Vista)

The northwestern part of the island of Boa Vista is covered by a large expanse of untouched and unspoiled desert, the Deserto de Viana. Explore the picturesque sand dunes on an all-terrain 4-wheel motorcycle, operated by local companies, and be sure to try some …

Forte Real de São Filipe (Santiago)

The stunning Forte Real de São Filipe, the first and most important fortification anywhere in Cape Verde, overlooks Cidade Velha from its privileged position on a 120-metre-tall hill. Destroyed by the French in the 18th century, then rebuilt, and recently restored, it is today one of the country's most recognisable and visited …

Colonia Penal de Tarrafal (Santiago)

For some insight into Cape Verde's more recent turbulent history, visit Colonia Penal de Tarrafal, a prison and concentration camp nicknamed 'Campo da Morte Lenta' (Camp of the Slow Death). It was used to keep political opponents of António de Oliveira Salazar, the right-wing dictator who governed Portugal in the mid-20th century. It is …

Maio Island

Maio may be one of the most unfairly overlooked of the Cape Verde islands. It is true that tourist infrastructure is somewhat lacking, but that's part of its charm. Untouched beaches and sand dunes cover much of the island, though it is also home to a large forest, uncharacteristic in these parts. You may …

Serra Malagueta (Santiago)

The Serra Malagueta Natural Park lies in the northern part of the island of Santiago, a lush expanse crowned by the 1,064-metre Serra Malagueta. As one of the greenest areas in the whole country, and offering stunning views from the mountainous terrain, it is the premier hiking region in Cape …

Brava Island

The greenest and smallest inhabited island in Cape Verde is sometimes called the 'island of flowers' due to its diversity of flora and fauna. It is also one of the most mountainous islands, known for its picturesque cliffs and gorges, making it another premier hiking …

Outdoor Activities

Cape Verde is a prime destination for outdoor activities and adventure-seeking, with people coming from all corners of the world to hike, dive, windsurf and fish, and also to admire some of the marine wildlife in the area, like turtles and whales. Below are the best times of year and islands for each activity: - …

Pedra de Lume Salt Flats (Sal)

On the appropriately named island of Sal (salt in English), just to the east of Espargos, is the 1.8-kilometre wide crater of Pedra de Lume, an extinct volcano crater which is now home to the Pedra de Lume Salt Flats. Though salt extraction is now inactive, it is still a fascinating visit and an …

Pachamama Eco Park — Viveiro Botanical Garden (Sal)

Just north of Santa Maria lies this small but beautiful and well-cared-for botanical garden and zoo, where you can admire the rugged beauty of the islands. Every type of ornamental plant that can be found on the archipelago is on display here, as well as some animals, including bunnies, donkeys, and guinea …

Mercado de Peixe (São Vicente)

This fish market is a sight in itself, where fishermen sell their catch of the day and experts fillet large tuna in the back. But what is really special about this place is that you can purchase what you want from the market stalls and take them to any of the surrounding eateries to …

Dining

Seafood abounds in Cape Verde, with delicacies like grilled lobster, tuna, and octopus featuring on most menus, as well as Creole and Portuguese specialities. The most representative typical dish is the 'cachupa', a filling slow-cooked stew of corn, beans, cassava, sweet potato, fish or meat. The larger towns offer an increasingly wide variety of restaurants and cuisines, but on smaller islands, many places will be limited to the lunch of the day ('prato do dia'), which usually includes the freshest catches.

Chez Pastis (Sal)

Chez Pastis is a charming gem of a restaurant, offering Italian cuisine, Brazilian meat, and local fish and seafood. The flavours are simply exquisite, and the setting, a vine-covered courtyard, completes the unique dining experience. Although slightly higher in price, every bite justifies the cost. Given the limited number of tables, making a reservation …

Odjo d’Água (Sal)

Perched at the end of Santa Maria Beach, the Odjo d’Água Hotel boasts three dining options. Farolin, a panoramic restaurant, provides breathtaking views of the beach and the Bay of Santa Maria while specialising in fresh fish, seafood, and traditional dishes like cachupa. Esplanada Palha Verde, an uncovered space with parasols above the sea, …

Barracuda (Sal)

Located directly on the gorgeous Santa Maria beach, Barracuda offers a unique and relaxing dining experience where you can enjoy your meal with your feet in the sand. Sourced directly from local fishermen who dock their small boats in front of the establishment, Barracuda guarantees a delightful seaside dining experience amidst the picturesque …

Café Criolo (Sal)

Café Criolo doesn't look like much more than a shack when you first catch a glimpse of it, but it happens to be one of the best local restaurants on Sal. Servings are huge, prices are reasonable and the atmosphere is warm and vibrant. The traditional Cape Verdean dishes served here stand out for …

Casa Café Mindelo (São Vicente)

Casa Café Mindelo is a small guesthouse, restaurant, café and bar, located in a beautifully restored colonial building from 1870 in the heart of Mindelo, overlooking the Porto Grande bay. A central meeting point in the city's daily life, Casa Café Mindelo is open from early in the morning to late in the evening. …

Sol Doce (Sal)

Located conveniently next to the pier, Sol Doce provides a prime vantage point to witness local fishermen bringing in their daily fresh catches. Offering generous portions at reasonable prices, the restaurant specialises in grilled fish, with tuna tataki emerging as a favourite among …

Quintal da Música (Santiago)

Quintal da Música is a space that combines gastronomy and culture in the very centre of Praia. Typical Cape Verdean cuisine is served to the backdrop of nightly live traditional music. Nationally and internationally renowned artists have delighted customers here with their music, an experience that keeps them coming back time and time …

Cafés

Most Cape Verdean cafés double as restaurants or bars, so you can often eat, drink, and have dessert at the same place. Pastries are particular highlights here, many following the Portuguese traditions, as are the jams ('doce') made from local exotic fruits, often served with goat cheese for dessert. There is a steadily increasing selection of cafés to be found in the major towns and near popular beach areas.

Cape Fruit (Sal)

Cape Fruit is a small but absolutely charming café that focuses on healthy living and healthy eating. It is one of the few places that cater to vegetarians and vegans, offering delicious meat-free options for breakfast and lunch, including sandwiches, wraps, and pancakes, along with refreshing fruit smoothies and …

Pastelaria Morabeza (São Vicente)

Ask any local what the best pastry shop is in Mindelo and you'll inevitably get the same answer: Pastelaria Morabeza. Various types of bread, fresh fruit juices and coffee all make it a wildly popular place, but the biggest draw here is the huge selection of fresh pastries, including bola de berlim (Berliner) and …

GiraMondo Ice Cream Cafe (Sal)

Beat the oppressive midday heat by indulging in a cool escape at GiraMondo, the city's best ice cream shop. On the menu: decadent waffles, crepes, and cakes. However, the true star of the house is undeniably their homemade Italian-style ice cream, available in a delightful array of …

Pão Quente (Santiago)

Originally a family business, Pão Quente has grown quickly to become one of the most loved bakeries in the country. They offer a variety of pastries, including the mouth-watering pastel de nata, plus, fresh bread, cakes and …

Nhamii Ice Dreams (Santiago)

Nhamii Ice Dreams is a small but modern gelateria, renowned throughout the islands for its high-quality ice cream, fresh natural fruit juices, and smoothies, as well as its sweet crepes and other …

Gelataria Ártica (Santiago)

On a hot day in Santiago, Gelataria Ártica, the city's oldest ice cream shop, is the perfect retreat for a refreshing scoop. In addition to classic flavours, the shop boasts locally inspired options such as mango, papaya, and camoca — all crafted in-house. For those seeking heartier fare, Gelataria Ártica also offers light, home-cooked …

Bars & Nightlife

Nightlife in Cape Verde moves to the sounds of 'morna', a beautiful form of folk music that fully captures the country's rich history and mix of cultural influences. In taverns around the islands, people gather after dark to hear the mournful sounds of singers accompanied by guitars, violins, and pianos. More joyful melodies come from the islands' other genres of 'funaná', 'batuque', and 'coladeira', all of which liven up a nightlife scene that lives and breathes music and tradition.

One Love Reggae Bar (Sal)

Perched on top of a downtown Santa Maria building, this rooftop reggae bar is one of the most laid-back places on the island, praised for its chilled vibes and its excellent choice of music, which inevitably leads to patrons dancing well into the …

Sal Beach Club (Sal)

Sal Beach Club is a laid-back beach establishment serving quick lunches, snacks, and even Western-style breakfasts. It doubles as a sports bar and often screens important events on its large TVs. At night, the place really comes alive with music, parties, and diverse …

Pub Calema (Sal)

Calema is a typical local bar, with plastic chairs on the pavement and a signature warm welcome. One of the best places to experience an authentic Cape Verdean night out, complete with kizomba and a crowded but joyful dance …

Kebra Cabana (Santiago)

Kebra Cabana is one of the coolest restaurants/bars in Praia, with a prime location by the beach and delicious homemade food. Young and fashionable people gather at Kebra Cabana in droves to groove to the weekly live …

Bar Tropikal (Maio)

Bar Tropikal serves authentic Cape Verdean cuisine right on the Bitxe Rotxa beach, specialising in raw fish, carpaccio and pizza. Come by in the afternoon to enjoy the beautiful Maio sunset with one of their specialty …

Ocean Cafe (Sal)

Buddy Bar (Sal)

Buddy Bar is one of the best places to hear authentic local music in Cape Verde, with nightly performances by local artists in the bar's intimate space. They boast an extensive and affordable drinks menu specialising in gin, with over 15 …

O Cocktail (São Vicente)

O Cocktail is a simple and laid-back restaurant and bar serving cold drinks and a variety of food options, including fish dishes and pizza in a convivial atmosphere. As the sun sets, O Cocktail comes alive with the soulful rhythms of live Cape Verdean …

Shopping

Most everyday products in Cape Verde are imported and thus tend to be on the expensive side, but locally-produced items are plentiful, and strolling through the stalls at any of the islands' vibrant markets is an experience not to be missed. Find fresh produce and fish, local coffee, cheese and jam, wine, rum, the traditional grogue, and of course, a wealth of handicrafts and artwork, including wood carvings, woven baskets, paintings and jewellery.