Cape Verde Escapes: The Beauty of Sal, Boa Vista and Santiago
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Travel Notes: Africa - Cape Verde Islands Travel Notes.
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Cape Verde Travel and Tourism on Travel Notes
Explore the diverse landscapes of Cape Verde's islands, from the golden sands of Sal to the lunar-like terrain of Boa Vista and diversity of Santiago.
About Cape Verde
Cape Verde is a fascinating destination to explore, with its blend of Portuguese and African influences, beautiful beaches, and vibrant culture.
The best time to visit Cape Verde is from November to June, when the weather is warm and sunny, with little rainfall.
Mapping Cape Verde
Map of Cape Verde Islands
The volcanic archipelago of Cape Verde is a closely knit group of ten islands and five islets in the Atlantic Ocean, some 600km west of Senegal.
Only Pico do Cano, on Fogo, is active.
Cape Verde Overview
Cape Verde is an archipelago made up of ten volcanic islands, nine of which are inhabited.
Cape Verde Island Groups
The northern Barlavento group of Cape Verde includes Santo Antao, Sao Vicente, Santa Luzia, Sao Nicolau, Sal, and Boa Vista.
The southern Sotavento group embraces Sao Tiago, Brava, Fogo, and Maio.
Cape Verde Language and Culture
The official language of Cape Verde is Portuguese, although Cape Verdean Creole is also widely spoken.
The Portuguese colonised the islands in the 1460's, although they did very little with them until the slave trade took off in the mid 1500's.
As a former Portuguese colony, Cape Verde has a rich cultural heritage influenced by its African and Portuguese roots, and is known for its music, dance, and cuisine.
Cape Verde became independent on July 5th, 1975.
Climate
Cape Verde has a semi-arid climate, with temperatures ranging from 22°C to 28°C year-round.
The islands are known for their beautiful beaches, diverse landscapes, and vibrant culture.
Country
The country has a total land area of some 4,033 square kilometers and a population of around 550,000 people.
The country has a stable democracy and is known for being one of the most politically and socially stable countries in Africa.
Economy
Cape Verde's economy is primarily based on services, with tourism being a significant contributor.
In addition to tourism, Cape Verde's economy is based on services, light manufacturing, fishing and agriculture.
The country also relies on remittances from Cape Verdeans living abroad.
Services for ships and airplanes remain a significant economic activity in a place with very little arable land and barely enough rainfall to water it.
Cape Verde Tourism
Cape Verde, also known as Cabo Verde, is located in the central Atlantic Ocean, about 570 kilometers off the coast of West Africa.
Visit Cape Verde
Cape Verde is known for its stunning beaches, clear waters, and vibrant culture.
The capital city, Praia, is located on the island of Santiago and is home to historical sites such as the Cidade Velha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Other popular tourist destinations in Cape Verde include the islands of Sal and Boa Vista, which are known for their beautiful beaches, water sports, and lively nightlife.
Cape Verde's islands
Explore the diverse landscapes of Cape Verde's islands for a dream tropical getaway.
Exploring Cape Verde's islands allows travellers to witness a fascinating blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and historical significance.
Whether you're seeking relaxation on the beaches of Sal or adventurous hikes in Santo Antão, Cape Verde offers a diverse and captivating experience for every type of traveller.
Sal
Golden Sands
Sal is famous for its pristine, golden sandy beaches, particularly at Santa Maria.
The turquoise waters and gentle waves make it an ideal spot for swimming, water sports, and relaxation.
Boa Vista
Lunar-Like Terrain
Boa Vista is often referred to as the 'African Caribbean' and is known for its lunar-like landscapes with vast stretches of sand dunes, especially in the Viana Desert.
The contrast between the white sands and deep blue skies is stunning.
Santiago
Varied Topography
Santiago, the largest island, offers a diverse range of landscapes.
The interior features lush green mountains, such as the Serra Malagueta, providing a stark contrast to the arid regions.
The historical city of Cidade Velha, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is also located here.
Fogo
Volcanic Landscapes
Fogo is home to Pico do Fogo, an active volcano that dominates the landscape.
The volcanic soils have led to the cultivation of rich vineyards, producing the famous Fogo wine.
Hiking to the summit offers breathtaking panoramic views.
Maio
White Sandy Beaches
Maio is characterised by its long, white sandy beaches, such as the popular Praia do Morro.
It's a tranquil island with a laid-back atmosphere, making it an excellent destination for those seeking relaxation.
Brava
Green Valleys
Brava is the smallest and greenest island in Cape Verde, known for its lush valleys and picturesque landscapes.
The mountainous terrain and charming villages provide a unique and tranquil setting.
Santo Antão
Dramatic Scenery
Santo Antão is a paradise for hikers and nature enthusiasts.
The island boasts dramatic landscapes with deep valleys, rugged mountains, and fertile valleys.
The Paul Valley, surrounded by high peaks, is particularly stunning.
Praia
The capital of Cape Verde is on the southern tip of Sao Tiago; Sao Tiago being the largest and most populous island of Cape Verde.
Map of Praia
If you enjoy fine beaches, beautiful scenery, vibrant cultures and have a sense of adventure, Cape Verde will not disappoint.
Where to Stay in Praia
The Pestana Tropico Hotel, often considered the hotel in the Cape Verde capital, is located on the Ilha de Santiago; ten minutes from the historic centre, the neighbourhood of Plateau.
Cape Verde Attractions
Portuguese
A commonwealth of Portuguese-speaking countries was formed on July 17th, 1996, to preserve the Portuguese language, coordinate diplomatic efforts, and improve cooperation among its members: Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, Portugal, and Sao Tome and Principe.
Portuguese for Travellers:
Teach yourself basic Portuguese before you travel to Cape Verde.
Cape Verde Maps and Travel Guides
Cape Verde Travel Guides - Cape Verde Maps.
Weather in Africa:
Local weather forecasts for destinations around Africa.
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