Your Last BordersBEST THINGS TO DO IN CAPE VERDE
Cape Verde is an awesome holiday destination. Its pristine beaches, eclectic culture, active volcanoes, and tropical climate delight travelers all year around. There’s lots of great things to do in each and everyone of the 10 islands that make this archipelago country. This post summarizes the best things to do in Cape Verde to help tailor your ideal Cape Verde itinerary.
Cape Verde is known as the African Caribbean due to its wonderful beaches and climate. The country lies 1,400 km south of the Spanish Canary Islands and 1,000 km off the coast of Senegal. Thus, flight times to Cape Verde are about 2 hours from the Canaries, 1 hours from Senegal, 4 hours form Lisbon and 5.5 hours from London. Regarding Cape Verde weather, temperatures here range between 20C and 30C. The country’s official language is Portuguese, while Cape Verde currency is the Cape Verdean Escudo.
This post has you covered regardless of whether you travel to Sal, Boa Vista, Fogo, Santiago, Sao Vicente, Santo Antao, Sao Nicolao, Maio, or Brava. Book those flights to Cape Verde and enjoy a tropical African holiday without the crowds you would find in Kenya or Zanzibar.
Best things to do in Cape Verde Sal
Sal is where most tourists spend their Cape Verde holidays. The island is home to pristine beaches, endless sunshine, an international airport, and several all-inclusive hotels. Thus, it’s the perfect place to relax, swim, sunbathe, and enjoy a westernised break in Africa. However, other islands might be more suitable for those looking to dive deeper into local culture. The following are the best things to do in Sal Cape Verde.
1. Enjoy the resort life at Santa Maria
Santa Maria is Sal’s main tourist hub. And thus the place with the most hotels, bars, and restaurants in Cape Verde. Thanks to its sandy beaches and pristine waters, Santa Maria is a great place to enjoy a beach resort holiday.
Besides sunbathing and drinking cocktails, visitors can enjoy watersports, live music and craft shops here. Walking down the old harbour and seeing locals trade fish is also a must. Along with exploring the old Weighthouse where local salt was weighted ahead of exporting.
2. Float in a salt crater
The island of Sal owns it very name to the several salt mines operating in the area. These are also the reason why Sal has for long been the wealthiest island in the country. Thus, visiting salines and salt mines is one of the best things to do in Sal Cape Verde.
Among them, Pedra de Lume is the biggest. There’s evaporation pools, a lake, a factory, and a small onsite museum. It’s also possible to swim in a volcanic crater filled with salty water which is a great treat for your skin. There’s many guided tours that will take you around, and it’s also possible to visit by taxi and aluguer.
3. Dive at Palmeira village
Plameira is a cool village in the Northwest of Sal that makes the perfect place for a diving adventure. There’s several underwater caves and beautiful coral reefs off its coast, so it’s one of the best places to dive in Cape Verde.
The village features several colourful fishermen houses worth exploring. There’s also a busy harbour, great salt baths, and plenty of lively restaurants and bars.
4. Swim with turtles and dolphins
Did you know you can swim with turtles and dolphins in West Africa? There’s several of both in Cape Verde, so you can enjoy marine wildlife here almost as if you were in the Maldives.
Walk along the beach, ask your hotel, or book a tour here in advance. These will take you in a modern boat to the higher seas, brief you on lots of interesting details about dolphins, and let you swim with them. Bear in mind these are wild animals in the middle of the ocean, so swimming accordingly.
Best things to do in Cape Verde Boa Vista
Boa Vista is very similar to Sal facilities-wise. Meaning its beaches are stunning and so are its hotels, offering many options for a holiday all inclusive in Cape Verde. The following are the best things to do in Boa Vista Cape Verde.
5. Visit Sal Rei city
Sal Rei is Boa Vista’s capital city, and a great place to set your base when on the island. Make sure to explore its main square and market, perfect to buy some crafts and souvenirs. Along with its colourful houses and baroque church.
Despite accommodating half of the island’s population, the city is very relaxed. Enjoying some food and drinks in one of its many restaurants is one of the best things to do in Cape Verde. And so is joining one of the many sailing trips departing from its harbour. Especially the ones that will take you swimming, fishing, and even whale watching.
6. See the Turtles nest
Boa Vista and its sandy beaches are a major area for common turtle nesting. At night, under the moonlight, turtles come ashore to nest on the sand. They then dig the eggs under the sand and go back into the water. This whole process can take up to three hours and witnessing same is one of the best things to do in Cape Verde.
You could ask locals about timing and locations. Nevertheless, the best way to witness turtles nest in their natural habitat is with a guided tour. Experienced guides will take you to the relevant beaches and explain you everything about the nesting process.
7. Photograph a ship wreck
A massive vessel traveling from Spain to Brazil ran aground the north coast of Boa Vista in 1968. This is Cabo Santa Maria, and exploring its wreck is now one of the coolest things to do in Cape Verde.
It makes a unique photo opportunity from the beach and is a source of inspiration to many local artists. Additionally, visitors can explore this rusting vessel’s hulk in a 4×4 defender tour. This is such a fun thing to do in Boa Vista.
8. Enjoy Viana desert
Cape Verde is so close to the Sahara desert that the wind carries over some of its sand and has created a tiny desert on the island. This is Viana desert, one of the best places to visit in Cape Verde Boa Vista.
Get a car or join a guided tour and enjoy some buggy or quad-bike adventurous driving on the dunnes. Or a traditional dinner followed by some gazing of the stars. The sky here is so clear the naked eye can appreciate the milky way at its best.
Best things to do in Cape Verde Santiago
The island of Santiago is home to Cape Verde’s capital, Praia. The island features an international airport, vibrant cities, bustling markets, and interesting old buildings. You’ll be able to swim an enjoy the sunshine here, yet most tourists come to Praia Cape Verde to experience the island’s local lifestyle. The following are the best things to do in Santiago Cape Verde.
9. Discover Praia, the country’s capital
Praia is Cape Verde’s capital city and the country’s major economical and political hub. It’s home to an international airport, a huge harbour, and over 160,000 inhabitants. And despite not being focused on tourism, has some cool gems to explore.
The nicest neighborhood to explore is Plateau. The old colonial buildings in the area are quite nice, and so are the churches, parliament, and presidential palace. Additionally, head to Prainha beach for some cool seaside restaurants and bars and a lovely sunset walk by the lighthouse.
A bit further stands Cidade Velha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site to explore on a guided tour or by car. This is the first city built by Europeans in South Sahara and its 16th century layout remains quite intact.Walking along its cobbled streets, stone houses, and fortress is one of the best things to do in Cape Verde. And so is learning about the old slave market and the origin of the local creolle culture.
10. Shop at Assomada’s market
Assomada town features the biggest and liveliest market in the island of Santigao. Yes, way busier and more colourful than the one in Praia. The market si open every day from the early hours until the afternoon. The busiest days are Tuesdays and Saturdays, when vendors come from all over the island to sell their goods.
There’s an indoor area surrounded by many street markets. Here you’ll find meat, fish, fresh fruit and vegetables, home-made jams, freshly baked bread, cheese, etc. ALong with plenty of local textiles, art, crafts, wood carvings, etc. It’s the perfect place to stock up for a road trip and to buy some souvenirs to bring home. Get your cash and bargaining skills ready because a visit to Assomada’s market is one of the best things to do in Santigao Cape Verde.
11. Chill at Tarrafal beach
Tarrafal town is home to the nicest beach in Santiago island. You’ll find it in the north of the island, about 70km from Praia and 30km from Assomada. Tarrafal is a white and soft sand kind of beach, with warm waters and plenty of palm trees.
It’s a popular place among swimmers and surfers, yet local kids also love to play on its sand and enjoy a swim after school. There’s plenty of accommodation options and nice restaurants in the area, if you’d like to stay overnight. Alternatively, it’s a great day trip from Praia and any taxi driver would be happy to take you around.
Best things to do in Cape Verde Sao Vicente
Sao Vicente is Cape Verde’s cultural hub. There’s some cool beaches as well, a local airport, and a decent port that links it with other islands in Cape Verde. The following are the best things to do in Sao Vicente Cape Verde.
12. Explore Mindelo
Mindelo is the biggest city in Sao Vicente island, and Cape Verde’s cultural capital. It’s the home town of Cesaria Evora, the country’s most famous singer, and you’ll hear her morna music all around. Especially in the many bars and restaurants by the marina which offer some of the best nightlife in West Africa. My favourite are Nautilus and Dokas, serving delicious cachupa and perfectly grilled meat.
During the day, make sure to explore the city’s markets, museums, art galleries, and colonial remnants. Especially its cobbles streets, fort, and colourful houses. Seeing the kids having fun on the streets, the fishermen selling their catch and the elderly playing local chess is also one of the best things to do in Mindelo Cape Verde.
13. Enjoy Mindelo’s carnival
Cape Verde is a vibrant cultural hub. And its african roots combined to being closer to Rio de Janeiro than to Lisbon have placed in Mindelo the world’s greatest carnival outside of Brazil. This will not disappoint, so if you can schedule your visit during carnival. Expriencing the street parades, music, and party vibes is the ultimate best thing to do in Cape Verde.
The big day is carnival Tuesday, and the warm up is the night before. On that evening, last year’s champion group performs along the streets and everyone can see them from the stands for free for over an hour. On the next day, several groups show off their best clothing and samba moves along the streets for about five hours. You can get tickets in advance and in any major hotel or restaurant and seat on the stands for about $10-$15. Alternatively, you can seat on the streets or climb a tree (as many locals do!) in the morning and wait there for the show to start.
The parade is quite similar to how you would picture the ones in Brazil. Tanned women with very few cloths and plenty of feathers, shining ropes, and high heels. Followed by shirtless men wearing colourful trousers and cheering to the crowds. Along with some detailed floats. All having fun and dancing as if their energy could never fade.
Best things to do in Cape Verde Santo Antao
Santo Antao is a hiking paradise. This remote island has no airport and is only connected to nearby Sao Vicente by ferry. As the sail takes less than an hour it makes a day trip from Sao Vicente. However, if you are into isolated places, tropical plantations, and trekking you should definitely stay overnight. These are the best things to do in Santo Antao Cape Verde.
14. Hike from Crova Crater through Paul valley
Among the countless hiking trails in Santo Antao, the most famous is the descent from Crova Crater to the beach through Paul Valley. Take an aluguer or private taxi to the crater and walk among beauty for three hours.
There’s plenty of villages to rest, eat, and refresh on the way down. So you’ll only need comfortable shoes and sunblock to make the most of this scenic volcanic area. The islands lush greenery combined with the rocky crater and blue ocean make this a hike to remember.
15. Visit mountain towns stuck in time
The villages in Santo Antao are a remote gem with an old rural vibe. Among them, Fontainhas is the prettiest village of Cape Verde according to National geographic, so it’s worth the detour.
Alternatively, Ribeira Grande is much bigger and hosts great restaurants. Its winding streets, food markets, churches, and hot springs are among the best places to visit in Santo Antao. you can drive around the island by taxi or book a guided tour.
Best things to do in Cape Verde Fogo
Fogo means fire in Portuguese. This island, the highest in the archipelago, is home to an active volcano and very arid terrains making its plantations quite special. The following are the best things to do in Fogo Cape Verde.
16. Climb an active volcano
Pico de Fogo, at 2,900 metres above sea level, is the highest point of Cape Verde. And the main attraction on Fogo island. This active volcano last erupted in 2014, destroying many roads and homes on the way.
The hike takes around 6 hours and is quite demanding as it’s steep and offers no shade. So the best way to climb it is with a local guide. The route departs from Cha de Caldeiras and takes you from coffee fields to lava fields quickly enough. The views from the top are amazing and well worth the effort.
17. Taste local wine and coffee at Sao Filipe
Sao Filipe is the biggest town on Fogo. It’s home to the island’s port and airport, a bustling market, and cobblestone streets of colourful colonial buildings. Moreover, there’s some black lava beaches really beautiful nearby.
When in Sao Felipe, make sure to sample the local wine and coffee. The grapes and beans grown in volcanic arid terrains, so their taste is very unique. Vinho do Cha is the must-try wine, while Kriola and Emicela and the greatest coffees. If you’d like to learn more about their sustainable and family-run production join a guided tasting tour.
Best things to do in Cape Verde Sao Nicolau
Sao Nicolau is a beautiful untouched island close to Sao Vicente. The following are the top things to do in Sao Nicolau Cape Verde.
18. Drive around Sao Nicolau
Regardless of whether you come on a day trip from Sao Vicente or decide to stay overnight, touring the entire island is the best thing to do in Sao Nicolau. You can do so by taxi or on a guided tour.
Make sure to explore the valley Ribeira Prata, so green and with dramatic cliffs by the ocean. And to stop by Carbeirinho, a beautiful winding rock formation. Finally, stop by Ribeira Brava, the island’s capital, for some colonial architecture and nice food.
Best things to do in Cape Verde Maio
Maio is home to secluded paradisiacal beaches that not many visit. The following are the top things to do in Maio Cape Verde.
19. Relax at Morro beach
Morro is a small village on Maio island famous for its wonderful beaches. Expect endless soft golden sand, calmed blue waters, and fresh tropical air here. There’s also palm trees, waves, and wildlife to enjoy.
Just bear in mind this is not a touristic island as it’s only accessible by ferry or plane via Praia, which can be done on a guided tour. This is a great place to interact with locals and enjoy traditional cuisine while enjoying unspoilt beaches.
Best things to do in Cape Verde Brava
Brava is the smallest inhabited island in Cape Verde (as the 10th island, Santa Luzia, is not inhabited). Besides its 5,000 inhabitants the island hosts pure greenery and a decaying whaling industry.The following are the top things to do in Brava Cape Verde.
20. Explore Nova Sintra
Nova Sintra is to many the most beautiful town in all of Cape Verde. Thus, if you love colonial architecture, colourful buildings, and history add it among your favourite things to do in Cape Verde. Its market, church, and a stone replicas of Christopher Columbus’s ships are also a must see.
You can get here by ferry from Sao Filipe in Fogo or Praia in Santiago. The best way to explore around is by taxi or guided tour.
Recap on the best things to do in Cape Verde
Travelling to Cape Verde is always a great plan thanks to its tropical climate and the endless great things to do in Cape Verde that are awaiting your visit. A place that somehow feels African, European and Caribbean at the same time. A paradise of unspoilt beaches and seaside resorts, bustling markets and busy souvenir shops, tradictional cachupas and delicious cocktails. Carnival and agriculture, volcanos and ocean, hiking and lying on the beach. Whatever you enjoy, Cape Verde has you covered.
This country made of ten islands has tones to offer. Just remember that Santo Antao, Fogo and Brava are great for hiking. While Santiago and Sao Vicente will delight those seeking a bit of culture in their Cape Verde holidays. Finally, Sal, Boa Vista, and Maio offer the best azure beaches. So book those flights to Cape Verde, keep this post handy, and make the most of the best things to do in Cape Verde.
Oh and, as always, feel free to leave a comment below or reach out on Instagram and/or Tiktok pages with any questions. Have a wonderful trip to Cape Verde!
