Curious about the best things to do in Cape Verde? Cape Verde, also known as Cabo Verde, is an island nation in the central Atlantic Ocean, around 800 km off the coast of Senegal. This beautiful archipelago has 10 volcanic islands and is a part of the Macaronesia ecoregion, which includes the Azores, Canary Islands, Madeira, and the Savage Isles.
Cape Verde was uninhabited for a long time until Portuguese sailors discovered it in the mid-15th century. By the 16th century, the archipelago had become prosperous due to the Atlantic slave trade. Despite this tragic history, today’s Cape Verde is a paradise for holidaymakers seeking sun, sea, and sand.
One of the most appealing aspects of Cape Verde is the unique character of each island, offering diverse experiences in terms of culture, food, music, and dialect. For example, Fogo Island features an active volcano, while Sal and Boa Vista boast stunning beaches. Santo Antão is perfect for hiking with its ancient trails, and São Vicente offers mountains, music, and vibrant nightlife.
Travelers will find that Cape Verde remains relatively untouched by mass tourism, making it ideal for a relaxing and rejuvenating vacation. The islands are serene and pristine, and the local Creole culture is a fascinating blend of European and African influences.
So, what can you do in Cape Verde? Here’s a guide to some of the best places to visit:
Pico do Fogo, on Fogo Island, stands at 2,829 meters above sea level, making it the highest peak in Cape Verde and West Africa. Despite being an active stratovolcano, it’s one of the most popular and intriguing spots to visit. Hiking up Pico do Fogo is a must-do activity, and it’s a good idea to hire a local guide or join a group for the climb.
Sal is the go-to destination for beach lovers, known for its resorts and laid-back vibe. It’s the most developed island for tourism in Cape Verde. Tourists can enjoy swimming in turquoise waters, diving, and various water sports. Sal’s diving sites feature incredible reefs and two shipwrecks that have created a fantastic artificial reef. Ponta Preta Beach, with its perfect waves, is the best spot for windsurfing and kite surfing. Don’t miss exploring the Pedra de Lume salt crater, an extinct volcano with a natural salt lake below sea level, making it the lowest point in Cape Verde.
São Vicente offers beautiful beaches and excellent hiking opportunities. The best hike is to Monte Verde, the island’s highest mountain, which is lush with greenery and offers breathtaking views. After hiking, relax at one of the island’s beaches like Laginha Beach, famous for its clear waters and chill atmosphere with cocktail bars, or São Pedro Beach, ideal for water sports enthusiasts.
Mindelo, the cultural capital of Cape Verde, is a vibrant city full of bars and clubs. It’s the perfect place to soak in some live music, particularly morna—a form of folk music sung in Cape Verdean Creole. To experience this, visit places like Casa de Morna or Casa Cafe Mindelo, where you can enjoy traditional music.
Boa Vista is another popular island known for its beaches and impressive sand dunes created by wind-blown sands from Africa. The small desert area, just 5 km long and 1 km wide, offers stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere. A moonlit walk in this desert during a full moon is an experience you won’t forget.
Watching turtles is one of Cape Verde’s highlights, especially since it hosts one of the largest populations of loggerhead turtles. Boa Vista is the top spot for this, particularly between June and October when turtle nesting is at its peak.
Santo Antão is the archipelago’s most remote island, yet definitely worth visiting. It’s incredibly scenic, offering jagged peaks, terraced fields, and dense forests, perfect for hiking. Don’t miss hiking the Delgadinho mountain ridge for its stunning views. Many travelers consider Santo Antão the best island for hiking in Cape Verde, and you can easily take a day trip here from São Vicente.
Cape Verde offers a diverse range of activities and experiences that cater to different interests, from adventurous hikes to relaxing beach days, ensuring a memorable trip for every type of traveler.