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Cabo Verde
Sustainability Politics
✈️ Travel Guide

Cabo Verde

Volcanic Islands in the Atlantic

Capital
Praia
Currency
Cape Verdean Escudo (CVE)
Language
Portuguese
Best Time
Nov–Jun
Time Zone
CVT (UTC−1)
Flag of Cabo Verde
👋 Overview

Welcome to Cabo Verde

Welcome to Cabo Verde, an archipelago of volcanic islands off the West African coast, where dramatic landscapes meet a soulful blend of African and Portuguese culture. The islands range from the lush, green peaks of Santo Antão to the desert-like dunes of Sal and Boa Vista, offering remarkably diverse scenery for such a small nation. Mindelo, on São Vicente, pulses with music and color, deeply rooted in the melancholic beauty of morna, Cabo Verde's beloved musical tradition. Fogo Island is home to an active volcano, with a village nestled inside its crater and vineyards growing in the fertile volcanic soil.

Pristine beaches throughout the islands attract surfers, windsurfers, and sun-seekers drawn to their consistent Atlantic winds and warm waters. Sea turtles nest along Cabo Verde's shores, and the surrounding waters offer excellent diving and whale watching. The islands' relaxed pace and genuinely warm hospitality make visitors feel instantly at ease. Cabo Verde invites travelers to discover a rare blend of volcanic drama, ocean beauty, and soulful island culture.

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📍 Where to go

Popular Cities

01

Praia

Praia, Cabo Verde’s capital on Santiago island, mixes Portuguese colonial architecture in its Plateau district with a lively waterfront market selling produce and fish typical of the archipelago’s Creole cuisine. The city’s hillside setting offers views over the Atlantic from several vantage points.

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Cidade Velha, a UNESCO World Heritage site just outside Praia, was the first European colonial settlement in the tropics and retains a historic fortress and church dating to the sixteenth century. Praia’s morna and coladeira music traditions, made famous internationally by singer Cesaria Evora, remain central to the city’s cultural identity. Local markets sell grogue, a sugarcane spirit distilled throughout the islands, alongside traditional woven goods. Praia’s blend of colonial history and Creole culture makes it a compelling introduction to Cabo Verde.

02

Mindelo

Mindelo, on Sao Vicente island, is considered Cabo Verde’s cultural capital, its natural harbor having shaped a cosmopolitan port city with strong musical traditions. The annual Carnival in Mindelo ranks among the most vibrant in West Africa, drawing comparisons to Brazilian celebrations.

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The city’s colorful colonial buildings and lively waterfront cafes reflect Mindelo’s history as an important coaling station for transatlantic shipping. Praca Nova, the city’s central square, anchors an old town well suited to unhurried exploration. Mindelo’s live music venues carry on the morna tradition that made Cesaria Evora, Cabo Verde’s most famous musician, an international star. The city’s harbor setting and cultural depth make it one of the most rewarding stops in the archipelago.

03

Santa Maria

Santa Maria, on Sal island, is Cabo Verde’s premier beach resort town, its long white-sand beach and consistent trade winds making it a major destination for windsurfing and kitesurfing. The town’s pier, once used for salt exports, now serves as a popular spot for fishing and watching the sunset.

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Boat trips from Santa Maria head out to spot humpback whales during their seasonal migration and to snorkel with sea turtles in the surrounding clear waters. The town’s laid-back beach bars and restaurants cater to a steady flow of European visitors drawn by the island’s near-constant sunshine. Sal’s flat, arid landscape contrasts with the greener islands elsewhere in the archipelago, but its beaches remain the primary draw. Santa Maria’s watersports and reliable weather make it Cabo Verde’s most established beach destination.

🍴 On the menu

Local Food to Try

Discover some of Cabo Verde's most popular flavors, traditional dishes and memorable local treats during your visit.

Cachupa

Cachupa is a signature Cabo Verde specialty known for its distinctive local ingredients, seasoning and traditional preparation.

Pastel com Diabo Dentro

This popular Cabo Verde dish brings together familiar regional flavors and is commonly enjoyed in homes, markets or local restaurants.

Buzio

A well-loved part of Cabo Verde cuisine, Buzio reflects the country's culinary traditions and locally available ingredients.

Canja

Canja is a comforting regional favorite, prepared in styles that may vary between families, cities and different parts of Cabo Verde.

Xerém

Visitors often seek out Xerém for an authentic taste of Cabo Verde's everyday cooking and food culture.

Lagostada

This traditional favorite highlights the bold, savory or gently spiced flavors associated with cooking in Cabo Verde.

Cuscuz

Cuscuz is widely recognized in Cabo Verde and is often served at casual meals, celebrations or community gatherings.

Doce de Papaya

A memorable choice for travelers, Doce de Papaya offers a flavorful introduction to the ingredients and techniques used across Cabo Verde.

Grogue Cake

This classic food is an important part of Cabo Verde's culinary identity and is best sampled freshly prepared.

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💡 Did you know?

Little-Known Facts

1

Cabo Verde is an Atlantic archipelago located hundreds of miles west of mainland Africa. The ten volcanic islands were uninhabited when Portuguese navigators arrived in the 15th century, making the country’s population and culture the result of centuries of African and European interaction. Each island has its own character: some are dry and desert-like, while others contain steep mountains, fertile valleys, black-sand beaches, and colorful colonial towns.

2

The island of Fogo is dominated by Pico do Fogo, an active volcano rising dramatically from a vast crater. Communities cultivate grapes and coffee in the dark volcanic soil, producing distinctive wines in a landscape that appears almost lunar. Cabo Verde is also famous for morna, a deeply emotional musical style often compared to Portuguese fado or the blues. International singer Cesária Évora, known as the “Barefoot Diva,” brought morna to audiences around the world.

3

Because the islands lie along important migration routes, they provide nesting grounds for loggerhead sea turtles and resting places for seabirds. Cabo Verdean society also developed the concept of morabeza, a word describing warmth, hospitality, generosity, and an easygoing spirit. The country’s national language is Portuguese, but most people speak Cabo Verdean Creole in daily life. Despite scarce freshwater and limited farmland, the islands have built a strong maritime culture shaped by fishing, migration, music, and connections across the Atlantic.

🧳 Before & during your trip

Travel Tips

Tap a topic to open it.

Before You Go
  • Confirm passport validity and entry requirements.
  • Check whether a tourist visa is required.
  • Keep digital copies of important documents.
  • Consider purchasing travel insurance.
Money & Payments
  • Review the local currency and exchange rate.
  • Carry some cash for small businesses and markets.
  • Check for international bank transaction fees.
  • Learn the country's customary tipping practices.
Stay Connected
  • Review your mobile carrier's international plan.
  • Consider purchasing a local SIM or eSIM.
  • Download maps for offline use before traveling.
  • Avoid sensitive transactions on unsecured Wi-Fi.
Transportation
  • Research public transportation before arrival.
  • Use licensed taxis or reputable rideshare services.
  • Check which side of the road vehicles use.
  • Confirm whether an international permit is needed.
Electricity
  • Check the country's voltage and outlet type.
  • Bring the correct plug adapter for your devices.
  • Use a voltage converter when required.
  • Pack a portable charger for longer excursions.
Weather & Clothing
  • Review the seasonal weather before packing.
  • Bring layers for changing temperatures.
  • Pack rain protection when appropriate.
  • Use sunscreen even on cool or cloudy days.
Food & Water
  • Research whether tap water is safe to drink.
  • Communicate food allergies clearly.
  • Try traditional dishes from reputable vendors.
  • Observe local dining customs and meal times.
Safety
  • Secure valuables in crowded tourist areas.
  • Avoid displaying large amounts of cash.
  • Share your itinerary with someone you trust.
  • Review current government travel advisories.
Language & Etiquette
  • Learn a few polite words in the local language.
  • Respect dress requirements at religious sites.
  • Ask permission before photographing people.
  • Follow local traditions, laws and social customs.
Emergency Planning
  • Save the country's emergency telephone number.
  • Locate your nearest embassy or consulate.
  • Keep medication in its original packaging.
  • Store emergency contacts offline and on paper.
Smart Packing
  • Pack comfortable shoes for walking and tours.
  • Keep essential medication in your carry-on.
  • Bring a reusable bottle where appropriate.
  • Leave room for locally purchased items.
Local Research
  • Check attraction hours and reservation policies.
  • Review national holidays and local closures.
  • Download important addresses before departure.
  • Leave flexibility for unexpected discoveries.

Important: Entry requirements, transportation rules, weather conditions and safety guidance can change. Verify important information with official sources before traveling.

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