Cape Verde

Why Cape Verde? 

Days are filled with sunshine and end by the sea. As you explore, you feel how life plays out on the streets, on the beach and around small restaurants with their doors always open. What you’ll notice straight away is the space you have. You drive along roads with hardly any traffic, watching the landscape slowly shift from sand and rock to green plains and hills. 

What can you do in Cape Verde?

In Cape Verde, you don't have to travel far to find something worth seeing. On Sal, the beach is right on your doorstep, or a short drive gets you to another stretch of coastline. Walk along the sea, watch the fishermen at the pier or get out on the water for a snorkel tour or (kite) surf lesson. Those who want to see more can choose another island to discover. Hike through the mountains, experience the villages where daily life spills out onto the streets and stroll along coastlines where waves crash against the rocks. 

Highlights of Cape Verde 

These spots give you a real sense of what the country looks like: 

• Sal: known for its vast sandy beaches and relaxed atmosphere. It’s the place for a laid-back beach holiday or for practicing water sports such as kite surfing.
• Pedra de Lume: in the crater of this volcano, the water is so salty that you float without effort. The rocky atmosphere makes it look almost otherworldly.
• Serra Negra: this protected natural area in the south is the rougher, quieter part of Sal. Ideal for those who want to experience peaceful, untouched nature.
• Buracona: known for the “Blue Eye,” a natural pool with bright blue water.

Islands to explore in Cape Verde 

The islands of Cape Verde are clearly distinct from one another. As soon as you travel from one island to the next, you notice how the landscape, the pace and even the atmosphere change. One island feels vast and quiet, another lively and green. Together they show just how varied the group of islands is. 

• Sal: beach, sea and a relaxed pace. 
• Boa Vista: quieter, with wide beaches and little development. 
• Santiago: greener, with villages and a capital city. 
• São Vicente: known for its music scene and city life in Mindelo. 
• Santo Antão: mountains and walking routes through valleys.  

Culture and highlights in Cape Verde 

Beaches, villages and life by the sea 

As you wander around, you see how people gather in places where the sea is always close: on beaches, at small cafés or along piers where the day passes slowly. Its here where you experience the local culture:

• Cidade Velha: these stone houses are a UNESCO World Heritage site and the oldest European settlement on a tropical island.
• Sunrise on the piers: watch the sun come up while fishermen bring in their catch.
• Beaches: walking, sunbathing, sports, and fishing; in Cape Verde, the beach and sea are an essential part of everyday life.
• Mindelo: a cultural hotspot with music, art, and a lively nightlife. Cape Verde is the birthplace of morna music, and live music flows from cafés everywhere. Standing still is impossible!

Nature in Cape Verde

One moment you're driving through open plains, and the next the road winds along hillsides or dips towards the coast. Cape Verde has a landscape that keeps shifting, sometimes within just a few kilometres. 

• Serra Malagueta Natural Park: rugged mountains and beautiful hiking trails on Santiago.
• Pico do Fogo: this active volcano on the island of Fogo can be climbed for spectacular views.
• Mountains: on islands like Santo Antão you’ll find countless peaks, with steep trails and scenic viewpoints.
• Turtle spotting: on Boa Vista and Sal you can see turtles around the beaches from mid-June to mid-October.
• Whale tours: from January to May, these giants of the sea migrate along the coast. 

Eating and drinking in Cape Verde 

On the islands, most meals are eaten outdoors: often in spots where you can hear the sea. The cuisine is simple but full of flavour, with dishes that suit the climate and locally available ingredients. You'll find people gathering at small restaurants, beach bars and markets where everything is freshly supplied. These dishes and locations are a must try: 

• Cachupa: the national dish of Cape Verde, a hearty stew made with corn, beans, vegetables, and often fish or meat. 
• Fish spots in Praia: along the coast, you can enjoy fresh tuna, lobster, or grilled fish every day. Simple, but incredibly tasty! 
• Tascas: small, simple eateries where you can enjoy authentic and very affordable meals. 
• Grogue and ponche: local drinks made from sugarcane, often mixed with fruit. 
• Ice cream shops: stop for an ice cream while strolling through the town. 

Travel information for your flight to Cape Verde 

Cape Verde has a warm, dry climate with a refreshing breeze along the coastline. Temperatures are often between 25 and 30 degrees, which naturally slows life down to a more relaxed pace. Press pause and enjoy the quiet moments. Sometimes it’s a view that makes you stop, other times a quiet street where you linger a little longer. The islands invite you to wander without rushing and simply take in what’s happening around you.

What to pack? 

• Sunglasses and a hat: For the bright sun and constant wind. 
• Snorkel or swimming goggles: Useful at calm bays with clear water. 
• Comfortable shoes for walking and for rocky terrain. 

Flight information 

From the Netherlands, the flight to Cape Verde takes around 6 hours. The airport is located on the island of Sal. 

Getting around 

• Taxi: widely used from the airport. You’ll usually reach the city center within 10 to 15 minutes. Tip: agree on a price beforehand to avoid surprises. 
• Minibus: These shared aluguer vans are mainly used by locals and are a cheap way to get around. 
• Rental car: If you want to explore the island at your own pace, you can rent a car at the airport. Keep in mind that traffic can be a bit more chaotic.

Book your cheap flight to Cape Verde

In Cape Verde, you live with the elements: the sun rising early, the wind that brings a refreshing coolness and the ocean audible in the background throughout the day. You walk along beaches where fishermen work on their boats, watch children playing in small squares, and hear music drifting from of open windows. Every day brings something new, even if you only travel a short distance.