Cape Verde

DESTINATIONS cape verde capeverde

Cape Verde

Cape Verde's unique geographic location, tumultuous history of slavery and invasion, and fascinating mix of transatlantic cultures have given rise to a place unlike any other on the globe. A place as joyful as it is full of longing, a fact perhaps best reflected in Cape Verdean music and the hauntingly beautiful "morna". The sometimes harsh, drought-prone conditions of this mid-Atlantic scattering of islands have seen the flourishing of a fascinating Creole culture and the most stable democracy in Africa.

The Islands

Off the western coast of Africa, almost exactly halfway between Portugal and Brazil, lies a volcanic archipelago of breathtaking natural beauty and sobering historical tragedy. The terrain ranges from barren and rocky volcanic backdrops to lush topical forests, with white and gold beaches and indigo seas. Equally varied is the cultural heritage of the islands' inhabitants, a Portuguese-African Creole with ties to the Caribbean, as much Sao Paulo and Kingston as it is Dakar and Lisbon, a fact reflected in their speech, their music, their cooking and their general outlook on life and 'morabeza', the hallmark Cape Verdean hospitality. The 10 islands that make up the archipelago (nine of which are currently inhabited) are rather charmingly laid out in the shape of an arrow, pointing southeast towards the Senegalese coast. Sal is the main island for tourists, with the city of Santa Maria offering plenty of resorts, restaurants and fine shopping, while Sao Vicente (and in particular the city of Mindelo) is the country's cultural hub. Santiago is home to the capital, Praia, and the main port, which handles most of the commercial and passenger vessels traveling to and from the islands. Visitors would do well to explore as much of the archipelago as possible, as each island is a world unto itself, deserving of our admiration and awe.

Do & See Dining Cafes Bars & Nightlife Shopping Tourist Information

Do & See

Adventure awaits amidst the rugged beauty of the Cape Verde islands. Thrill-seekers come from around the globe for first-class windsurfing and game fishing, to gape at the underwater marvels while diving and snorkeling and to admire the islands from atop an active volcano after a full-day hike. But there is plenty in the way of leisure, as well, with pristine golden beaches and a burgeoning resort infrastructure. Be sure, however, not to miss the historical wonders to be found at Cidade Velha and among the streets of Praia and Mindelo.

Cidade Velha (Santiago)

Cape Verde's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cidade Velha (simply 'Old City') was the first European settlement in the tropics, and once an important point in the Portuguese Empire. Parts of the original city still remain, including two churches, the town square and the imposing Fort de São Filipe, looming over the area from …

Praia (Santiago)

Praia is Cape Verde's capital, largest city and centre of economic, political and religious life. The city boasts a distinct mix of African and Mediterranean vibes throughout the downtown area (known as Platô for its location on a small plateau), with its charming old quarter and rapidly expanding urban infrastructure. …

Mindelo (Sao Vicente)

Cape Verde's second city is also the undisputed centre of culture, entertainment and nightlife. With wider streets and European-style squares, it has great establishments for dining, drinking and live music, and hosts the wildly popular and animated carnival. …

Santa Maria (Sal)

The small fishing town of Santa Maria, on the island of Sal, boasts miles of picture-perfect beach with golden sands and bright blue water. Relax at one of the numerous beachside bars and watch the fishermen reel in their daily catch, or jump off the pier into the refreshing water on a hot afternoon. …

Pico do Fogo (Fogo)

Pico do Fogo, Cape Verde's youngets and most active volcano, towers beautifully but menacingly over the island of Fogo. The mezmerizing black volcanic soil is reminiscent of similar fiery peaks in Hawaii or Iceland, and is used to grow coffee. A small village, Chã das Caldeiras, is precariously located in caldera very near the …

Buracona (Sal)

Just a few kilometres north of the village of Palmeira lies a small inlet on the rocky coast on the island of Sal, with a hole in rocks that at the right time of day (better in the morning) projects light in such a way that it looks like a bright blue eye. It …

Deserto de Viana (Boa Vista)

The northwestern part of the island of Boa Vista is covered by a large expanse of untouched and unspoiled desert, the Deserto de Viana. Explore the picturesque sand dunes on an all-terrain 4-wheel motorcycle, operated by local companies, and be sure to try some sand …

Forte Real de São Filipe (Santiago)

The stunning Forte Real de São Filipe, the first and most important fortification anywhere in Cape Verde, overlooks Cidade Velha from its privileged position on a 120-metre tall hill. Destroyed by the French in the 18th century, then rebuilt, and recently restored, it is today one of the country's most recognizable and most visited …

Colonia Penal de Tarrafal (Santiago)

For some insight into Cape Verde's more recent turbulent history, visit Colonia Penal de Tarrafal, a prison and concentration camp nicknamed 'Campo da Morte Lenta' (Camp of the Slow Death). It was used to keep political opponents of António de Oliveira Salazar, the right-wing dictator who governed Portugal in the mid-20th century. It is …

Maio

Maio may be one of the most unfairly overlooked of the Cape Verde islands. It is true that tourist infrastructure is somewhat lacking, but that's part of its charm. Untouched beaches and sand dunes cover much of the island, though it is also home to a large forest, uncharacteristic in these parts. You may …

Serra Malagueta (Santiago)

The Serra Malagueta Natural Park lies in the northern part of the island of Santiago, a lush expanse crowned by the 1,064-metre Serra Malagueta. As one of the greenest areas in the whole country, and offering stunning views from the mountainous terrain, it is the premier hiking region in Cape …

Brava

The greenest and smallest inhabited island in Cape Verde is sometimes called the 'island of flowers' due to its diversity of flora and fauna. It is also one of the most mountainous islands, known for its picturesque cliffs and gorges, making it another premier hiking …

Outdoor Activities

Cape Verde is a prime destination for outdoor activities and adventure-seeking, with people coming from all over the world to hike, dive, windsurf and fish, and also to admire some of the marine wildlife in the area, like turtles and whales. Below are the best times of year and islands for each activity: Diving: April-September …

Pedra de Lume Salterns (Sal)

On the appropriately named island of Sal, just to the east of Espargos, is the 1.8-kilometre wide crater of Pedra de Lume, an extinct volcano crater which is now home to the Pedra de Lume salterns. Though salt extraction is now inactive, it is still a fascinating visit and an interesting view, with white …

Viveiro Botanical Garden and Zoo (Sal)

Just north of Santa Maria lies this small but beautiful and well cared-for botanical garden and zoo, where you can admire the rugged beauty of the islands. Every type of ornamental plant that can be found on the archipelago can be found here, as well as a small assortment of animals, including bunnies, donkeys, …

Mercado de Peixe (Sao Vicente)

This fish market is a sight in itself, where fishermen sell their catch of the day and experts fillet large tuna in the back. But what is really special about this place is that you can purchase what you want from the market stalls and take them to any of the surrounding eateries to …

Dining

Seafood abounds in Cape Verde, with delicacies like grilled lobster, tuna, and octopus featuring on most menus, as well as Creole and Portuguese specialities. The most representative typical dish is the 'cachupa' (pictured above), a filling mix of maize, beans, sweet potato and chicken or meat. The larger towns offer an increasingly wide variety of restaurants and cuisines, but on smaller islands, many places will be limited to the lunch of the day ('prato do dia'), which usually includes the freshest catches. Here are the top places to eat while in Cape Verde:

Barracuda (Sal)

Barracuda, a wonderful and quite popular seafood restaurant, boasts a privileged location on the gorgeous Santa Maria beach. You can be sure that your meal will be served with the freshest seafood, caught by the local fishermen who dock their small boats right in front of the …

Chez Pastis (Sal)

Another high-end restaurant in Santa Maria, Chez Pastis stands out as much for its unique location and quirky ambiance as it does for its great food and service. They take pride in serving only the highest quality Brazilian beef, though the menu includes local specialities and seafood, as …

Odjo d’Àgua (Sal)

The Odjo d’Àgua Hotel has four dining options at its superb location at the end of Santa Maria beach. Farolin specialises in fresh fish and national dishes, such as cachupa, Esplanada Palha Verde offers pre-meal aperitifs, Esplanada Porton di nos Ilha is more of a lounge area for after dinner drinks, and Sambinha serves …

Sal Beach Club

The Sal Beach Club is a laid-back beach establishment serving quick lunches, comfort food, great snacks, and even western-style breakfasts. It doubles as a sports bar and often screens important events on its large TVs. At night, the place really comes alive with food, music, parties, and diverse …

Quintal da Música (Santiago)

Quintal da Música is a space that combines gastronomy and culture in the very centre of Praia. Typical Cape Verdean cuisine is served to the backdrop of nightly live traditional music. Nationally and internationally-renowned artists have delighted customers here with their music, an experience that keeps them coming back time and time …

Cafe Criolo (Sal)

Cafe Criolo doesn't look like much more than a shack when you first catch glimpse of it, but it happens to be one of the best local restaurants on Sal. Servings are huge, prices are very reasonable, the atmosphere is vibrant and the traditional Cape Verdean dishes are of the finest quality. They also …

Restaurante Pescador (Santiago)

As part of the Boutique Hotel Pescador, this restaurant is a step up in quality from most establishments in the country, in terms of ambience and quality on par with fine dining at any great European capital. The extensive menu features always fresh fish, as well as local wines from Fogo …

Beramar (Boa Vista)

The menu at Beramar is not exactly extensive, but the dishes on offer are made to perfection, a fusion of Italian, Mediterranean and seafood, always with an interesting twist. Expect high prices for high-quality food and service, as well as for the fantastic views of the sea and the lovely …

Creperia Sol Doce (Sal)

Creperia Sol Doce never fails to surprise its customers. No one expects much from the food, being just a small establishment by the beach with very reasonable prices, but the quality of the dishes is superb. Home cooking and fresh fish are the speciality of the house, as are, of course, enormous homemade crepes …

Kebra Cabana (Santiago)

Kebra Cabana is one of the coolest restaurant-bars in Praia, with a prime location by the beach and great food. Young, fashionable people wearing their finest threads gather at Kebra Cabana in droves to groove to the weekly live music. …

Bar Tropikal (Maio)

Bar Tropikal serves authentic Cape Verdean cuisine right on the beautiful Bitxe Rotxa beach on Maio, specialising in raw fish, carpaccio and pizza. Tropikal even has its own ecological farm which supplies the restaurant with the freshest vegetables. Visit in the evening and enjoy the beautiful Maio sunset with one of their specialty caipirinhas. …

Mercado de Peixe (Sao Vicente)

Cabo Cafe & Restaurant (Boa Vista)

Cabo Cafe & Restaurant is an Italian-run establishment, but the menu offers a diverse array of options, including creative takes on local delicacies and even sushi (the tuna comes very highly recommended). With beautiful setting and decor, and a lovely atmosphere, it's one of the best places for dinner on the …

O Cocktail (Sao Vicente)

O Cocktail is a popular open-air restaurant, pizzeria and bar that offers great comfort food and cold drinks. The terrace seating is well-loved, as is the live Cape Verdean music played every weekend at …

Cafes

Most Cape Verdean cafes double as restaurants or bars, so you can often eat, drink, and have dessert at the same place. Pastries are particular highlights here, many following the Portuguese traditions, as are the jams ('doce') made from local exotic fruits, often served with goat cheese for dessert. There is a steadily increasing selection of cafes to be found in the major towns and near popular beach areas. Below are the best cafes in Cape Verde:

Casa Cafe Mindelo (Sao Vicente)

Casa Cafe Mindelo is a small guesthouse, restaurant, cafe and bar, located in a beautifully restored colonial building from 1870 in the heart of Mindelo, overlooking the Porto Grande bay. Come at any time of day for great home-cooked meals, hot coffee or a refreshing drink in the …

Cape Fruit (Sal)

Cape Fruit is a small but absolutely charming cafe and smoothie bar that focuses on healthy living and healthy eating. It is one of the few places that cater to vegetarians and vegans, offering fantastic meat-free options for breakfast and lunch, as well as delicious fruit smoothies and …

Giramondo Ice Cream Cafe (Sal)

You won't find Giramondo listed anywhere, because it is one of Santa Maria's best kept secrets. Decadent waffles, crepes and cakes fill the displays, as do their homemade, Italian-style ice cream flavours. With just a tiny outdoor seating area, it is easy to miss, but definitely worth …

Odjo d’Àgua (Sal)

Cafe Criolo (Sal)

Pão Quente (Santiago)

Originally a family business, Pao Quente has grown quickly to become one of the most loved bakeries in the country, with several locations. They offer varied pastries and typical sweets, like Portuguese cream pastries and rice cakes, as well as birthday cakes and hot …

Creparia Sol Doce (Sal)

Creparia Sol Doce never fails to surprise its customers. No one expects much from the food, being just a small establishment by the beach with very reasonable prices, but the quality of the dishes is superb. Home cooking and fresh fish are the speciality of the house, as are, of course, enormous homemade crepes …

Pastelaria Morabeza (Sao Vicente)

Ask any local what the best pastry shop is in Mindelo and you'll inevitably get the same answer: Pastelaria Morabeza. Great coffee, fresh fruit juice, snacks, sandwiches and free WiFi all make it a wildly popular place, but the biggest draw are the huge selection of fresh pastries, including 'pastel de natas', a Portuguese …

Gelataria Ártica (Santiago)

Escape the oppressive midday heat with a refreshing scoop from the city's oldest ice cream shop. All the usual flavours are complemented by local varieties like mango, papaya and camoca, all homemade. If you're hungry for something more substantial, they also serve light home-cooked …

Ocean Cafe (Sal)

Nhamii Ice Dreams (Santiago)

Nhamii Ice Dreams is a small but sleek gelateria, renowned throughout the islands for its high-quality ice cream, fresh natural fruit juices, crepes and other desserts, as well as sandwiches and assorted light …

Bars & Nightlife

Nightlife in Cape Verde moves to the sounds of 'morna', a beautiful form of folk music that fully captures the country's rich history and mix of cultural influences. In taverns around the islands, people gather after dark to hear the mournful sounds of singers accompanied by guitars, violins, and pianos. More joyful melodies come from the islands' other genres of 'funaná', 'batuque', and 'coladeira', all of which liven up a nightlife scene that lives and breathes music and tradition.

One Love Reggae Bar (Sal)

Perched on top of a downtown Santa Maria building, this rooftop reggae bar is one of the most laid-back places on the island, praised for its chilled vibes and its excellent choice of music, which inevitably leads to patrons dancing well into the …

Odjo d’Àgua (Sal)

Beach Club (Sal)

The Sal Beach Club is a laid-back beach establishment serving quick lunches, comfort food, great snacks and even western style breakfasts. It doubles as a sports bar and often screens important events on their large TVs. At night the place really comes alive with food, music, parties and diverse …

Quintal da Música (Santiago)

Wakan Bar (Boa Vista)

This is by no means a 5-star establishment, but the quality of both the drinks and service at Wakan Bar are unmatched on Boa Vista. The lovely Italian couple who run the place serve delicious cocktails from their small bar (designed to look like a boat) right next to the …

Pub Calema (Sal)

Calema is a typical local bar, with plastic chairs on the pavement and a signature warm welcome. There virtually now tourists here, which allows visitors to experience an authentic Cape Verdean night out, complete with kizomba and a crowded but joyful dance …

Bar Tropikal (Maio)

Buddy Bar (Sal)

Buddy Bar is one of the best places to hear authentic local music in Cape Verde, with nightly performances by local artists in the bar's intimate space. They also have an extensive selection at the bar, specializing in gin, with over 15 varieties. …

Cine Praia (Santiago)

If you're looking for a more low-key night out on Santiago, Cine Praia is a great option. Cinema-lovers can catch the latest Hollywood blockbusters in comfort and luxury at this large and modern theatre in Praia Shopping. …

O Cocktail (Sao Vicente)

Shopping

Most everyday products in Cape Verde are imported, and thus tend to be on the expensive side, but locally-produced items are plentiful, and strolling through the stalls at any of the islands' vibrant markets is an experience not to be missed. Find fresh produce and fish, local coffee, cheese and jam, wine, rum and the traditional grogue, and of course, a wealth of handicrafts and artwork, including wood carvings, woven baskets, paintings and jewellery.