Cape Verde

Understand

Cape Verde (population 550,000 in 2019) is 500 km from the west coast of Africa. The previously uninhabited islands were discovered and colonized by the Portuguese in the 15th century; they subsequently became a trading centre for African slaves and later an important coaling and re-supply stop for whaling and transatlantic shipping. Independence was achieved in 1975.

Most Cape Verdeans have both African and Portuguese ancestors.

The government declared in 2013 that the country's official name would not be translated into foreign languages and the country is now the Republic of Cabo Verde or simply Cabo Verde, although only time will tell if this change will enter common usage.

Get in

thumb|375px|Visa policy of Cape Verde

Get around

thumb|Sail boat in Cape Verde thumb|São Filipe airport.

Most road and sidewalk surfaces in Cabo Verde are made of large, rough, irregular, uneven and sharp cobblestones, which are often spaced wide apart and may protrude several centimetres from the ground. These surfaces are generally unsuitable for wheeled luggage, baby strollers, folding bicycles or anything with wheels smaller than those of a car or standard bicycle.

Transportation between islands is possible by plane and ferry. Plane tickets are more expensive than ferry tickets. If funds are not a constraint, Cabo Verdeans seem to prefer flights due to better reliability, shorter duration and lack of sea-sickness.

Timetables in Cape Verde are not to be taken too seriously - don't be too surprised if that boat departs ahead of schedule or if that flight suddenly gets postponed until tomorrow. This is important to consider if you decide to do some island-hopping. Due to weather and other conditions flights may be delayed or canceled. Carry your toothbrush with you and build in some buffer time to your planning especially if you need to meet an international connection.

See

thumbnail|A beach in Praia Cidade Velha, whose name translates to "Old City" was the first European city in the tropics and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Cova Valley on Santo Antão - located in a crater of an extinct volcano. The town hall, cathedral and Palace of Justice in the capital Praia. Fogo, an island of volcanoes, one of which erupted in 1995 and 2014/2015.

Do

The possibility on what to do differ strongly by the size and type of island (see pages for individual islands). Some activities available on particular islands include: Game fishing Kite surfing & wind surfing Diving Jetskiing and other water sports Canyoning in Santo Antao

Eat

thumbnail|Market hall in Praia Cape Verde has fantastic fresh seafood. Tuna is common, as is Wahoo - a white fleshed fish with similar texture.

Lagostada – a lobster dish Cachupa - the national dish made with maize and potato. Fish or chicken commonly added for flavour. Tosta mista - common toasted ham and cheese sandwich.

European food is common on all the islands. Italian is especially popular on Sal. Vegetarians can ask for omelette or salads.

Sleep

There are plenty of hotels and guest houses throughout the archipelago. Though the largest hotels are based on the islands of Sal (Riu Funana and Garopa hotels--1000 rooms combined), and Boa Vista (Riu Touareg--881 rooms).

Stay safe

Pickpocketing and purse snatching are quite common in Cape Verde, especially in the main cities (Praia, Mindelo) and on the islands popular with tourists (Boa Vista, Sal). Thieves should be particularly watched out for in large crowds, such as at markets, festivals or other celebrations. Theft and robbery are often committed by street children and youth gangs. Violent crime, much of it drug-related, has also increased. It is best to avoid travelling alone at night. There are also cases of robberies against tourists on beaches.

The emergency number is 132.

UK health authorities have classified Cape Verde as having a risk of Zika virus transmission.

The WHO declared that, as of 2024, malaria has been eradicated in the entire country, with no cases reported for over three years.

Stay healthy

In the resorts, the tap water is usually desalinated and safe to drink. In other areas, bottled water is cheap and commonly available.

Respect

People are polite and friendly: they will try to sell you something and if you refuse, they will invent stories about the hardship of their families. It is good to buy something, but important to bargain.