Capo 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.