The 10 most frequently asked questions about holidays in Cabo Verde

Cabo Verde is an enchanting archipelago full of history, vibrant culture and natural beauty. For those planning a holiday in Cabo Verde, there are always some common questions about the best islands, beaches, activities and historical sites to visit.

This pocket guide brings together 10 of the most frequently asked questions about holidays in Cabo Verde.

With these questions and answers you'll be able to plan a trip that's truly unforgettable, whether it's the luxury of the paradisiacal landscapes or the cultural experiences and outdoor adventures.

Find out how to get the most out of this tropical and enchanting destination.

Which are the most recommended islands for a luxury holiday in Cabo Verde?

The most recommended islands for luxury holidays in Cabo Verde are:

Sal Island

Sal Island stands out as a luxury destination in Cabo Verde, see:

• White sandy beaches and crystal blue waters;

Santa Maria Beach

• Highly developed tourist infrastructure;
• Amílcar Cabral International Airport with easy access;
• Luxurious resorts and hotels;

• Excellent conditions for water sports such as windsurfing and kitesurfing.

See Cabo Verde holidays on Sal Island

Boa Vista Island

Another unmissable luxury destination, Boa Vista offers:

• Dream beaches, including Santa Monica beach (considered one of the best in the world);

Santa Mónica Beach

• Viana Desert;

Viana Desert

• All-inclusive resorts;
• Ideal for families looking for a peaceful holiday;

Morabeza Beach

• Approximately 55 kilometres of stunning sandy beaches.

See Cabo Verde holidays on Boa Vista Island

Complementary Luxury Alternatives

Santiago

For travellers who prefer luxury with a cultural experience, Santiago Island is a good option:

• Capital Praia with sophisticated infrastructure;
• Cidade Velha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site;

Cidade Velha

• Hotel options and unique cultural experiences.

See Cabo Verde holidays on Santiago Island

Fogo Island

For even more natural and exclusive luxury:

• Active volcano as the centrepiece;

Fogo Volcano

• Unique vineyards on the volcanic slopes;
• Stunning panoramic landscapes.

Important tip: For the best experience, we recommend that you include Fogo Island in an itinerary of 2 or more islands. Take advantage of its proximity to the island of Brava and enjoy a trip full of unmissable experiences!

See Cabo Verde holidays on the island of Fogo

Which are the less touristy but equally recommended islands in Cabo Verde?

Cabo Verde has several less touristy but incredibly interesting islands:

Maio Island

• Less well known, with only 6,330 residents;
• Deserted and paradisiacal beaches;

Ponta Preta Beach

• Excellent for spotting seabirds and turtles;
• Charming countryside with traditional villages;

Morro Village

• Norte do Maio Natural Park as a major attraction.

See Cabo Verde holidays on Maio Island

São Nicolau Island

• Underrated destination with diverse landscapes;
• Two natural wonders: Carbeirinho and Monte Gordo Natural Park;

View from inside a cave in Carbeirinho

• Incredible and little explored trails;
• Unique white and black sand beaches;
• Juncalinho and Carbeirinho natural pools.

Juncalinho natural pools

See Cabo Verde Holidays on São Nicolau Island

Brava Island

• Known as the ‘Island of Flowers’;
• Milder climate and lush greenery;
• Spectacular trails with breathtaking views;

View during trekking in Mato Grande

• Recommended route: Nossa Senhora do Monte to Fajã d'Água;

View of Fajã d'Água

• Landscapes that combine green mountains with blue sea.

See Cabo Verde Holidays on Brava Island

What are the best black sand beaches in Cabo Verde?

Cabo Verde has several black sand beaches that are true natural treasures. Here are some of the best:

1. Ponta da Salina Beach

• Location: Fogo Island.

• Characteristics: Black sand of volcanic origin, surrounded by impressive rock formations. It's a quiet, uncrowded beach, ideal if you prefer a relaxing, natural setting.

Ponta da Salina Beach

2. Tarrafal de Monte Trigo Beach

• Location: Santo Antão Island.

• Characteristics: Known for its black sands and stunning scenery, this beach is ideal for those who appreciate unspoilt nature. Access is difficult, which contributes to its tranquillity.

Tarrafal de Monte Trigo Beach

3. Fonte Bila Beach

• Location: Fogo Island.

• Characteristics: This beach also has black sand and is famous for its natural beauty. It is popular with locals and offers an authentic experience.

Fonte Bila Beach

4. Baixo Beach

• Location: Santiago Island.

• Characteristics: With black volcanic sand, this beach is a secluded haven perfect for those wishing to escape the crowds. It is excellent for snorkelling and exploring marine life.

Baixo Beach

Which beaches in Cabo Verde are the least known and most recommended?

Cabo Verde has several lesser-known but incredibly fascinating beaches:

On the island of São Nicolau

• Beaches with unique and little explored landscapes.

• Highlights include:

  • Praia Baixo Rocha;
  • Praia do Francês;
  • Ponta do Cantinho Beach;
  • Juncalinho Natural Pool.

Baixo Rocha Beach

On the island of Maio

• Deserted and authentic beaches.

• Recommended options:

  • Bitche Rotcha Beach;
  • Praia do Galeão;
  • Royal Beach;
  • Dunes Beach.

Bitche Rocha Beach

On the island of Santo Antão

• Beaches with impressive volcanic scenery.

• Less touristy beaches:

  • Praia d'Aranhas;
  • Tarrafal de Monte Trigo Beach;
  • Esboradeiro Beach;
  • Curraletes Beach.

Tarrafal de Monte Trigo Beach

These beaches stand out for having:

• Unspoilt natural landscapes;
• Less tourist traffic;
• Cultural authenticity;
• A peaceful and unspoilt environment.

5. Which 5 beaches in Cabo Verde are best for families?

Cabo Verde offers several ideal beaches for families, combining safety, infrastructure and activities for all ages:

1. Santa Monica Beach

• Location: Boa Vista Island.

• Characteristics: Known for its long white sands and calm waters, it is perfect for children to play. The beach is surrounded by family resorts and offers beach services.

Santa Mónica Beach

2. Salinas Beach

• Location: Sal Island.

• Characteristics: With calm, shallow waters, it is very good for families with small children. The beach has an infrastructure of bars and restaurants, as well as safe water activities.

3. Tarrafal Beach

• Location: Santiago Island.
• Characteristics: With calm waters and beautiful scenery, it's a great option for families wanting a more relaxing atmosphere. There are also restaurants and facilities nearby.

Tarrafal Beach

4. Chaves Beach

• Location: Boa Vista Island.

• Characteristics: This is a less busy beach, perfect for families who favour tranquillity. The waters are calm and the sand is ideal for playing.

Chaves Beach

5. Estoril Breach

• Location: Boa Vista Island.

• Characteristics: Popular with families, it offers good infrastructure and activities such as boat trips and snorkelling in calm waters.

Estoril Beach

Discover here the secret beaches you can explore on your holidays in Cabo Verde.

What are the main tourist activities in the Cabo Verde archipelago?

Cabo Verde offers a wide range of tourist activities, also thanks to its geographical diversity, favourable climate and cultural richness:

Hiking and Trekking

• Santo Antão: It is considered the most suitable island for hiking, with trails ranging from easy to challenging.

• Vale do Paúl Trail: One of the most popular, it offers breathtaking views of lush green valleys.

Trilho do Vale do Paúl

• Cova-Ribeira Grande: Um percurso desafiador com paisagens vulcânicas impressionantes.

• Fogo: Hiking on the active volcano Pico do Fogo.

• São Nicolau: Trails in the Monte Gordo Natural Park.

Diving and Snorkeling

• Sal: Oferece alguns dos melhores locais para mergulho, incluindo:

• Buracona: Famosa pelo “Olho Azul” subaquático.

Buracona

• Kwarcit Wreck: A sunken ship that has become an artificial reef.

• Boa Vista: Excellent for observing marine life, including rays and sharks.

• São Vicente: Diving in crystal-clear waters with exceptional visibility.

Find out here where to go diving and snorkelling during your holiday in Cabo Verde.

Kitesurf and Windsurf

• Sal: Santa Maria is a world hotspot for these sports.

• Boa Vista: Chaves Beach and Estoril Beach are the most popular among practitioners.

• São Vicente: São Pedro Bay offers ideal conditions for windsurfing.

Find out here where to go kitesurfing and windsurfing during your holidays in Cabo Verde.

Animal watching

• Turtles: Mainly in Boa Vista, Sal and Maio, from June to October.
• Whales: Humpback whale watching between March and May, especially in Boa Vista and Sal.
• Birds: Santo Antão and São Nicolau are excellent for birdwatching.

Boat trips

• Cruises between islands, offering panoramic views of the archipelago.
• Sport fishing trips, especially in Sal and São Vicente.
• Animal watching excursions, such as dolphins and whales.

Cultural activities

• Music festivals, such as the Baía das Gatas Festival in São Vicente.
• Visits to traditional villages in Santiago and Santo Antão.
• Gastronomic tours to sample the local cuisine.

Other Water Sports

• Surfing: Santa Maria Beach in Sal and Cruz Beach in Boa Vista.
• Stand-up Paddle: Popular in calm lagoons and protected bays.
• Jet skiing and parasailing: Available at resorts on the more touristy islands.

Which are the 3 best islands in Cabo Verde for cultural experiences?

São Vicente

• Cultural Capital: Mindelo, the main city, is considered the cultural capital of the archipelago.

• Music: Birthplace of great musicians such as Cesária Évora.

• Mindelo Cultural Centre: Often hosts musical events.

• Baía das Gatas Festival: One of the biggest music festivals in the country.

• Carnival: Mindelo's carnival is the most famous in Cabo Verde, rivalling those in Brazil and Trinidad.

• Art: Art galleries and studios run by local artists

• Literature: The birthplace of several renowned Cape Verdean writers.

• Nightlife: Bars and clubs playing traditional music such as morna and coladeira.

Mindelo Carnival

Santiago

• History: Home to the Old Town, the first European settlement in sub-Saharan Africa.
• Traditional Markets: Like the Sucupira Market on the beach.
• Museums: Ethnographic Museum and Museum of the Sea in Praia.
• Traditional Festivities: Religious celebrations and folk festivals throughout the year.

Fogo

• Viniculture: Wine production on the slopes of the volcano.
• Colonial Architecture: Well-preserved sobrados in São Filipe.
• San Filipe Festivities: Annual celebrations with horse races and parades.

Is there a special period for turtle watching in Cabo Verde?

Turtle watching in Cabo Verde is a unique and exciting experience, with the archipelago being one of the most important sites in the world for nesting sea turtles, especially the loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta).

Observation Period

• Main Season: June to October.
• Peak Season: July to September.

Loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta)

Main Locations

1. Boa Vista Island

• Considered the world's 3rd largest turtle nesting reserve.
• Beaches: Ervatão, Lacacão, Curral Velho.
• 95% of the turtles that lay their eggs in Cabo Verde choose this island.*

2. Sal Island

• Beaches: Costa da Fragata, Serra Negra, Algodoeiro.
• Well-established conservation programmes.

3. Maio Island

• Less touristy beaches, offering a more intimate experience.

4. São Vicente Island

• Praia do Norte and Praia Grande.

São Pedro Beach, on São Vicente Island

Types of Turtles

• Hawksbill turtle (Caretta caretta): the most common;
• Green turtle (Chelonia mydas);
• Leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea).

Observation Activities

1. Night Watching

• Best time: 9pm to 4am
• Specialised guides accompany visitors;
• Strict rules to avoid disturbing the turtles.

2. Visits to Conservation Centres

• Learn about the life cycle and conservation;
• Possibility of seeing hatchlings in protected nurseries.

3. Volunteer Programmes

• Opportunities to take part in conservation projects;
• Duration: from one week to several months.

9. What is the greenest and most mountainous island in Cabo Verde?

Santo Antão is recognised as Cape Verde's greenest and most mountainous island, offering stunning landscapes and a unique experience for visitors.

Eito, Paúl Valley, on Santo Antão Island

Geography and Topography

• Size: Second largest island in the archipelago (779 km²)
• Highest point: Top of the Crown (1,979 metres)
• Formation: Volcanic origin, with deep valleys and rugged peaks

Unique Characteristics

1. Green valleys

• Paúl Valley: One of the most impressive, with terraced plantations.
• Ribeira Grande: Fertile valley with abundant agriculture.

2. Microclimates

• North-east side: Greener and wetter.
• Southwest side: drier and more arid.

3. Biodiversity

• Endemic flora: Includes species such as the dragon tree.
• Fauna: Endemic birds and a variety of unique insects.

Main Natural Attractions

1. Cova: Volcanic crater transformed into an agricultural area

View of the Cova Crater

2. Ponta do Sol: Picturesque village with panoramic views
3. Fontainhas: Village considered one of the most beautiful in the world
4. Ribeira da Torre: Deep valley with impressive rock formations
5. Moroços Natural Park: Protected area with unique flora and fauna

10. What are the top 7 historical sites in Cabo Verde to visit?

Cabo Verde has several significant historical sites, reflecting its rich history as a meeting point between African and European cultures. Here are some of the most important:

1. Cidade Velha (Ribeira Grande de Santiago)

• Location: Santiago Island.

• Significance: First European colonial city in the tropics, founded in 1462.

• Status: UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2009.

• Main Attractions:

  • Royal Fortress of San Filipe (16th century).
  • Ruins of the Cathedral (16th century).
  • Pelourinho (symbol of municipal authority and slavery).
  • Church of Our Lady of the Rosary (the oldest church in sub-Saharan Africa).

• Historical importance: Centre of the transatlantic slave trade.

Ruins of the Cathedral of Ribeira de Santiago, on Santiago Island

2. Tarrafal Concentration Camp

• Location: Santiago Island.

• Period of Operation: 1936-1974.

• Meaning: Political prison during the Portuguese dictatorial regime.

• Characteristics:

  • Known as the ‘Camp of Slow Death’.
  • It is currently a museum and memorial.

• Significance: Symbol of resistance to Portuguese colonialism.

Tarrafal Concentration Camp, on the island of Santiago

3. Mindelo

• Location: São Vicente Island.

• Points of Interest:

  • Historic centre with colonial architecture.
  • Replica of the Belém Tower.
  • Municipal Market (art deco style).

• Cultural Importance: Centre of Cape Verde's cultural and intellectual life.

Municipal Market, on the island of São Vicente

4. São Filipe

• Location: Fogo Island.
• Attractions:
  • Sobrados: Colonial houses from the 18th and 19th centuries.
  • São Filipe Mother Church.
• Importance: Preservation of Portuguese colonial architecture.

São Filipe

5. Maria Pia Lighthouse

• Location: Praia, Santiago.
• Built: 1881.
• Importance: One of the oldest lighthouses in Africa.

D. Maria Pia Lighthouse, on the island of Santiago

6. Museum of the Sea

• Location: Mindelo, São Vicente.
• Content: Cape Verde's maritime history, including the Age of Discovery.

Museum of the Sea, on the island of São Vicente

7. Praia Ethnographic Museum

• Location: Praia, Santiago.
• Exhibitions: Artefacts illustrating the culture and history of Cabo Verde.

Whether it's relaxing on white sandy beaches, exploring trails among green mountains or discovering culture through music and gastronomy, Cabo Verde offers unique experiences for all tastes.

This archipelago is more than a tourist destination - it's a place of connection, cultural immersion and unspoilt nature.

We hope this guide has answered your main questions, and that you are better prepared to discover the magic of Cabo Verde.

Come explore, relax and immerse yourself in the wonders this paradise has to offer. Start planning your holiday in Cabo Verde!

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