Cabo Verde is a great destination for backpackers with a thirst for authenticity and diversity. From the arid landscapes of the Viana desert on Boa Vista Island to the tropical forests of Santo Antão and São Nicolau islands, the archipelago is a real mix of experiences. On each island, there is a unique culture, marked by morabeza - the hospitality and warmth of Cape Verdeans - which welcomes and makes each visitor a member of the family.
By the end of your reading, you'll realise that, on the fringes of the big, luxurious resorts, Cabo Verde is also a destination for letting go and plenty of adventure, ideal for those travelling with a backpack.
In this guide you'll find tips on:
- Transport;
- Accommodation;
- Cultural activities;
- Gastronomy;
- Adventure suggestions;
- Suggested itineraries.
Shall we get to it?
Why is Cabo Verde a good holiday destination for backpackers?
Aerial view of Tarrafal, in Santiago
Firstly, Cabo Verde is a destination that unfolds into several destinations: its contrasting landscapes and ancient traditions make Cabo Verde a multifaceted country.
In Fogo, an active volcano creates almost lunar scenery, while in Santiago, the capital Praia pulses with history and modernity.
In Santo Antão, deep valleys and steep peaks are an internationally recognised paradise for hiking. Maio and Brava offer unshakeable peace, and in Boa Vista and Sal, despite the large influx of tourists, you can still find deserted beaches of unrivalled beauty and take advantage of the sea for the most diverse water sports.
In addition, major festivals such as Carnival attract thousands of people to** São Vicente Island**, which offers an extremely active cultural life. While in São Nicolau, right next door, time passes more slowly between landscapes involving mountains, volcanoes, beaches, fascinating cliffs (Carbeirinho) and swimming in the black and white sands.
Another important point is the absence of mass tourism. Here, backpackers can explore little-known trails, secret beaches and picturesque villages.
Each island has its own identity, with its own traditions, accents and rhythms.
And finally, not only does the country offer relaxed and authentic accommodation options, perfect for those who love backpacking experiences, but it is also a very safe destination.
But what makes Cabo Verde a really special destination for backpackers is the warmth with which every traveller is welcomed wherever they go. The contagious joy, friendliness and relaxation of Cape Verdeans makes this country a paradise.
Tips for backpackers in Cabo Verde
Here are our top tips for an authentic trip:
Transport in Cabo Verde: how to travel between the islands
There are different options for backpackers travelling in Cabo Verde.
Between the islands, the options include domestic flights and ferries, with prices and frequencies varying according to the season.
For backpackers, it is advisable to book ferries in advance, especially on the most popular routes, such as between São Vicente and Santo Antão, especially during the European summer (June to September).
Arrival by inter-island ferry in Santo Antão
There are several ways to get around the islands:
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taxis, especially in the busiest places like Sal, Boa Vista, São Vicente and Santiago;
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car hire;
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collective vans (probably the most authentic way of getting around);
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bicycle and scooter hire, including electric scooters.
Renting bicycles or scooters is ideal for those who want to explore the islands independently and stay true to the backpacker spirit, immersed in the local landscape. Maio Island, for example, is one of the flattest islands in the archipelago, which makes it much easier to use this type of vehicle.
However, in some places, due to the distance between points of interest, it is advisable to use collective vans or hire a car. Find out more about transport options on the Cabo Verde islands here.
Sleeping in Cabo Verde: authentic accommodation
Sleeping in Cabo Verde like a local or native Cape Verdean is a unique experience. The options of homestays and family-run pousadas offer direct contact with the local culture and customs, as well as home-cooked meals that reveal the most authentic flavours of the islands.
Even on the most remote islands, such as Fogo and Brava, you'll find very pleasant accommodation options with the hallmark of Cape Verdean hospitality.
Casa Marisa accommodation on Fogo Island
On the greener islands, such as Santo Antão and São Nicolau, there are immersive accommodation options, ecolodges, which favour contact with nature.
Cultural activities and workshops
From funaná dance classes to basketry, pottery and gastronomy workshops, Cabo Verde allows travellers to connect with the local essence.
Ceramic works from the Rabil Pottery Factory on Boa Vista Island
The best way to find out which activities you can take part in is from local guides and accommodation hosts. These are the people who know the island best.
Cabo Verde is also a country with many museums and cultural centres. Admission is cheap, which makes it easy to access the rich cultural heritage.
São Nicolau Island: Casa da Morna Sodade, Museu da Pesca - Fishing Museum.
São Vicente Island: Museu do Mar - Sea Museum, Núcleo Museológico Cesária Évora, CNAD - national centre of Art and Deisgn - Crafts Museum.
CNAD, on the island of São Vicente
Brava Island: Casa Museu Eugénio Tavares - Eugénio Tavares Museum and Centro de Estudos da Morna - Morna Study Centre.
Santiago Island: Campo de Concentração do Tarrafal - Tarrafal Concentration Camp Museum, Museu da Tabanca - Tabanca Museum, Museu da Arqueologia - Archaeology Museum, Museu Etnográfico da Praia - Praia Ethnographic Museum, Sala Museu Amílcar Cabral - Amílcar Cabral Museum.
Fogo Island: Museu do Café - Coffee Museum.
Sal Island: Museu do Sal - Sal Museum.
Boa Vista Island: Museu de Arqueologia - Archaeology Museum and Museu dos Náufragos - Shipwreck Museum.
Museu dos Náufragos - Shipwreck Museum on Boa Vista Island
Gastronomy for backpackers: what to try in Cabo Verde
Cape Verde's cuisine is a veritable explosion of flavours. Cachupa is the most popular national dish. And if you visit more than one island, always try it, as the way cachupa is made varies greatly from place to place.
In a country surrounded by the sea, it's only natural that fish and seafood are part of the menu. The best way to savour these delicacies is by the beach.
Lapas made on São Nicolau Island
Whichever island you visit, you'll notice that corn is always on the table. On the island of Fogo, for example, with Djagacida or Jagacida, and on the islands of Boa Vista and Santo Antão, with Papas com Frigenote.
But Cabo Verde is also home to an abundance of fruits, which are the basis of delicious jams that accompany the famous goat's cheeses, such as mango and papaya jams.
Did you know that Cabo Verde is also home to excellent wines? It's true. The island of Fogo is internationally renowned for its award-winning wines, which are ‘born’ on the slopes of the volcano. And speaking of volcanoes, there's nothing better than savouring a cachupa washed down with Fogo wine, while enjoying the view of Pico do Fogo.
Also remember to try the country's ‘official drink’: grog. Produced from sugar cane juice, this nectar is found on all the islands, with Santo Antão being the most representative.
And take the opportunity to visit the local markets to be amazed by the colours, textures and aromas of the fruit, vegetables and, of course, fish.
The best of Cabo Verde for adventurous backpackers
Hiking, diving, snorkelling, surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing. Cabo Verde offers endless possibilities when it comes to nature activities.
Trails and hiking
Santo Antão is a trail paradise. Hiking in the Paul Valley reveals lush mountain landscapes and spectacular views.
Santo Antão Island
In São Vicente, Monte Verde offers a panoramic view of the whole island.
And in Fogo, the very demanding climb to the peak of the volcano from Chã das Caldeiras is an unforgettable experience.
In São Nicolau, you'll also find hiking trails that cross practically the entire island and are a good opportunity to get to know the locals in a more immersive way.
Diving and snorkelling
Cape Verde's waters are an invitation to diving and snorkelling. The seas are home to a universe of colourful fish and submerged rock formations, and you can rent equipment at affordable prices in local dive centres.
Throughout the archipelago, backpackers have the opportunity to go diving and snorkelling in Cabo Verde and discover some aquatic wonders:
Sal Island: Santa Maria Bay, Regona and Shark Bay;
Boa Vista Island: Sal Rei Islet, Estoril Bay, Atalanta Beach, Gatas Beach and Pássaros Islet;
São Vicente Island: Baía das Gatas and Praia da Laginha;
Santo Antão Island: Tarrafal de Monte Trigo Bay;
São Nicolau Island: Tarrafal.
At S. Pedro beach on São Vicente Island, snorkelling is accompanied by turtles
Night adventures
On Boa Vista Island, the Viana Desert is perfect for stargazing.
For those who prefer nightlife, the local bars and traditional festivals offer a dip in Cape Verdean spirit. Many of these gatherings are organised by local guides who bridge the gap between travellers and Cape Verdeans, thus creating a very pleasant and friendly atmosphere.
Secret beaches
A good way to marvel at the contagious nature of Cabo Verde is through its lesser-known places, further away from mass tourism.
Some of Cape Verde's more ‘secret’ beaches surprise backpackers, even those who are more ‘well-travelled’.
They are the perfect opportunity to sunbathe and enjoy the sea, while being accompanied by the sound of the waves.
How to prepare for your trip
To get the most out of the experience, prepare for immersion tourism and take only the essentials.
In Cabo Verde, the trade winds cool you down, but the sun is relentless. Sunscreen, a hat and comfortable shoes for the trails are therefore essential.
It is advisable to get a traveller's consultation in your country.
Also, remember to check if you need a visa to enter Cabo Verde and always have copies of your documents.
Here, backpackers can find all the information they need to travel to Cabo Verde.
Suggested itineraries for backpackers
7-day itinerary: Santiago, Fogo, Brava and Maio islands. Starting with a dip in the history of Santiago, the Old Town and the natural beauty of Tarrafal, moving on to adventures on the trails around the volcano of Fogo, continuing with short breaks for relaxation in Fajã d'Água on the island of Brava, and finally true relaxation on the wild beaches of the island of Maio.
10-day itinerary: 3 spectacular islands that provide 10 days of indescribable memories. Santo Antão, São Vicente and São Nicolau are Cape Verde's symbols of mountains, music, culture and adventure. Check out this complete itinerary of Cape Verde's northern islands here.
15-day itinerary: All the islands in just 15 days Start in Santiago, where energy and nature present Cabo Verde at its best. Head to Maio for a well-deserved break, disconnect from everything and relax.
Head back with vigour towards Fogo, where some of the most incredible and challenging landscapes await you. Head to Brava for another break full of culture, flowers and the sea. New challenges await you in São Vicente, where culture, nature and rhythm vibrate simultaneously.
Then explore Santo Antão, follow the most acclaimed trails and allow yourself to be enveloped by Cape Verde's most intense nature. Head to São Nicolau and be amazed by the lunar landscape of Carbeirinho, take a break in the natural pools and superb beaches of this island.
Head for the island of contrasts, Boa Vista, where the immensity of the desert meets the paradise of the sea. Get ready for a grand farewell on Sal Island, relax on the most incredible beaches, experience the health of the salt pans and have lots of fun!
Cabo Verde awaits you!
Cabo Verde is a destination with several tourist products that offer endless possibilities for those who want to travel in a relaxed way and in harmony with the local culture.
During your trip, opt for practices that minimise your carbon footprint and explore the islands in a sustainable way.
Always leave beaches and trails clean and respect nature conservation areas.
Enjoy every moment and be prepared to miss it, because Cabo Verde is a place that always leaves memories and you will certainly want to return.
