Cape Verde — Where to Go
Top Things to See
• Wander around Cidade Velha in Santiago, the first European settlement in the tropics and a World Heritage site to boot. City ruins from the 1600s have survived the ravages of both time and pirates, and Fortaleza Real de Sao Filipe, a dramatic cliff-side fort, provides sea views.
• Trek around Cape Verde's diverse islands. Fogo has a beautiful volcanic peak with sweeping views, while Boa Vista has a desert-like quality with shifting sand dunes and palm trees.
• Sun yourself on Cape Verde's pristine beaches. Two of the best are the fine white sand beaches of Sal and the salty black sand beaches of Sao Nicolau.
• Watch the sunset on Sal Island. Truly one of the most beautiful in the world.
• Go bird-watching. Cape Verde is home to several rare breeds of African birds, as well as unique types of sparrows, swifts and warblers.
Top Things to Do
• Explore the famous salt mines of Sal, after which the island is named. The mines were built inside a dormant volcano and are a fascinating and eerie experience.
• Listen to live music on Sao Vicente. Cape Verde is famous for sultry morna folk music, but its inhabitants also like to dance to faster samba and tango rhythms. For a taster, try Cesaria Evora, a national icon.
• Learn to surf or water-ski. Cape Verde has some of the best waves in the world, and most hotels are happy to arrange lessons or board hire.
• Sample Cape Verdean rum or grog, produced on Santo Antão.
• Dance barefoot on the beach. Cape Verdean’s love dancing, and you’re sure to pick up some special moves from the locals.
• Go scuba diving around Sal’s amazing underwater world. Get up close to Cape Verde’s plentiful sea-life.
