Cape Verde
Volcanic islands of music and sun

About Cape Verde

Overview

Cape Verde is an archipelago of ten volcanic islands scattered in the Atlantic off the coast of West Africa, blending African, Portuguese and Brazilian influences into a laid-back island culture all its own. Golden beaches and windswept dunes on the flatter islands give way to soaring peaks, terraced valleys and hiking trails on the greener, mountainous ones. A near year-round warm, dry climate makes it a favorite for winter sun, water sports and the soulful sound of morna music. Relaxed, safe and welcoming, it rewards both beach lovers and adventurers.

On the map

Touristic sites

The landmarks that shape a journey through Cape Verde, explore them on the map.

  • 1
    Santa Maria (Sal)A resort town on Sal island known for long white-sand beaches, water sports and easygoing nightlife.
  • 2
    Sal Rei (Boa Vista)The main town of Boa Vista, gateway to vast dunes, turtle-nesting beaches and turquoise seas.
  • 3
    Pico do FogoCape Verde's highest peak, an active volcano rising dramatically from a lunar crater on Fogo island.
  • 4
    Cidade VelhaCape Verde's oldest town and a UNESCO World Heritage site, the first European colonial outpost in the tropics.
  • 5
    Mindelo (Sao Vicente)The cultural capital, famed for its lively harbor, colonial architecture, music scene and Carnival.
  • 6
    PraiaThe national capital on Santiago, a bustling port city set on a clifftop plateau above the ocean.
  • 7
    Santo AntaoThe lush, mountainous northern island, laced with dramatic ridge and valley hiking trails.
  • 8
    Tarrafal (Santiago)A relaxed northern Santiago town known for one of the country's finest sheltered beaches.
Best time to travel

November to March

Cape Verde enjoys a warm, dry climate throughout the year, so there is no truly bad time to visit. The peak season runs from November to March, offering reliable winter sun, and January to March in particular brings slightly cooler temperatures in the comfortable mid-twenties Celsius, ideal for hiking on the greener islands. November to June is the prime window for wind sports such as windsurfing, kitesurfing and sailing, while April to November suits scuba diving with warm, clear seas. Humpback whales visit Cape Verde's waters in the early months of the year, adding a seasonal wildlife highlight.

Nov-MarPeak season with dependable winter sun, warm beaches and the busiest resorts, especially around the holidays.
Jan-MarSlightly cooler mid-twenties temperatures, best for hiking, plus the humpback whale-watching window.
Nov-JunPrime season for wind sports including windsurfing, kitesurfing and sailing.
Apr-NovWarmest, clearest seas and the best conditions for scuba diving.
Good to know

Cape Verde at a glance

The practical essentials for planning your trip. Our team confirms the details for your dates and nationality.

Best time to travelYear-round; November to March for peak winter sun
CapitalPraia
LanguagePortuguese (Cape Verdean Creole widely spoken)
CurrencyCape Verdean escudo (CVE)
Entry / visaVisa-free for many nationalities (e.g. EU, UK, US, Canada up to 30 days), but a compulsory online EASE pre-registration and an airport security tax (31 EUR) are required for air arrivals
Getting aroundInter-island flights and ferries connect the islands; taxis, aluguer shared minibuses and rental cars serve travel within each island
What to book

Best tours in Cape Verde

A taste of our most-loved journeys. Every one is a flexible starting point for your tailor-made trip.

Adventure & Nature

Cape Verde Volcanic Island-Hopper

The archipelago on foot, Mindelo's music, the terraced valleys of Santo Antão and the summit of Fogo's active volcano.

Family

Beaches & Culture Combo

A relaxed mix of beach and culture, the golden sands of Sal, the music of Mindelo and a day in the valleys of Santo Antão, linked by the new inter-island flights.

Classic & Cultural

Five-Island Grand Tour

The archipelago in full, five islands spanning music, volcanic landscapes, heritage and the country's finest beaches, made easy by improved connectivity.

See all Cape Verde programs
Why Cape Verde

The specials

Beaches and water sports

Islands like Sal and Boa Vista offer endless white-sand beaches and world-class conditions for windsurfing, kitesurfing and diving in warm Atlantic waters.

Volcanic hiking on Fogo and Santo Antao

Trekkers can climb the smoking cone of Pico do Fogo or wander the spectacular ridge-and-valley trails of lush Santo Antao.

Music and Creole culture

The soulful morna and lively coladeira music, epitomized by singer Cesaria Evora, fill the bars of Mindelo and reflect the archipelago's rich Creole heritage.

Questions about Cape Verde?

Read our frequently asked questions, or tell us what you're dreaming up and we'll design it around you.

Travel facts verified from Cape Verde - Wikipedia, Lonely Planet, A guide to Cabo Verde. Sample tours are suggested starting points; details and pricing are finalised by the Tourkom team.