Traveling to Cape Verde: getting to know the Green Cape

Cape Verde (or Cabo Verde) is a wonderland. Despite its colourful name, this archipelago lost in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean is not green at all, as its landscapes are volcanic and rocky. However, this does not prevent it from being an ideal alternative to more well-known resorts. This former Portuguese colony has everything one may need for a great vacation and an unforgettable trip.
Getting to know Cape Verde
History doesn’t say why the European colonizers called the islands "green" (verde). Yet there is an assumption that the islands were once covered with greenery and that the current landscape is the result of human activity. Or that it was given due to the azure water surrounding the archipelago: under certain conditions, it can sometimes really seem to be green.
However, Cape Verde today is one of the best tourist destinations in the world, because:
• Rich background of the islands' settlement, which dates back to the 15th century (until then, the archipelago was uninhabited), creates a unique culture that is a combination of Portuguese and Italian themes with the spicy flavour of Africa.
• The tourist slogan of the country is No stress. Therefore, everything is done here to make life and stay on the islands as relaxing and pleasant as possible.
• In fact, the whole year here is sunny, warm, dry, and not suffocating due to the winds from the continent.
• This is an ideal alternative to more famous resorts, as a high level of service, well-developed hotel infrastructure, snow-white beaches, gentle sea, and comfortable weather conditions coexist here with fairly moderate prices.
• The islands are also a place of great interest to fans of active recreation, as they are one the world's top 5 places for diving and are considered to be a great place for surfing, kiting, hiking, fishing, and ecotourism.
Moreover, each island has its peculiarities, which is why Cape Verde is called the country of 10 directions. A brief description of Cape Verde’s every part can be in a form of this guide:
• The largest island of the archipelago, Santiago, is a business and trade centre. The capital of the republic, the city of Praia, is located here. And also — a national park where 500-year-old baobabs and dragon trees (dragon trees) grow. Locals say that this island combines the landscapes of all its "siblings".
• The second largest isle of Sau Antoine beckons hikers and hang-gliders with its tropical vegetation-covered cliffs, canyons, and scenic ridges. In addition to the beautiful nature, here one can see the oldest lighthouse of the archipelago, and take a sip of authentic coffee and grog.
• Sal Island is the tourist mecca of Cape Verde. Here vacationers are awaited by hotels of various levels, white beaches, salt volcanic lakes, an intricate coastline, and the most opportunities for various water sports (diving, surfing, yachting, etc.).
• Boa Vista is called the island of dunes. It is recommended for fans of ATV trips and seekers of true African exoticism.
• Sao Vincente is the cultural capital of Cape Verde. It preserves the ancient traditions of the local population, as well as culinary and artistic heritage. The world-famous singer Sezaria Evora was also born here.
• Sau Nicolau is the only place in the archipelago with sufficient amounts of fresh drinking water. Therefore, it is the greenest place which has a waterfall, a considerable amount of exotic vegetation, rocks with ancient writings, and towns that have preserved many architectural monuments of the 18th and 19th centuries.
• The distant Mayu island was formed by a dormant volcano. It is a great place for those who want to relax by the sea in solitude, as the local white beaches are removed from highways and towns.
• The protected uninhabited island of Santa Lucia is awed with its space-like desert and mountain scenery.
• The island volcano of Foigu is the highest point of the archipelago. The area around the volcanic cone has been declared a nature reserve and is worth seeing for its quaint volcanic landscapes contrasting with brightly colored houses, and for unique black sand beaches.
• The smallest of the islands, Brava, is called Blooming because of its extremely rich vegetation. Due to the steep coastline and few settlements, it does not attract beach vacationers and is therefore a paradise for those who want to be alone with nature in peace.
Fun fact: you can determine the age of the islands by their topography. The old ones are flatter, mostly covered with beaches, while the young ones are high and rocky.
What to see in Cape Verde?
Travelers are often advised to choose one island and stay on it. This derives from the fact that the transport connection here is peculiar (not all islands are connected by direct flights), and therefore it is not cheap. However, a trip around Cape Verde is worth it.
Climate
FYI
Visa to Cape Verde
Recommended articles
5 min
Residence permit
4 min
Treatment
The simultaneous stay of visitors in the hotel lobby not more than one person per 10 square meters of serviceable area is allowed.
Persons can visit hotels and stay there (outside hotel room) only if they wear respirator or face mask (including homemade mask), so that the nose and mouth are covered.
Hotel guests are obliged to keep the 1.5 meters distance.
Online check-in making in advance is recommended to avoid queues at check-in to hotel.
Meals in hotels are provided through meals delivery service to rooms upon prior order or at hotel restaurants situated inside or in open areas, provided the distance of at least 1.5 meters between seats at adjacent tables.
Not more than 4 clients are allowed to stay at the table (excluding children under 14 years old). Unless these tables are separated by a special partition;
Self-serve is not allowed.
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