Cape Verde Travel Guide — Best Cities, Food & Tips

Good to know

Best time to visit

The best time to visit is November to June when rainfall is minimal and winds are moderate; July–September are hotter and sometimes hazy from Saharan dust (calima).

Currency

Cape Verdean escudo (CVE) — bring euros or cards as a backup, and carry cash for markets and small shops.

Language

Portuguese (official) and Cape Verdean Creole (Kriolu) are widely spoken; some people in tourism sectors speak English.

Getting around

Inter-island travel is by domestic flights (TACV, Binter) and ferries—book domestic flights early; on islands, taxis and aluguer (shared minibuses) are common, with rental cars available on larger islands like Santiago and São Vicente.

Culture & etiquette

Greet people with a handshake and a friendly 'bom dia/noite'; respect local customs in church services and villages, and ask before photographing people.

Country highlights

Mindelo (São Vicente)

Vibrant music and nightlife hub with colonial architecture and the famous Baía das Gatas festival.

Santa Maria (Sal)

Sandy beaches, kiteboarding and clear waters make this the main beach-resort center.

Fogo Volcano and São Filipe (Fogo)

Climb the active Pico do Fogo and visit coffee farms and lava-formed landscapes around São Filipe.

Santo Antão

World-class hiking through dramatic green valleys, terraced farms and coastal trails.

Praia and Cidade Velha (Santiago)

Capital Praia offers markets and nightlife while nearby Cidade Velha is a UNESCO site with colonial history.

Boa Vista dunes and Sal Rei

Expansive desert-like dunes, turtle nesting beaches and a relaxed town atmosphere in Sal Rei.

What to eat

Cachupa

A slow-cooked stew of corn, beans and fish or meat — the national comfort food.

Lagostada / Grilled lobster

Fresh grilled lobster or seafood platters commonly served in coastal restaurants.

Grogue

A strong sugarcane spirit from Santo Antão used straight or in cocktails.

Pastel com diablo dentro

Fried pastry pockets often filled with spicy tuna or meat, great as a snack.

Catchupa rica

A richer version of cachupa with added proteins, often served at celebrations.

Insider tips

Carry some euros to exchange on arrival and small CVE notes for markets; ATMs exist in main towns but can be unreliable on smaller islands.
Book inter-island flights well in advance in high season and check ferry schedules, which can change due to weather.
Pack reef shoes, sunscreen and a light windbreaker; the trade winds can be strong, especially on Sal and Boa Vista.
Negotiate taxi fares beforehand when meters aren’t used and consider shared aluguer minibuses for cheaper transfers.
Respect local conservatism: dress modestly when away from resort beaches and ask before joining religious or private events.

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Good to know — FAQ

Do I need a visa to visit Cape Verde?

Many nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival or an electronic visa (eVisa) — check the Cape Verde government website before travel for your specific passport requirements.

Is it safe to swim and do water sports?

Yes, beaches around Sal and Boa Vista are excellent for swimming and watersports, but be cautious of strong currents and always heed local advice and flagged areas.

How reliable is Wi‑Fi and mobile internet?

Wi‑Fi is common in hotels and cafés in main towns, mobile coverage is decent on larger islands but patchy in remote areas—buy a local SIM (T+ or Unitel) for better access.

Can I drink tap water?

Tap water quality varies; in most places bottled water is recommended for drinking and brushing teeth, though some hotels provide filtered drinking water.