Cape Verde ('Cabo Verde' in Portuguese) is one of the Atlantic's most authentic destinations — archipelago of 10 volcanic islands (4,030 km²) 600 km west of Senegal, 600,000 inhabitants. Former Portuguese colony (1462-1975, one of the first Portuguese discoveries in Africa), independent since 1975. Unique Creole society in Africa (Portuguese-African mix, Cape Verdean Creole language — 'kriolu'), cradle of morna (melancholic music made famous by Cesária Évora 'the barefoot diva' 1941-2011, UNESCO-listed 2019). 10 very different islands: 6 'Windward' islands (Barlavento, north) — Santo Antão (greenest and most mountainous, hikers' paradise), São Vicente (Mindelo, cultural capital), Santa Luzia (deserted), São Nicolau (mountainous authentic), Sal (Santa Maria 8-km beach, world-class kitesurfing), Boa Vista (Saharan dunes by the sea, loggerhead turtles Caretta caretta — world's 4th largest population nesting June-October), Maio. 4 'Leeward' islands (Sotavento, south) — Santiago (UNESCO Cidade Velha 2009, first permanent European settlement in tropics 1462), Fogo (active volcano Pico do Fogo 2,829 m, crater wines), Brava (smallest and most flowery). Dry tropical Sahelian climate (trade winds, little rain). Each island has a strong identity — Sal for kitesurfers, Boa Vista for deserted beaches, Santo Antão for hikes, São Vicente for culture. 10-14 days to combine 3-4 islands. An authentic destination, reasonable prices, 6-h direct flight from Paris.
Duration : 10 days
Route : Sal arrival (1 night) → São Vicente Mindelo flight (2 nights, cultural capital) → Santo Antão ferry (4 nights, hikes) → return São Vicente ferry → Sal flight (2 nights, Santa Maria beach) → return flight
Duration : 8 days
Route : Sal arrival (3 nights, beach and kitesurfing) → Boa Vista flight (4 nights, dunes and turtles, June-October only for nesting)
Duration : 14 days
Route : Sal (1) → São Vicente flight (2) → Santo Antão ferry (4) → São Vicente ferry → Santiago flight (2, UNESCO Cidade Velha) → Fogo flight (3, volcano ascent, crater wines) → return Praia flight (1)
November-June is the best period (dry season, ideal 22-26 °C climate, constant trade winds, permanent blue sky). Avoid July-October for weather (rainy season — some tropical showers in some islands, mainly Santiago) — but it's the ONLY period to observe turtle nesting and hatching in Boa Vista (June-November). So to choose according to your goal: nature/hiking (November-June), turtles (June-October).
Generally safe (vigilance Praia Santiago, capital, for nighttime pickpockets). Online EASE for French citizens (€35, since 2019, valid 30 days, request 1 week before departure at ease.gov.cv). Mandatory yellow fever vaccine if arriving from endemic country. Avoid tap water (bottled water). Cards accepted everywhere (fixed euro parity). Portuguese omnipresent (Creole is used between Cape Verdeans, but they speak Portuguese to Europeans, and many speak French — particularly in Santo Antão and Mindelo). Tipping: 10% appreciated in restaurants, but not customary. Right-hand drive (Portuguese heritage, unlike British Indian Ocean islands).
November-June (dry season). June-October for turtles in Boa Vista. Avoid September (rare tropical rains).
10 days for 3 islands (Santo Antão + São Vicente + Sal). 14 days for 4-5 islands with Fogo.
€2,200-€3,000 per person for 10 days in comfort, excluding flights. Premium: €3,500-€5,000. Flights: €400-€700.
Online EASE (€35, 30 days, since 2019). Request 1 week before departure at ease.gov.cv.
Yes, from age 8. Calm beaches (Sal, Boa Vista), moderate hikes (Santo Antão), fascinating turtle nesting for children.
Cabo Verde Airlines domestic flights (15-30 min between islands). Ferries (Mindelo-Santo Antão 1 h). Car rental in Sal and Boa Vista.
Santo Antão for hikes, Sal for beach and kitesurfing, Boa Vista for turtles and deserted beaches, Mindelo for culture, Fogo for adventure (volcano).
Nesting June-October (Boa Vista, 9 pm-2 am night outing, $50/person). Hatching August-November. Strictly supervised observation.
Yes: Cape Verde + Senegal (1-h flight from Praia or Sal), Cape Verde + Madeira, Cape Verde + Morocco, Cape Verde + mainland Portugal.
10% appreciated in restaurants. Appreciated for hiking guides and drivers (€5-€10/day).