Custom travel to Cape Verde

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.

Highlights

  • Santo Antão: hiking and spectacular landscapes
  • Sal: Santa Maria beach and world-class kitesurfing
  • Boa Vista: Saharan dunes and turtles
  • São Vicente: Mindelo, cultural capital (morna)
  • Fogo: active volcano and crater wines
  • UNESCO Cidade Velha (first European tropical site)

Frequently asked questions

When?

November-June (dry season). June-October for turtles in Boa Vista. Avoid September (rare tropical rains).

How long?

10 days for 3 islands (Santo Antão + São Vicente + Sal). 14 days for 4-5 islands with Fogo.

Budget?

€2,200-€3,000 per person for 10 days in comfort, excluding flights. Premium: €3,500-€5,000. Flights: €400-€700.

Visa?

Online EASE (€35, 30 days, since 2019). Request 1 week before departure at ease.gov.cv.

Family?

Yes, from age 8. Calm beaches (Sal, Boa Vista), moderate hikes (Santo Antão), fascinating turtle nesting for children.

How to get around?

Cabo Verde Airlines domestic flights (15-30 min between islands). Ferries (Mindelo-Santo Antão 1 h). Car rental in Sal and Boa Vista.

Which island to choose?

Santo Antão for hikes, Sal for beach and kitesurfing, Boa Vista for turtles and deserted beaches, Mindelo for culture, Fogo for adventure (volcano).

Turtles: when to observe?

Nesting June-October (Boa Vista, 9 pm-2 am night outing, $50/person). Hatching August-November. Strictly supervised observation.

Combine?

Yes: Cape Verde + Senegal (1-h flight from Praia or Sal), Cape Verde + Madeira, Cape Verde + Morocco, Cape Verde + mainland Portugal.

Tips?

10% appreciated in restaurants. Appreciated for hiking guides and drivers (€5-€10/day).