Cape Verde: Overview
The volcanic Republic of Cape Verde is an archipelago located in the Atlantic Ocean, in front of Senegal coasts. Many of these islands were main Portuguese slaves’ trade centers during the 15th century. Besides beautiful beaches travelers can enjoy the imposing mountains and volcanoes landscape, delicious sea food, and an attractive culture product of the African-Portuguese mixture reflected in music and different celebrations.
Climate
Cape Verde enjoys a tropical climate, moderated by trade winds, and constant temperatures along the year. The rainy season, when precipitations are umpredictable, takes place between August and October. In spite of the rains, this it is the best time of the year to visit the archipelago.
Información importante
Every visitor needs a visa to visit Cape Verde.
The official currency is the Cape Verdean escudo (CVE) which you can change in the money exchanging boureau at the international airport or in banks. Although traveler's checks can also be changed, they have very high commissions. To avoid additional charges the checks should be in American dollars or pounds sterling. There are ATMs in Salt, Praia and Sao Vincent. The most extended international credit cards, especially MasterCard and Visa, are accepted in most hotels and restaurants. Money withdraws by credit card can be made in banks but, again, commissions are very high.
If the bill does not include a charge for the services a 10 % tip is enough.
Although the only vaccination requirement is for those coming from a yellow fever infected area, it is also recommended to take cautions against typhus and hepatitis A. There is a small malaria risk in Sao Tiago Island between September and November. It is recommended to drink only bottled water and to keep in mind that milk and dairies are not pasteurized. Medical facilities are limited and many times they are short of medicine supplies. Visitors receive free medical treatment on showing their passport, nevertheless it is best to hire a comprehensive medical insurance for cases of emergency and repatriation.
There are not particular safety issues besides the marine conditions around the islands or pickpockets in crowded places.
Where to go
Sao Vicente, the second most important island in Cape Verde, is home for the port city of Mindelo, the most cheerful one. There you can enjoy the best bars and restaurants of the country, the vibrant nightlife or see the beautiful colonial houses. Sao Vicente also has incredible beaches, especially the ones of Baia das Gatas lagoon, formed by volcanic activity, and Sao Pedro, visited by hundred of windsurfers.
Salt, a desert island is where the international airport is and it is also the place chosen by many European tourists to enjoy the advantages of the tropic without getting in touch with the villagers. Some of the places worthwhile visiting in the island are Santa María town, which offers white sanded beaches and crystalline waters; the town of Espargos, full of great restaurants, stores and bars; and Palmeira, the main port. Besides this, you can visit the salted lake of Pedra de Lume and a volcanic crater or make a short trip to the near island of Boavista, famous for its dunes.
Sao Tiago, the main island of the archipelago and home of Praia, the country’s capital, also has several places to offer to its visitors. Is in this island where the African culture and traditions have been best kept and they are shown in the markets and several festivals organized throughout the year. In the capital you can visit an interesting museum of marine archaeology and, north of the central area, the beautiful beaches of Quebra-cinnamon and Praia Sea. In Cidade Velha (Old City), the first Portuguese settlement of the island and old slaves’ trading center, you can ascend to enjoy the spectacular views of the Sao Felipe royal fort, walk along cobbled streets, see imposing stone buildings and the Cathedral; you can also visit Sao Domingos town or relax in the beaches of the picturesque fishing town of Tarrafal.
Festivals
In Cape Verde is organized one of the best African carnivals, the main local event. Also stand out the street parades of Praia and Mindelo. The party of Tabanka takes place between music and abstinence in Sao Tiago and Fogo during May and June.
