Contemplating traveling to Cabo Verde? Look at our recommended travel activities and attractions in Cabo Verde to get the most out of your time there. Check out the list of the best things to do in Cabo Verde and places to go in Cabo Verde below. Wondrous Drifter is a Web 3.0 travel startup with ambitious goals to change the world.
Table Of Content
- Santa Maria Beach
- Pico de Fogo
- Boa Vista
- Santo Antão Island
- Sao Vicente, Cape Verde
- Pedra de Lume Salt Crater
- Varandinha Beach, Boa Vista
- Palmeira
- Sal Rei
- Ribeira Grande Cape Verde
- Porto Novo
- Tarrafal, Cape Verde
- Maio
- Morro, Cape Verde
- Vila Nova Sintra
- Sao Filipe
- Praia
- Sao Nicolau
- Santa Luzia
- Santiago
- Brava
- Rabil Village
- Buracona or Blue eye, Sal
- Cidade Velha – Santiago
- Explore Africa
Santa Maria Beach
A beach with a breathtaking view? Cape Verde got you!
Sand beaches range from white to black, volcanic, and everything in between. There are either little bays or extensive expanses of them.
Cape Verde is a great option for a place with stunning beaches and little islands. Long beaches may be found on nearly all of the Cape Verdean islands.
The most popular beach on the island of Sal is called Santa Maria, and it’s located there. The clear blue ocean, powdery white sand, and numerous beachside amenities make this a perfect getaway.
Regarding beaches in Sal, you don’t have to drive to Santa Maria only for the sea. This area is primarily known for its vast salt flats, where many horseback rides begin.
Active vacationers may really have a good time on this beach. Volleyball, beach soccer, and other water activities are all available. Surfing, diving, support, and riding a water scooter are examples.
So, what are you waiting for?
Pico de Fogo
Suppose you’re looking for something a little more adventurous. Head over to Fogo island!
You can hike near the top of Pico De Fogo, a mountain on the island, the highest point in all of Cape Verde.
Diverse and one-of-a-kind, Cape Verde’s natural resources are indeed a treasure. Natural wonder Pico do Fogo is a part of the Cape Verde archipelago’s seven natural wonders.
With an elevation of 2,829 meters, Pico does Fogo is the third-highest peak in the Atlantic Ocean and the third tallest globally.
There’s no reason to be alarmed anymore about a potential eruption because it’s being watched for activity.
You’ll pass through a few small towns and discover a few hidden gems along the way on the journey up. You’ll need to be physically fit and able to handle the elevation changes on this trek.
Amaze yourself with an exciting guided trek to the peak of the Fogo volcano, where you will be rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding countryside from above the clouds.
Boa Vista
Boa Vista is the ideal vacation spot for a peaceful and relaxing getaway.
It is blessed with miles of golden sand, crystal blue seas, and a laid-back environment.
The island’s beaches run for 55 kilometers, making it one of the archipelago’s most scenic and rewarding destinations. Holidaymakers can opt to relax on the beach or participate in a wide variety of water sports in the area’s beautiful surroundings.
Outside the shore, the island’s interior is covered with desert and desolate rock panoramas, highlighted by date palms and the impressive ruin. With more restaurants and pubs opening up and some interesting architectural monuments to be seen, Sal Rei, the island’s major town in the north, is becoming a popular destination for tourists.
Accommodation options in Boa Vista are wide-ranging, allowing visitors to relax by the pool one day and participate in various activities.
A desert island paradise, Boa Vista is ideal for off-road dune excursions. Take advantage of this incredible opportunity while you’re in Boa Vista!
Santo Antão Island
Santo Anto – The mountainous, windy, and watery island.
Santo Anto, Cape Verde’s second-largest island, provides various activities. Compared to Boa Vista Island, it is a lush and greener island that’s hugely different.
Santo Anto, an island of towering green hills and fertile craters that meet cliff-hanging villages, promises a fresh experience around every corner. Santo Anto, an island that appears to be a world apart from the golden beaches of Sal or Boa Vista, gives holidaymakers a chance to go trekking and sightseeing in an area that has remained largely undisturbed by tourism.
Beautiful drives along coastal roads allow those who prefer a less strenuous option to access the canyons and gorges that support the most outstanding luxuriant greenery.
In minutes, the landscapes change from being bare and dry to mountains. As the road meanders, breathtaking views of green valleys appear everywhere, with villages either below or distant.
Welcome to Santo Anto, where spectacular views and beautiful ribeiras set against a brilliant blue sky await.
Sao Vicente, Cape Verde
São Vicente hosts several of Cape Verde’s most notable artists, authors, and intellectuals.
São Vicente’s center, Mindelo, is known for its dynamic nightlife and rich musical heritage. Pubs, restaurants, and nightclubs all have live music playing in the background, making Mindelo a cultural hotspot. Sao Vicente is a great place to visit in terms of culture and heritage!
You may taste authentic Cape Verdean culture at Mindelo, a thriving musical hub. Kalimba, a popular beach bar, is located on Laginha Beach, a white-sand bay. Tourist’s favorite is Casa Café Mindelo, where you must try the grogue, a native beverage with a wide range of flavors.
Sao Vicente’s shoreline is a sight to see and an ideal area to explore. There are so many beautiful activities in Cape Verde because of the island’s natural beauty.
Cape Verde can have powerful winds, but the sun is also quite intense, so keep that in mind while planning your trip. So you won’t even be aware of how much your skin is scorching in the sun. You’ll want to bring a lot of layers, a high-factor sunscreen, and a lot of shade if you can.
Pedra de Lume Salt Crater
Tourists go to the Pedra de Lume Salt Crater on Sal’s northeastern coast to witness the stunning pink and white salt pans set against a rocky landscape.
The town is located on the island of Sal in Cape Verde’s northeastern region. A small village is on the island’s east coast, about 5 kilometers east of Espargos. The salterns at Pedra de Lume date back to the 18th century. The protected area of Cape Verde includes Cagarral, the saltworks, and the area surrounding the mountain.
A wellness center has been built on the crater’s former industrial site, but you can still see remnants of that time in the saline water you swim and float in.
There are salt mines on the east side of the island of Sal called Pedra de Lume. There is a moon-like crater in an old volcano where seawater turns to salt. This volcano is ancient. It looks like something out of a dream. In this picture, there are white and bright pink salt pans next to snow-white salt mountains and blue skies.
You can also float in the saltwater of the salt pans, which is good for your body. Also, scrub and mud treatments can make you even more relaxed. As a tourist destination in Cape Verde, Salinas Pedra de Lume is one of the people’s best places.
Varandinha Beach, Boa Vista
Is Boa Vista on your itinerary? Be sure to visit Varandinha Beach while in Cape Verde!
On Cape Verde’s Boa Vista island, Praia da Varandinha is a beach located on the island’s southwest shore. It is located to the north of the Ponta Varandinha Headland.
Varandinha Beach is a famous beach on the island of Boa Vista in the southwest. Because of the rocks that cut through the sand, this beach is a paradise. Surfing and windsurfing are popular water activities that may be enjoyed there.
Barcelona is a natural cave that juts out from the beach and looks over the sea in the rock formations. A lack of road connections makes it hard to reach this beach, which contributes to its seclusion and the nearly untamed nature of its surroundings.
While this is a stunning beach with powdery white sand and crystal-clear blue water, the area’s karst formations and caves steal the show.
Palmeira
Palmeira, the capital of Cape Verde, is a bustling port town on the island of Sal, where much of the country’s imports and exports originate.
Palmeira is a settlement on the island of Sal, Cape Verde, located in the northwestern portion of the island. On the island’s west coast, about four kilometers west of the capital, Espargos is the town. The island’s primary port is a little bay south of the settlement, near Baa de Palmeira. It is Cape Verde’s third-busiest port in terms of cargo traffic.
Many restaurants, bustling pubs, and stunning architecture are just a few things that draw visitors to this town. It is also well-known among divers from all over the world to explore the various underwater caverns and reefs off the town’s shore.
The salt baths in this area are ideal for relieving aches and pains after a day of trekking or simply strolling around town.
Sal Rei
As the capital city of the easternmost island of Cape Verde, Sal Rei has a very relaxed vibe, even though it’s home to the majority of the people on the island.
Most of the city’s goods are sold by traders in the central plaza, and many colorful flowers and buildings are there. The plaza is a good idea for buying souvenirs while in Cape Verde. You can purchase everything made of wood ornaments to bright fabrics here.
The baroque-style church in the town is one of the main things to see, along with many colonial buildings that still stand. There are also a lot of beautiful beaches to visit if you want to.
Sal-Rei is the only city on the island, made up of salt pans around it. This is where its name comes from. It was necessary for raising cattle and accumulating salt and the island of Sal.
It is very close to some beautiful beaches for family strolls and baths, like Estoril and Cabral beaches. Sal Rei Bay is in front of a small island with a fort called “Duke of Bragança.” The Portuguese construct it in the colonization era to keep the bay safe from pirates who might want to attack.
Almost all the important buildings on the island are in Sal Rei, a very peaceful village. Most of the places can be wandered because the city isn’t huge.
Ribeira Grande Cape Verde
The city of Ribeira Grande, located on the island of Santo Antao, is tucked away in a valley of the same name. The modest eateries and guesthouses that line the meandering lanes here are as beautiful as the area itself.
The area’s tourist attractions are the Nossa Senhora do Rosario Church and a bustling food and clothing market. To unwind, visit the city’s hot springs, which are popular with tourists but maintain a serene, natural atmosphere.
Santo Antao, Cape Verde’s Ribeira Grande Municipality, is home to Ribeira Grande, the island’s largest town. It became a municipality in 2010 2,564 people were living there 2010. Ribeira Grande and its tributary, Ribeira da Torre, discharge their waters into the Atlantic Ocean in the northeastern corner of Rua d’Horta, Penha de França, and Tarrafal.
Ribeira Grande has a lot to offer visitors, and it’s easy to locate things to do and see. Explore the fascinating history of the area and all of the city’s top attractions. Plan your trip now to be ready to go when you get there.
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Porto Novo
It is the coastal city on the island of Santo Antao, which is the second-largest island in the country of Cape Verde. Since it is surrounded by such stunning mountain scenery, the island has earned the nickname “Switzerland of Cape Verde.”
The scorching, dusty wind adds to the atmosphere’s dryness in this island city. Museums, palaces, government, colonial structures, and a large royal museum may be found in Porto Novo. You may learn about African royalty’s lifestyle and culture by visiting the historic residence of King Toffa.
With their summits rising over 5,000 ft into the sky, the imposing mountains divide the island in half. Adventure-seeking tourists perceive the Excellent Divide as a great place to go hiking/exploring.
Many people can carve routes through lower-elevation areas and locate tropical valleys covered in dense foliage. The coast is clean but rocky for those who aren’t afraid of hills, with ample area to cultivate sugar cane and bananas.
For the world-famous Cape Verde rum, sugar cane is a critical component.
Minibus tours of the island are provided, allowing guests to cover a lot of ground in a short period.
Tarrafal, Cape Verde
Tarrafal Beach is, without a doubt, Cape Verde’s most stunning beach.
When in Santiago, it’s a must-see destination for beach-goers who prefer to avoid Boa Vista.
Within a 20-mile drive of Ribeira Brava, the city of Tarrafal has grown to rival the population of its neighbor. Because of its convenient location and the presence of minerals like iodine, the city’s black sand beaches are among the most popular on the island for beach swimming.
It is possible to reach Tarrafal from Praia through the town of Assomada in the island’s interior or the coast via Calheta de São Miguel and Pedra Badejo. Tarrafal is located in the northern portion of the island.
Palm trees flank the beach, which boasts smooth, white sand, and a secluded cove with a mountain and lush vegetation. The water is mainly pure and blue, making it ideal for swimming, water sports, or simply admiring the vista while relaxing.
Many visitors visit Tarrafal for its beaches, but it is also home to the largest harbor on the island of Sao Nicolau and several high-quality restaurants and stores that are worthwhile visiting!
Maio
The fine sand and crystal-clear waters make a peaceful beach vacation on this picturesque island more appealing.
Maio (or “May” in English) is a beautiful destination for those seeking calm solace within stunning scenery. It’s not uncommon to find little, peaceful settlements dotted over the island, many of which have colorful structures and a strong feeling of Portuguese colonial history.
The archipelago of Cape Verde includes the islands of Boa Vista and Santiago, the metropolis of Praia, and the island of Maio (Ilha do Maio). In addition to its beautiful sandy beaches and thick vegetation, this Cape Verdean island is well-known for its laid-back atmosphere and sense of serenity. Visitors to Maio Island are encouraged to leave their imprints on its pristine sandy beaches.
The isolated and gorgeous beaches of the island of Maio have made it a popular tourist destination. Like larks and courses, many unusual species flock to this island, making it a haven for birdwatchers. You’ll find a lovely colonial Portuguese church and a beach in Vila do Maio, the island’s capital.
In this place, time appears to have slowed down to a standstill.
Morro, Cape Verde
Morro – a place where the sand dunes meet the ocean.
Morro, a settlement on the island of Maio, is worth highlighting despite its tiny size. The best beaches in Cape Verde may be found here.
Morro is a town on the Cape Verdean island of Maio. Porto Inglês, the island’s capital, is about 5 kilometers north, while Calheta is just 6 kilometers south.
This area is also home to the Morro de Areia Nature Reserve. Located on the island’s southwest shore, it is a wildlife preserve. It gets its name from the 167-meter-high Morro de Areia hill, surrounded by a kilometer-long sand beach, spectacular cliffs, dunes, a zigzag watercourse, and swathes of scrub.
Various ecosystems may be found here, including sand dunes, coastal cliffs, creeks, marshes, and dense woods. The Cape Sparrow (Passer iagoensis), a Cape Verdean endemic, has been officially registered in this area.
Beaches surrounded by palm palms and covered in golden sand are picture-perfect. The summertime arrival of the sea turtles to hatch their eggs on Morro would undoubtedly persuade you to pay a visit.
Vila Nova Sintra
One more charming tiny village to explore.
People generally consider Nova Sintra one of Cape Verde’s most picturesque towns. The hamlet, perched above the Brava mountains, contains two-story buildings with gardens, demonstrating that this portion of Cape Verde is relatively wealthy compared to the rest of the country.
A visit to Vila Nova Sintra is primarily for the settlement and its unique setting, including a church and a market. The town’s eastern gate is guarded by a stone model of Columbus’s ship.
Hiking is another activity that is advised in Vila Nova Sintra. Stunning views of the Costa Brava are captured in this walk, which includes: the remote valley hamlet of Sorno, which has made miraculous use of its small creek to farm vast green gardens up the hillsides; the vibrant, slightly menacing sea; deserted mountains; the ghost villages, which are testaments to more vibrant times; and, on occasion, the looming presence of big brother Fogo Island across the sea.
Sao Filipe
Sao Filipe is a wonderfully lovely city with black lava shores and a stunning landscape.
It is the location of the island’s airport, which serves the entire island of Fogo. The Alto San Pedro, essentially a big plaza, serves as a divider between the higher and lower areas of the city.
The city’s busy markets, which actually occur every morning, beautifully colored buildings, and the neighboring volcanic craters are all reasons to visit. While at Sal Felipe, it is preferable to go a little distance outside the city to see a beach, as the beaches there are considerably cleaner.
‘Facades’ of Sao Filipe is a brief series of pictures emphasizing buildings, particularly the facades of Cape Verde’s streets, as the subject. It is possible to (re) discover a rich culture of exceptional originality via the transitive lenses of the artist Rosino in this show, which looks at the façade of buildings in Cape Verde with extraordinary sensitivity and care.
The language of the photograph and its link to ordinary life is the exhibition’s subject, which invites dialogue.
Praia
Wondering where the largest city Cabo Verde is located?
Praia, the capital of Cape Verde, is located on the rich island of Santiago and is the country’s largest metropolis. Cape Verde’s economic, cultural, and political hub is centered in the city, similar to many other capitals. Although the town is not as centered on tourism as most other sites in Cape Verde, there is still much to see and do there, regardless of your interests. Historic colonial buildings in the city’s old center are wonderful for wandering in the sunshine. They also provide some beautiful photo ops.
Additionally, there are several churches, a presidential palace, and a legislative building. If the traveling and cultural experiences become too much, lovely sandy beaches are nearby. However, it should be advised that the adjacent Praia de Gamboa is unsuitable for swimming due to its strong currents.
Sao Nicolau
Sao Nicolau is a lovely island in the archipelago’s most picturesque mountains.
Sao Nicolau is a secluded, peaceful island that has remained mostly undisturbed by the modern world. The rich hinterlands of the island are combined with majestic mountainscapes, making for some stunning views.
Its quiet atmosphere and breathtaking scenery entice tourists to the area, allowing them to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life while taking in the sights and sounds of nature. Outside of nature, Ribeira Brava, the island’s capital, is a vibrant colonial town with lovely gardens and fascinating architecture.
Ribeira Prata, the island’s most picturesque valley, awaits you. Depending on your preference, this stunning valley may be explored on foot or by automobile. To witness a beautiful lunar landscape, you may also visit Carneirinho, where great boulders have been created.
Sao Nicolau is conveniently accessible by short internal flight. You won’t have to waste your valuable vacation time getting there as part of an island-hopping trip.
Santa Luzia
Cabo Verde’s sole uninhabited island, Santa Luzia, is the smallest in the archipelago.
Between Sao Vicente and Sao Nicolau, Santa Luzia may be found. Topanga, the island’s highest peak, is 395 meters above sea level. The only means to get to the island has been via Calhau.
The island of Santa Luzia is one of the ten Cape Verde islands featured on the Cape Verdean flag. Santa Luzia, like Raso and Branco, is an uninhabited island. Three islands have been included in the “Reserva Natural Integral de Santa Luzia” nature reserve, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Santa Luzia is clearly seen from the nearby island of Sao Vicente’s Calhau (located at the southern tip of the island). With an elevation of about 400 meters, the peak is Topanga. Dry, brown, and sparse vegetation cover the island’s whole surface. It is possible to find rock formations on the north shore. This area’s south coast features dunes, gorgeous white sand beaches, and even a sunken ship only offshore.
After your journey to Santa Luzia, you’ll have a narrative to tell your children and grandchildren about your time there.
Santiago
Visitors to Cape Verde may see another side of the island’s tremendous variety, thanks to its rugged highlands and bustling African towns.
Praia, the center of Cabo Verde, is situated in Santiago, the largest of the Cabo Verde Islands.
As a result of the city’s ever-changing scenery, hiking is a popular sport in Santiago de Chile.
Cape Verde’s biggest and most magnificent tree, considered 800 years old, is reachable only after a long, strenuous climb.
In addition to being the archipelago’s largest island and the site of Cape Verde’s capital, Praia, Santiago serves as a major transportation hub for the country as a whole. In the middle of Cape Verde’s rocky mountains and vibrant African towns, tourists will find green valleys and luscious plantations.
For a restaurant serving local dishes with live music, Quintal da Musica is a wonderful option and has received some great feedback.
For an authentic experience, take an excursion that includes a trip to the colorful African market, where you will see how the locals socialize and shop for their everyday needs.
Brava
Have you ever heard about the “island of flowers”?
Behind Fogo, the archipelago’s tiniest and most southern island sits Brava. Locals call it “the island of flowers,” but visitors seldom visit this remote location. However, it’s a great place to go for a walk. This sliver of land is only reachable by boat from Fogo. It is home to kind and hospitable inhabitants and beautiful scenery that may be found on the many treks offered.
It’s possible to reach Fontainhas Pico, the island’s highest peak, from Faja de Agua’s natural bathing springs and then head to the island capital, Nova Sintra, which is ideal for a one-day visit. In addition, the lovely fishing town of Furna is worth a visit.
Brava is the smallest island on the archipelago. It is recognized for its spectacular cliffs and mix of plants and animals that aren’t found anywhere else in the world, making it a must-see destination!
Rabil Village
Ribeira do Rabil, located in the middle west portion of Boavista, was once an excellent agricultural region. Still, this area was no longer used for farming due to a lack of rain.
The Boavista Airport and Keys Beach, where the chimney and another fascinating island feature may be found, are also nearby. This brick and tile business in Praia de Chaves, which began in the first decade of this century, had a chimney that was one of the few items in its sand dunes.
Several dozen people were employed by the factory, which primarily exported to countries in West Africa and produced high-quality products before closing its doors in 1928 for reasons that are still unclear.
The factory was buried beneath the dunes for many years, and the chimney was all that remained to remind people of its once-prominent location.
Buracona or Blue eye, Sal
Another popular site on Sal Island is Blue Eye.
An underwater cavern formed due to waves pounding against volcanic rock created this naturally occurring swimming hole with blue water.
This is one of the few things to do in the Cape Verde Islands and Sal. It’s called Buracona, or “The Blue Eye.” There are excursions to the “Blue eye,” a breathtakingly beautiful cage that turns blue and turquoise when the sun shines. Since Palmeira’s coastline is so beautiful, it’s best to come here alone.
Burana and the “blue eye” is a natural pool that the ocean has carved into the rocks. Light from the right direction makes this natural pool look like “the blue eye.”
It is so beautiful. It’s possible to swim inside the natural lava pool beside the “blue eye,” but it can be dangerous if the wind picks up. This is a great place for experienced divers to look for hidden caves and grottos.
Bring comfortable shoes to get there, even if there are walking trails. A cafe and souvenir store are available at the location!
Cidade Velha – Santiago
The town, located in the southern part of the island of Santiago, has some of the old street layout’s most magnificent relics. This includes two churches, a royal stronghold, and Pillory Square, which contains an elegant 16th-century marble pillar, among other things.
Santiago, Cape Verde’s biggest island, was discovered in 1460 by Portuguese explorers. Established in 1462, Cidade Velha is the archipelago’s oldest capital. The architectural legacy of its illustrious history may still be found throughout the city.
As of 2009, it has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and includes Rua da Banana, Africa’s first cobbled street, two churches, and the Fort of So Filipe. Pelourinho, a small but historically significant pillory built in the 16th century, served as a symbol of royal power and was the site of punishment for slaves who escaped.
The most popular is Tereru di Kultura, which serves locally sourced seafood, including fresh fish that the tourists must try!
Need more convincing to travel to Cabo Verde, right? Hop over to reasons to visit Cabo Verde at least once in your lifetime here.
