10 Islands of Cape Verde

Every day, international flights from all over the world arrive at the airports of the archipelago, with efficient connections to all the islands.

The best thing about traveling is to go beyond the tourist destinations, to be like a local and absorb the culture.

Even in the voice of the morna, Cape Verde is not lost in sad regrets. It lives.

With an African flavor flavored with other worlds, the islands lull the days with the sounds of morna, funana, batuk and warm morabeza that leaves “sodade” for those who leave.

Santo Antan wins hearts at first sight.

The contrast between the scale of the vast rocky landscapes, the immensity of the sea and the green valleys is unexpected and stunning.

That's it The untouched and wild island is home to some of the most spectacular trails in the world. Ribeira Grande, Vale do Pol, Topo da Coroa (1979 m), the trail from Ponta do Sol to Cruzinha da Graça and the route of the old road between Porto Novo and Ribeira Grande are unforgettable challenges, allowing you to get a feel for the island.

Here they produce one of the best grog (rum-like drink) in the archipelago, which deserves a tasting after the delicious lamb and bean stew.

San Vicente is the land of Cesaria Évora and home of morna, jazz and coladera Its capital is the historic city of Mindelo, charming and beautiful. , considered the most cosmopolitan and European town in the archipelago, with lively nights and plenty of cultural events.

In Calhau, the island's picturesque fishing village, the beaches invite surfing and bodyboarding , and despite the arid landscape, you can find baobab trees, the oldest trees on the planet.

The archipelago's most famous carnival takes place every year on this island, which also hosts the Baía das Gatas music festival. , located on the beach of the same name, where the water is warm and crystal clear, as well as the Mindelact International Theater Festival.

São Nicolau ruled the world through the voice of Cesaria Evora, presented as an island for those who followed the “long way” to São Tomé.

This is a mystical land filled with secrets, beliefs and legends that accompany the days.

The grandeur of the black mountain contrasts with the color of the colonial houses and the responsiveness of the people .

A visit to Tarrafal is necessary to enjoy the healing properties of the sandy beaches, rich in titanium and iodine, indicated for the relief of bone and joint diseases.

Monte Gordo, Porto Da Preguisa and Juncalinho are must-visit destinations that offer the opportunity to try modje de São Nicolau (goat stew).

Sal (translated as salt) got its name from the mineral, which is found in abundance on the island.

This is a small, flat, arid island reminiscent of lunar landscapes.

White sand beaches, a dry tropical climate and warm, clear water have long captivated tourists who come from all over the world in search of sun. and relaxation.

This is an ideal place for relaxation.

It offers exceptional conditions for water sports such as fishing, surfing, diving, kitesurfing and windsurfing .

Salinas de Pedra Lume, Buracona Lava Pool, Santa Maria Pier, Viveiro Botanical Garden and Gruta do Amor are must-stops.

Germano Almeida, a writer born in Boa Vista, wrote about his fantastic island, recalling “beaches with thick and white sand, where the sea is deep, gentle and transparent; beaches with light gravel and strong waves, as well as beaches so quiet, as if they were lakes or simple puddles.”

It is thanks to these beaches and warm days that driven by the wind, the island is ideal for those looking for a few days in paradise between relaxation and water sports.

There is always fresh fish on the table, a sincere morabeza and the sound of the morna behind you, reminiscent of families, emigrated.

The ideal day ends with a full moon night in the Viana desert.

Mayo is a quiet, hospitable and almost untouched island, protected from crowds of tourists.

A piece of paradise that preserves the authenticity of traditional Cape Verdean culture. Important sites from the city's formation are worth visiting, such as Igreja Matriz, Farol de San José and the Castle of Mayo.

Its deserted, untouched beaches wrap around the entire island and invite relaxing swimming and leisurely reading.

The dunes of Morrinho, Monte Penoso, the forested area of ​​Terras Salgadas, Bitchirotxa beach and Salinas in Porto Inglés are a must-see.

In addition , turtle spawning is a moment not to be missed - only accompanied by a guide.

Santiago, Cape Verde's largest island and home to the capital Praia, stands out for its rich cultural diversity and some of the most important events in the country .

Here you live with restlessness, fun, new experiences, with endless plans to make every day special and unforgettable.

Cidade- Velha, formerly Ribeira Grande, is the oldest city created in the tropics by Europeans. It is in the north of this island that the former Tarrafal concentration camp is located.

The island is rich in contrasts: there are dizzying mountains, barren landscapes and green valleys after a few drops of rain.

Colonial traces, from pirate attacks to the slave trade, are ubiquitous, although some are in ruins.

Markets are vibrant bastions of African culture, accompanied by traditional music, offering an abundance of agricultural produce and handicrafts. and unique tastes.

On Fogo Island there is the highest point of the archipelago - the Fogo volcano, which is still active, but does not pose a danger to residents and guests.

Thanks to the majesty of the volcano, the island is as wild as it is beautiful, with fertile soil, even when water is scarce.

Wine, grown in the crater of a volcano is a clear confirmation of this, because it is produced on the island and combines a unique taste and high alcohol content.

It is worth climbing to the top of Fogo on a hike that can last 6 hours, accompanied by a specialized mountain guide.

Here you can contemplate the power of nature and gain a unique experience on this island.

Brava is the most remote, greenest and most flourishing island of the Cape Verde archipelago, also known as the Island of Flowers.

Visitors swear they have fallen in love with the island, such are its charms, delicious aromas and idyllic scenery.

Between the deep valleys and lofty peaks are natural pools with crystal clear water, beautiful paths, roads covered with flowers, moray crioula and unique aromas.

Get lost in the colonial city of Nova Sintra, stop at every viewpoint, go down to the bay of Fažan da Agua, to swim in the natural pools, walk along the Eugenio Tavares trail and enjoy goat cheese is a must-do activity.

Santa Luzia is the only uninhabited island, but this does not make it less relevant.

The island, with an area of ​​35 square kilometers and its highest point at 395 meters above sea level, is an important nature reserve, home to a diverse and species-rich marine fauna.

Currently accessible access to the island is restricted for educational or scientific purposes and is permitted only to scientists studying local species (biologists) and fishermen from São Vicente and São Nicolau.

In the 18th century and into the 1960s it was inhabited at times. However, frequent droughts turned out to be stronger than the human desire to live in this capricious paradise.