🥇 5 things to see in Cape Verde

Do you dare to try a different trip that will open your sights of what it is to know a country, a community, its culture and its history? Cape Verde may be the best option.

In this West African archipelago you will find colonial cities, beaches, active volcanoes, seas, hiking trails, dances and music to fall in love with.

Next, we present you what to see in Cape Verde and everything you need to know to make your trip an unforgettable experience.

Where is Cape Verde located?

Cape Verde is an archipelago located in the Atlantic Ocean, off the west coast of Africa. The country is located approximately 570 kilometers west of Senegal, on mainland Africa. The Cape Verde archipelago is made up of ten main islands and several smaller, uninhabited islands.

The islands are divided into two groups: the Windward group, which includes the northernmost islands, and the Leeward group, which includes the southernmost islands. The capital of the country is Praia, which is located on the island of Santiago.

Top 5 things to see in Cape Verde

Cape Verde is a beautiful archipelago in West Africa that offers a large number of tourist attractions for those who visit it. If you are planning a trip to Cape Verde, here are the 5 best things to see during your visit.

1- Praia de Santa Maria

Praia de Santa Maria It is one of the most famous and popular beaches in Cape Verde. It is located on the island of Sal, which is known for its white sand beaches and crystal clear waters. Praia de Santa María is especially popular for its ideal conditions for practicing watersports such as surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing and snorkeling.

The beach is approximately 8 kilometers long and is an ideal place to sunbathe, relax and enjoy the beauty of the landscape. There is also a wide variety of restaurants, bars and shops near the beach, where visitors can enjoy the local gastronomy and buy souvenirs.

In addition to the natural beauty of Praia de Santa Maria, the beach is also known for its lively and festive atmosphere, especially in the summer months.

Many tourists visit the beach to enjoy the live music, dance, and other cultural events that take place in the area. In short, Praia de Santa Maria is one of the most popular and beautiful places in Cape Verde, attracting visitors from all over the world.

2- Old City

Old City is a historic city located on the island of Santiago, in Cape Verde. It was founded in 1462 as Ribeira Grande by the Portuguese and became an important trading port and center of the West African slave trade.

Cidade Velha is known for its rich history and cultural heritage, and was declared Heritage of humanity by unesco in 2009.

The city has many historical sites, such as the Church of Our Lady of Light, which dates back to the 15th century and is one of the oldest churches in Africa.

Another important site in Cidade Velha is the Pelourinho, a monument that commemorates slavery and is located in the main square of the city. The Fort Real de San Felipe, built in the 17th century to protect the city from pirate attacks, is also an important historical site to visit.

In addition to its cultural heritage, Cidade Velha is a quaint and lovely place to explore, with its pastel-colored houses, its cobbled streets and its panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Cidade Velha is a historical and cultural jewel of Cape Verde that offers a unique and enriching experience for its visitors.

3- Fogo Island Natural Park

He Fogo Island Natural Park is a protected area located on the island of Fogo, which is one of the ten islands that make up the Republic of Cape Verde. Fogo is known for being the home of the highest active volcano in Cape Verde, Pico do Fogo, which has a height of 2,829 meters.

The Fogo Island Natural Park was created in 2007 with the aim of protecting the natural and cultural resources of the island. The protected zone covers an area of approximately 2,891 hectares and extends from the base of the volcano to the coast.

The park's vegetation includes coniferous forests, scrub, shrubs, and herbs. It is also home to several species of animals, including birds, lizards, and rodents.

In addition to its rich biodiversity, Fogo Island is known for its spectacular scenerysuch as the black sand beaches and panoramic views of the volcano.

Tourism is an important source of income for the island, and the Fogo Island Natural Park is one of the main tourist attractions. Visitors can hike the volcano and explore the trails through the park, as well as visit nearby villages and towns to learn more about the local culture.

4- Mind it

mind it is a port city located on the island of São Vicente, which is part of the Cape Verde archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean. It is the second largest city in Cape Verde after the capital, Praia, and is an important cultural and tourist center in the country.

Mindelo is known for its vibrant music scene and its cultural history. It is the birthplace of the singer Cesária Évora, known as the “Queen of Cape Verdean music”, and her legacy lives on in the city. The city is also home to the Mindelo Bay Music Festival, one of the largest cultural events in Cape Verde, attracting artists from all over the world.

In addition to its rich musical history, Mindelo has a beautiful natural harbour, with stunning views of the bay and surrounding mountains. The city boasts well-preserved Portuguese colonial architecture and a large number of restaurants, bars, and nightclubs offering local and international cuisine.

Mindelo is also an important commercial and transport center in Cape Verde, with an international airport that connects the city with other islands and international destinations. It is a popular stop for cruise ships visiting the islands, and its port is the main departure point for ships carrying agricultural and fish products to other parts of Africa and Europe.

5- The Island of Boa Vista

The Boa Vista Island It is one of the ten islands that make up the Republic of Cape Verde, an archipelago located on the west coast of Africa. Boa Vista is located to the east of the island of Sal and is the third largest island in Cape Verde, with an area of approximately 620 square kilometers.

The island is known for its beautiful White sand beaches and its crystalline waters, as well as its extensive sand dunes. Boa Vista is a popular tourist destination, with a large number of hotels and resorts offering a wide variety of activities, from water sports to island excursions.

Boa Vista is home to a rich biodiversity, with a wide variety of plant and animal species that can be found in its natural landscapes. The island is particularly important for the sea turtles, since it is an important nesting place for several species, including the green turtle and the hawksbill turtle.

In addition to its beaches and its biodiversity, Boa Vista has several places of tourist interest, such as the viana desert, the Morro Negro Lighthouse and the town of Sal Rei, which is the capital of the island. Visitors can take boat trips to observe marine life, practice windsurfing or kitesurfing on its beaches, or simply relax and enjoy the sun and the sea.

Gastronomy in Cape Verde

The gastronomy of cape verde it is a mix of African, Portuguese and Brazilian influences, which have evolved over time to create unique and delicious cuisine. He national dish is the cachupa, a stew made with corn, beans, meat or fish, and vegetables, eaten nationwide and varies by region and available ingredients.

In addition to the cachupa, other typical dishes include the feijoada (a stew of beans and meat), fish broth, polvo (stewed octopus), rice with seafood, and xerém (a kind of polenta made with corn). there is also a wide variety of fresh seafood available on the islands, such as lobster, shrimp, crab and various types of fish.

In conclusion, Cape Verde it offers a wide variety of tourist attractions ranging from beautiful beaches to historical sites and impressive natural landscapes. If you are planning a trip to this archipelago, be sure to include these 5 things on your itinerary to enjoy an unforgettable experience and book the best hotels in Cape Verde, to live a unique experience of adventures and relaxation.

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