Cape Verde is a recent entrant in the tourism scene. Turquoise seas, long stretches of white sand beaches, volcanoes, green terrains and the first European style township of Ribeira Grand vie with each other for your attention. Check this out for yourself in one of the local Cape Verde hotels. No wonder then Cape Verde is now becoming a favourite destination for tourists on the lookout for a refreshing holiday trip.Throughout the islands you will find a mix of bustling markets, pristine beaches, water sports galore, spectacular scuba diving locations, great hiking spots, amazing restaurants and bars, breathtaking scenery and most importantly - friendly people.
Every island on Cape Verde is a unique travel experience in itself! There is scuba diving on Santiago Island, the volcano of Fogo Island and awesome snorkeling in Boa Vista.
The local population is a mix of cultures from the neighbouring countries of Brazil and Senegal. The vibrant native music best reflects this blend, as it draws heavily from the Salsa and Samba and a tad of African tribal music. You can't help but shake a foot to this omnipresent rhythmic music in Cape Verde. With its unique local culture, music and dance, lovely beaches and breathtaking scenery, Cape Verde is a haven for adventure seekers.
Throughout the different islands, there are numerous unique places to stay. You can also use our map to find your hotel in Cape Verde based on location. It is now quite easy to get to Cape Verde from European destinations like Lisbon, and ideally places to check out West African destinations like The Gambia, as well as Dakar and Saly in Senegal.
The mixing of these two cultures is a product of its rich and interesting history, with an abundance of things to see and do during your holiday. After the uninhabited islands were discovered by Portuguese Bartolomeo Dias in 1456, they realised the pristine position the archipelago held and used it for sugar cane plantations, as a coaling and re-supply stop, a watering station, and even as a major location as part of the slave trade. Since gaining independence in 1975 it has come to become of the most stable democratic governments in Africa, although climatic changes and hardships have eroded its agricultural production and it is now heavily reliant on foreign aid and assistance.
Travelling to Cape Verde allows you to experience not only a rich and colourful culture, but a diverse and beautiful array of landscapes that you have to experience for yourself! Enjoy one of our local Cape Verde tours - and get up close and personal with the culture and wildlife.
Traversing these islands on foot is the best way to appreciate their natural beauty. The local people have created many such usable trails that help you explore the terrain. Take a walk along these routes and enjoy the view of the rocky coastline, verdant valleys, neat rows of terrace cultivations and plantations, the wilderness beyond and the jagged volcanic peaks in the background.
Each island offers a unique experience, with activities that require varying fitness levels. You could always take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the scenery, watch the rare birds or get familiar with the volcanic terrain. If you are a trekking enthusiast, then Cape Verde offers a good trekking route that covers all terrain from the coastline, through lush plantations and valleys to the dry volcanic plateaus and wild shrub. The volcanic peaks at a height of 1500 metres above sea level are home to a host of flowering plants and when in bloom, they add to the breathtaking view.
Cape Verde is also popular for underwater explorations, and many enjoy taking one of the underwater tours in Cape Verde. Natural caves and other rock formations, canyons and many shipwrecks at varying depths off the shore house a wide range of marine life, including lobsters. These shipwreck sites, including that of Santo Antao, a 1966 freighter, are located around Sal and make wonderful dive sites too.
Many of the native birds listed in the International Red List of Endangered Species can be spotted in Cape Verde. The Ngon-Ngon is a rare nocturnal bird from Fogo. It can be seen only at the Pico de Fogo craters. Its numbers have now dwindled to a few hundreds. Each of these islands is home to many such unique species and it is a treat to watch these birds in their natural habitat.
This Cape Verde Booking Service is run by our friendly team at Cape Verde Hotels. We are your local connection in Cape Verde and know all the best local accommodation, Cape Verde tours, sights and activities to make your holiday truly unique and enjoyable! Let us guide you through your trip to the beautiful islands of Cape Verde.
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