The remarkable archipelago of Cape Verde consists of 10 major volcanic islands (9 are inhabited); as well as 5 islets in two groups: Sotavento (Leewards) and Barlavento (Windwards). The Sotavento group includes the islands of Brava, Fogo, Maio, Santiago, and islets of Rei and Rombo. Balavento includes the islands of Boa Vista, Sal, Santa Luzia, Santo Antão, São Nicolau and São Vicente and islets Branco e Raso.

The island of Sal is a favourite of tourists, with its long stretches of un-crowded white sand beaches, an abundance of water sports and tasty cuisine; you will never want to leave!

This Cape Verde Destination Guide will give you some basic information about the inhabited islands of Cape Verde. If you want to book a tour or activity with us, check out our Cape Verde Tours page.

Things to See & Do in Cape Verde

Fogo
Boa Vista
Brava
Maio
Sal
Water Sports on Sal
Santiago
Santo Antão
São Nicolau
São Vicente
Scuba Diving
Boat Tours
Cape Verde Carnivals
Forts

Fogo

The mountainous island of Fogo is great for hikes with excellent views, and is also home to an active volcano. Fogo is also a largely agricultural island.

Hiking on Fogo

Being home to an active volcano, the chance to hike on Fogo is an ideal opportunity for the adventure enthusiasts. If you aren't quite up for the challenge, then walking tours of the main town (Sao Filipe) are an interesting way to discover some of the history of the island.

Check out the Tourtuga Bed & Breakfast for an enjoyable stay on Fogo Island.

Boa Vista

This is the most eastern island of the group and boasts long unpopulated beaches that the true water sport enthusiast will savour. It is commonly known as the ‘island of beaches of dunes.' The great appeal here is the long, unspoilt stretches of beach across the entire island, and very few visitors you have to share it with! Scuba diving is also starting to become popular on the island, with wreck sites being a favourite dive location. The main town is called Sal Rei, and it has a quiet colonial style feel to it.

Brava

This is the island of many bays, with a varied coastline and landscape. Unlike many of the other islands, Brava boasts the highest rainfall, and thus has an abundance of greenery and unique plant life (and is also referred to as the ‘island of flowers'). This is the smallest of the inhabited islands, and lies at the south-western end of the archipelago.

Maio

Another island that is famous for its spectacular white sand beaches and turquoise waters, you will find Maio to be tranquil and relaxed. From the capital (Vila do Maio) you can relax in a traditional, simple seaside restaurant sampling the local catch of the day. Another popular activity is to hire a jeep and drive around the island, taking in the serenity, isolation and beauty.

Sal

The main attraction of Sal are the stunning, quiet white sand beaches; complemented by a wide array of water activities that the island has to offer. It is also the most developed of all the islands, and is home to 1 of the 2 international airports in Cape Verde. The southern coast is the busiest centre of tourist activity. It is also home to a wide variety of exceptional restaurants to sample international and local cuisine.

Check out one of the many hotels on Sal Island, featured here on Capeverde-tours.com: Djadsal Holiday Club, Oasis Belorizonte or Odjo d'Agua Hotel. Or even a private bungalow on the beach at Oasis Hotel Novorizonte.

Water Sports on Sal

This is the place to go if having fun in, around or under water is your thing. Scuba diving amongst the ship wrecks is a favourite, as well as other activities such as deep sea fishing trips, surfing, kite surfing, wind surfing and sailing.

Santiago

Santiago is the island with bustling nightlife, restaurants and markets. Most of these activities including Santiago hotels can be found in Praia (the capital of Cape Verde). It also boasts great hiking due to its mountainous landscape. To get a sense of all the island has to offer, check out the day tour of Santiago. It is becoming a growing tourist draw card, and development throughout the island has increased dramatically. There is also an abundance of old style buildings, ruins and forts set over scenic stretches of coastline. For amazing ocean views, consider a stay at the Beramar Residencial.

Dance the night away

Praia is home to an active and bustling nightlife. If you want to eat out at a nice restaurant, down some local beverages and let your hair down, then this is the place to do it. Be sure to also check out the markets while in Praia - the best in Cape Verde! Some Praia hotels featured here are: Oasis Praia Mar, Residencial Pria Maria, Residencial Santa Maria and Hotel Tropico.

Santo Antão

Being the most north western lying island, and positioned a short ferry ride away from São Vicente, Santo Antão is an island entirely made up of volcanic material that produces most of the fruit and vegetable for the whole country. It is relatively underdeveloped and has numerous walking and trekking trails that show you some of the world class scenery that Santo Antão has. It is also the producer of Cape Verdean rum or grog, although be sure not to try this before your hike!

São Nicolau

Sao Nicolau lies between São Vicente and Sal. It has a mountainous terrain and is mainly used for farming and fishing. There are very few businesses, with 2 main towns. The main town is Ribeira Brava, which serves as the seat of the Cape Verde church diocese. The other town is the fishing and ferry port of Tarrafal. Tourists come to Sao Nicolau for the quiet and the famous black sand beaches.

São Vicente

With a thriving local music scene, and the birthplace of Cape Verde's favourite daughter - the famous singer Cesaria Evora - who performs Cape Verde music in traditional style. The island lies between Santo Antao and Sao Nicolau. São Vicente is the island that is the most cultural of the bunch, with Cuban, Brazilian, French and English influences. The main centre is the port town of Mindelo. Although a few beaches are scattered around the island, it's not the place to go if you're just seeking a beach holiday.

Scuba Diving

Most popular on the islands of Boa Vista and Sal, scuba diving has become a favourite for tourists. With the presence of ship wrecks throughout these islands, it provides a great opportunity to view the local marine life.

Boat Tours

A great way to view many of the islands is to take to the water and cruise around the coastline. This gives you an opportunity to see the islands from a different perspective and is often a scenic and relaxing day trip. These tours are available on most islands.

Cape Verde Carnivals

There are many festivals held throughout the year, two of which you have to see if you are holidaying here during these times. The first occurs on Boa Vista in May. This celebrates the Feast of the Saint Cross and marks the liberation of the slaves. People from all around the islands converge to celebrate together.

The second is the Baia das Gatas Music Festival, and is the biggest celebration on the Sao Vicente calendar, and attracts people from around the globe for this party of parties celebrating Cape Verde music.

Forts

There are many historical buildings scattered throughout the islands, and there are also some spectacular forts that are worth seeing. The Duque de Bragança Fort in Boa Vista can be visited as part of a scenic off-road trip.

From Praia, another noteworthy attraction is the Fort Real de San Felipe. Positioned on the top of the hill looking down to the city, its awesome location only adds to its beauty.

Cape Verde Destination Guide