Travelling to Cape Verde: A Practical Guide to Everything You Need to Know

Planning a trip to Cape Verde means opening the door to an archipelago full of life, breathtaking scenery and the famous ‘morabeza’ – the Cape Verdean people’s art of hospitality. However, as it is an island destination with its own unique characteristics, there are always plenty of questions that arise before you set off.

In this practical guide, we’ve brought together all the essential information on flights, currency, climate, health and the differences between the islands so that you can organise your adventure without any surprises.

1. Climate: When to travel?

Cape Verde has a dry tropical climate, which means you can visit the country all year round, with average temperatures ranging from 24°C to 30°C.

• Windy Season (November to April): This is the ideal time for water sports enthusiasts (such as kitesurfing in São Vicente) and for those wishing to go trekking in Santo Antão, with cooler, more pleasant temperatures.

• Rainy/Hot Season (August to October): Temperatures rise and there may be occasional, but often torrential, downpours, which transform the mountains of Santo Antão into a stunning green landscape.

  
  

2. Currency, Money and Shopping

A moeda oficial é o Escudo Cabo-verdiano (CVE). O câmbio é fixo em relação ao Euro:

1 EUR = 110.265 CVE

Payment tips:

• Are euros accepted? Yes, in the vast majority of restaurants, hotels and taxis in São Vicente and Santo Antão, you can pay in euros (they usually calculate it simply: 1 EUR = 100 CVE. However, you will receive your change in escudos.

• Credit cards: These are accepted in large hotels, but local shops, small restaurants and transport services (car hire) operate strictly on a cash-only basis.

• ATMs (Vinti4): You’ll have no trouble finding ATMs in Mindelo and Porto Novo where you can withdraw cash using international cards (such as Visa or Mastercard).

  
  

3. Language: How do we communicate?

The official and administrative language is Portuguese, so you’ll find it extremely easy to communicate in any situation. However, in everyday life, the national language and the one most widely spoken by the locals is Cape Verdean Creole.

Tip: Learning a few words such as “Obrigado”, “Tud dret?” (Everything OK?), “Bom dia”, “Bo tard” or “Bo noit” will be sure to bring a big smile to the locals’ faces.

In tourist areas, French and English are also widely understood.

4. Domestic Flights and Inter-island Travel

The archipelago consists of 10 islands, and the way you get around depends on your destination:

• Domestic Flights: To connect remote islands (such as Santiago, Sal, Boavista or São Vicente), there are domestic flights operated by local airlines. It is strongly recommended that you book these flights well in advance, as seats are limited.

• Boats and Ferries: For neighbouring islands, the boat is the best option. A perfect example is the daily service between São Vicente and Santo Antão, a quick 1-hour sea crossing linking Mindelo to Porto Novo.

CVSky - Domestic Flights

CVInterilhas - Boats & Ferries

Nos Ferry - Only on the São Vicente / Santo Antão – Santo Antão / São Vicente route.

5. Health, Food and Safety

Cape Verde is one of the safest and most stable countries on the entire African continent. There are no compulsory vaccinations required to enter the country (unless you are travelling from an area at risk of yellow fever).

Points to bear in mind:

• Water: You should not drink tap water. Always drink bottled water, even when brushing your teeth.

• Food: Cape Verdean cuisine is delicious and safe to eat. Don’t miss the chance to try cachupa (the national dish made from maize and beans), fresh fish (such as tuna and serra) and seafood.

• Pharmacy: Take a small first-aid kit with you when travelling, including sun cream, insect repellent and basic medicines for stomach problems caused by a change in water.

  
  

6. The Spirit of Each Island: Which one to choose?

Although they all share that famous ‘morabeza’, the ten islands of Cape Verde (nine of which are inhabited) are divided into two geographical groups and offer completely different worlds. Here’s what you’ll find on each one:

The Windward Islands (The North)

• Santo Antão: An undisputed trekking paradise. A majestic island with deep green valleys, rugged mountains and sugarcane plantations. It is the ideal destination for those seeking unspoilt nature and hiking.

  
  

• São Vicente: The country’s cultural capital. Centred on the vibrant city of Mindelo, it is the island of live music, gastronomy, nightlife and the urban beach of Laginha.

  
  

• Sal and Boavista: The islands with their vast golden sandy beaches and turquoise waters. They are the top destinations for those looking for all-inclusive resorts, total relaxation and water sports such as kitesurfing and windsurfing.

  
  

• São Nicolau: An authentic island largely untouched by mass tourism, characterised by colourful villages (such as Ribeira Brava), mountains ideal for leisurely walks, and beaches of medicinal black sand.

  
  

• Santa Luzia: The only completely uninhabited island. It is a protected nature reserve that can only be visited by environmental and animal welfare organisations.

  
  

The Leeward Islands (The South)

• Santiago: The largest island and the political and historical heart of the country. It is home to the capital, Praia, and the historic Cidade Velha (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). It offers a rich blend of African culture, vibrant markets and the Serra Malagueta Natural Park.

  
  

• Fogo: Famous for its imposing active volcano (Pico do Fogo), which rises to an altitude of almost 3,000 metres. The lunar landscape within the caldera (Chã das Caldeiras) and the local wine produced on volcanic soil offer an experience that is unique in the world.

  
  

• Maio: A hidden gem of tranquillity and silence. It stands out for its deserted, unspoilt beaches, ideal for those who want to switch off completely from the world and watch sea turtles lay their eggs.

  
  

• Brava: Known as the ‘Island of Flowers’ due to its humid climate, which fosters dense vegetation. It is the smallest inhabited island, isolated and imbued with a nostalgic charm, accessible only by boat from Fogo.

7. Plan your tailor-made trip with Roca's

Organising a trip that combines the logistics of two such different islands may seem complicated. At Roca’s, we create your ideal itinerary from scratch, tailoring it to your budget and pace.

We arrange your private transfers, select the most charming accommodation and provide you with experienced local guides who will help you experience the true essence of São Vicente and Santo Antão.

✈️ Do you want to travel without any worries? Leave the planning to us. Click the button below, send us a message on WhatsApp, and we’ll start planning your dream trip to Cape Verde!

WHATSAPP