Cape Verde
Ten volcanic islands scattered across the Atlantic some 570 kilometres west of Senegal, Cape Verde blends Saharan dust, oceanic trade winds, and a Creole culture shaped by five centuries of Portuguese colonial history into something distinctly its own.
Overview
Cape Verde — officially the Republic of Cabo Verde — is an archipelago of ten main islands and several islets divided into the Barlavento (windward) and Sotavento (leeward) groups. The capital, Praia, sits on Santiago, the largest island. Portuguese is the official language, though Creole (Kriolu) dominates daily life. The escudo (CVE) is the national currency. The country's identity is defined by the concept of saudade — a melancholic longing — expressed most clearly in its famed musical genre, morna.
Visa Requirements
Many nationalities require a visa to enter Cape Verde, though the government operates an electronic visa (eVisa) system accessible through official channels before travel. Some nationalities may obtain a visa on arrival. Requirements and fees vary by nationality, so travellers should consult the official Cabo Verde eVisa portal and their nearest consulate well ahead of departure.
Airports in Cape Verde
5 airportsAirlines based in Cape Verde
2 airlines
Famous Attractions in Cape Verde
Pico do Fogo on Fogo Island is an active stratovolcano rising to 2,829 metres, surrounded by a vast caldera where vineyards grow in volcanic ash. Santa Maria beach on Sal offers a long sweep of pale sand backed by calm, shallow water. The colonial town of Cidade Velha on Santiago — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — was the first European settlement in the tropics. Mindelo on São Vicente hosts a vibrant carnival and a well-preserved Portuguese-influenced old town centred on Praça Nova.
Weather & Climate
Cape Verde has a semi-arid climate moderated by Atlantic trade winds. Temperatures are relatively stable year-round, ranging from roughly 22–26 °C in winter months (December–February) to 27–30 °C in the hottest period (August–October). Rainfall is minimal and concentrated between August and October. The cooler, drier months from November to June are generally considered the most comfortable for visitors. Pack a light layer for evenings and windy ridgelines, particularly on the eastern islands.
Interesting Facts About Cape Verde
- Uninhabited before Portuguese settlers arrived in 1462.
- Morna music earned UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage status in 2019.
- Cape Verde has no rivers — freshwater is almost entirely desalinated.
- One of Africa's most stable democracies since independence in 1975.
- The islands sit on the same latitude as the Sahara Desert.
Official Resources
- caboverde.gov.cv — official portal of the Cape Verde government
- ease.gov.cv — official eVisa and electronic authorisation system
- inmg.gov.cv — national meteorology and geophysics institute
- asa.cv — Airports and Air Safety of Cape Verde (ASA)