Cape Verde is a group of sub-tropical and volcanic islands in the Atlantic Ocean with a beautiful weather all year round. The former Portuguese colony is situated about 460 kilometers off the coast of Senegal (Africa). Fly only 2 more hours to the south from the Canaries and there is the Cape Verde archipelago. For example, it is only a 6 hours flight from Amsterdam or London. Each island is unique and different. Kilometers of white and sandy beaches, historical towns, unspoiled nature, whales and turtles, pleasant weather, great food and a Portuguese atmosphere. An ideal holiday destination for everyone!
Geographic location Cape Verde
The Cape Verde islands are located a few hundred kilometers to the west coast of Africa in the North Atlantic Ocean. The islands are at the crossroads between Europe, Africa and America. The archipelago belongs together with the Canary Islands, Azores and Madeira to the Macaronesia region. The islands are over 4,000 square kilometers, of which the island of Santiago is the largest. The distance to Cape Verde is only 664 kilometers from Dakar (Senegal), 2,887 kilometers from Faro (Portugal) and 4,851 kilometers from Amsterdam (the Netherlands). The geographical coordinates are: 16.5388 ° N, 23.0418 ° W.
The islands
The Cape Verde archipelago consists of 12 islands of which 9 are habited. Its location relative to the wind makes it possible to make a split between them. In the north the upper wind islands are located and in the south you will find the lower wind islands. The islands differ greatly from each other, which makes it so unique. Each island has its qualities and is suitable for certain activities such as surfing, hiking or enjoying beautiful beaches.
The upper wind islands include Sal, Boavista, Sao Nicolau, Sao Vicente, Santo Antao, Santa Luzia. Branco and Raso. These three last mentioned islands are uninhabited. On the upper wind islands of Santo Antao and Sao Nicolau you can admire spectacular mountain views and tropical valleys. Sao Vicente, however is known for its large harbor and the famous carnaval. The eastern part of the upper wind islands Sal and Boavista are more oriented towards tourists. These islands have wonderful white beaches and an azure sea.
In the south, the islands of Santiago, Fogo, Brava and Maio form the lower winds islands. Santiago is the largest island of Cape Verde. The capital Praia on Santiago has a rich history. Other southern islands are Fogo and Brava. The island of Fogo has an active volcano with a summit of nearly 3 kilometers. Brava is also known as the green oasis and is the smallest habited islands of the Cape Verde archipelago. The last island that belongs to the lower wind part is Maio. This islands also has beautiful white beaches.
How to get there?
You can get to Cape Verde by air and sea. There is a daily flight service, international and national flights. International airports are on the islands of Sal, Boavista, Santiago and Sao Vicente. From these islands you can take an domestic flight to one of the other islands. Check for airline tickets and all domestic airline connections the page with airline information.
Neil says
I keep receiving calls from this # 238-2183, in Cape Verde we’ve been told? Can it or the Caller be traced please. Neil
Rodger Boothman says
Hello, we are looking at coming in May 2022, which island is the best to visit? We want sun, sea, beach and relaxation wherever possible. We are not into surfing type activities just strolling along the beach and a little running for me. Thanks.
CapeVerdeIslands.org says
Hi Rodger,
If you like strolling around long beaches then check for the islands Sal, Boavista and Maio.
Best,
Team CapeVerdeIslands.org
Kelly says
Planning a trip to Sao Vicente and Sao Nicolau in Feb 2022. Will there be Carnival in 2022??
CapeVerdeIslands.org says
Hello Kelly,
We did not hear yet of any Carnival events will be cancelled due to current world wide situation with Covid-19 (Corona). Carnival will start in more than 7 months, so things can change in the coming months.
Best,
Team CapeVerdeIslands.org
Alexandra says
Hi,
Which island should you choose if you don´t want the wind?
Thank you!
CapeVerdeIslands.org says
Hello Alexandra,
We would suggest to visit one of the islands that are not flat if you want to avoid the wind. For example, Santiago or Santo Antao. Or visit any island in the months when there is less wind.
Best,
Team CapeVerdeIslands.org
Donald Belfon says
Hi there!
Some friends and I are headed to Cape Verde for the carnival? But staying for five days longer with the hopes of doing some hiking / trekking on Santa Antao. Are their any routes your recommend/ must sees on the island?
CapeVerdeIslands.org says
Donald,
Wow, hope you have a wonderfull time during Carnival and your stay in Cape Verde.
In the following article we have listed some hiking routes: Hiking Santo Antao. Of course there a more nice routes, but this is a good starting point.
Enjoy your stay.
Team CapeVerdeIslands.org
Margaret says
Is the wind factor important? if so, which, if any, is the least windy
CapeVerdeIslands.org says
Hallo,
It depends on which months. For more information about the wind see the following page: Wind Cape Verde.
Best,
Team CapeVerdeIslands.org
Lovern Gordon says
Great article and breakdown of islands. Which one is best to visit for water related activities/adventures?
Also is it still super rainy from 20th September on? Looking to come 21st to 28th.
CapeVerdeIslands.org says
Hello Lovern,
This depends a bit on what kind of activities you would like to do. For example, is it surfing or diving?
In general, on most islands you can do water activities. However, on the islands with more tourists (e.g. Sal, Boavisa) the activities are superb.
Best,
Team CapeVerdeIslands.org
Bibi says
Hi
I booked my fliget for 20th february 2020 for sal, but i need to get to sao vicente, is flying the only option? And how soon should I book?
Thanks
CapeVerdeIslands.org says
Hello,
Getting a domestic flight from Sal to Sao Vicente is the fastest and hassle free option. Best is to book in advance your flight. For more information: Domestic flights Cape Verde.
Best,
Team CapeVerdeIslands.org
G says
Hi,
i booked my flight for 11th of December to Sal. i Have 10/11 days. would also like to visit Praia. what is the most budget friendly way to get across the islands?.
Is there a ferry from Sal to Praia? how long is the trip?
CapeVerdeIslands.org says
Hello G,
Most budget friendly is taking the ferry, however the trip is pretty long and the ocean can be rough. The price of a domestic flight is slightly higher but more worth it (time vs money).
Best,
Team CapeVerdeIslands.org
csleung says
We will arrive in Santiago Island and only have 6 days in Cape Verde. Which island we must visit other than Santiago island.
CapeVerdeIslands.org says
Hello Csleung,
Nice you will visit Cape Verd! The archipel is very divers and visiting other islands is definitely recommended. Which island you don’t want to miss depends on your personal interest. What do you like to do?
Best,
Team CapeVerdeIslands.org