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.
Barbara Arriaga Fuentes says
Hi! we would like to go to Cape verde this year in agoust for three weeks, its that enought time to see all the islands? als what about the weather? and the lenguage? its possible to comunicate in english?
CapeVerdeIslands.org says
Hello Barbara,
Really nice that you want to visit multiple islands, this is definitely the best way to get the most out of your trip and enjoy the diversity between the islands.
Based on our experience, 3 weeks should be enough to visit the most interesting sights without having any travel stress. Most islands are – besides Sal/Boavista/Santiago/Sao Vicente- not focussed on tourism, therefore not everyone speaks English (fifty – fifty). However, this is not really a problem as the locals are open and happy to help you even if they do not speak your language. On So this is not a problem. For the weather in August, please see the following page: Weather August. This page will show you more details.
Best,
Team CapeVerdeIslands.org
Shamsh says
HI, we’ve just come back from Boa Vista and stayed in an apartment in Sal Rei. Main language is Portuguese but Creole is spoken freely in Sal Rei. Most people have a smattering of English or will work with you to establish communication. So, take a portuguese phrase book. Money – some places accepted euros, but we bit the bullet and used the cash machines in in Sal Rei, accepted the charges and used the ECV rather than euros. FYI, the internet EASA registration of our Airport Security Tax was successful , but in keeping with the underdevelopment of the systems , it still took an hour and a half to get through immigration at Ribal Airport. Regarding the weather, This is the very windy season, and our local guide told us that May to October is much less windy and a lot warmer as well as the sea being calmer , but bear in mind that August is Turtle season so your beach access may be limited as well.
Barbara , you haven’t said where you are travelling from , but we also used a smattering of Spanish words as a bridge which was helpful too. Fogo wines – amazing!! Also there are a number of companies which advertise multi-island tours within a set timeframe – check the internet or perhaps trip advisor !
Shamsh
PS bring a good torch, night lighting may be lacking .
Shamsh says
Hi, We are Irish citizens living in the UK, I see we do not need a visa to go to cape verde but Ive been trying to register on the EASE website but after page one, it goes to error 404 page not found. We travel independently in 3 weeks so im now getting concerned about this process. Is the website a know problem at the moment, if so, is there another way to register. Thank You
CapeVerdeIslands.org says
Hello Shamsh,
We are facing the same problem, hopefully they are aware of this and fix as soon as possible. However, in the mean time no stress as you also can arrange everything at the border (customs).
Best,
Team CapeVerdeIslands.org
Shamsh says
I found this link on the Information leaflet and it has worked and allowed me to pay the AST online the emails a confirmation.
https://registration.cv.zetes.com/Pages/CapeVerde/PersonalInfo.aspx
Hope this helps
Shamsh
CapeVerdeIslands.org says
Thanks for sharing Shamsh.
We had contact with the web master of ease.gov.cv and it seems to be instable at the moment (sometimes not available). Quess you were lucky :-).
De groot says
What are average temperatures Celsius in jan and feb
CapeVerdeIslands.org says
Hello,
Avarage Max: 26 degrees Celsius
Avarage Min: 19 degrees Celsius
Best,
Team CapeVerdeIslands.org
Anonymous says
What is the weather like in March in Boa vista
CapeVerdeIslands.org says
In March the number of hours of sunshine rises (8 – 10 per day) and there is (almost) no rain. The average daily temperature is around 26 degrees Celsius and the sea temperature around 23 degrees Celsius.
Best,
Team CapeVerdeIslands.org
colin says
what is the weather like in May on Sal. Is it very windy?
CapeVerdeIslands.org says
Hello Colin,
In May there is still some wind. Average speed around 33,5 p/h (Beaufort 5)
Best,
Team CapeVerdeIslands.org
Anonymous says
Is there a soccer teams for future football professional or even amature and how do I get to be there, Emmanuel from ivory coast.
Richard Clayton says
I was interested in come there for Christmas 2019.There are two of us.One likes to stay near the pool and i like adventure. Which island would you suggested with this in mind and 4.5 star if possible
CapeVerdeIslands.org says
Hello Richard,
Did you consider island hopping or visiting at least 2 different islands? In this way you get most out of your holiday if you like staying at a pool and also being active.
Best,
Team CapeVerdeIslands.org
John Purcell says
I would like information on immigrating to the Cape Verde Islands. I live in the U.S. and have a Bachelor of Science Degree In Agricultural Development, and my specialty is growing Coconut Palms and other tropical trees and plants, as well as ORGANIC horticulture and landscaping.
Thank you,
John Purcell
CapeVerdeIslands.org says
Hello John,
For this matter we would advice to contact the embassy or related organisation.
Thanks,
Team CapeVerdeIslands.org
Jim McGill says
Which island is best for a nice quiet holiday
CapeVerdeIslands.org says
Hi Jim,
That can be every island :-). What are you exactly searching for?
Best,
Team CapeVerdeIslands.org
Taradise says
Would love to go
CapeVerdeIslands.org says
The islands are beautiful Taradise. Hope we can welcome you soon in Cape Verde.
Best,
Team CapeVerdeIslands.org