Cap Verde
Cap Verde is located in the Atlantic Ocean on an archipelago a little west of Africa, app. 600 km kilometers from Senegal. This archipelago is a sparsely populated country of tropics and beaches, including some 12 islands. Each of the islands of Cape Verde is unique. Some have lush green valleys tucked between dramatic mountain ranges, while others are flat and barren with endless sandy beaches lapped by the bluest of crystal clear water. You can surely find an island which live up to your expectations.
The Capital of Cap Verde is Praia, which is placed on the island Santiago. Santiago is the larges of the Islands. Praia city is rich on history and culture and have a lively nightlife scene. However Cidade Velha was the first capital of Cape Verde. Here you will find the Portuguese fortress of St. Philip, which was laid as a defense against pirates. A majestic representative of the ruins of Cape Verde and a symbol of the era of colonization. The Fortressis on UNESCO-list.
Each of the islands is unique and different from the others. Some are barren and flat, with the most amazing endless sand dune beaches that I have ever seen in the world, while others are mountainous, lush and green. I will briefely describe some of the islands below.
Santiago island, is a totally underrated gem. Beside Praia, the capital of Cabo Verde, Santiago provides absolutely magnificent mountain views combined with lovely coves and wonderful beaches.Santiago has so much to offer, the Piscina Natural de Cuba, a “natural swimming pool”/amazing oasis. Silverbeach, a volcanic beach in Tarrafal and the Parque Nacional de Serra Malagueta, the most amazing mountain chain on the island.
Sal. The flat island of all and is a typical beach destination for sunshine-seeking European holidayers looking to get some sun. Based on this, it has more opportunities for the development of infrastructure, including Cape Verde tourism. In addition to surfing and diving, sailing boats with transparent bottoms are popular here. Sunken ships and marine life are clearly visible through it.
Boavista. The island, for the most part, consists of beaches, alternating with oases. The main local attraction is the Viana Desert, where off-road, ATV and motorcycle safaris are constantly held
Santo Antão is the most beautiful island not just in Cap Verde, but much of the world. You will find the oldest lighthouse in the archipelago and many buildings from the colonization period. But nature wise it has extravagant valleys and the massive volcanic mountains and cliffs. San Antao is a spectacular island green and with ravines and small villages clinging to the hillsides. This is a must for hikers and nature lovers.
Fogo is yet another island of volcanic origin which has a protected area with an active volcano. The volcano has been dormant for a long time and in the basin of the former eruptions there is a village with a church and a local museum. You can get some incredible hikes up to the crater. At Fogo you also find vineyards, from which the locals make excellent wine. Fogo is yet a beautiful place with vineyards, the volcano and beaches with volcanic sand.
San Vicente is more or less flat terrain but is a center of crafts, culture and music. Here they make everything that is local traditions like crafts made of stone and shells. The island’s capital Mingelo is paticular known for its music.
Brava is a little island and it is thought to have once been part of Fogo once, the stretch of ocean between these two islands is only a few hundred meters. The island is known as the ‘island of flowers’. It’s mountainous and spectacular with dramatic lava cliffs plunging into the sea.
