Discover Cape Verde: A Hidden Gem of Sun, Culture, and Adventure
Nestled in the Atlantic Ocean, 570 kilometres off the coast of West Africa, Cape Verde (Cabo Verde) is an archipelago of 10 volcanic islands that blend African vibrancy with Portuguese colonial charm. For British travellers seeking winter sun, cultural immersion, and dramatic landscapes, this destination is an underrated paradise. Here’s why Cape Verde deserves a spot on your travel bucket list.
Island-Hopping: From Lunar Landscapes to Turquoise Waters
Cape Verde’s islands each offer distinct personalities. Start with Sal, home to postcard-perfect beaches like Santa Maria, where golden sands meet crystal-clear waters. Ideal for windsurfing or lazy sunbathing, Sal is a top pick for all-inclusive Cape Verde holidays. For a wilder coastline, head to Boa Vista, where the Viana Desert meets the ocean and loggerhead turtles nest between June and October—a must-see for nature lovers.
Adventurers should prioritise Santo Antão. Its jagged peaks, green valleys, and cobblestone trails make it one of West Africa’s best hiking destinations. Tackle the Ribeira Grande to Paúl trek for jaw-dropping vistas. Meanwhile, Fogo island is a geological wonder dominated by the active Pico do Fogo volcano. A guided trek to its lunar-like caldera is unforgettable—just pack sturdy shoes!
Cultural Beats: Music, Festivals, and Crioujo Flavours
Cape Verde’s soul lies in its morna music—best experienced in Mindelo, São Vicente’s cultural capital. This port town buzzes with live música nights and colourful colonial architecture. Time your visit for February to join the explosive Mindelo Carnival, a riot of costumes and rhythms rivalling Rio.
Don’t miss the archipelago’s Cape Verdean cuisine, a fusion of African and Portuguese influences. Tuck into cachupa (a hearty stew of corn, beans, and fish or meat), fresh grilled lagosta (lobster), and sip grogue (local sugarcane rum). For authentic eats, seek out tchutchin (family-run eateries) in Santiago’s capital, Praia.
Practical Tips for British Travellers
Best Time to Visit Cape Verde: November to June offers sunny, dry weather—perfect for beach days and hiking.
Flights: Direct flights from the UK to Sal and Boa Vista (4.5–6 hours) operate via TUI or British Airways. For other islands, connect via Lisbon or Praia.
Getting Around: Ferries and domestic flights (Cabo Verde Airlines) link islands, but schedules can be erratic—book in advance.
Language: Portuguese and Crioulo are widely spoken, but English is common in tourist areas.
Why Cape Verde?
Whether you’re chasing winter sun, craving cultural depth, or yearning for off-the-beaten-path adventures, Cape Verde delivers. With its mix of pristine beaches, otherworldly hikes, and rhythmic energy, this archipelago is a treasure waiting to be explored.
Pack your sense of adventure—and sunscreen—Cape Verde is calling.
Nestled in the Atlantic Ocean, 570 kilometres off the coast of West Africa, Cape Verde (Cabo Verde) is an archipelago of 10 volcanic islands that blend African vibrancy with Portuguese colonial charm. For British travellers seeking winter sun, cultural immersion, and dramatic landscapes, this destination is an underrated paradise. Here’s why Cape Verde deserves a spot on your travel bucket list.
Island-Hopping: From Lunar Landscapes to Turquoise Waters
Cape Verde’s islands each offer distinct personalities. Start with Sal, home to postcard-perfect beaches like Santa Maria, where golden sands meet crystal-clear waters. Ideal for windsurfing or lazy sunbathing, Sal is a top pick for all-inclusive Cape Verde holidays. For a wilder coastline, head to Boa Vista, where the Viana Desert meets the ocean and loggerhead turtles nest between June and October—a must-see for nature lovers.
Adventurers should prioritise Santo Antão. Its jagged peaks, green valleys, and cobblestone trails make it one of West Africa’s best hiking destinations. Tackle the Ribeira Grande to Paúl trek for jaw-dropping vistas. Meanwhile, Fogo island is a geological wonder dominated by the active Pico do Fogo volcano. A guided trek to its lunar-like caldera is unforgettable—just pack sturdy shoes!
Cultural Beats: Music, Festivals, and Crioujo Flavours
Cape Verde’s soul lies in its morna music—best experienced in Mindelo, São Vicente’s cultural capital. This port town buzzes with live música nights and colourful colonial architecture. Time your visit for February to join the explosive Mindelo Carnival, a riot of costumes and rhythms rivalling Rio.
Don’t miss the archipelago’s Cape Verdean cuisine, a fusion of African and Portuguese influences. Tuck into cachupa (a hearty stew of corn, beans, and fish or meat), fresh grilled lagosta (lobster), and sip grogue (local sugarcane rum). For authentic eats, seek out tchutchin (family-run eateries) in Santiago’s capital, Praia.
Practical Tips for British Travellers
Best Time to Visit Cape Verde: November to June offers sunny, dry weather—perfect for beach days and hiking.
Flights: Direct flights from the UK to Sal and Boa Vista (4.5–6 hours) operate via TUI or British Airways. For other islands, connect via Lisbon or Praia.
Getting Around: Ferries and domestic flights (Cabo Verde Airlines) link islands, but schedules can be erratic—book in advance.
Language: Portuguese and Crioulo are widely spoken, but English is common in tourist areas.
Why Cape Verde?
Whether you’re chasing winter sun, craving cultural depth, or yearning for off-the-beaten-path adventures, Cape Verde delivers. With its mix of pristine beaches, otherworldly hikes, and rhythmic energy, this archipelago is a treasure waiting to be explored.
Pack your sense of adventure—and sunscreen—Cape Verde is calling.
