Discover Cape Verde

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Cape Verde
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Discover Cape Verde

Cultural cities, soaring mountains, lush forests, desert plains and miles of pristine beaches. Cape Verde is an amazingly diverse holiday destination...

06/05/2026

Tourism is the main source of income for the Cape Verde and many tourists wish to see the turtles when they visit. Loggerhead turtles (species Caretta Caretta) nest in the sand dunes on the islands. Sadly, however, the artificial light that emanates from the large tourist resorts threatens the survival of these magnificent creatures. Cape Verde currently has about 15% of the world’s turtle nests. The island of Sal, which is of course, the island that attracts the most tourists, has more than 36,500 nests.

Sal has a number of large tourist resorts on its long sandy beaches. A study carried out in 2025 confirmed that the island presents the biggest conflict between artificial light pollution and the density of turtle nests. Light pollution has been established as a major factor in disorientating the female and young turtles. It leads them away from the sea and therefore reduces their chances of survival. As a result of this study and the concern that it raised, new lighting protocols are being implemented in the large hotels/resorts on the island to reduce the impact of the light pollution. It is hoped that as a result, Sal will retain its status as a safe location for the loggerhead turtles and that it will demonstrate a responsible tourist model that could be replicated elsewhere.

29/04/2026

It seems that almost every month there is news of more international flights to Cape Verde. This time we have heard of another EasyJet route and also new links with the United States. In addition to these additional flights, the cruise market is also growing. This all points to Cape Verde continuing to establish itself as a major tourist destination.

EasyJet is commencing direct flights between Amsterdam and Sal in October 2026. This route is already available for booking on the EasyJet website. There will be three flights a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. EasyJet has stated that this development is in response to an increasing demand for warm, sunny destinations in the colder months in Northern Europe. This brings the airlines connections to Sal to seven (Amsterdam, Bristol, Lisbon, London Gatwick, Manchester, Milan and Porto).

Up until July 2021 Cabo Verde Airlines flew between Praia (on the Island of Santiago) and Boston in the USA. Before that the airline had flown to Rhode Island, but that service ceased in 2017. However, there is now news that the airline has notified the US. Transportation Department that it intends to recommence flights to T. F. Green International Airport (PVD) Providence, Rhode Island. This route is expected to start on 31 March 2027. This is a natural route for the Cape Verdean airline as there is a large Cape Verdean diaspora in that part of US.

24/04/2026

São Pedro is a small village on the island of São Vicente. The village is close to the airport and about 10km southwest of the capital Mindelo. The sleepy little village is relatively undeveloped, but has a lovely beach that provides excellent conditions for windsurfers. São Pedro is also a good base from which to visit Mindelo and the port, where you can catch the ferries to the neighbouring island of Santo Antão.
www.discover-cape-verde.com/sao-pedro-sao-vicente-island

22/04/2026

Casa Marisa 2.0 is located in the volcano caldera on the island of Fogo. The caldera is a fascinating place to visit. The hotel is in a good location for walking or hiking. Mountain bikes can also be hired. The hotel is run by Marisa and Mustafa. Marisa is an excellent cook and Mustafa is a mountain guide.

The accommodation includes 15 rooms, 12 of which are in the traditional Funku (round houses, found in the caldera). There is also a restaurant with two terraces and also a playground for children. The hotel uses 100% renewable energy, from solar and geothermal. If you are visiting Fogo a visit into the caldera should be on your itinerary.

17/04/2026

This movie of extreme kite surfing in Cape Verde may whet the appetite for those keen on water sports. Slice of Cape Verde was filmed in 2019 at Ponta Preta beach on the island of Sal. It was filmed during a GKA Kitesurf World Cup. Kite surfing is a popular activity, especially on Kite Beach and Ponta Preta beach on the island of Sal. The GKA World Tour usually includes Cape Verde. Click the link to view the movie:
www.discover-cape-verde.com/movie-slice-of-cape-verde

15/04/2026

For the first time since before the Covid pandemic, flights between Cape Verde and Brazil will restart. Cabo Verde Airlines will be flying between Praia (on Santiago) and Recife the state capital of Pernambuco. Initially this will be a weekly service, Wednesday from Praia to Recife and Thursday in the opposite direction. It is hoped to increase this to twice a week. This service commences in early May. The route will provide better connections between Brazil and West Africa, by giving an option that avoids busy European hubs. It also offers an alternative route to Europe from north west Brazil. This is a natural connection because of the cultural links and the language shared by both countries. It is anticipated that there will be tourism benefits to Cape Verde as well as to the north west part of Brazil.
www.discover-cape-verde.com/flights-cape-verde-brazil

10/04/2026

Fajã d'Água is a tiny village on the northwestern coast of Brava. This little village is sandwiched between the mountains and the sea in what is one of the most beautiful bays in the whole of Cape Verde. There is an attractive walk to this little village, which takes you through fertile fields and deserted villages. In the past American whalers would use the bay for shelter and to pick up crew. As a result Brava has slightly more American influences than the other islands.

03/04/2026

Cape Verde - Fogo. This atmospheric movie of the island of Fogo, Cape Verde reflects on the volcanic eruption in 2014. In it Mustafa talks about how the lava destroyed his hotel and his village in the Caldera. He subsequently rebuilt the hotel. Thank you Fraser James for this movie. Click the link below to view this movie:
https://www.discover-cape-verde.com/movie-cape-verde-fogo

01/04/2026

In the terrible storm of August 2025, the cultural centre in Mindelo, on the island of São Vicente, was badly damaged. As a result it has been closed for repairs since then. However, the work is now complete and the centre will open again shortly. The works commenced in February and included the replacement of the roof, works to the auditorium, and the walls, ceilings and the facade. Also included are new sound and lighting systems.

The cultural centre (Centro Cultural do Mindelo) was founded in the 1980’s. It was always a multicultural community space for music, dance, theatre, literature, exhibitions and public debates. With the refurbishment and new equipment, the centre is preparing an exciting programme. This represents a return to the cultural life that is so much a part of life on São Vicente. https://www.discover-cape-verde.com/mindelo-cultural-centre-reopening/

27/03/2026

São Nicolau is an authentic Cape Verdean island. Four different landscapes make it unique for tourists who like walking on the beautiful tracks in the various parts of the island.

Walks

Walking from the road to Praia Branca to Carberinho on the west takes you to an incredible rock wall at the coast. Many people think it is created by the sea and waves, however, the main formation happened thanks to the rain, perhaps many thousand years ago, after the creation of this volcanic island. It is considered by some to be the most impressive sight in the whole of Cape Verde.

In the north west of the island there is a beautiful walk to Ribeira da Prata. Then onward on a beautiful walk a few kilometers further south you reach the Monte Gordo. This is the 1300m mountain, the highest on São Nicolau. There is a small, but beautiful wood around Monte Gordo comprising several hundred dragon trees (Dracaena draco). This is a special place and popular with many visitors. You can walk to 1000m, alternatively you can carry on to the top. If you reach the road to Vila da Ribeira Brava and Tarrafal to the other side (Pico Agudo), you will always find a lift after a short wait. The total walking time for this expedition is about 5 hours.

Another beautiful walk (of 2-3 hours) is from Cabeçalinho to Calejão and Vila da Ribeiro Brava. The tourist map gives more options from Cabeçalinho to Ribeira Brava, the main village on the island.

Juncalinho is a pure Cape Verdean village, free from tourism and a nice to visit. The road on the northern coast is beautiful, however, it is better to take an aluguer from the main village, or alternatively rent a car. You can then visit the simple fishing village of Carrecal.

Walking on the east of the island is not recommended. It is a rough rocky landscape, and also saharan-like, with many kilometers of sand in the far east. To do this by car and visiting a beautiful big oasis is recommended.

Fajã in the centre of the island is the most green and fertile part of São Nicolau. You can leave your aluguer,(public car) and to take a beautiful walk to Queimadas de Baixo and back to the main street (2-3hours), or to Queimadas de Cima and down to the main Village (4 hours). Queimadas de Baixo can also be visited by car.

Restaurants

The quietness together with the Cape Verdean character of São Nicolau is important. Most Cape Verdean guesthouses only offer bed and breakfast. There are plenty of small restaurants with Cape Verdean meals including rice, sweet potatoes, fried fish, but few or no green vegetables. Good fish dinners are often available in small bars.

Transport

Public transport is good, inexpensive and reliable and it can take you to the start of a beautiful view of the island. Renting a four wheel drive will cost 60 euros for 24 hours, and also a driver can be provided if preferred. There is an airport on São Nicolau with flights from Praia (Santiago) and São Vicente. Also the island is also served by ferries from several other islands.

São Nicolau is a relatively unknown island within the Cape Verdean archipelago, but one that should not be missed. www.discover-cape-verde.com/sao-nicolau-little-known-cape-verdean-gem

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