ATTRACTIONS

The Cape Verde Islands is West most of Africa. After its first discovery in the 15^th century by the Portuguese, it has become a commonly visited area by the Seafarers and Traders who sail between Europe, Africa and Latin America as is evident by its culture. The island has a dry climate (specially in the Leeward islands) and has suffered years of deforestation, over-cultivation and rather erratic weather, leaving the country’s economy comparatively fragile. Although the Portuguese named it after its luscious green, Cape Verde no longer remains true to its name. However, it has enough and more to offer its visitors, with its long, white sand beaches, vibrant Creole culture and good conditions for water sports. Since it is kind of cut-off from the other parts, its route remains un-spoilt and leaves many areas to be discovered as yet. Unusual, but attractive – that is Cape Verde for you. The Government is on its way to developing the tourist industry and expand the infrastructure to house the ever-increasing visitors to the place. 

Cape Verde consists of 9 inhabited islands. 

Santiago

This is the largest and the most populated of the lot. It is mountainous with a green grassy interior edged by small sandy beaches

     Praia

This is the capital of Cape Verde and is a lively pleasant town with nightlife worth experiencing. It also houses various other attractions like Cidade Velha – the first Portuguese settlement on Cape Verde. For the archeologists, there are ruins and old buildings, the hill above houses the Fort Real de San Felipe – an Old Portuguese fort. Tarrafal – the fishing village – attracts its crowds with one of the best beaches containing the presently restoring Old Colonial Prison, where the Portuguese dictator, Salazar, had held dissidents from throughout his empire in the initial 2/3rds of the 20^th century.

Ø       Sal

Named after the famous Salt Pits, this island is distinguished by its fine white sand beaches, and attracts most of the package tourists. Three dive schools are provided and the conditions for windsurfing are really good. This island was responsible for giving salt to most of the former Portuguese empire.

Ø       Sao Vicente

This houses the deep-water port of Mindelo. It is a lively town hacing old colonial buildings and a flourishing local music scene. Cesaria Evora, one of the leading musicians of the island, is a singer recognized internationally for her performances in traditional style, known as Cape Verde’s most famous daughter comes from this island. The Sao Vicente’s carnival is the most active in Cape Verde of its kind. August shows the traditional popular Baia das Gatas festival that is known internationally for its high standards of music.

The rest of the islands are comparatively quieter and attracts more nature lovers.

Ø       Boa Vista

This island has shallow seas and houses the 16km (10 mile) pristine Santa Monica beach.

Ø       Sao Nicolau

This has a picturesque landscape with its steep rocky peaked interiors and blank sand beaches bordering its edges.

Ø       Maio

This is an isolated island with quiet simple fishing villages, white beaches and sand dunes. When you walk down the beach, you may come across sea turtle eggs here and there.

Ø       Brava

This lush island has more rainfall than most and has wonderful views of the coast from its plateau with plenty of unique plant life. Watersports, however are not provided for here.

Ø       Fogo

This mountainous island houses an active volcano and black sandy beaches. They also produce Coffee, Grapes and Local Wine.

Ø       Santa Antao

This island has a stunning scenery with rugged coastline and is an attractive offer for walkers and hikers specially so since there are no beaches. It is one of the green islands of Cape Verde and contains forested hill interiors. There are deep flat-bottomed valleys, which are craters from extinct volcanoes, long overgrown due to the trees and the tropical vegetation. The Cape Verdean Rum or ‘Grog’ is a specialty of the place and is highly recommended for visitors.