Unique Vacation In The Cape Verde Islands Off West Africa

Any traveler looking for an alternative island vacation should experience the Cape Verde Islands. Set 350 miles off the West African coast, the Republic of Cabo Verde features 10 volcanic islands. Among these isles are varied scenic landscapes and much of interest to see and do.

About the Cape Verde islands

While Cabo Verde is 350 miles off the West African coast, it is surprisingly easy to access. The country’s capital, Praia and other locations offer convenient modern airports and ports. However, other islands remain almost completely unspoiled.

The Cape Verde islands were first discovered by Portuguese explorers in the 15th century and, unlike so many other locations, were uninhabited. However, the islands soon became an ideal location for the Atlantic slave trade. In fact, many of the inhabitants these days are descended from those slaves.

Meanwhile, the islands became popular with pirates and privateers but also attracted some well-known people. Back in the 1580s, Sir Francis Drake landed on these shores, and in 1832, Charles Darwin’s expedition made a stop in Cape Verde. Moreover, as others learned of the perfect positioning of the Cape Verde islands on the major shipping lanes from Australia, Europe and India, settlements grew on a number of the islands.

Cape Verde remained a Portuguese colony up until 1975 when they received independence and nowadays the country’s economy is flourishing, mostly in the tourism field. However, they are also blessed with foreign investment. Moreover, the islands have been deemed an excellent example among African nations for stability and developmental growth, despite their lack of natural resources.

Vacation in Cabo Verde

These days, the ideal positioning of the islands, along with modern airport facilities and ports have made them easier to visit. Meanwhile, along with the country’s year-round mild climate, the Cape Verde Islands are an excellent choice for vacationers.

It is possible to visit each island, with its own scenic landscapes for an alternative experience. Some have beautiful beaches, volcanic scenery, floral or desert scenes. Meanwhile, in total, the Cabo Verde islands offer around 222 accommodations of varying types for visitors. Among them are some major, modern hotels and resorts, along with smaller hotels, residences and pensions dotted around the towns.

Languages spoken in the islands

The locals in Cape Verde most commonly speak Portuguese and Creole. However, while English is widely spoken in major towns, it can be difficult to communicate in the outlying smaller settlements.

When it comes to food, the islanders mainly eat freshly caught fish and vegetables, served with staples such as corn or rice, as well as fresh fruits. One favorite dish here is Cachupa – a slow-cooked meat or fish stew served with vegetables and corn.

Activities in Cabo Verde

The Cabo Verde islands offer many popular activities including a type of windsurfing dubbed wave sailing. However, other water sports include kiteboarding and land and sea fishing. Another fun activity is riding around in beach buggies on Boa Vista. Meanwhile, there is a good range of hiking, nature and birding opportunities on the islands.

Cape Verde is entertaining

Besides the friendliness of the locals and the delicious fresh cuisine, the islands feature a mix of Portuguese, Brazilian and Caribbean influences in their music and dance. However, most heard on the Cape Verde islands is their national music, the “Morna.” This is a somewhat melancholy and melodic song, often sung in the local Creole.

Meanwhile, one of Cabo Verde’s most famous singers is the late “Barefoot Diva,” Cesária Évora. She usually sang in Portuguese and is still considered the “Queen of Morna” despite her passing in December 2011.

Readers can experience the true feeling of the Cape Verde Islands from the video featuring Évora below.

Experience a different island vacation in 2024 by visiting the Cape Verde Islands. Learn more about each beautiful island on the country’s official tourism website here.