Why Cape Verde matters (short pitch)

A volcanic archipelago of ten main islands in the central Atlantic, about 500–700 km off West Africa, Cape Verde blends Portuguese and African heritage, year-round sunshine, world-class wind & watersports, dramatic volcanic scenery, and a rich musical culture (morna, coladeira, funaná). Its contrasts — desert beaches on Sal and Boa Vista versus lush mountain valleys on Santo Antão and volcanic peaks on Fogo — make it appealing to sunseekers, hikers, cultural tourists and digital nomads alike.

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Short history (essentials)

Discovered by Portuguese sailors in the 15th century, the islands became an important Atlantic stopover and — tragically — a hub in the transatlantic slave trade. Cape Verde achieved independence from Portugal on 5 July 1975 and since then has developed a stable multi-party democracy and relatively strong human development indicators in the African context. Creole culture and Lusophone ties remain central to national identity. Wikipedia

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Geography & the islands — quick island primer

The archipelago includes 10 larger islands (9 inhabited) split into windward (barlavento) and leeward (sotavento) groups. Each island has a strong personality:

• Sal — arid, salt pans, turquoise beaches (Santa Maria), kitesurfing hotspot. Airtel
• Boa Vista — sand dunes, shipwrecks, important sea-turtle nesting beaches; popular resorts. Tripadvisor
• Santiago — largest island, Praia (capital), Cidade Velha (UNESCO) and deep cultural roots.
• São Vicente — cultural hub (Mindelo), lively music scene and festivals. Cape Verde Islands
• Santo Antão — dramatic green mountains and hiking trails (one of the best trekking islands).
• Fogo — active volcano (Pico do Fogo), lava landscapes, unique wines/coffees.
• Brava, Maio, São Nicolau, Santa Luzia (uninhabited islets) — quieter, off-the-beaten-path options or protected areas.

Inter-island travel: domestic flights are common and ferries exist (but can be irregular); plan buffer time for island hops. Lonely Planet

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Climate & best time to go

Cape Verde has a subtropical climate with stable temperatures (mid-20s–30°C typical). The best months for most travelers are November–May (dry, pleasantly warm). Trade winds blow consistently — excellent for kitesurfing/windsurfing (especially Sal & Boa Vista). Rain is limited and mostly seasonal on the greener islands; Fogo’s highlands and Santo Antão can be cooler. Cape Verde Islands+1

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Nature & activities

• Beaches & watersports: Sal and Boa Vista for sun, surfing, kitesurfing, diving. Airtel+1
• Hiking & mountains: Santo Antão’s valleys, Pico do Fogo climb, Serra da Malagueta on Santiago.
• Wildlife: whale-watching season, dolphin pods, and sea-turtle nesting (notably Boa Vista). Conservation projects and eco-tours operate on multiple islands. El País

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Culture, music & food

Music is a core cultural export: morna (soulful, slow — Cesária Évora is the best-known ambassador), coladeira and funaná. Creole is spoken daily while Portuguese remains official. Food blends Portuguese, African and Creole influences — dishes like cachupa (slow-cooked stew), grilled fish, and local grog are staples. Festivals and Carnival (island dates vary) offer lively processions and music. Wikipedia+1

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Economy & development highlights

Cape Verde’s economy is service-oriented and relies heavily on tourism and remittances from the diaspora. After pandemic disruption, tourism rebounded strongly; World Bank/IMF reporting shows robust growth in 2024 driven by tourism and services, with continued reliance on remittances and fiscal reforms to support stability. Renewable energy targets and conservation (including a noted debt-for-nature swap with Portugal) are part of recent policy moves. The World Bank Docs+1

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Practical travel info (visa, currency, safety)

• Visa: rules vary by nationality — many can get a visa on arrival or e-visa/short-stay formalities; check official sources before travel. visit-caboverde.com+1
• Currency: Cape Verdean escudo (CVE). Euros accepted in tourist areas but have local cash for markets/remote areas. African Commission on Human Rights
• Safety: generally safe for tourists; petty theft is the most common issue in busy places—use normal precautions. Health facilities exist in main islands; travel insurance recommended. Wikipedia

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Sustainability & climate risks

As a small island state, Cape Verde is vulnerable to climate change (sea-level rise, stronger storms) but is also a regional leader on renewable energy adoption. Tourism growth must be managed to protect nesting beaches, marine habitats and freshwater resources. Several islands run conservation projects (turtle protection, marine reserves) and sustainable tourism initiatives. Wikipedia+1

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Sample itineraries (3 options)

1. 7-day “beach + culture”: Sal (3 nights for kitesurf & salt pans) → São Vicente (Mindelo, music) → Praia (Cidade Velha day trip).
2. 10-day “hike and volcano”: São Vicente → Santo Antão (4 days hiking) → Fogo (volcano climb & wine tasting) → Santiago (historical sites).
3. 2-week archipelago loop: Sal → Boa Vista → Santiago → Fogo → Santo Antão → São Vicente: mix beaches, culture, hikes and volcanoes.

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Travel tips & money-saving hacks

• Fly into Sal (SID) or Praia (RAI) depending on your route; consider multi-island flight passes.
• Book ferries and some island flights in advance in high season.
• Use local guesthouses (albergues) and food stalls for authentic, cheap meals.
• Respect turtle nesting sites (avoid beach lights/flash photos at night). visit-caboverde.com

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Sources & further reading (selected)

• Wikipedia: Cape Verde country page (overview, demographics). Wikipedia
• Visit Cabo Verde (official tourism): islands, FAQs, travel tips. visit-caboverde.com+1
• World Bank / IMF country briefs and reports (economy & recovery 2024–25). The World Bank Docs+1
• Travel guides: Lonely Planet, TripAdvisor aggregated listings for attractions. Lonely Planet+1

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100 trending “People also ask” questions (short answers)

Below are 100 concise PAA questions + answers you can drop into a webpage’s FAQ or use as content seeds. They’re phrased in conversational search terms.

1. What is Cape Verde called now?
   Officially Cabo Verde, often called Cape Verde in English. Wikipedia
2. Where is Cape Verde located?
   An archipelago off West Africa in the central Atlantic, roughly 500–700 km from the Senegalese coast. Cape Verde Islands
3. How many islands does Cape Verde have?
   Ten main islands (plus smaller islets); nine inhabited. visit-caboverde.com
4. What is the capital of Cape Verde?
   Praia, on the island of Santiago. Wikipedia
5. What language is spoken in Cape Verde?
   Portuguese is official; Cape Verdean Creole (Kriolu) is the everyday language. Wikipedia
6. When did Cape Verde become independent?
   5 July 1975 (from Portugal). Wikipedia
7. Is Cape Verde safe to visit?
   Generally considered safe for tourists; take normal precautions against petty theft. Wikipedia
8. Do I need a visa to go to Cape Verde?
   Visa requirements depend on nationality—many have visa-on-arrival or e-visa options. Check official travel portals. travel.gov.cv+1
9. What currency is used in Cape Verde?
   Cape Verdean escudo (CVE). Euros and cards accepted in many tourist areas. African Commission on Human Rights
10. What is the best time to visit Cape Verde?
    November–May is generally best (drier, comfortable temperatures); trade winds present year-round for wind sports. Discover Cape Verde
11. Is Cape Verde expensive?
    Costs vary—Sal and Boa Vista (resorts) can be pricier; local food and guesthouses are affordable. Nomad Photographer
12. Which island is best for beaches?
    Sal and Boa Vista are best known for long sandy beaches and watersports. Tripadvisor
13. Which island is best for hiking?
    Santo Antão is the top trekking island with dramatic valleys and mountain trails.
14. Can you climb a volcano in Cape Verde?
    Yes — Pico do Fogo on Fogo is climbable (guided treks recommended).
15. Are there direct flights from Europe?
    Yes — several European airlines fly to Sal (SID) and Praia (RAI) from Portugal and other hubs. visit-caboverde.com
16. How to travel between islands?
    Domestic flights and ferries connect islands; flights are faster and more reliable but ferries are cheaper. Lonely Planet
17. Do people speak English in Cape Verde?
    English is spoken in tourist areas and hotels, but Portuguese/Creole dominate locally. Wikipedia
18. What are traditional Cape Verdean foods?
    Cachupa (stew), grilled fish, corn, beans, local tropical fruit, and seafood dishes. Condé Nast Traveler
19. Is there good nightlife in Cape Verde?
    Mindelo (São Vicente) has a lively music scene and nightlife; resort islands have bars and evening entertainment. Cape Verde Islands
20. Can I see whales or dolphins?
    Yes — boat trips for dolphin/whale watching operate seasonally around several islands. El País
21. Is Cape Verde family-friendly?
    Yes — family resorts on Sal and Boa Vista cater well to families; other islands suit older kids/adventurers. Tripadvisor
22. Are there beaches with turtle nesting?
    Yes — Boa Vista and parts of Sal host loggerhead turtle nesting (protected sites). El País
23. Do credit cards work?
    In hotels, larger restaurants and shops yes; smaller vendors often prefer cash. African Commission on Human Rights
24. What vaccination do I need?
    Routine vaccinations recommended; check current health advisories (yellow fever not usually required unless transiting certain countries). Consult your doctor. Discover Cape Verde
25. Is tap water safe to drink?
    On many islands, tap water is treated but bottled water is commonly recommended for visitors. Discover Cape Verde
26. What plugs and voltage?
    230V, European-style plugs (Type C/E/F). Bring an adapter if needed. Wikipedia
27. Can I rent a car?
    Yes — car hire available on major islands; 4×4 recommended for some off-road areas. Lonely Planet
28. What is “morabeza”?
    A Creole word meaning the warm hospitality and relaxed spirit typical of Cape Verde. visit-caboverde.com
29. How long should I stay on each island?
    2–4 days on beach islands (Sal/Boa Vista), 4–6 days for hiking & culture islands (Santo Antão/Fogo/Santiago). Lonely Planet
30. Is tipping customary?
    Small tips for good service are appreciated but not always expected. Cape Verde Islands
31. Can you surf in Cape Verde?
    Yes — several islands offer surfing; wind and swell vary by island and season. Airtel
32. Are there UNESCO sites in Cape Verde?
    Yes — Cidade Velha (Santiago) is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
33. How strong are the trade winds?
    Trade winds are frequent and durable — ideal for wind sports (especially Dec–Aug). Discover Cape Verde
34. What’s the electrical time zone?
    Cape Verde Time (CVT) is UTC−1. Wikipedia
35. Does Cape Verde have good internet for digital nomads?
    Urban centers and tourist hotels usually have decent internet; speeds vary more in remote areas. Sal and Mindelo have good connectivity. visit-caboverde.com
36. Are there ATMs?
    ATMs available in major towns; carry cash on smaller islands. African Commission on Human Rights
37. Is it wheelchair accessible?
    Accessibility is improving in hotels, but many historic or rural areas have limited access. Plan ahead with providers. Lonely Planet
38. Can I volunteer in Cape Verde?
    Yes — conservation, teaching and community projects operate on several islands (apply through reputable NGOs). El País
39. What airlines fly within Cape Verde?
    Cabo Verde Airlines and several regional carriers operate domestic flights; small planes connect islands. travel.gov.cv
40. Is Cape Verde part of the EU?
    No — it is an independent African nation with historic ties to Portugal. Wikipedia
41. Are there scuba diving sites?
    Yes — clear waters, reefs and wreck dives are available, especially around Sal and Boa Vista. Cape Verde Islands
42. What clothes should I pack?
    Lightweight clothing, a windbreaker for evenings/trade winds, good hiking shoes for mountains, reef shoes for rocky beaches. Discover Cape Verde
43. How is medical care?
    Main islands have hospitals/clinics; complex cases may require evacuation to bigger medical centers abroad. Travel insurance recommended. Wikipedia
44. Can I swim everywhere?
    Most beaches are safe, but check for currents and local advice; some rugged coasts are unsuitable for casual swimming. Cape Verde Islands
45. Is nightlife expensive?
    Bars/clubs in Mindelo or resorts vary in price; budget travelers can find inexpensive local spots. Cape Verde Islands
46. What is the national dish?
    Cachupa is widely regarded as the national dish — a hearty stew of corn, beans, fish or meat. Condé Nast Traveler
47. Where to experience local music?
    Mindelo (São Vicente) is the cultural music capital; look for live performances in bars, festivals and cultural houses. Cape Verde Islands
48. Is Cape Verde LGBTQ+ friendly?
    Urban areas tend to be tolerant; public displays of affection may be more conservative in rural areas. Be mindful of local norms. Wikipedia
49. Do locals drink coffee or grog?
    Both — local cafes serve coffee; grog (a cane-based spirit) is a traditional drink in some places. El País
50. Can I buy SIM cards?
    Yes — mobile operators sell prepaid SIMs at airports and shops; bring passport for registration. travel.gov.cv
51. How do I get from the airport to town?
    Taxis, hotel transfers, and occasional shuttles are available; agree fares in advance or use metered taxis where available. Lonely Planet
52. Are there scuba certification schools?
    Yes, dive centres on Sal and Boa Vista offer certifications (PADI/SSI). Cape Verde Islands
53. What is the local dress code?
    Casual beachwear is fine at resorts; modest dress recommended in towns and religious sites. Discover Cape Verde
54. Is haggling common?
    In local markets and with street vendors some bargaining is normal; in shops and hotels prices are fixed. Cape Verde Islands
55. Can I drink alcohol on the beach?
    Rules vary by island and local ordinances; many resort beaches permit it but be respectful and avoid littering. Tripadvisor
56. Is public transport reliable?
    Public minibuses and shared taxis run between towns — they’re cheap but can be irregular. Domestic flights are more reliable for island travel. Lonely Planet
57. Can I surf year round?
    Surfing seasons vary island-by-island; check local surf reports. Winds and swells differ across islands. Airtel
58. Where to see colonial architecture?
    Cidade Velha (Santiago) and parts of Mindelo have colonial-era buildings and historic sites.
59. Are there eco-lodges?
    Yes — several islands offer eco-friendly accommodations and community-run lodges. El País
60. Do I need travel insurance?
    Strongly recommended — covers medical evacuation, trip interruption and adventure activities. Wikipedia
61. Can I take photos of people?
    Ask permission before photographing people, especially in villages or religious events. Cape Verde Islands
62. What festivals are famous?
    Carnival celebrations across islands, Mindelo music festivals, and local saints’ days are highlights. Cape Verde Islands
63. Is there nightlife on Sal?
    Santa Maria on Sal has bars, live music and seafront nightlife geared to tourists.
64. Can I bring pets?
    Import rules are strict—check quarantine and vaccination rules well ahead of travel. travel.gov.cv
65. Are there mountain refuges for hikers?
    Basic guesthouses and village lodgings serve hikers; bring cash and water on remote trails.
66. What emergency numbers to know?
    Local emergency numbers vary by island — check your hotel or official travel pages on arrival.
67. Is food spicy?
    Local cuisine is flavorful but not typically very spicy; sauces and hot condiments are available. Condé Nast Traveler
68. Can I find vegetarian food?
    Yes — staples like beans, corn, salads and rice are common; request vegetarian options in restaurants. Nomad Photographer
69. How do locals greet each other?
    Warmly — handshakes and cheek kisses among friends are common; morabeza (hospitality) is central. visit-caboverde.com
70. Do they have local markets?
    Yes — fish markets, craft stalls and local produce markets are lively places to explore. Lonely Planet
71. Are there UNESCO biosphere reserves?
    Some protected areas and conservation initiatives exist; Cidade Velha is a major cultural UNESCO site.
72. Can I do day trips between islands?
    Possible via short flights or fast ferries on some routes; plan for weather/ferry reliability. Lonely Planet
73. What is the local time difference from GMT?
    CVT is GMT−1 (UTC−1). Wikipedia
74. What souvenirs to buy?
    Handicrafts, woven baskets, local music CDs, rum/grog and artisanal products. Cape Verde Islands
75. Is Cape Verde family friendly for infants?
    Many resorts are family-oriented; consider flight lengths and medical access for infants. Tripadvisor
76. Is there a malaria risk?
    Generally low, but health advisories can change — check official health guidance before travel. Discover Cape Verde
77. Which island is best for foodies?
    Santiago (Praia) and São Vicente (Mindelo) offer the richest urban food scenes and local restaurants. Cape Verde Islands
78. Can I use euros widely?
    Euros accepted in many tourist venues but local escudos are preferred in smaller shops. African Commission on Human Rights
79. Are there good viewpoints for photos?
    Mountain ridges in Santo Antão, Pico do Fogo rim, and coastal cliffs on several islands provide dramatic photo ops.
80. Is Cape Verde kid-friendly for water sports?
    Some beaches have gentle bays suitable for older kids; water sports centers offer family lessons. Airtel
81. What is the local internet speed like?
    Varies — decent in towns and hotels, slower in rural and remote mountain villages. visit-caboverde.com
82. Can I get halal food?
    Seafood and vegetarian options are widely available; ask restaurants about halal preparations. Nomad Photographer
83. Is nightlife safe for solo travellers?
    Generally yes in popular areas; standard solo-traveller precautions recommended. Wikipedia
84. Do islands have bike rentals?
    Yes — bikes, scooters and 4×4 rentals are common on tourist islands for local exploration. Lonely Planet
85. Is free Wi-Fi common in cafes?
    Major cafés and hotels often offer free Wi-Fi; coverage can be limited in smaller towns. visit-caboverde.com
86. When is turtle nesting season?
    Nesting often occurs in summer months; local conservation groups run guided night visits with protections. El País
87. Can I visit uninhabited islands?
    Some islets (like Santa Luzia) are protected and access may be restricted; check permits and guided options. Cape Verde Islands
88. Is there a local coffee culture?
    Yes — coffee is popular and local blends/roasts exist, especially on Santiago and Fogo.
89. Do they celebrate Carnival?
    Yes — Carnival is celebrated on various islands with parades and music before Lent. Cape Verde Islands
90. Can I drive on the left or right?
    Drive on the right. Wikipedia
91. What vaccinations are needed for travel?
    Routine vaccinations recommended; check travel health guidance for up-to-date requirements. Discover Cape Verde
92. Is Cape Verde good for birdwatching?
    Yes — seabirds and migratory species can be spotted; some islands have birding hotspots. Cape Verde Islands
93. Can I do a cruise stopover?
    Several cruise lines include Cape Verde ports; shore excursions often focus on beaches and cultural tours.
94. Are there local artisans?
    Yes — craftspeople produce woven goods, pottery and musical instruments. Cape Verde Islands
95. What is the emergency number for police/medical?
    Emergency numbers vary by island; ask your hotel on arrival for local contacts.
96. Can I use ride-hailing apps?
    Not widespread — taxis and hotel transfers are more common. Lonely Planet
97. Is nightlife open late?
    Nightlife hours vary by island — Mindelo stays lively late, resort islands depend on tourist demand. Cape Verde Islands
98. Is Cape Verde family planning friendly for long stays?
    Long-stay visas/residency rules exist; check official immigration portals for working/long-term options. travel.gov.cv
99. What is a good daily budget?
    Budget travelers can manage on modest sums using guesthouses and street food; midrange tourists should budget more for organized tours and island hops. Nomad Photographer
100. Why should I add Cape Verde to my travel list?
     For its unique mix of sun, surf, wind sports, volcanic landscapes, rich Creole music and warm morabeza hospitality — few destinations combine culture, adventure and beaches so compactly.