Cape Verde Islands

Cape Verde is an archipelago located off the most westernmost point of the African continental coast. There are ten main Cape Verde islands, and eight islets. The main islands on the Northern Island Group are Santo Antco, Sco Vicente, Santa Luzia, Sco Nicolau, Sal, and Boa Vista. The Southern Island Group includes Maio, Santiago, Fogo, and Brava.

Six of these Cape Verde islands are inhabited, while the rest are uninhabited natural reserves. Of the main islands, only Santa Luzia is uninhabited. Five of the smaller islets are uninhabited as well. Steep, mountainous terrain characterizes the inhabited Cape Verde islands, while the uninhabited islands have long, sandy beaches. All the Cape Verde islands contain volcanoes, but only Fogo contains an active volcano. Despite the presence of volcanoes, most islands on Cape Verde are lush and thriving with plant life.

The island of Sal is one of the most popular destinations on Cape Verde. Islands often give off the impression that they are very rural - but Sal is a bustling metropolis. With a festive nightlife and amazing resorts, it has become a tourist attraction. Sal also contains an international airport, making it one of the major gateways into the Cape Verde Islands.

The island of Santiago is the largest in the Cape Verde archipelago. It is the home of Cape Verde's capital - the city of Praia. There's a lot of agricultural activity on Santiago, with several farms producing acres of maize, papayas, and bananas.

Boa Vista is best known for its clean, unspoiled beaches that resemble a tourist's paradise. Although its coastline has white, sandy beaches, Boa Vista's inner land has heavy mountainous terrain that is common among Cape Verde islands. Boa Vista is home to Curralinho, Cape Verde's largest beach.

The best Cape Verde island to visit during February or August is Sco Vicente, because of the festivals it hosts. Sco Vicente is the also home of Cape Verdean music and culture.

Santo Antco is the most geologically spectacular of all the Cape Verde islands. Although it has a small city with great restaurants and a colorful nightlife, it is also home to a stunning mountain range admired by trekkers all over the world.

Each of the main Cape Verde islands have something unique to offer. Although most tourists visit only one or two islands each time, it's best to tour the whole archipelago during a longer stay. Not only will your experience be more memorable, but you will also appreciate all the beauty, life, and culture of Cape Verde islands.

Cape Verde Climate