Travel information for the Cape Verde Islands

Tarrafal, Cape VerdeThe Cape Verde Islands really are the most magical place. I visited with Noble Caledonia on a 10-day island hopping cruise that is perhaps the best way to see these islands. Some 200 miles west of the coast of Senegal and inside the topics, most of the islands have small harbours which mean the bigger cruise ships cannot visit here as their drafts are too large.

This has ensured that the islands have maintained their uniqueness and indeed no two islands are the same. All have their own landscapes, culture and delights from volcanic deserts with incredible natural lava sculptures to lush green valleys that overflow with mangoes, sugar cane and bananas. Even some of the population’s gardens have banana trees growing beside the carrots and tomatoes!

Stunning vegetable markets, Cape VerdeThe people themselves are some of the friendliest I have met in my travels and they have a vibrancy for music and song. The southern group of islands have much more of an African feel to them whilst the northern have a mixture of European, and African life heavily influenced by the Portuguese colonists. Indeed there is almost a Brazilian feel to  their music and their attitude to life.

The markets here will fascinate you in particular the vegetable and fish markets and in both you’ll find colours and smells that will stay with you as happy memories for a long time. Cape Verdians love fish and the freshness can’t be argued as you watch them lining up to buy the catch as the boats come in or cleaning and gutting the catch on beaches before taking it home for lunch. Do try the local wine made from grapes cultivated in the crater of the huge volcano that is the island of Fogo or Grogue, which is still produced  in small family distilleries from the sugar cane just like the original Grog, the favourite drink of so many sailors who called here.

Fountainubas, Cape VerdeAnd whilst we are talking about beaches, the white sand  deserted beaches on some of the islands and the crystal clear water with an average temperature for April of about 23 degrees really invite you to linger around and pass a lazy afternoon. If I can guarantee one memory you will take back with you it’s of the roads.  In the mountainous islands, they cling to the cliff sides with precipitous (sometimes both sides!) drops of hundreds of feet by their fingernails, as do some of the villages, not much wider that the minibus we travelled in for our excellent excursions.

There is no doubt the Cape Verdes will soon be discovered by the mainstream travel industry so my advice is to get there before they do. You’ll never regret it.

You can see Steve’s photographs from his trip on his website www.stevenewman.co.uk

To find out more about this fascinating destination and worldwide small ship cruising, Silver Travel Advisor recommends Noble Caledonia.

147 people found this helpful
17378

Share Article:

Steve Newman

Eco Adventure Cruising writer & photographer

Leave a comment

*

Sign up to our newsletter to receive the latest travel tips on top destinations.

Join the club

Become a member to receive exclusive benefits

Our community is the heart of Silver Travel Advisor, we love nothing more than sharing ideas, inspiration, hints and tips between us.

Most Recent Articles

Home to stunning landscapes, including the flamingo-populated salt lakes, the country offers the perfect overview of the Andes Mountains and…
Jane Wilson visits Seattle, the city renowned for its coffee, buzzing market place and Native American traditions….
Silver Travel Advisor writer Solange Hando discovered amazing wonders in Montenegro on the edge of the Balkans….

Come feel the love on a Princess cruise. You’ll enjoy the MedallionClass experience others simply can’t, and it’s exclusively for everyone. Visit incredible destinations and be involved in the best experiences around each one of them.

Experience more with Princess and connect effortlessly with the world around you, spend time away with loved ones, take a moment for yourself, and fall in love with your holiday of a lifetime, every time.

With over 20 years of experience, Wendy Wu Tours has mastered the art of creating exceptional, fully inclusive tours which showcase the very best of each destination.

Each tour is led by a world-class guide, who will highlight the very best of their homeland, and includes authentic cultural experiences so you are not just seeing the sights, but truly immersing yourself in local life.

Say hello to ease at sea. Ambassador’s purpose is simple: they want to inspire every guest to experience authentic cruising, effortlessly and sustainably. Passionate about protecting our oceans and destinations, their ships comply with the highest industry emission standards and there is no single-use plastic on board.

On your voyage, you will receive the warmest of welcomes from the Ambassador community as you sail upon the friendliest ships afloat.

This is a global co-operative co-owned by local partners using real local experts and guides, which supports local communities, environments and wildlife. It offers travellers quirky places to stay, activity holidays and learning experiences. Not In The Guidebooks gets travellers off the beaten track into local culture with day experiences and longer, immersive adventures.

From wild wellness breaks in Wales to painting in Portugal, sustainable adventures in Mauritius to food safaris in Brazil, this is immersive, exciting travel.

Seabourn’s five intimate ships carry guests to the heart of great cities, exclusive yacht harbours and secluded coves around the world, while two new purpose-built expedition ships will combine exhilarating adventures in remote destinations with the sophisticated amenities of the world’s finest resorts at sea.

From the luxury of all suite accommodations to complimentary fine wines and spirits, and a no tipping policy, Seabourn exemplifies the definition of travelling well.