Cape Verde vacation. Is it worth going to Cape Verde? Traveling within the archipelago

The picturesque archipelago was the birthplace of Cesaria Evora and the music of the Good Life. The calling card of the Cape Verde Islands is the ocean: Cape Verde resorts attract travelers with secluded sandy beaches, luxury hotels, scuba diving, sport fishing, surfing and yachting. It is also necessary to highlight the picturesque nature, which creates conditions for eco-tourism.

General idea of ​​the country

The Cape Verde archipelago consists of 18 islands located in the Atlantic Ocean 620 km from West Africa. The islands are located at a distance of 150 km from each other, which makes traveling throughout the entire territory of the state very problematic.

The area is unique in its preserved virgin nature, undisturbed by tourist infrastructure. A series of national parks are closely intertwined with the modern development of society, which makes recreation more eventful and interesting. The main feature of the region is the huge number of diving centers that offer sport fishing services.

The local weather is formed by a dry tropical climate. Unlike other African countries located in this zone, the islands are cooler and there are no sharp temperature changes between day and night. The archipelago is blown by northeast winds, which bring coolness and reduce the heat. The best time to fly to Cape Verde resorts is from August to October.

How to get to resorts from different CIS countries

Cape Verde is not connected to the CIS by direct flights. However, from Moscow or Minsk, tourists will be able to get to Sal or Santiago with transfers to, or. If you do not take into account the wait between connections, the flight will take nine hours.

To visit the country, residents of the CIS must obtain medical insurance and a special visa. As for the latter, this is done at the airport, the cost is 25 euros per person.

Santiago is the largest volcanic island of the archipelago. The territory is home to the capital of the state, Praia, a port city and the center of nightlife in Cape Verde. Music festivals and dance performances are regularly held here. The capital's surroundings are famous for the old colonial city, protected by UNESCO.

Sao Antau is considered the second largest in Cape Verde and the greenest. This piece of paradise is decorated with mountains, steep canyons, huge cliffs and forested slopes. The edges of the cliffs are dotted with small fishing villages. Flat Sal attracts tourists with its tropical white beaches in the town of Santa Maria. This is a critical ecosystem for seeing sea turtles. The island is also considered the best for windsurfing and kitesurfing.

The most interesting, picturesque and wonderful island of Sao Vincente. The place is not spoiled by mass tourism and attracts with cultural diversity. The city of Mindelo is interesting for its colorful houses and festivals. This town hosts the largest event of the year in the resorts of Cape Verde - the carnival. The island of Fogo with the city of San Philippe is famous for its active volcano, on the crater of which there is a village.

Medical and ecological tourism in Cape Verde

Medical tourism on the Cape Verde Islands is represented by elite spa centers located in luxury hotels and hotel complexes. Local spas offer clients treatments such as sea baths, a variety of massages, mud therapy and thalassotherapy for healing and rejuvenation. Santo Antan and Brava are famous for their healing mineral springs; the local thermal water has a beneficial effect on the heart, digestive and nervous systems.

Fans of eco-tourism should know that most of the islands of Cape Verde are volcanic. Only one of them remained active (Fogo). The archipelago is used for the extraction of salt and limestone, volcanic tuff and pozzolan. The vegetation here is not diverse, the flora is represented by herbs and shrubs, coconut and date palms, cypress and eucalyptus trees, pine and acacia trees. Among the living creatures you can find exotic birds, lizards and monkeys.

Connoisseurs of green tourism come to the resorts of Cape Verde for diving, as the local coastline is considered the most beautiful in the world. Coastal waters will delight scuba divers with barracudas, stingrays, salmon and moray eels, sole and tuna, lobsters and eels, clams and spiny lobsters. Whales, dolphins and sharks also live here.

Basic entertainment, how to spend time

In addition to diving and relaxing on the beach, tourists in Cape Verde most like to visit the island of Fogo, where they snowboard from the top of the volcano to the black sands.

Scuba divers will enjoy the coastal waters with reefs, rocks, grottoes with octopuses and crabs, and sunken ships. The best time to come for scuba diving is from April to November.

The Cape Verde Islands are also known for excellent conditions for windsurfing. The Santo Antão Mountains are used for trekking and hang gliding. Hiking and cycling tours are organized in the valley.

Every February, the capital and Mindelo host a colorful carnival.

Sights to see in the resorts of Cape Verde

Cape Verde is attractive because each island is considered unique and different from the others. Santo Antau is interesting for its picturesque mountains and Cova craters, Brava for its beautiful flowers, and Fogo for its active volcano of the same name.

Santiago is the country's largest island. The capital, Praia, is famous for the Portuguese fortress of St. Philip in the Old Town. This is the first European building in the republic. The fortress walls are decorated with cannons raised from the ocean depths.

Archeology fans should visit Sao Nicolau. In this place, see the legendary rock with ancient writings that have not yet been solved by scientists and researchers.

Resorts in Cape Verde are considered safe, but do not forget about some tips and recommendations:

• The islands of Boavista and Sal are completely safe for travelers, which cannot be said about Praia and Sao Vicente.
• Avoid walking in surrounding areas at night.
• In public places, bags and expensive items must be supervised.
• There are no African diseases in Cape Verde; vaccinations are not required before travelling.
• In the country, you should be careful about personal hygiene.
• Water is suitable for drinking only after boiling, but it is better to buy bottled mineral water.
• Local residents willingly help tourists and take photographs.
• The islands are connected by planes and boats. Minibuses and taxis operate by land. To rent a car you will need a standard package. Ferry services are extremely unreliable, and flying using local airlines takes at least 1 day of rest.

Reviews from tourists about their trip to the country

Valentina: Last year my husband and I flew to Cape Verde for two weeks. The Cape Verde Islands are strikingly different from continental Africa. The infrastructure is developed, and the locals are friendly and do not try to fool a rich tourist. The nature is unusual but stunning, and the active volcano is simply mesmerizing.

Evgeny: My wife and I spent our honeymoon in Cape Verde, and we didn’t regret coming here at all. Picturesque nature, a warm ocean with a rich underwater world, friendly residents and much more - all this amazed you on a romantic trip. At the first opportunity, you will need to go to the resorts of Cape Verde again.

Located far from continental Africa, the Cape Verde Islands have long had excellent infrastructure. Cape Verde will delight travelers with an interesting underwater world, excellent conditions for windsurfing, and picturesque nature with a volcano and mountains.

Video review: resorts of Cape Verde

The Republic of Cape Verde is located on the islands of the same name in the Atlantic Ocean. An archipelago of 10 large and 8 smaller islands is located 620 kilometers off the west coast of Africa. The distance between the islands is 100-150 kilometers. Conventionally, they are divided into 2 groups: “leeward” (Sotaventu) and “windward” (Barlaventu). The first includes the islands Sao Vicente, Santo Antau, Sao Nicolau, Sal, Boavista and a desert island Santa Lucia. The "windward" group of islands includes Brava, Fogo, Santiago And Mayu.

Translated from Portuguese, the name of the country means "Cape Verde". Previously, the country was called that in Russian - Cape Verde, unofficially this name still exists.

Cape Verde is a unique country in the sense that it has preserved pristine nature, which miraculously has not been touched by the rapidly developing tourist infrastructure here. The main thing that travelers come here for is diving (Cape Verde is one of the world's top five most interesting places for diving), windsurfing and sport fishing. And of course, guests of the Cape Verde Islands will not leave indifferent the local carnivals and music festivals (by the way, it was this country that gave the world the inimitable Cesaria Evora). And the sincere hospitality of the Cape Verdians and the peaceful atmosphere of a paradise lost in the ocean will leave an indelible mark on the soul.

Climate and weather

The Cape Verde archipelago is dominated by a subtropical dry climate. True, compared to the countries of continental Africa, which are located in the same climatic zone, Cape Verde is generally cooler and the temperature differences between day and night are less pronounced.

It is coolest in January - February. The average January temperature is +22 °C, but in the mountains it can be significantly lower.

The cold Canary Current also makes its own adjustments to the temperature regime. Its waters never warm higher +20 °C and therefore cool the air both over the ocean and over the islands. Only in July does the current shift north, giving way to the warm Guinea Current, due to which the temperature of coastal waters rises to +24…+28 degrees.

It should be noted that weather conditions are also greatly influenced by northeast winds, which deliver dry, cool air to the islands. From October to June, dry and hot “harmattan” winds blow from the Sahara from October to June for several hours a day, bringing with them heat and fine Saharan dust. It hangs in the air for a long time, forming "dusty fog".

But in August, the archipelago is blown by southern and southwestern winds, which bring rain. The air becomes clean and cool, although in the mountains it is drier than on the coast. During the day the air temperature can rise to +36 °C, and at night does not fall lower +18…+20 °C.

The best time to travel to Cape Verde is considered to be from August to October, when warm, pleasant weather guarantees a comfortable stay.

The Cape Verde archipelago is of volcanic origin, but today there is only one active volcano left - Fogo, which is the highest point of the country (2829 m). Mountainous terrain is also characteristic of the islands of São Vicente, Santiago and São Nicolo.

Approximately 16% of Cape Verde's territory is the so-called "lunar landscape"(dry gravelly uplands), where the vegetation is not diverse. However, the flora of the islands of Santiago, Brava and Santo Antao pleases with a riot of tropical colors. Cypress, eucalyptus, pine and acacia trees grow in the mountains; evergreen bombardeira trees can be seen on the northern slopes of the mountains.

In the valleys of the islands grow baobabs, almonds, date and coconut palms, dragon trees and mangoes. In total, Cape Verde has about 450 species of native plants and about 150 imported from other countries.

The peculiarity of the fauna of Cape Verde is that before the arrival of European colonialists there were no mammals here. Monkeys, rabbits, rats, and many domestic animals were brought to the islands and took root well in local conditions. There are a lot of birds, reptiles, and insects in Cape Verde. The coastal waters are home to sea turtles, spiny lobsters, sharks and numerous species of fish.

Attractions

The main attractions of Cape Verde are of natural origin: each island of the archipelago has its own charm. For example, Santo Antão is known for its picturesque mountain range and the Cova craters. Brava proudly bears the title of the Island of Flowers, and Fogo attracts travelers with an active volcano.

The largest island in Cape Verde is Santiago. The capital of the country is located here, in addition, the island is famous for its picturesque mountains, cliffs and canyons. Of the historical monuments here, the Portuguese fortress is interesting. St. Philip's in the city Cidade Velha(Old city). The monument is unique in that it is the first European building on the archipelago. The walls of the fortress are decorated with ship cannons raised from the ocean floor. The old city center is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as "Europe's first colonial outpost in the tropics."

Fans of archaeological mysteries should visit the picturesque island Sao Nicolau. Here is the famous rock Rotcha Scribida, on which ancient writings are visible. No one has yet been able to decipher them. The most popular version is that they were left by people who visited the island before the Portuguese.

Nutrition

Traditional Cape Verdean cuisine is characterized by an abundance of delicious seafood and fish dishes. The most popular types of fish are sawfish, tuna and sea bass. Also in the local restaurants you will definitely be offered octopus, lobster, barnacles and other seafood delicacies.

On the other hand, the cuisine of the Cape Verde Islands does not ignore meat and game dishes. Vegetables and herbs also play an important role on the Cape Verdean table. And for dessert they usually serve sweets made from tropical fruits.

It is unlikely that you will be able to spend a holiday in Cape Verde without trying the national dish cachupa. This masterpiece of stewing is included in the regular menu of Cape Verdeans, and in recent years, guests of the country have also appreciated it. In large cities, cachupa is, as a rule, a weekend dish, but the further you get from the capital, the more often it appears on the table. Cachupa is prepared, depending on the state of finances, according to "rich" or "poor" recipes The more ingredients, the richer the dish: fish, beef, chicken, pork, bacon, corn, beans, onions, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, olive oil, and so on. Each island has its own cachupa recipe.

The cost of dinner at a mid-level restaurant varies between $20-40. In general, there are many establishments of different price ranges on the islands. Almost every city has a buffet-type restaurant, where, having paid about $10 for entry, you can try as many local and European delicacies as you like.

Accommodation

There are no problems with accommodation for travelers in Cape Verde. There are so many hotels and apartments here that you can easily find excellent options at attractive prices.

The country's hotel stock is, first of all, resort complexes with excellent infrastructure: restaurants, cafes, swimming pools, golf courses, children's playgrounds. Many hotels operate according to the system all inclusive. Large hotels offer guests diving school services and dive equipment rental.

But be prepared for the fact that not all 4* and 5* hotels offer a level of service that objectively corresponds to the declared category. For example, high-speed Internet access often comes at an additional cost.

The most modern and comfortable hotels are located on the islands of Sal, Santiago, Sao Nicolau, Sao Vicente, Mayu. Sal Island leads in the number of hotels.

There are also small family hotels at quite affordable prices, as well as hotels aimed at surfers and sport fishing enthusiasts. You can rent a modest apartment or an entire villa on the Atlantic coast: it all depends on the desire and wallet of the tourist. Mid-level apartments will cost $20-25 per person per day.

Entertainment and relaxation

Thrill-seekers will love the activities in Cape Verde. "Volcanic Snowboard"(snowboarding from the top of a volcano straight to the black sands) was invented on the island of Fogo, and it has already broken records of popularity among tourists.

You can't come to this country and not go diving. There are many places in Cape Verde where diving guarantees unforgettable emotions: reefs, rocks, grottoes with octopuses, crabs and other marine life, as well as sunken ships always delight adventure lovers. The best dive sites are concentrated around the islands of Sal, Santiago and Boavishita. The optimal time for diving is considered to be from April to November; at other times, some areas are inaccessible for diving. Even if you have never been diving, there are a lot of diving centers on the islands, where beginners are also prepared for diving.

The second most popular type of active recreation is windsurfing. The constant Atlantic breeze in the Cape Verde Islands guarantees windsurfing all year round. The island is most popular among surfers, as there are several surf clubs catering to both beginners and professionals.

The mountains of Santo Antau Island offer ideal conditions for trekking and hang gliding. Hiking and cycling trips can be organized in the valleys.

But if active holidays are not your thing, you can have a great time on the beach in Cape Verde. The beaches here are amazing: huge, clean and uncrowded. Sun loungers are available for free.

It’s worth visiting the colorful festivals here. One of the most colorful - February Carnival, which takes place in Praia and Mindelo.

Purchases

Cape Verde cannot be called a shopaholic's dream, but travelers will certainly enjoy souvenirs made by local craftsmen: clay figurines, African masks, products made from tortoiseshell, coconut or ox horn. Paintings with Cape Verdean motifs are very popular, as are figurines of people and animals made of bone or wood - they are sold everywhere. If you bargain well, you can reduce the price by one and a half to two times.

Local open markets are attractive because, in addition to souvenirs and handicrafts, you can buy fresh fish and seafood there. And, of course, tourists are attracted there by the local flavor, unique only to these islands.

Generally, shops in Cape Verde are open from 08:00 to 18:00, and supermarkets are open until 21:00. On Sunday, almost everywhere is a day off; some stores can be open until 13:00.

Transport

The main transport in Cape Verde for moving from island to island is airplanes. Local airline Transportes Aereos de Cabo Verde o operates flights 1-2 times a day to each island. Airfare prices range from $40 to $80 one way. If you plan to fly around the islands a lot, it is reasonable to purchase an Air Pass for $380 for 10 flights, valid for 22 days.

In addition to planes, boats and ferries operate between neighboring islands.

But on land, the cheapest way to travel is by minibus (aluguer): the fare is approximately $1.3. However, be prepared for the fact that the minibuses do not have a clear schedule.

Catching a taxi on the islands is also not a problem. True, the fare will be much higher: $10-12 for a half-hour trip. You can rent a taxi for the whole day, and the price in this case will be negotiable.

Many travelers rent cars. For example, Suzuki Jimny will cost about $70 per day. If you need a larger car (pickup or SUV), get ready to shell out $90-$120.

In general, the roads in Cape Verde are in good condition, but you should not drive if you are not used to mountain roads (which are common on most islands).

Connection

The Internet can be used in all major hotels and business centers in large cities. There are also internet cafes. Paid Cabocom Wi-Fi is also available everywhere (about $20 for 250 MB or $30 for 500 MB).

Cellular communication is provided by a local operator Cabo Verde Telecom, the range adopted in the country GSM 900. Russian tourists can use Thuraya satellite communications (subscribers of MTS and "Megophone"). Of course, you can buy a SIM card on the spot, although its cost is not very attractive - about $30. Calling from pay phones is not very convenient, if only because there are very few of them: they are only available in post offices and airports.

Safety

Cape Verde is a completely safe country for tourists. The government of the archipelago pays special attention to ensuring order, as the country seeks to attract more and more tourists. The main offenses are observed in the capital of Cape Verde, Praia, and on the island of São Vicente. The most popular tourist areas (Boavista Island, Sal Island) are calm and safe. In general, travelers should take the usual precautions: do not leave expensive items unattended, do not walk at night in questionable areas, and watch your pockets and bags in crowded places.

The sanitary situation in Cape Verde should also not cause concern. There are no typical African diseases here, and vaccination is not required for entry. However, you need to know that, as in many tropical countries, in the Republic of Cape Verde there is a certain risk of contracting viral and infectious diseases: unusual climatic conditions and nutrition can weaken the body and make it more vulnerable. Be alert and practice good personal hygiene.

Tap water is not suitable for drinking without prior sanitation - it should be boiled. But the best option would be drinking water in plastic bottles.

Business climate

The Cape Verde archipelago offers excellent business opportunities. This is especially true in areas such as transport, import of goods and fishing. A positive aspect is the opportunity to obtain citizenship of the country by investing about $30,000 in the development of your company. Citizenship of Cape Verde gives the right to visa-free entry into West African countries and makes it very easy to obtain a Portuguese visa, which opens the door to EU countries.

Registering a company in Cape Verde is easy. The process takes a little over three weeks. First you need to choose a name and reserve it in the Commercial Register ( Conservatoria do Registro de Firmas e Similares). The investor must provide the registrar with several options for the name of his company along with a detailed description of its objectives. The registration fee is approximately $8. After this, the founder deposits the authorized capital into the bank account, and the company is registered in the commercial register. You will need to pay a registration fee (about $120) and a Chamber of Commerce fee ($12). After registration, the owner receives a municipal license, as well as a license for the type of activity of the enterprise. True, if the company’s activities are not related to the import or export of goods, you will not need the latter. Obtaining licenses is the longest process in starting a business (about eight working days). In addition, you will have to pay the fee again - this time around $370. You can not waste time while a license is issued and register your employees with the Department of Social Protection of the Population, take out insurance against industrial accidents, and register with the Labor Inspectorate. At this point, in essence, the stage of opening a company is completed, and you can calmly go about your business.

Real estate

Real estate in Cape Verde is becoming increasingly attractive among foreign investors. There are several reasons for this: the country’s rapidly developing economy, the boom in the construction of modern comfortable housing, the development of the tourism sector, and, of course, the government’s policy aimed at promoting investment from abroad. Other important advantages are the absence of mineral resources on the archipelago (the land will not be taken away later to develop gold deposits or drill an oil well), low crime rates and laws that do not discriminate between Cape Verdean citizens and foreigners. As they say, maximum advantages with minimum disadvantages.

The downside of buying real estate in Cape Verde, to be very picky, is the presence of taxes and fees when completing the transaction. But they are quite democratic: 3% of the cost of a house or apartment is the real estate tax and approximately the same amount will have to be paid as

notary fee.

As for housing prices, they may seem fantastically low, especially when compared with Moscow ones. It is now quite possible to purchase a one-bedroom apartment 150 meters from the sea for $90,000-100,000, and this will be modern housing as part of a condominium with excellent infrastructure. Prices for small villas with sea views start from $70,000-80,000. However, analysts predict that this situation in the Cape Verde Islands real estate market will not last long, and investors who want to get the maximum benefit from their investments should hurry up.

If you plan to dive in Cape Verde, remember that you will need insurance to cover the risks of diving, insurance to cover the risks of repatriation in the event of death, and a medical certificate that gives permission to dive.

In expensive restaurants, it is customary to leave a tip of 10% of the bill. In small establishments, tips are usually left at the discretion of the client, but are sometimes included in the bill as a separate item.

As for customs regulations, any currency can be imported and exported without restrictions, and there is no need to fill out a declaration. The import of weapons is prohibited unless there is a special permit. You can import no more than 5 kg of fresh vegetables and fruits duty free.

Visa information

Tourists from Russia need a visa to enter Cape Verde. It can be issued either at the honorary consulate of Cape Verde in Moscow or at the airport of the island Sal upon arrival.

Depending on the purpose of the visit and length of stay, there are several types of visas to enter Cape Verde: short-term (type C), transit (type A and B) and national (type D). Most often, travelers require visas of the first type, which, in turn, are tourist, guest and business. You can apply for both a single and multiple entry visa.

If you decide to apply for a visa at the Cape Verdean consulate in Moscow, you will need the following documents:

• a completed and signed application form;
• a foreign passport with a validity of at least three months;
• 1 color photograph 3.5 x 4.5 cm;
• hotel reservation (original or copy);
• air tickets (copy or printout of electronic tickets);
• copies of completed pages of all-Russian and foreign passports.

If you are traveling on a business trip or visiting, you will also need an invitation from a company or individual.

As a rule, visas are issued within 3 working days. You can get a visa in 1 working day, but you will have to pay double the consular fee. By the way, it is equal to $59.16 for a single-entry individual visa and is paid in Russian rubles at the rate current on the day of payment. Obviously, it is much more convenient to obtain a visa at the airport Sal- in any case, when it comes to a single-entry tourist visa: both the list of documents and the visa fee are smaller. The immigration officer will only need to present your passport and return tickets and pay 25 € for the visa. The only advantage of obtaining a visa at the consulate in advance is that the traveler does not have to prove to border guards at intermediate airports his right to enter the country (there are no direct flights from Russia to Cape Verde).

Practical information about holidays in Cape Verde. Prices for food, hotels and transport in 2019. How to get to the islands inexpensively, how to get a visa, when is the best time to go and how to move between the islands.

Cape Verde, also called the Cape Verde Islands, is a country in West Africa located on an archipelago of 18 islands in the Atlantic Ocean. Despite its proximity to Africa, the Republic of Cape Verde is more reminiscent of Europe - this is due to its colonial past, because the islands were the possessions of Portugal and Spain.

The currency of Cape Verde is the Cape Verdean escudo. When on holiday, don't be alarmed by seeing three-digit sums with a dollar sign - this is what is used to denote an escudo in Cape Verde. For convenience, we duplicate prices in US dollars in this article. Prices are approximate and current at the time of publication.

Exchange rate: 10 Cape Verdean escudos (CVE) ≈ 7 RUB.

Visa to Cape Verde in 2019

Citizens of the Russian Federation do not need to obtain a visa to Cape Verde in advance - it is issued upon arrival at the airport on the island of Sal and is valid for 30 days. Cost - 25 euros. Remember that your passport must be valid for at least six months after entering the country. If you are going on holiday to Cape Verde with a child, you need to apply for a separate visa. The validity of the visa can be extended up to one year at the Migration Office (Direcção de Emigração e Fronteiras).

(photo © niall62 / flickr.com / CC BY License)

How to get to Cape Verde?

From Moscow to Cape Verde, airlines fly Iberia (via Madrid), Royal Air Maroc (via Casablanca), Lufthansa (via Frankfurt am Main), TACV and TAP Portugal (via Lisbon) with one or two transfers. There are no direct flights. The cheapest tickets to Cape Verde in 2019 are from 33 thousand round-trip from Moscow, but the average price for flights is approximately 35-45 thousand rubles. From St. Petersburg, the cheapest tickets are for 44 thousand rubles.

You can get to Cape Verde from Europe, and flying from there is cheaper - for example, you can sometimes find tickets from Barcelona, ​​Lisbon, Amsterdam and Brussels. We notify our readers about such low prices for air tickets, various promotions and sales in the section, and also duplicate announcements - subscribe and follow the news!

Climate and weather in Cape Verde

What you really don’t need to worry about when going to Cape Verde is the weather. The climate in Cape Verde is tropical, dry, clear and sunny almost all year round - grace! The exception is the rainy season, which lasts three months - August, September and partly October. It’s difficult to call it a rainy season (it can’t be compared with Southeast Asia) - precipitation falls, but in small quantities. At this time, the nature of Cape Verbe is transformed, everything turns green. In other months, the weather is clear, the sky is cloudless, there is no precipitation: the average temperature is from +23°C to 26°C, sometimes reaching +28°C. The water temperature in February - March is up to +22°C, in summer and autumn - up to +26°C. The heat is well tolerated thanks to the constantly blowing winds.

Holidays in Cape Verde: prices in 2019

It is difficult to say why the Cape Verde Islands have not yet become a popular tourist destination, because Cape Verde has all the conditions for a great holiday. Cape Verde has wide sandy beaches and rough waters of the Atlantic, stunning nature and colonial architecture, lunar landscapes, an active volcano and dunes. Holidays in Cape Verde can be active or passive, but it is definitely good - the variety of islands will not let travelers get bored, and the almost year-round clear weather will not spoil a beach holiday.

Food prices in Cape Verde - 2019

Food prices in Cape Verde are average and, in principle, close to Portuguese ones. You can eat in an establishment for locals for about 300-700 escudos ($3-7). Cachupa costs $3-4. Lunch at a middle-class restaurant will cost $8-10.

Prices for drinks in restaurants:

• local beer (0.5 l) - 175 escudos;
• imported beer (0.33 l) - from 140 escudos;
• coffee - from 50 escudos;
• water (0.33 l) - from 70 escudos.

Prices in stores for basic food products are approximately the following:

• milk (1 l) - from 90 escudos ($0.9);
• loaf of bread (500 g) - from 150 escudos ($1.5);
• rice (1 kg) - from 100 escudos ($1);
• eggs (12 pcs) - from 178 escudos ($1.7);
• local cheese (1 kg) - from 500 escudos ($4.87);
• chicken breasts (1 kg) - from 400 escudos ($3.9);
• apples (1 kg) - from 185 escudos ($1.8);
• oranges (1 kg) - from 200 escudos ($2);
• tomatoes (1 kg) - from 100 escudos ($1);
• potatoes (1 kg) - from 100 escudos ($1);
• water (1.5 l) - from 70 escudos ($0.7);
• bottle of wine - from 200 escudos ($2);
• local beer (0.5 l) - from 80 escudos ($0.8);
• imported beer (0.33 l) - from 100 escudos ($1).

Prices may vary from island to island. In markets, products are usually cheaper. There are almost no fruits on the islands due to the arid climate; there are imported ones, but they are expensive. But there is a lot of fish and seafood, which is not surprising. Fish is inexpensive ($3-7 per kg) and can be purchased on the piers, but seafood is not too cheap.

(photo © Alex Dunkel / flickr.com / CC BY License)

Hotel prices in Cape Verde

Hotel prices in Cape Verde start from $25 for a double room. You can find good rooms from $15 (Sal island, Santa Maria resort), on Mindelo - from $19, on Santiago and Sao Nicolau - from $35. Find hotels for your holiday in Cape Verde at the best price and according to the specified parameters on Roomguru.ru - this service compares offers from all leading booking systems.

Transport prices in Cape Verde

On islands

Travel by minibus (aluguer, or taxi colectivo) costs approximately 1 euro, depending on the distance. This is the cheapest way to travel, but you need to remember that minibuses only leave when they are completely full, and until then they will drive around the block looking for passengers. These minibuses do not have a schedule as such; you can get on and off anywhere.

Sometimes the most convenient way to get around the islands is by taxi - with it you don’t have to wait for the driver to pick up passengers. Standard taxi prices from the airport are approximately the following: during the day from 700 escudos, in the evening and at night from 1000 escudos.

Between the islands

You can travel between the islands by ferry or plane. Local airlines fly between the islands; tickets can also be purchased at the airport at the airline office, but the most convenient way to search for them is on the Skyscanner search engine. There are airfields on almost every major island, but it is better to get to small islands by ferry. As with minibuses, remember that planes fly between islands on a specific schedule - the flight may, for example, be very delayed, so be sure to check the schedule a few days before departure. Ticket prices start from $61 roundtrip.

Ferries operate between neighboring islands. Ferry tickets must be purchased at the company's offices in the city, and not at the port. Ships depart from Sao Vincente to Sao Antau and Sao Nicolau, from Santiago Island to Fogo (a ticket costs about 2.5 thousand escudos) and Brava (about 3 thousand escudos).

Renting a car on the islands per day costs approximately $53-86 per day, depending on the brand and company.

(photo © Sérgio Machado / flickr.com / CC BY License)

Cape Verde on the world map:

The Cape Verde Islands are located in the Atlantic Ocean, not far from the coast of Africa, much south of the Canary and Azores islands. Here is their location on the world map:

Introductory image source: © no rain corp. / flickr.com / Licensed under CC BY.

The African Republic of Cape Verde in political terms, or the Cape Verde Islands in geographical terms, is a unique place discovered by Europeans more than 500 years ago. Agree, both names sound unusual, romantic and attractive. The tiny state is spread over 18 islands surrounded by an ocean teeming with life. It is famous for its national flavor, which is a mixture of African, Latin American and European traditions, as well as its mild climate, culture, and carnivals. It is not surprising that the country's main source of income is tourism.

Cape Verde is worth looking at with the eyes of a future traveler. Our article will help you with this. We will tell you where the Cape Verde Islands are located, dive into their history, look into the very heart of the capital and find out how much a trip to this remote archipelago costs, as well as how to get there and what to see.

Location and general description

The arid islands are located in the Atlantic Ocean. They are truly a unique ecoregion. In other words, this is a territory that represents a specific combination of natural communities, united by the common ecological processes of the biotic population and located in similar geographical conditions. The archipelago consists of 8 small islands and 10 large ones, located 570 km from the western coast of the African continent. All of them are divided into two groups: Windward and Leeward. The first includes Santo Antan, San Vicente, Sal, Santa Lucia (the only uninhabited of all), Boavista. The leeward group includes Brava, Fogo, Mayu, Santiago. In total, the Cape Verde Islands and the Republic of Cape Verde occupy only 4033 square meters. km.

Strong winds carrying sand have caused soil erosion in these areas. You won't find lush tropical greenery here. The characteristic landscape is one of jagged cliffs rising above the sea, a lack of vegetation, and only the inland valleys are like oases with natural flora.

Natural resources of the islands

The archipelago is of volcanic origin and has predominantly mountainous terrain. The lowland islands include only Boavista, Sal and Mayu. The coastline is mainly rocky, with a length of 1053 km. The place where the Cape Verde Islands are located is characterized by seismic and volcanic activity. Its location in one of Africa's seismic zones makes the region unstable. The situation is complicated by the active Fogo volcano, which is located on the island of the same name and is the highest point of the archipelago - its height above sea level is 2829 m. Eruptions occur quite often, the last one was in 2014, after which the government of the country decided to close the airport on the island and evacuation of its inhabitants.

Mineral resources in Cape Verde include limestone, kaolin, basalt, volcanic tuff, pumice, salt and pozzolan. On some islands there are thermal healing springs with mineral waters.

Flora o. Cape Verde is quite poor. It is characterized by desert and semi-desert small-leaved grasses and shrubs. In total, there are about 450 species of local origin and 150 introduced to the archipelago. Here are just a few of them: acacias, pines and cypresses, eucalyptus trees, almonds, date and coconut palms, baobabs, mangoes, etc. The island is considered the smallest in size of all the inhabited islands and at the same time the most “green”. Brava.

The sparse vegetation explains the fact that the Cape Verde Islands in Africa have a poor fauna. It is mainly represented by birds (quails, falcons, parrots, frigate birds, flamingos, herons, kingfishers, etc.), reptiles (mainly lizards) and insects. It should be noted that the coastal waters of the islands are simply teeming with life. A natural balance has been achieved between the “poor” land and the “rich” ocean. Sharks, whales, shellfish, fish, dolphins, stingrays, and much more - it is difficult to list all the variety of aquatic species.

Climate of the islands

The Cape Verde Islands (photo by text) are dominated by a dry tropical climate, characterized by slight fluctuations in air temperature throughout the year. The wind blows very often in the archipelago. This factor makes it easier to tolerate heat above +30 °C. There will be little precipitation, about 100-300 mm per year, the rainy season lasts from August to October. During this period, the southwest monsoons begin to blow. From October to June the islands are exposed to the easterly wind "Harmattan". The dusty trade wind from the Sahara brings fine dust from the desert and dries out everything in the area. The water temperature fluctuates slightly throughout the year - from +21 ... +22 °C from February to March and up to +25 ... +26 °C from August to October. Thus, the archipelago enjoys fairly stable and warm weather. Tourists choose the Cape Verde Islands for a secluded beach holiday, as well as water activities, especially diving and surfing.

Facts from the history of the islands

Uninhabited islands in the Atlantic Ocean, located near the African coast, were discovered by the Portuguese in 1456-1460. It is believed that the works of Pomponius Mela and the “Natural History” of Pliny the Elder are the first official sources that indicate the Cape Verde Islands. According to their data, they were located only two days' journey from the Horn of Hesperus (the westernmost point of Africa). They are referred to as the islands of Gorgada, or Gorgons. It was believed that the mythical creatures killed by Perseus lived there.

A number of islands of the archipelago were discovered in 1456 by the Venetian traveler Cadamosto; in the next decade, D. Gomes and A. D. Noli returned to them again, discovering the remaining components of the archipelago. Almost 600 years ago the islands were completely uninhabited and covered with dense vegetation. The first settlement was founded by the Portuguese in 1462 on the island. Santiago - this was the beginning of the process of settling the archipelago with colonists. The islands became a kind of base for the Portuguese to penetrate to the mainland and the main center of the slave trade. The Cape Verde Islands were officially declared the possession of Portugal in 1495. They remained so until 1974, when an agreement was signed in Lisbon declaring Cape Verde an independent country. The first independent government consisted half of members appointed by the Portuguese administration. Now it is a unitary state headed by a president, with an adopted constitution and a multi-party system. Interestingly, the country's legal system belongs to the Romano-Germanic family and is a heritage of the metropolis. Cape Verde's own legal education system is undeveloped, so it is received at universities in Portugal.

Population of the country

The place where the Cape Verde Islands are located is interesting to tourists not only in terms of nature, comfortable relaxation and an amazingly beautiful ocean, contrasting with the sun-dried island rocks. It is a country with a unique culture, a vibrant and dynamic mixture of European and African. To be convinced of this, it is enough to consider the national composition of the population, language and some other features of the country.

According to the latest census (2008), 434,263 people live in the country, 53.3% of them are city dwellers. Modern inhabitants of Cape Verde are descendants of Europeans and African slaves who once arrived on the islands. Mulattoes make up the lion's share of the population - 70%. About 28% are Africans, and only 2% are other nationalities, including Europeans.

The Cape Verde Islands are located near Africa, but, like many other former colonies, the European language spoken here is Portuguese. It is a national language along with Criulo (a Creole dialect with many African elements). The overwhelming majority of the country's citizens (about 89%) profess Catholicism.

Santiago Island

Santiago is the largest island of the archipelago in terms of population and area: 235,083 thousand people and 991 square meters. km respectively. It stretches 24 km wide and 50 km long. The highest point of the island is the Santo Antonio Peak. The first settlement on the island was founded in 1462 and is associated with the name of the navigator Antonio de Noli. The first to describe the geology and relief of Santiago Island was none other than Charles Darwin. He made a stop on it on January 16, 1832 during a trip around the world on the Beagle ship.

“Why is the island interesting for tourists?” you ask. Firstly, it is here that one of the country’s two international airports operates. Secondly, on about. Santiago is the capital of Cape Verde - the city of Praia. Thirdly, 3 km from the city of Assamada, surrounded by a majestic eucalyptus forest, there is a unique natural park with dragon trees and baobabs.

Cape Verde Islands: photos and attractions of the capital

Founded at the end of the 15th century, the future capital of the islands - the city of Praia - is also the largest settlement in the state with a population of 113 thousand people. The center of the archipelago was moved from the oldest settlement of Ribeira Grande in 1770, after its fresh water sources dried up. The choice of the new capital was largely determined by natural factors. Praia is located on a rocky plateau. The relief features divide the city into several parts: the center, quarters. The economy is built mainly on the fact that this city is a seaport and a hub for transatlantic communications.

Tourists will be interested in a calm and measured holiday on the Cape Verde Islands. Near the city to the west are the resort areas of Praia Mar and Cuebra Canela with luxurious ocean beaches. Lovers of walks and cultural attractions also have something to please.

When going to Praia, be sure to visit the main square of the city (see photo above), named after the famous Portuguese architect Afonso de Albuquerque, with the presidential palace of the late 19th century, as well as the ethnographic museum.

Don’t forget about the Old Town (Cidade Velha), located just 10 km from Praia - the first European settlement on the islands, founded in 1462. The ships of H. Columbus and Vasco de Gama once entered its bay. However, in parallel with the fading of the greatness of the Portuguese Empire, the commercial importance of the city also decreased. Now it is a small town with 1200 inhabitants. It is interesting primarily for its old center, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Tourists are reminded of its former greatness by the ruins of the cathedral, the marble pillar on the main square and the well-preserved Fort Real de San Filipe (pictured below), which was built from 1587 to 1593. Nowadays it houses a museum.

Sal Island

The most visited by tourists and the busiest is about. Sal. As a rule, travelers go to other islands as part of a one-day excursion program. It is the most “flat” in relief and ancient in origin. The area of ​​the island is very small - only 216 square meters. km, the population is just over 25 thousand people. Considering the ocean in which the Cape Verde Islands are located, it is easy to guess that they are a place for lovers of outdoor activities and water sports. The calm and life-rich waters of the Atlantic attract surfers and divers. On the island of Sal is located one of the world's five largest windsurfing centers - the town of Santa Maria. The development of tourism is also facilitated by the fact that the sun shines here 350 days a year, and if clouds cover the sky, it is only for a short time.

Brava Island

The smallest inhabited island of the archipelago (67 sq. km) is Brava. Its mountainous terrain gives way to fertile plains. Unlike the other islands, it is literally “green”. For the abundance and variety of flowering plants it is nicknamed the island of flowers. It will be interesting for tourists from this point of view. Where else if not here can you get acquainted with the pristine beauty of the archipelago, because the rest of the islands are scorched by the scorching sun and dried out by desert winds.

From a geological point of view, o. Brava is a stratovolcano. Volcanoes of this kind are characterized by periodic explosive eruptions. However, Brava has been “sleeping” for more than 10 thousand years. The island is surrounded on almost all sides by significant depths - more than 4000 m at a short distance from the coast, and only at the junction with the neighboring island. Fogu it is several hundred meters.

How to get there?

Having learned where the Cape Verde Islands are located, many tourists ask a completely logical question about how to get to them, how much it will cost and how long the journey is. In fact, everything is not as complicated as it might seem at first glance. You will have to fly to the African republic via Moscow. There are no direct flights, so tourists can use the Portuguese airline Tap Portugal (with a transfer in Lisbon), as well as France - Air France (via Paris), Germany - Lufthansa (via Frankfurt) and Spain - Iberia (via Madrid). The flight duration is about 4-5 hours, to this time it is necessary to add the waiting period between transfers and the duration of the journey from Moscow. The cost of a ticket to Cape Verde (Santiago Island or Sal Island) from these cities varies depending on the time of year and the airline, as well as the chosen fare. Traveling in economy class with luggage will cost approximately 20 thousand rubles. To this amount should also be added the cost of the flight from Moscow to the transfer city.

Rules for entry, stay and transit throughout the country

According to the data provided by the Russian Embassy in Cape Verde, upon arrival to the Cape Verde Islands, Russian citizens are issued a visa valid for thirty days at the time of passport control. Its cost is 25 euros. The migration service can extend the validity of your visa up to one year. If you live in the country for more than six months, you are given the opportunity to obtain a residence permit.

In Cape Verde, there is a free procedure for the export and import of cigarettes, alcohol, jewelry and cultural, historical and artistic values. As in any other country, a strict ban applies to the transport of drugs.

Transport system of the country

The literal translation of the name of the country sounds like “Cabo” - islands, Cape Verde - “Verde”. The fact that the archipelago is quite small in size is, as they say, to the benefit of tourists. In one trip it is quite possible to explore all the inhabited islands. Moreover, you can do this not only by purchasing excursions, but also on your own. The country's transport system is quite well developed and operates without interruption. In order to explore this or that island, it is best to rent a car; it will cost approximately 50-80 euros per day. Most of the roads on the islands are mountainous, some are flat. The main types of fuel: diesel, household gas and gasoline. A Russian driver's license is quite suitable for travel, but you should still give preference to an international document, since it will be easier and more convenient, and it can also be used in other trips in the future.

Tours to the islands

For tourists who do not risk going on independent trips, we recommend using the services of tour operators specializing in trips to African countries. There are not many of them, but they still exist. By purchasing a ready-made tour, you will be sure that you will be met at the airport, delivered and checked into a hotel of the chosen category. In addition, many companies offer pleasant bonuses, for example, in the form of a free sightseeing tour. Don't forget to take out insurance when going on vacation to the Cape Verde Islands. Tours are very varied in price and are designed for different categories of buyers. The price depends, firstly, on the plane tickets, and secondly, on the hotel category. The cheapest accommodation will be in hostels or private apartments. Thirdly, the duration of rest is also of great importance.

So, the approximate price of a tour for two, for example, on. Sal, lasting 7 days, with accommodation in a 2* hotel (standard room) with breakfast and flight from Moscow via Lisbon will cost travelers 2800 euros. Of course, this is a significant amount. However, do not forget where the Cape Verde Islands are located. The lion's share of expenses falls on the purchase of tickets and accommodation. The cost of hotels is affected by the fact that there are certain problems with fresh water on the islands. But the distance from the mainland also has its positive aspects. Thus, the islands are considered safe in terms of typical African diseases. Unique nature, ideal diving spots, excellent cuisine based on fish and seafood, favorable climate and beautiful (albeit few) beaches, including the famous coast of the island. Fogo with black volcanic sand (pictured below) is all worth seeing.

When planning your holiday or trip, be sure to mark on the map where the Cape Verde Islands are indicated and include them in your individual travel plan for the future.