A paradise lost in the vastness of the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Verde is still a destination preserved from mass tourism. With its ten wild and mysterious islands, all different from each other, it is a magical country. By following the instructions of your tourist guide on Cape Verde, you can organize an ideal and authentic stay in this small island country of Africa. Hikers will escape to the green mountains and lush vegetation of Santo Antão or São Nicolau. Water sports enthusiasts can enjoy the magnificent fine sandy beaches of the islands of Sal or Boa Vista. Those in search of adventure will climb the Fogo volcano and remember its lunar and paradisiacal landscapes, and the Robinson Crusoe will enjoy a day of deep-sea fishing. Cape Verde is also an attractive country where Creole, African, Brazilian and Portuguese traditions blend together, and a population renowned for its kindness

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When to go to Cape Verde?

When to go to Cape Verde? Cape Verde's high tourist season runs from mid-June to mid-September and from mid-November to early January, when emigrants, the Cape Verdean diaspora, return home. The end of the year is the best time to go to Cape Verde if you are a hiking enthusiast. It should be noted that it is imperative to book accommodation and air connections a little in advance to have a place in high season. Otherwise, Cape Verde can be visited all year round, with an average air temperature of around 25°C and a sea temperature of 24°C.

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Weather all year round

Cape Verde enjoys a hot and dry climate for most of the year. There are two distinct seasons: one is dry and runs from late October to early July. It is less warm and is characterized by strong winds, especially in December and February. The other, called the "rainy season", runs from August to October with September and October with fairly high temperatures in Cape Verde.

Budget

By Western standards, life is not particularly expensive, especially for eating or travelling in the Cape Verdean islands. You will favour the boat which costs less. The national currency is the Cape Verdean escudo, but the euro is accepted in shops and taxis. The exchange rate is more expensive at the airport but the office is open more often than elsewhere. Distributors are found all over Cape Verde. Tipping is not mandatory but welcome.

Procedures

It is mandatory to apply for a visa for Cape Verde. It costs 45 € for an individual for a 30-day stay. For nationals of the European Union and the United Kingdom, the visa application must be made via an online declaration to be completed a few days before arrival in Cape Verde.

Health

No vaccinations are required for a trip to Cape Verde, but the tap water is not drinkable. Avoid consuming the artisanal cheese that can be found on some islands (especially in Santo Antão), especially that sold on the street outside restaurants (no cold chain, very poor hygiene), its consumption carries risks (brucellosis, listeriosis) and many tourists fall ill. Quite regularly, with the rainy season, a few rare malaria epidemics occur in Santiago. It is not necessary to undergo treatment but, especially from nightfall onwards, it is prudent to cover your arms and legs (long-sleeved clothing, pants) and to use mosquito repellents generously. Bring a small medical kit to treat small sores (blisters, small wounds...). Be careful not to walk on the sea urchins while swimming: the spines are painful and difficult to extract

How to go to Cape Verde? Our advice & tips

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An all-inclusive ten-day stay in Cape Verde can include a trip to a maximum of two or three islands. For example, a visit to the volcano of Fogo, a must-see in Cape Verde via Santiago (3 days if you want to visit the island, one day otherwise), or a stopover in Mindelo, the "Brazilian" city of Cape Verde. This tailor-made trip can end with a stop on the island of Sal to enjoy its beautiful white sandy beaches and rest from visits or treks.

Discover our selection of travel agencies for this destination

Cape Verde is a rather safe country for solo travellers. However, avoid walking alone in a big city at night and do not show any outward signs of wealth. Do not venture without a mountain guide because rescue is much less effective than in Western countries in the event of a problem...

Domestic flights and ferries connect the islands. For boat trips, two or three companies operate almost regularly, Fast Ferry, Armas and Interilhas. They easily and frequently connect some islands together, whether they are Barlavento (islands in the north of the archipelago) or Sotavento (islands in the south of the archipelago). Fast Ferry provides daily Santiago-Fogo-Brava connections. However, due to the rough seas, delays are frequent by boat

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    • When to go?
      Printemps, Eté, Automne, Hiver
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    Cape Verde, nature side

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    Practical information
    When to travel?

    When to go to Cape Verde? Cape Verde's high tourist season runs from mid-June to mid-September and from mid-November...
    Read more about it

    Weather forecast

    Cape Verde enjoys a hot and dry climate for most of the year. There are two distinct seasons: one is dry and runs fro...
    Read more about it

    Budget

    By Western standards, life is not particularly expensive, especially for eating or travelling in the Cape Verdean isl...
    Read more about it

    Formalities

    It is mandatory to apply for a visa for Cape Verde. It costs 45 € for an individual for a 30-day stay. For national...
    Read more about it

    Health

    No vaccinations are required for a trip to Cape Verde, but the tap water is not drinkable. Avoid consuming the artisa...
    Read more about it

    How to travel by yourself?

    Cape Verde is a rather safe country for solo travellers. However, avoid walking alone in a big city at night and do n...
    Read more about it

    How to get organized?

    An all-inclusive ten-day stay in Cape Verde can include a trip to a maximum of two or three islands. For example, a v...
    Read more about it

    Getting around

    Domestic flights and ferries connect the islands. For boat trips, two or three companies operate almost regularly, Fa...
    Read more about it

    Featured articles Cape Verde

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    The return of tourists to the volcano of FOGO!

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    Sophroenergy in Cape Verde: pure well-being

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