The best fashion and gift stores Cape Verde

A shop of contemporary African art objects which will make the happiness of the amateurs, held by a great collector who will explain you with passion the history of each object. You will find antiques and objects made of exotic wood, bronze, silver, stone and fabric from all over Africa: jewellery from Mauritania, Zulu necklaces, terracotta from Cameroon, beaded dolls from Niger, raffias and antique masks from Congo, djembes... Bernadette also runs the adjacent art gallery, Visões Africanas, the first to open in Sal.

More than a simple store, it is also a cultural center and a friendly space where people come to exchange while drinking a coffee. Since 2008, the principle is to encourage reading and to promote national authors and books in general. The place has a small terrace that hosts photo exhibitions. In addition to specialized manuals, one can acquire beautiful books on the archipelago as well as a vast choice of Cape Verdean music. The mostly female staff will be happy to give you advice with a smile.

Marie's boutique-workshop is a reflection of Santo Antão's artisanal know-how. Together with local people, she creates original objects such as photophores, decorative garlands, jewelry, using natural materials from the island (banana tree, coffee wood, dragon tree, shells, sand, etc.). But in addition to her own work, she also presents the work of about twenty artisans and other local producers. At Eki-Eko, there is no doubt about the origin of the articles: guaranteed "made in Cape Verde".

Gallery where you can buy beautiful photos depicting Cape Verdeans and local life.

Supermarket in the city centre very convenient to do some shopping.

Opened in 2012 along the coastal road, it's the only shopping mall worthy of the name in Praia (indeed, in the whole country), with all the clothes stores, cinemas, fast-food restaurants and services you'd expect... Unfortunately, it looks more like a ghost ship, as most of the stores are no longer operational. However, the cinema is still in operation, and there's a large, useful and functional grocery store in the basement, as well as an open-air food court.

At the time of writing, the generous and philanthropic owner had to sell the store. As a tribute to her work, we have kept a description for this edition: In one of the most beautiful souvenir stores, we transport you to the heart of Cape Verdean craftsmanship, encouraging artists to develop their skills and show them off to their best advantage. The two floors of the showroom display handicrafts from all the islands. The natural resources of the country are used: wood, shells, bamboo and sugar cane, each piece recovered is staged.

For those renting apartments: the Cazu supermarket is located on the avenue de l'Hôpital et du poste de Police de Santa Maria, just a few meters from the beach, making it easily accessible on foot or by car. The emphasis is on diversity, quality and freshness. The choice is wide, from charcuterie to hygiene and dietary products (including lactose-free and gluten-free), not forgetting the frozen foods section. It's undoubtedly the island's benchmark store when it comes to stocking up.

Djunta Mo Art's main objective is to improve the lives of producers by facilitating their entry into the market and provides support from creation to final sale. Djunta Mo Art is an official member of WFTO, collaborates with the Cape Verde Women's Organization and supports the non-profit association Nu Bai. You can find culinary products, fashion items, handicrafts, etc. in its stores. It's the only store in Sal to sell exclusively Cape Verdean products guaranteeing fair trade ethics.

Mindelo being the capital of music, a visit to a luthier's workshop is almost a matter of course. A specialist in the making of cavaquinhos (small four-string guitars), Aniceto Gomes is also known for having been, in his youth, the repairer of the instruments of the musicians of the late Cesária. Using recycled boards and wood, armed with his tools and great patience, he operates in his small workshop located near the cemetery.

Count about 200 vecs for trousers, and over 4 kg of clothing, count up to 300 CVE per kilo.

3R is both a shop and a recycling workshop. They recycle paper, cans, metal and plastic caps, fabrics, milk cans... With these materials, the artists create a wide variety of objects: lamps, plates, baskets, handbags, boxes, necklaces and other jewelry. You will surely appreciate the creativity of the artisans through the objects on display and you will find good authentic gift ideas made in Cape Verde.

In this atypical place, which was the Casa Alfama haberdashery in the 70s, you'll meet Vanessa Monteiro, a passionate young stylist. She'll tell you the story of each piece, its significance, its aesthetics and anecdotes. In addition to her studio, you'll find a variety of unexpected objects on display, such as magnets and very special bottles to keep for life. She also collaborates with other artists on ceramics and jewelry, for example. A wealth of creativity that just begs to be encouraged.

In this small music store, you may be lost in a large choice of CDs of Cape Verdean artists, but we are here to advise you. This is an opportunity to learn about all the components of local music and variety. Fans of Cesaria Evora will be happy: postcards and numerous CDs of the star are part of the proposals. If you missed it, the house also has an annex at the airport. Possibility to book tickets for concerts: ask for the program!

It's a community project to get locals working, recycling and showcasing their products and know-how. You'll find typical souvenirs such as grogues, punch, jams and dolls, all handcrafted. Exchanges take place in an inratable blue kiosk located at the entrance to the village. It's an opportunity to do a good deed, as well as to chat with the locals in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. And what's more, to consume eco-responsibly.

Facing the sea, Mario, an Italian, opens the doors of his small shop improvised in a boat. His creations are made from what he finds on the beaches of Boa Vista (coral, shells) or on the other islands. He recycles and makes unique pieces straight out of his imagination: jewelry, mobiles ... He also sells pottery from Rabil. You can certainly find some souvenirs there, but also sit and watch the return of the fishing boats. It is a quiet, peaceful and relaxing place, which lives at the rhythm of the islands.

As much out of curiosity as for shopping, one pushes the door of the Artisanal Center of Santa Maria, a workshop-boutique where one can observe the craftsmen making Cape Verdean ceramics. Or the specialists who have opted to make necklaces and costume jewellery. In short, it is an opportunity to see the process and the steps that lead to the manufacture, still very timid on these islands, of objects intended for the visitors. Mugs, T-shirts and other decorative objects complete the offer.