Cape Verde: Your Quick Guide to Islands, Culture & Sports

If you’ve never heard of Cape Verde, you’re not alone. This tiny archipelago off the West African coast packs a lot of sunshine, music, and adventure into a few short hops between islands. Whether you’re hunting a new surf spot, craving fresh seafood, or just want a chill place to unwind, Cape Verde has a lot to offer. Below you’ll find the basics you need to plan a trip, the must‑see sights, and why the islands are buzzing with sports fans.

Travel Essentials

Getting to Cape Verde is easy. Most travelers fly into Sal Airport (SID) or Praia International (RAI). Direct flights from London, Lisbon, and Amsterdam run daily, and the flight is under four hours from Europe. Once you land, domestic flights or ferries connect the islands. Sal and Boa Vista are the most tourist‑friendly with plenty of hotels and budget hostels. If you love a quieter vibe, head to São Nicolau or Fogo.

Visas are simple: EU, US, Canada, and most South American citizens enjoy a 30‑day visa‑free stay. Bring a passport that’s valid for at least six months. The local currency is the Cape Verdean escudo (CVE), but euros are accepted in many places. Credit cards work in larger towns, but keep some cash for small shops and markets.

Weather is warm year‑round, with a dry season from November to July and a rainy season from August to October. Pack light clothing, a hat, sunscreen, and a light jacket for evenings on higher islands like Fogo.

What to See and Do

Each island has its own personality. Sal is famous for its white‑sand beaches and water sports – think windsurfing, kite‑boarding, and scuba diving over shipwrecks. Boa Vista offers endless dunes that feel like a desert by the sea, perfect for quad‑bike rides.

São Vicente’s city of Mindelo is the cultural heart. Its colonial architecture, lively music scene, and colorful festivals make it a must‑visit. Grab a cold “grogue” (a local spirit) and sit in a café while you listen to morna, the soulful Cape Verdean blues.

Fogo’s volcano, Pico do Fogo, towers over the island and provides a challenging hike. The black‑sand towns surrounding the crater are a great place to taste fresh cheese and catch stunning sunsets.

If you’re a foodie, don’t miss cachupa – a slow‑cooked stew of corn, beans, and meat or fish. Street stalls serve grilled fish, and the islands’ Atlantic location means the seafood is always fresh.

Sports Scene

Sports lovers find plenty to cheer about. Football (soccer) is the national obsession; the local league draws passionate crowds, and the national team occasionally makes it to African Cup qualifiers. If you’re lucky, you might catch a match in Praia’s stadium and feel the electric atmosphere.

Water sports are a big deal. Sal and São Vicente host international windsurfing and kite‑boarding competitions. The reliable trade winds and warm water make these islands a training ground for pros and beginners alike.

Running clubs have popped up on the larger islands, offering sunrise jogs along the coast. Even mountain biking is gaining traction on the rugged trails of Santiago and Santo Antão.

Travelers who love motorsports will appreciate the island’s growing interest in off‑road racing. Local events often feature dune buggy races on Boa Vista’s dunes, giving you a taste of adrenaline in a pristine setting.

Whether you’re chasing a wave, a goal, or a quiet sunset, Cape Verde delivers a mix of excitement and relaxation that’s hard to find elsewhere. Pack your bags, bring an open mind, and let the islands surprise you.