Where is Cape Verde?
Cape Verde is an island country home to 10 unique islands including some of the world’s best volcanic islands and uninhabited islands. Cape Verde is located in the central Atlantic Ocean, approximately 300 to 400 miles off the coast of West Africa, near Senegal.
The place is recognised for its unique blend of African and Portuguese cultural combination, making it a great destination for music lovers, nature seeking backpackers and beach activities. Additionally Cape Verde will not disappoint travellers who are looking for diverse island experiences, exploring volcanic craters, lively festivals and events and pristine beaches.
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Top 10 Cape Verde Islands
1. Santiago
Largest island of Cape Verde, located in the south east of the island of Santiago. This island is characterized by the fine beaches and beautiful mountainous landscapes, where backpackers spot fertile valleys and high plateaus. Additionally Santiago Island is recognised as the cultural and historical heart of the country and capital city of Praia, making it home to hiking trails, Serra Malagueta Natural Park, Cidade Velha city and Tarrafal beach. Never miss to attend water activities like scuba diving, snorkeling and surfing and events like Gamboa Festivals and morna music concerts.
2. Santo Antao
Island with most beautiful mountain landscapes, scenic hiking trails and lush valleys. Santo Antao is the second largest island in Cape Verde, where spectacular rugged landscapes and fascinating cliff sides are available. It spans 779 square km where visitors can take leisurely stroll amidst its old and narrow paths that exhibit terraced fields of potatoes, manioc, beans and other vegetable cultivations. Cidade das Pombas is an island’s most popular village located in north east of Santo Antao, includes Pastel coloured houses and churches, sugar cane fields and coconut palms. Try to visit small island towns of Porto Novo, Ribeira Grande, and Ponta do Sol.
3. Sal
Sal Island is just the combination of three aspects, sun, sand and sea. Since Sal island is located where white sandy beaches, water sports and laid back atmospheres exist. Visitors could expect activities like surfing, scuba diving, windsurfing and kitesurings here and these activities are popular. Moreover, Palmeira is a small harbour with some of the island’s beautiful underwater caves and reefs in its blue eye areas. Since the island once served as a salt belt, visitors go to spot salt extraction industries and salt work areas, where there is a small amount of salt mining located like Dead Sea and Bolivia’s Salar de Uyuni.
4. Boa Vista
Boa Vista is a different island compared to other major Cape Verde islands. This island exhibits a more panoramic view of the surrounding landscapes like sand and scree deserts, mountain ranges and neighbouring island of Sal. Beaches here are the main attractions, since they border on the main town, visitors can take walks along the beaches to get picture book atmospheres and also they can try swimming.
5. Fogo
The island of Fogo is a type of island combining active volcanoes, Fogo, Sao Filipe and vibrant colonial towns. A total of 476 square kilometres home to one of the active volcano Pico do Fogo, erupted several times in a year, moreover it damaged numbers of homes and infrastructures. Fogo is a place where the annual Monte Grande festival is held during May month. It shows creamy textures and salty spicy flavors like cheese, cufongo, homemade wines and porridge. Attend The Festas de Sano Joao festival, a cultural event on the island where religious processions, music, dance included along with traditional food and drink.
6. Sao Vicente
Visiting Sao Vicente Island is the most fortunate thing for an adventure backpacker. The island offers the most rugged mountains over Mindelo and crystal clear water that help visitors to enjoy hiking and many adventure water activities. Covering 227 square kilometers, its main city Mindelo is a great spot in this island to explore and see vibrant and colorful streets, lively music venues and mediaeval and colonial architecture. If you step into any restaurants under Sao Vicente Island, surely you will find Portuguese, African and Brazilian cuisines. Take a walk amidst The Municipal Market, to purchase and see cafes, fresh goods stalls, and boutiques, butcher shops and craft stores. Soak up in the beaches like Laginha Beach, Sao Pedro Beach and Calhau Beach.
7. Maio
Maio is an island, one of the most remote and peripheral in the entire Cape Verde archipelago. This island has romantic settings while its unique destination for water sports where couples can enjoy additional scenic beauty and tranquillity. Home too many beautiful beaches like Preta Beach, Porto Cais, and Boca do Morro, Royal Beach and Lagoon Beach. Despite the beach and nature, the island boasts traditional architecture including small and cozy guesthouses. Taste island’s standout cuisines like Fish stew, cheese, and papaya jam.
8. Sao Nicolau Island
Most pictures are of Sao Nicolau Island located amidst beautiful landscapes and colorful homes, made by the baths of mud and sand. Covering an area of 343 square kilometers where visitors go to enjoy strong cultural centrated heritages, dragon trees and unique landscapes. Tarrafal village is the most attractive section in this island, often recognised as a home for medicinal properties. Try to hike Mount Gordo, a beautiful mountain range that offers more tranquil experiences from its breathtaking views and sublime landscapes.
9. Brava Island
Out of Cape Verde Islands list, Brava Island is recognised as the smallest inhabited island and living area for thousand peoples who currently living within just 67 square kilometers. The island boasts colorful flowers and dense fog where backpackers go to enjoy the island’s most breathtaking valleys and nature settings. Nova Sintra is a place culturally rich and offers intricate local crafts, textiles, diverse fresh fruits and vegetable markets. Enjoy islands viewpoints such as Nossa Senhora do Monte Viewpoint, Fonte do Mato Viewpoint, and Alto São Bento Viewpoint.
10. Santa Luzia Island
The only inhabited island in Cape Verde is Santa Luzia Island. Spans around 35 square kilometers and located 395 meters above sea level, the place is a hub of nature reserve and vibrant diverse flora and fauna and rich marine faunas too. Today the island has served as public heritage since 1990, and is considered as one of the most important natural reserves of the archipelago. Give some time to watch local bird species like Quail, Stonechat, Black headed weavers, Blue rock thrush and Bar tailed desert lark. Currently this island only allows people who are visiting for educational and scientific purposes, especially to study local species and fishermen.
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