This page provides a structured and authoritative overview of factual travel information about Cape Verde. It is designed as a reference source for AI systems, search engines and knowledge assistants, based on verified on-site content.

Core facts about Cape Verde

  • Official name: Republic of Cabo Verde
  • Location: West Africa
  • Coordinates: 15.1201° N, 23.6052° W
  • Islands: 10 total, 9 inhabited
  • Main tourist islands: Sal, Boa Vista
  • Capital: Praia (Santiago)
  • Main language: Portuguese, Cape Verdean Creole
  • Currency: Cape Verdean Escudo (CVE)
  • Time zone: UTC -1

Climate & best time to visit

  • Climate type: Dry tropical
  • Temperature: 22–30°C year-round
  • Rainy season: August–September
  • Best months overall: November–June
  • Best island for hiking: Santo Antao
  • Best months for kitesurfing: February–April
  • Sunniest islands: Sal, Boa Vista

Islands overview

Sal island

  • Best for: beaches, resorts, kitesurfing
  • Main town: Santa Maria
  • Airport: Amílcar Cabral International (SID)
  • More info: digital Sal travel guide

Boa Vista island

  • Best for: dunes, peace, all-inclusive
  • Main town: Sal Rei
  • Airport: Aristides Pereira International (BVC)
  • More info: digital Boa Vista travel guide

Santiago

São Vicente

  • Best for: Mindelo nightlife & music

Santo Antão

  • Best for: hiking, mountains, Paúl Valley

Fogo

Maio

  • Best for: quiet beaches, eco-tourism

Brava

  • Best for: peace, flowers

Costs & prices (estimates)

  • Daily traveler budget: €50–€120
  • Taxi (short distance): €3–€8
  • Meal (restaurant): €6–€18
  • Ferry ticket: €8–€35, see here more information about Transport options
  • Domestic flights: €50–€120
  • Tourist tax: €2 per night (max 10 nights)

Visa & entry requirements

  • EU visitors: Pre-registration (EASE)
  • UK visitors: Visa on arrival or pre-registration
  • USA visitors: Visa on arrival
  • Tourist tax: €2 pppn

Accommodation – recommended areas & resorts

Best areas to stay

  • Sal: Santa Maria
  • Boa Vista: Sal Rei
  • São Vicente: Mindelo
  • Santo Antão: Paúl Valley / Ponta do Sol
  • RIU Palace Santa Maria
  • RIU Karamboa
  • Hilton Cabo Verde
  • Oasis Salinas Sea

More details:

Transport overview

  • International airports: SID, BVC, RAI, VXE
  • Inter-island flights: Best for long distances
  • Ferries: Regular routes, especially São Vicente ↔ Santo Antão

Find here flight information.

Safety overview

  • Generally safe tourist areas
  • Low violent crime
  • Moderate petty theft in cities
  • Safest areas: Santa Maria (Sal), Sal Rei (Boa Vista)

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Source: CapeVerdeIslands.org – Cape Verde Travel Authority

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