Cabo Verde

Santo Antão is a land of contrast: rocky landscapes, vast ocean, and green valleys. The island’s well known trails include the Ribeira Grande, Vale do Paúl, Topo da Coroa (1979 m), the trail from Ponta do Sol to Cruzinha da Graça and the route of the old road between Porto Novo and Ribeira Grande. A well-known treat from the island is the rum-like drink called grogues.

São Nicolau is a land of mysteries, beliefs and legends. The sandy beaches of Tarrafal, rich in titanium and iodine, are known to hold medicinal properties. Other must-see places are Monte Gordo, Porto da Preguiça and Juncalinho.

Sal (translates to salt) is known for its white sand beaches, dry tropical climate, and warm, transparent waters. Other must-see places are the Salinas de Pedra Lume, the lava pool of Buracona, the pier of Santa Maria, the Botanical Garden Viveiro and the Gruta do Amor. The island offers excellent conditions for watersports.

Boa Vista Island is best known for its beautiful beaches and for those who seek a few days in paradise in between leisure activities and watersports adventures. 

Santiago is the largest island in the archipelago and the most populated. Cidade Velha, formerly Ribeira Grande, is the oldest city founded by Europeans in the tropics. The former concentration camp, Tarrafal, is on this island. Santiago is a beautiful place to visit with its contrast of the mountains, landscapes and valleys.

The Fogo Volcano, on Fogo Island, is the highest point of the archipelago. The volcano is still active but presents no risk to people and it is possible to climb. The fertile ground surrounding the volcano is planted with vineyards from which a unique blend of wine is made.

Brava, also known as Flowers' Island, is the most remote in the Cabo Verde archipelago. The island’s charm is in its valleys, peaks, pools of clear water, trails, roads covered with flowers, and unique flavours. Places worth visiting are the colonial city of Nova Sintra, Fajã da Água Bay, and the Eugénio Tavares Trail.

The only uninhabited island, Santa Luzia, is a natural reserve with a diverse fauna and an abundant marine life. Access to the island is restricted to educational and scientific purposes and to fishermen on the islands of São Vicente and São Nicolau.

Maio is known for several places that are all worth a visit: Igreja Matriz, the Farol de S. José, the Maio Castle, the Dunes of Morrinho, Monte Penoso, the Perimeter Forest of Terras Salgadas, the Bitchirotcha Beach and the Salinas of Porto Inglês. The spawning of the turtles is a once in a lifetime experience.

São Vicente is synonymous with mornas, jazz and coladera, and is also the home of Cesária Évora. Its capital Mindelo is characteristically cosmopolitan and European with a vibrant night life and busy culture. The beaches of the fishing village of Calhau offer surfing and water sports. Baobab trees grow in some areas here. The island is also known for hosting the music festival “Baía das Gatas” as well as the International Theatre Festival Mindelact.