Things to Do in Cape Verde: Top 8 Breathtaking Activities

Looking for things to do in Cape Verde next time you plan a visit? We got you covered!

The best of Cape Verde comes with love, life, laughter and a lifetime experience. You may not have even heard of Cape Verde before and we are not blaming you. It is an archipelago made up of ten islands, located off the coast of Senegal. The island which once belonged to Portugal gained its independence in 1975.

What’s the attraction? Do you want a romantic summer bath in Senegal or a swell time on the beaches of Cape Verde? Have you ever wondered what makes Cape Verde a better place to spend your summertime than visiting somewhere more predictable?

Here are some key points about Cape Verde:

Interesting things about Cape Verde

1. Geography: the country has islands that are of volcanic origin, and they are divided into two groups: the Barlavento Islands (windward) and the Sotavento Islands (leeward). Some of the major islands include Santiago, Santo Antão, São Vicente, Sal, Boa Vista, and Fogo.

2. Culture and Language: The people here are known as Cape Verdeans or Cabo Verdeans. The country has a diverse cultural heritage influenced by African, Portuguese, and Brazilian traditions. The official language is Portuguese, and Cape Verdean Creole, a Creole language based on Portuguese, is widely spoken.

3. Economy: Cape Verde’s economy relies heavily on service industries, such as tourism, trade, and transportation. The country has made significant progress in recent years, with improvements in infrastructure, education, and healthcare. Fishing and agriculture, particularly banana and coffee production, also contribute to the economy.

4. Tourism: Cape Verde is known for its beautiful beaches, clear waters, and year-round sunshine, making it a popular tourist destination. Visitors can enjoy activities like swimming, snorkeling, windsurfing, and hiking. The islands also have a rich music scene, with genres like morna and coladeira being popular.

5. Climate: Cape Verde has a tropical climate with a distinct wet and dry season. The dry season usually lasts from November to June, while the wet season occurs from July to October. The islands are occasionally affected by tropical storms and hurricanes.

6. Independence and Government: Cape Verde gained independence from Portugal on July 5, 1975. It is a democratic republic with a multi-party system. The President of Cape Verde is the head of state and government, and the National Assembly is the country’s legislative body.

Cape Verde is a unique and vibrant destination, offering a blend of African and Portuguese cultures, stunning landscapes, and a welcoming atmosphere for visitors.

Things to do in Cape Verde

There are a lot of things to do in Cape Verde, here are 8 things to do in Cape Verde this 2020 summer.

#1. Things to do in Cape Verde – Quad Bike Safari

Take a quad bike safari and leave the city behind as you ride through the white sand dunes of Viana Desert. Go dune bashing before sunset and drive across Estoril beach to the M/S Cabo Santa Maria shipwreck. No trip to Cape Verde would be completed without a desert safari.

#2. Explore Pedra de Lume Salt Crater

Visit the village of Pedra de Lume and go explore Pedra de Lume’s salt crater. This salt evaporation pond has a high concentration of salt, which means that people can float easily in it due to natural buoyancy. For hundreds of years, this volcanic crater has fed the Portuguese salt industry and is now primarily serving as a tourist destination.

#3. Seafood Gastronomy 

Keen on cuisine and hungry for history? Tantalise your taste buds and fill up your stomach with sea delicacies at the Lobster Enjoyable Seafood Restaurant, one of Santa Maria top seafood restaurants. 

For fabulous seaside lunch try their delicious, Spiny lobster cooked at a low temperature in clarified butter served on a cream of melted butter, carrots and tomato confit and olives. You can also try their pizzas with a glass of cold cocktail infused with fresh fruits and paired with fish caught fresh just offshore.

#4. Go Diving and Snorkelling

Fancy something a bit out of the ordinary? The sea offers a fascinating opportunity to explore the mysteries of the underwater world. Let’s go diving or snorkelling! A range of diving and snorkelling options are available for holidaymakers who want to discover what Cape Verde has to offer. One of the best places to do this is on the island of Sal.

Snorkelling is a big part of the Boa Vista and Sal experience especially when it includes a chance to swim with the sea turtles and learning how to snorkel can be a great souvenir to take home. 

The best time to go diving and snorkelling is in the month of April through October.

#5. Go Kitesurfing

Go kitesurfing and enjoy the panoramic view of the surrounding area. Kitesurfing has to be one of the coolest watersports you can do on the islands of Cape Verde. 

The winds can be quite strong on much of the Sal and Boa Vista coastline in January through May, and this creates excellent conditions for kite surfing and boarding.

#6. Take a walk through the Santa Maria town

Gain some fascinating insight into Cape Verde’s rich history and traditions. Journey through the neighbourhood of Santa Maria, and admire the colourful town before heading to one of the beachside restaurants.

#7. Lets Party!

Cape Verde has the perfect nightlife to make every evening a memorable one, whether you’re planning a romantic night out or having some fun with friends.

Cape Verde’s nightlife is typically based on popular live music and dance. The indigenous sounds of Africa, combined with European and Latin instruments have led to the enticing and upbeat Creole music that is well known in the archipelago.

Much of the nightlife in Cape Verde happens at hotels, but the lively spirit of the locals is evident at the main tourist resorts on weekends, where you can join in with the rhythmic beats of music resonating around the local restaurants.

#8. Visit the Island of Boa Vista 

Visit the Boa Vista island, one of the ten islands of the country surrounded by beautiful beaches and it’s known for the sand dunes and moon-like volcanic landscapes of the Viana Desert. 

If you are looking for where to stay in Boa Vista don’t worry we got you covered. There are five popular hotels on the island of Boa Vista that you can go to namely the Riu Touareg, Riu Palace and the Riu Karamboa, Iberostar Club and Royal Horizon Boavista. These hotels offer the best view and are good for families. 

Need to travel to Cape Verde? Let our travel experts guide you through the entire process. Cape Verde provides an exciting destination for those who are intrigued by art, history and culture. At Wakanow, we will help you get the cheapest flights to Cape Verde and amazing deals with the best hotels and vacation packages.

Conclusions about things to do in Cape Verde

This magical island offers a unique blend of African and Portuguese cultures, stunning landscapes, and a welcoming atmosphere. Its beaches, vibrant island life, water sports, and cultural experiences make it an enticing destination for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure.