The captivating archipelago of Cape Verde is situated off the coast of West Africa.
Known for its pristine beaches, vibrant culture, and natural beauty, Cape Verde offers a unique
blend of relaxation and adventure.
From exploring the fascinating salt mines and natural wonders to immersing yourself
in the vibrant local communities and discovering the diverse marine life, each activity will
showcase the richness and diversity of this enchanting destination.
So join ViewCation as we discover the best things to do in Cape Verde.
Visit the beaches of Sal Sal, the sun-kissed island of Cape Verde,
is a paradise for beach lovers.
The island is renowned for its stunning, pristine beaches that stretch as far as the eye can
see.
Santa Maria Beach, a popular spot on the island, is a haven for water sports enthusiasts, offering
opportunities for diving and snorkeling.
The warm, crystal-clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean teem with vibrant marine life, making
it a perfect spot for underwater exploration.
But the allure of Sal's beaches extends beyond their natural beauty.
The island's coastline is dotted with a variety of beachside restaurants and bars, where you
can indulge in the local cuisine while enjoying panoramic views of the ocean.
The island's vibrant nightlife is another draw, with numerous beach parties and live
music events taking place throughout the year.
Moreover, Sal's beaches are not just about sun and sand.
They are also a site of significant ecological importance.
From July to October, the beaches of Sal become nesting grounds for sea turtles.
Visitors can join guided tours to witness this incredible natural phenomenon, a truly
unforgettable experience.
Visit the Salt Mines and Natural Pools in Pedra de Lume
Pedra de Lume, located on the island of Sal, is home to one of Cape Verde's most unique
attractions - its salt mines and natural pools.
These mines were once the main source of income for the island, and today, they offer visitors
a chance to learn about the island's history and enjoy a unique spa experience.
The salt mines are located in an extinct volcanic crater, where seawater seeps in and evaporates
under the hot sun, leaving behind vast amounts of salt.
The resulting landscape is otherworldly, with white salt pans contrasting against the deep
blue of the sky.
Visitors can take a guided tour of the mines to learn about the salt extraction process
and the mines' history.
The natural pools at Pedra de Lume are filled with highly saline water, similar to the Dead
Sea.
This means you can easily float on the water's surface, and the high salt content is believed
to have therapeutic properties.
After a dip in the pools, you can rinse off under a freshwater shower and enjoy a drink
at the onsite café, making for a relaxing and rejuvenating experience.
Explore the old capital of Cidade Velha Cidade Velha, or "Old City," was once the
capital of Cape Verde and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This historic town, located on the island of Santiago, is filled with colonial-era buildings
and monuments that tell the story of the country's past.
As you walk through the cobblestone streets of Cidade Velha, you can visit landmarks like
the Royal Fortress of São Felipe, a 16th-century fort that offers panoramic views of the town
and the sea.
As you walk down Rua Banana, the town's primary street, you'll notice the traditional houses
with triangular rooftops that line the way.
At the end of the street, you'll come across Nossa Senhora do Rosário church, the oldest
colonial church in the tropics.
Cidade Velha is also home to the Pelourinho, a pillory post where slaves were once tied
and punished.
This serves as a sobering reminder of Cape Verde's history in the Atlantic slave trade.
A visit to Cidade Velha is a journey through time, offering insights into Cape Verde's
colonial past and the resilience of its people.
Explore the capital city of Praia
Praia, the bustling capital of Cape Verde, is a city of contrasts.
Nestled on the island of Santiago, it is a blend of old and new, tradition and modernity.
The city's historic quarter, known as the Plateau, is a testament to its colonial past.
Here, you'll find well-preserved colonial buildings, quaint cobbled streets, and the
iconic Presidential Palace.
The city's vibrant market, Mercado de Sucupira, is a must-visit.
It's a bustling hub where you can buy everything from fresh produce to traditional African
clothing.
But Praia is not just about history and culture.
The city is also a major economic hub, with a thriving business district featuring modern
infrastructure.
The city's coastline is dotted with beautiful beaches, and the nightlife is vibrant, with
numerous bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.
One of the highlights of a visit to Praia is the opportunity to experience the local
music scene.
The city is known for its live music venues, where you can enjoy 'morna' - a genre of Cape
Verdean music, often compared to the blues for its melancholic, yet soulful sound.
Visit the Blue Eye (Olho Azul): The Blue Eye, or Olho Azul, is one of Cape
Verde's most mesmerizing natural wonders.
Located on the island of Sal, this underwater cave is renowned for its stunning blue water
that glows like an eye when the sunlight hits it at a certain angle.
This phenomenon gives the cave its name and has made it a popular attraction for visitors.
To reach the Blue Eye, you'll need to take a short boat ride from the town of Buracona.
Once there, you can peer into the cave from a viewing platform, or for the more adventurous,
snorkeling and diving trips are available.
The crystal-clear waters offer excellent visibility, allowing you to see the diverse marine life
that inhabits the cave.
Visiting the Blue Eye is not just about the destination, but also the journey.
The boat ride offers stunning views of Sal's rugged coastline, and the anticipation of
seeing the Blue Eye adds to the excitement.
This is a truly unique experience that showcases the natural beauty of Cape Verde.
Hike the Fogo Volcano For the adventurous, a hike up the Fogo Volcano
is a must-do when in Cape Verde.
Located on Fogo Island, this is the highest peak in the country and one of the few active
stratovolcanoes in the world.
The volcano's last eruption was in 2014, and the resulting lava fields have created a lunar-like
landscape that is both eerie and beautiful.
The hike to the top is challenging but rewarding, with stunning views of the volcanic crater
and the surrounding landscapes.
At the base of the volcano, you'll find the charming village of Chã das Caldeiras, which
was rebuilt after the 2014 eruption.
Here, you can sample the local wine, made from grapes grown in the volcanic soil, and
learn about the community's resilient spirit.
A hike up the Fogo Volcano is not just a physical challenge, but also a testament to the power
of nature and the resilience of the human spirit.
Explore the Deserto de Viana The Deserto de Viana, located on the island
of Boa Vista, is a small desert that offers a stark contrast to the island's otherwise
tropical landscape.
The desert is the result of Saharan winds that carry sand over the ocean and deposit
it on the island, creating a landscape of white sand dunes that stretch as far as the
eye can see.
Exploring the Deserto de Viana is like stepping into another world.
The silence and solitude of the desert, combined with the shifting sands and the play of light
and shadow, create a surreal and captivating atmosphere.
You can explore the desert on foot, or for a more thrilling experience, join a guided
tour on a quad bike or a 4x4.
Despite its barren appearance, the Deserto de Viana is home to a variety of plant and
animal life that has adapted to the harsh conditions.
Keep an eye out for tracks in the sand that reveal the presence of these desert dwellers.
A visit to the Deserto de Viana offers a unique opportunity to experience the beauty and harshness
of the desert, right in the heart of Cape Verde.
Visit the Turtle Hatchery in Boa Vista: Boa Vista's Turtle Hatchery is devoted to
safeguarding the loggerhead turtles, which make Cape Verde one of the most significant
nesting grounds for these impressive creatures globally.
The hatchery is located on Ervatao Beach, one of the most important nesting beaches
for loggerhead turtles in Cape Verde.
Visiting the Turtle Hatchery is a unique and educational experience.
During the nesting season, which runs from June to October, you can join guided tours
to watch the turtles lay their eggs on the beach.
Later in the season, you can witness the magical moment when the hatchlings emerge from their
nests and make their way to the sea.
The Turtle Hatchery also conducts research and runs conservation programs to protect
the turtles and their habitat.
By visiting the hatchery, you're not just witnessing a natural spectacle, but also supporting
the conservation of these endangered animals.
This is a must-visit for nature lovers and anyone interested in wildlife conservation.
Visit the traditional village of Povoação Velha
Tucked away on the island of Boa Vista, Povoação Velha is a charming village that offers a
glimpse into the traditional Cape Verdean way of life.
The village is nestled in a scenic valley, surrounded by hills and dotted with quaint,
whitewashed houses with thatched roofs.
A visit to Povoação Velha is like stepping back in time.
The village's inhabitants maintain a simple, rural lifestyle, largely based on farming
and livestock rearing.
The village is known for its traditional pottery, and visitors can watch local artisans at work,
crafting beautiful pottery items using age-old techniques.
Povoação Velha is also a place of spiritual significance.
The village is home to the Church of St. John the Baptist, one of the oldest churches in
Cape Verde.
Every year, the village hosts the celebration of São João, one of the most important religious
events in the country, attracting visitors from all over the archipelago.
In Povoação Velha, you can experience the warm hospitality of the locals, sample traditional
Cape Verdean cuisine, and immerse yourself in the slow-paced, tranquil life of the village.
It's a unique experience that offers a stark contrast to the bustling city life of Praia
or the touristy beach resorts of Sal.
Embark on a Quad Bike Adventure For those seeking a thrilling and adventurous
experience, exploring the rugged landscapes of Cape Verde on a quad bike is an excellent
choice.
The islands of Cape Verde offer a variety of terrains, from sandy beaches to rocky cliffs,
providing the perfect playground for an exhilarating quad bike ride.
You can join a guided tour that will take you through off-road trails, allowing you
to discover hidden gems and stunning viewpoints that are otherwise inaccessible.
Feel the wind in your hair as you navigate through the diverse landscapes, from coastal
dunes to lush valleys.
Quad biking in Cape Verde is not only an adrenaline-pumping activity but also an opportunity to immerse
yourself in the natural beauty of the islands.
Whether you're a seasoned quad biker or a beginner, there are tours available for all
skill levels.
There you have it.
It's now time to hear from you.
Let us know which of the activities discussed piqued your interest the most.