Cape Verde – A Holiday Paradise off the African West Coast

The Cape Verde refers to a group of islands forming the western most point in Africa. Originally found by the Portuguese in the 15th century, the cape consists of nine unpopulated islands. Despite of dry climate and decreasing luxury, I could find enough here to spend my holidays with fun and joy. The vast, white beaches; a vibrant atmosphere; and better scope for water sports can make up anyone’s day.

Covering a small area, the islands offer a noteworthy plethora of landscapes ranging from Maio’s infertile levels, the green valleys of Santo Antao, and to the Mt. Fogo that is a volcanic peak layered with frozen lava. From my experience, Cape Verde is still an ideal destination for the fearless climber, the active windsurfer, and the morno follower. The Cape Verde is known by many people through its ever-lasting mournful songs (mornos) of Cesaria Evora. Her own homeland, the cape is a sequence of unusually volcanic islands located at 500 km off the coast of Senegal where the West African rhythms and sad Portuguese melodies is the most enchanting.

Cape Verde Tourist Attractions

• Fogo Island:
  This offers a striking mountain that is the only active volcano whose highest peak is at 2829 m. The sight here to see is the slopes that are clad with the lava and trek them excitedly to be at the highest point. I also visited a black beach here, which is unique in itself for relaxation.
• Santiago and Praia:
  Santiago is the largest and most populated island on the cape offering mountainous small beaches. At the capital Praia, I was satisfied enough to go for shopping some souvenirs, relax at one of its beaches, and spend some time in night in its musical atmosphere.
• Cidade Velha:
  This is the old city of Praia marking the first Portuguese settlement on the cape. Listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the current relics and old buildings took me into the past era. Then, I visited the Fortaleza Real de Sao Filipe (a Portuguese fort) on a major cliff in Sao Filipe that was elaborative enough to speak about the Portuguese majestic bygone era and the Atlantic trade.
• The Sal Island:
  The island is named so because of the salt pits that since ancient times provided salt to the Portuguese kingdom. I found my place at one of its fine white sand beaches where I saw the horde of many package tourists. I also experienced a diving school out of three.
• Santo Antao:
  The most thrilling experience here was hiking over the pined ridge followed by descending into its magnificent canyons and valleys. It was difficult to discover that many of the deep valleys are originally the craters of wiped out volcanoes, now occupied by trees and tropical plant life. What I liked here was its magnificent panorama and rocky coastline that provide a good scope for walking and climbing. This is one region without any beaches and is one of greener islands with forested hills in the interiors.
• Windsurfing:
  I went to one of the beaches of Boa Vista to experience amidst the transatlantic winds that once were responsible to inspire Columbus.
• Mindelo:
  This is a deep-water port at the cultural island of Sao Vicente where I visited the old colonial buildings, the pristine Santa Monica beach, and a local music sight of traditional folk and dance performances. Lastly, I was amazed to view the architecture of Palacio de Presidente that is the residence of the governing council of Sao Vicente. Resembling the Indian style, its elaborate and pink facade is breathtaking.
• Maio:
  This is the remote and quiet region offering white sandy beaches. I simply was satisfied by viewing the eggs laid by the sea turtles on one of its beach.
• Carnival:
  This is held in Praia during February and March where streets of this coastal town is full colorful parades.

Best Time to Visit

August to October is the recommended time to visit Cape Verde. This is because the weather during this time is good and warm with an exception of the winds being strong. The islands can be visited at anytime in the year, but if you wish to obtain most of the sun, then arrive here between November and July.

Accommodation

The cape offers a myriad of boarding houses, small hotels, bungalows, aparthotels, and hotels. You can find a staying place anywhere that suits your budgets because accommodation infrastructures are present in all islands.

Bear in mind that not everywhere you can use credit cards in Cape Verde. Only in a handful of hotels, international credit cards are accepted, that too, the most renowned ones. You are given the choice of currency and Traveler’s checks are used here.