International Airports Cape Verde has four international airports, but most flights from Europe land on the two main tourist islands: Sal — Amílcar Cabral International (SID): The largest and oldest international airport. Main destination for most charter flights and package deals from Europe. Dire

Island Hopping — Flights & Ferries

If you want to see more than one island (and you should!), you must fly between the islands or take the ferry. Here are the options: Domestic Flights Bestway (formerly TICV/Binter) operates the domestic flight network of Cape Verde with small ATR turboprops. The main connections: RouteDurationPric

Aluguers — The Cape Verdean Shared Taxi The Aluguer is the main means of transport in Cape Verde and an experience in itself: Hiace minibuses or pick-ups run fixed routes between the places on an island. They leave when they are full — not according to a schedule. You stand by the road, wave, get in

EU Citizens Germans, Austrians, and Swiss do not need a classic visa, but must register online before entry. Since 2019, the EASE system (Electronic Pre-Arrival System) applies: You fill out an online form before the flight (ease.gov.cv) and pay a fee of currently 3,400 CVE (approx. €31). Print the

Health Cape Verde is a relatively healthy travel destination for West Africa. No vaccinations are required (except yellow fever when entering from endemic areas). Recommended: Hepatitis A, typhoid, tetanus, diphtheria — the standard vaccinations for tropical countries. Malaria is practically eradica

Packing List & Clothing

Basic Equipment Light clothing: T-shirts, shorts, dresses — the climate is warm year-round. Cotton or functional material. Sun protection: Sunscreen (SPF 50 — the sun is more intense here than in Europe), sunglasses, hat or cap. The UV radiation in Cape Verde is extreme — sunburn occurs in 20 minut

Home Travel GuidesCape Verde

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Travel Guide Cape Verde

Your complete travel guide to the islands of volcanoes, wind, and music

Capital:Praia (Santiago)

Languages:Portuguese & Kriolu

Currency:Escudo (CVE), pegged to €

Best Travel Time:Nov–Jun (dry season)

Flight Time:approx. 6 hours from DE

Visa:EASE registration online (€31)

Last updated: 17 March 2026 · 11 Chapters · 37 Sections

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Route Suggestions

Grand Cape Verde Tour

16–21 days

The ultimate tour across five islands — from the beaches of Sal, through the culture of Santiago and the volcano on Fogo, to the music in Mindelo and trekking on Santo Antão. Cape Verde in all its diversity.

SalSantiagoFogoSão VicenteSanto Antão

Beach & Wind Express

7–10 days

For sunbathers and water sports enthusiasts: beaches, kitesurfing, turtles, and desert dunes on the two most touristy islands. Ideal for a relaxing beach holiday with elements of adventure.

SalBoa Vista

Hiking & Culture Intensive

12–14 days

The cultural and nature-focused route — without the tourist islands of Sal and Boa Vista. Creole culture on Santiago, volcanic adventure on Fogo, music in Mindelo, and the best hikes on Santo Antão. For travelers seeking the real Cape Verde.

SantiagoFogoSão VicenteSanto Antão

Volcano & Sea Short Trip

5–7 days

The compact introduction to Cape Verde: Creole capital Praia, UNESCO World Heritage Cidade Velha, and the climb of the active volcano Pico do Fogo. Perfect for an extended weekend trip or as an addition to a beach holiday on Sal.

SantiagoFogo

All Chapters

Planning· 3 Chapters

Chapter 1

Welcome to Cape Verde

4 Sections

Chapter 2

Best Travel Time & Climate

3 Sections

Chapter 3

Budget & Costs

3 Sections

Regions· 4 Chapters

Chapter 4

Sal & Boa Vista

4 Sections

Chapter 5

Santiago

4 Sections

Chapter 6

Santo Antão

4 Sections

Chapter 7

Fogo & São Vicente

4 Sections

Understanding· 2 Chapters

Chapter 8

History & Culture

3 Sections

Chapter 9

Music & Food

2 Sections

Practical· 2 Chapters

Chapter 10

Arrival & Transport

3 Sections

Chapter 11

Practical A–Z

3 Sections

Discover More Travel Guides

Regions at a Glance

Sal & Boa Vista

The flat eastern islands are the tourist showcase of Cape Verde: endless white sandy beaches, turquoise sea, constant trade winds, and the best windsurfing and kitesurfing conditions in the world. Additionally, there are salt pans, desert dunes, and turtle nesting beaches.

Kite Beach (Sal)Praia de Santa Monica (Boa Vista)Pedra de Lume salt lakesTurtle watching+1

Santiago

The largest and most populous island is the African heart of Cape Verde: The capital Praia pulses with Creole life, the UNESCO city Cidade Velha tells the story of the slave trade, and the Serra Malagueta offers spectacular hikes.

Cidade Velha (UNESCO)Sucupira MarketSerra MalaguetaTarrafal Beach+1

Santo Antão

The hiking paradise of Cape Verde: dramatic gorges with 1,000-meter-high cliffs, terraced slopes, lush green valleys with sugar cane and tropical fruits in the northeast, barren lunar landscapes in the southwest.

Ribeira Grande GorgePaúl ValleyPonta do SolGrogue distilleries+1

Fogo & São Vicente

Fogo impresses with an active volcano (2,829 m) and a surreal crater village where wine grows on lava. São Vicente entices with Mindelo, the most charming city of the archipelago, where Morna echoes from every alley.

Pico do Fogo (2,829 m)Chã das CaldeirasMindelo music sceneCarnival in Mindelo+1