FAQ

Cape Verde is a stunning archipelago of 10 volcanic islands nestled in the North Atlantic Ocean, about 570 kilometers off the West African coast near Gambia, Senegal, and Mauritania. It's part of the Macaronesia region, alongside Madeira, the Canary Islands, and the Azores, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness.

The ideal time to soak in Cape Verde's charm is from November to June, when the weather is delightfully warm and dry, with temperatures ranging from 23 to 28 degrees. Escape the winter blues from November to February, perfect for sunbathing and water adventures. Even during the rainy season (July to October), rainfall is minimal, painting the mountain valleys a lush green. With year-round pleasant weather, Cape Verde is always ready to welcome you!

In Cape Verde, you'll hear a delightful mix of languages. Portuguese is the official language, used in government, media, and education. But the heart of daily life beats to the rhythm of Creole, or Kriolu—a lively, spoken language with no official dictionary. It's a charming twist on Portuguese, with shorter words and swapped letters. You'll notice two main dialects: Sampadjudu in the North and Badiu in the South, each adding its own flavor to the islands' vibrant culture.

The Cape Verdean Escudo (CVE) is best to use. Euro bills are accepted in tourist areas, but local currency is preferable. Euro coins are only accepted on Sal and Boa Vista. The official exchange rate is €1 = 110CVE, but in the tourist areas the more common rate is €1 = 100CVE. You'll save 10 cents per euro by paying in escudo's. Exhanging money isn't necessary if you're travelling with Euro's. Best to withdraw Escudo's upon arrival. The daily limit is 20.000CVE (€180). Withdraw a bigger amount to avoid transaction and ATM fees each time you take money out. Credit and debit cards are accepted in large hotels and restaurants, but cash is preferred in smaller shops and remote areas. A credit card fee up to 3% can be charged. Technical issues with card machines can occur, best to carry some cash with you.

Good news! Since 2019, visitors can enjoy Cape Verde visa-free for up to 30 days. However, there's a mandatory airport security tax of 3,400 CVE (€31). You can pay this online via the EASE system (up to five days before departure), at the airport (expect queues and carry cash as a backup), or through travel agencies like TUI for package holidays. Planning to stay longer than 30 days? You'll need to apply for a visa at the local police station. Easy and hassle-free!

Cape Verde is a treasure trove of adventures! Picture yourself floating in the serene salt lakes of Sal, riding the waves while kitesurfing on Sal and Boa Vista, or marveling at turtles nesting on summer beaches. Dive into the vibrant Brazilian Carnaval vibes on São Vicente, hike the majestic active volcano on Fogo, uncover colonial history on Santiago, and wander through the lush, picturesque valleys of Santo Antão and São Nicolau. Each island offers its own unique charm, making island-hopping an unforgettable journey.

Cape Verde offers a range of accommodations to suit various preferences and budgets. Travelers can choose from options such as holiday apartments, cozy guesthouses, boutique hotels, and beachfront all-inclusive resorts. Sustainable and local orientated tourism is found on Santiago, Fogo, Sao Vicente and Santo Antao. These islands are well equiped for tourist needs with local restaurants, accommodations and activities. Maio, Sao Nicolau and Brava have more limited options due to smaller transport availability. Sal and Boa Vista are the main tourist islands for sun holidays where the big resorts like RIU and Melia are located.

The allure for hiking and Cape Verde Walking Holidays lies in its diverse landscapes, offering both challenging trails and serene strolls. The archipelago boasts volcanic peaks, dramatic coastlines, and lush valleys. Santo Antão, Santiago and São Nicolau with its rugged terrain and picturesque villages, are a hiker's paradise. Hiking on Fogo and climbing the only active volcano (the highest point of West-Africa) is a unique experience. Cape Verde's moderate climate and stunning views make it a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts.