Basic moments

On the tropical islands diving, yachting, windsurfing, kitesurfing and sport fishing are popular. Travelers who come to Cape Verde for active rest, prefer to stay in hotels at diving centers and surfing stations or rent cottages on the seashore.

About 540 thousand people live on the archipelago. More than 70% of local residents are mulattoes, a quarter of the citizens of Cape Verde are Africans, and the rest of the inhabitants are immigrants from different countries Europe. They speak Portuguese, a Creole dialect and African languages. Thanks to immigrants from the western regions of Africa, French is widely spoken among the islanders. It is believed that about 80% of the population are Catholics, while the rest adhere to local beliefs.

A famous singer, Cesaria Evora, was born in Cape Verde. The barefoot diva became famous all over the world for performing original Creole songs to the accompaniment of the ukulele, piano, accordion, clarinet and violin. In 2012, the airport on the island of San Vicente received the name of a talented singer who won the hearts of music lovers in different parts of the world.

The whole life of the tropical archipelago is connected with the ocean, and tourism forms the basis of the economy of Cape Verde. The development of tourism infrastructure is sponsored by local and foreign investors. Especially a lot of money in the development of tourism in this country is invested by entrepreneurs from Austria, Spain, Germany, Italy, France and Portugal. Thanks to them, large resort centers have been built on the islands, offering their guests a full range of necessary services.

History of Cape Verde

The first mention of Cape Verde can be found among Arab travelers and geographers who lived in the XII-XIV centuries. Europeans discovered part of the archipelago in 1456. This happened during the voyage of the Venetian traveler Aloysius Cada-Mosto, who was in the service of the Portuguese. In subsequent years, Portuguese sailors visited the rest of the islands. In those days, the entire archipelago was covered with vegetation, and there were no people here.

The first European settlements appeared in Cape Verde in 1462. Colonists from Portugal began to explore the Cape Verde Islands from Santiago. The government of the country encouraged the settlers with large plots of land and gave them significant privileges in trade on the African coast. In addition to the Portuguese, the islands were inhabited by immigrants from Spain, Genoa and France. And by the end of the 15th century, thousands of Jews arrived here, who left Europe, wanting to avoid the persecution of the Portuguese Inquisition.

The archipelago was located at the crossroads of merchant ships plying between Europe, the New World and Africa, so it quickly turned into one of the centers of the slave trade. Europeans living in Cape Verde undertook several expeditions for "human goods" on the coast of Guinea and in the hinterland of Africa, and slaves were taken out to tobacco and sugar cane plantations located in Brazil. Due to the large influx of Africans, by 1572 the vast majority of the inhabitants of the archipelago were the descendants of black slaves, as well as mulattoes, who were born from the ties of African women with Europeans.

In the XVIII-XIX centuries, Cape Verde suffered from the consequences of a severe drought. The crop failure was facilitated by the constant cutting down of moist forests and the clearing of fertile soil for pastures. As a result, about 100,000 local residents died during three major droughts. The end of the slave trade came in 1876, the King of Portugal issued a special decree prohibiting slave ownership.

By the end of the 19th century, Cape Verde had become perfect place where transatlantic ships refueled. The liners moored in Cape Verde received the coal they needed on the islands, drinking water, provisions and livestock.

In 1951, the Cape Verde Islands, along with other possessions, became an overseas province of Portugal. Soon there was a movement for the independence of Guinea and Cape Verde, and in 1974 an agreement was signed in the capital of Portugal recognizing the islands as an independent republic.

Geographic features and climate

The islands lie in the center Atlantic Ocean. About 16% of Cape Verde is rocky, barren highlands that resemble lifeless "lunar" landscapes. Several volcanoes are concentrated here. The largest of them - Fogu - rises to a height of 2829 m.

The islands have rocky, precipitous coasts, and there are few places convenient for mooring ships. The largest of the harbors - Porto Grande - is located on the island of Sao Vicente. A natural bay formed in the crater of a submerged volcano. Today, it is surrounded by the second largest city in the country - Mindelo.

Cape Verde has a dry tropical climate. The average annual air temperature in the Cape Verde Islands is +25 °C. The coldest months are January and February, while the hottest months are July and August. Depending on the season, the temperature of ocean water ranges from +21 °С to +26 °С.

It rains a little - only 100-300 mm per year. True, during the rainy season, which lasts from August to October, heavy downpours can occur in the mountains, which can cause great damage to the upper fertile soil layer.

On the islands of Cape Verde, winds blow all year round, and thanks to them, the tropical heat is much easier to bear. From mid-autumn to early summer, the east trade wind from the Sahara, which is called "harmattan", prevails. It is very dry and often brings fine dust to the islands.

Islands of Cape Verde

The archipelago consists of 10 large and 5 small islands, divided into "leeward" and "windward" groups. The windward group includes Santo Antao, San Vicente, San Nicolau, desert island Santa Lucia (Santa Luzia), Sal (Sal) and Boavista (Boa Vista). In the "lee" - Santiago (Santiago), Brava (Brava), Fogo (Fogo) and Maio (Maio).

Sal

The most flat of all the islands of the archipelago is famous for its excellent conditions for diving and surfing. The island is of volcanic origin and emerged from the ocean about 50 million years ago. It has a developed tourist infrastructure, so more than half of all travelers who come to Cape Verde prefer to stay here.

Sala is popular for catamaran and sailboat trips along the coast. During such sea trips, tourists can swim, snorkel and fish with a line. So that travelers can better see the underwater world and sunken ships, they are taken along the coast in boats with a transparent bottom.

While relaxing in Sala, it is interesting to visit the town of Santa Maria and take a bath in the salt pools. Many tourists go on an excursion to Oásis de Algodoeiro - to the ruins of a military fortress built by the Portuguese during the colonization of the island.

Fogo

Fogo Volcano Island is the highest and one of the most colorful places in Cape Verde. On this island, green vineyards coexist with lifeless black lava fields, and the coast is framed by beaches that are covered in dark colors. volcanic sand. 37 thousand people live on Fogo. Locals serve tourists, grow coffee and produce excellent wine.

The area around the active Fogo volcano has been declared a nature reserve. In the volcanic caldera there is a small village of Shan das Caldeiras, where 1.2 thousand people live. In this village there is a parish church of the 19th century and a small museum "House of Memory".

São Filipe, the third largest city in Cape Verde, has a lot of colorful houses that contrast sharply with the surrounding mountain slopes. Interestingly, almost all the buildings and churches of this city are built from volcanic tuff.

Brava

Brava is the smallest among the other islands of Cape Verde, due to the variety of rare flowering plants, it is often called the "Island of Flowers". It is located in the western part of the archipelago, 20 km from Fogo. Even geologically, the island of Brava is a continuation of Fogu. The depth of the sea in the channel that separates the two islands is several hundred meters, while the bottom of the sea around the rest of the island is about 4000 meters deep. To the north of Brava lie two small deserted islands. Tourism is not developed here, due to the steep coastline, which does not allow you to enjoy a good rest on the beaches of the island.

Santiago

Most big Island The archipelago has an area of ​​991 km². It is home to most of the population of Cape Verde - over 284 thousand people. Santiago hosted the government of the republic, foreign embassies and international organizations. For rich vegetation and an abundance of tropical fruits, the island is often called the "bread basket" of Cape Verde.

Travelers come to Santiago for the beauty natural park, where baobabs and dragon trees grow that are over 400 years old. The protected area is located near the city of Assamada.

Of great interest is the capital of the island of Praia - the city, which was founded in the XV century. Old squares, monuments and presidential palace built in the 19th century. Many guests of the city make an excursion to the local ethnographic museum.

10 km west of island capital situated historical monument included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. This is the fortress of San Filipe, which was built at the end of the 16th century to protect the coast from pirates.

San Vicente

The picturesque island stretches for 24 km and reaches a width of 16 km. San Vicente has a relatively flat terrain. The highest point of the island rises to 774 m above sea level. Open in San Vicente national center crafts, where they support the traditions of local weaving and making handicrafts from shells and stones.

The capital of the island of Mindelo is the second largest city in the republic. Its neighborhoods grew up on the shores of a natural harbor formed on the edge of the crater of a submerged volcano. The most concentrated in Mindelo a large number of nightclubs in Cape Verde. In addition, the brightest and liveliest carnivals are held here. During the August full moon, the city welcomes the colorful Bahia das Gatas festival, and in September, the Mindelact theatrical festival.

Boavista

In Portuguese, the name "Boavista" means " beautiful view". It is the third largest island in Cape Verde and has about 9,000 inhabitants. Getting to Boavista is easy. From Sal, fast boats reach the island in an hour, and by plane they get here even faster - in just 15 minutes.

The island of Boavista is famous great beaches and picturesque dunes that alternate with green oases of date palms. For these features, it is often called the island of the dunes. In recent years, off-road, motorcycle and quad bike safaris have become a popular pastime in the Viana desert and the huge Santa Monica beach, covered with fine white sand. The size of this beach strip is impressive - it stretches for 40 km.

San Nicolau

In the northern part of the archipelago there is an island that for a long time had the status cultural capital Cape Verde. In 1936, an original literary movement was born here, and until 1960 the popular magazine Claridade was published.

The island is covered with mountains. It has a sufficient amount of fresh water, so agriculture and livestock breeding have developed here. A local attraction is the Rotcha Sribidada rock, where ancient, yet undeciphered writings have been preserved. According to legend, the petroglyphs on the rock were left by people who visited the island before it was colonized by the Portuguese. San Nicolau began to be settled in the 17th century, and many buildings and churches of the 18th-19th centuries have been preserved in its villages.

Santo Antan

The second largest island of Cape Verde covers an area of ​​779 km². In the city of Ribeira Grande, the capital of Santo Antana, you can see many buildings from the colonial period. Here is the oldest lighthouse in the archipelago, which was built in 1886.

Travelers come to Santo Antan to trek along the mountain ranges and fly on hang gliders. And the valleys overgrown with tropical vegetation are popular with lovers of cycling.

Mayu

Maio is a quiet secluded island located in the extreme eastern part of the Cape Verde group of islands, at a distance of 25 km from Santiago Island. This one old island archipelago, which stretches for 24 km in length and 16 km in width. In addition, Mayu is an ancient dormant volcano that has not woken up for several thousand years. The island is famous for its white sandy beaches and azure blue sea, but most of the beaches are far from the main roads and can only be reached by off-road vehicles or on foot.

Santa Lucia

Santa Lucia is the only uninhabited island in Cape Verde. It is 5 km wide and 13 km long. There is little vegetation on the island of Santa Lucia, but tourists come here for the sake of clean beaches and dunes. highest point on an island 395 m above sea level, this is Monte Grande.

The lack of water made it impossible to settle the island with permanent residents, despite this, since the 19th century, fishermen and shepherds have lived here - only about 20 people. It is known that back in 1960 a family of shepherds lived here. However, since 1990, the state declared the island absolutely uninhabited and assigned it the status of a reserve.

Diving

Most popular view active recreation in Cape Verde is diving. best time for diving, the period from mid-spring to late autumn is considered, when almost all interesting underwater objects are available.

The underwater world of Cape Verde is famous for its diversity. Tunas, moray eels, barracudas, manta rays, eels, lobsters and groupers live in clear and warm ocean water. Here you can find ballfish, goldfish, schools of king mackerel, bonito and groupers.

Dives are made to a depth of 6 to 30 m, while underwater visibility is from 30 to 40 m. Few places on the planet have such excellent conditions for underwater travel! It should be noted that there is not that abundance and beauty for which divers go to Egypt. But compared to the Red Sea, around Cape Verde you can more often see large inhabitants of the underwater world - large green turtles, three-meter rays, flocks of frolicking dolphins and even whales.

In addition to colorful fish, crabs, lobsters and octopuses, off the coast of Cape Verde there are picturesque reefs, underwater caves, rocks, grottoes and sunken ships. Many shipwrecks lie on the ocean floor near the islands of Santiago and Mayu. These are sea vessels built in the 15th-18th centuries. Near Sal and Boavista, old ships are at an accessible depth of 12-28 m.

Sala, Santo Antana, Sao Vicente and Santiago have large diving centers that offer a full range of services - from beginner training to equipment rental. Many divers choose to stay on this island because there are more than three dozen interesting dive sites around it. Sala's most popular sites are the Blue Room, the Palmiera site, the Ponta do Farol reef, the Buracona cave, as well as three sites where wrecks lie at depths of 9 to 12 m.

Windsurfing and kitesurfing

Fans of riding the waves under a strong wind have mastered the tropical archipelago for a long time. Suffice it to say that in Cape Verde, the world champion in windsurfing in the freestyle discipline, the famous Josh Agulo, was born.

Cape Verde is always warm, but never too hot. The water in the ocean has a comfortable temperature all year round. The wind season lasts from September to May. But the best period is from December to April, when the average wind speed reaches 10 m/s. In summer, the wind speed drops to 7 m/s, and sometimes there are weeks of complete calm.

Surfing conditions are favorable throughout the archipelago, as a steady breeze from the Atlantic Ocean does not bypass any of the islands. There are 6 surf centers on Sala. Other islands also have surf clubs. They have modern equipment, train beginners, organize competitions and have their own rescue services.

Most riders come to Sal. The most popular spot of this island is Ponta Prete. When the swell comes from the west side, the highest waves form here. This spot has a lot of rocks, so it is chosen by experienced windsurfers who are able to control the situation better than beginners.

The water area of ​​​​the town of Santa Maria is very popular for skiing. The coastal embankment of the island capital has the shape of a horseshoe, and in its center the water is always calm. Beginner surfers feel comfortable here. The edges of the bay, on the contrary, protrude into the open sea, forming a zone of hard wave skating. Half a kilometer from the shore, powerful waves from the ocean prevail, the height of which often reaches 5 m. In the east of the town there is a surf station where Josh Agulo himself works.

Near Santa Maria there is an uncomplicated Albatros spot. A side wind blows on it, thanks to which waves that are easy to ride are formed. However, keep in mind that those who go too far from the coast run the risk of getting into high waves, wind dips and strong currents.

Salinas spot, which is located just a few minutes drive from the town of Santa Maria, is considered an ideal place for kitesurfers on Sala. This place is ideal for beginners due to the wide beach, lack of strong coastal currents and coral reef. The winds here are stable and tend to blow from the left side.

Spot Kanoa is also popular among newcomers to Sal. It is located in the southern part of the island, inside the bay of Murdeira. The bay is protected from strong winds, and the waves are small and safe. It has been declared a marine reserve, as humpback whales come here during the mating season.

Kitchen features

Cape Verde loves fish and seafood. Local chefs cook great sawfish, tuna and sea bass. In small taverns and restaurants, you can always order dishes from delicious lobsters, barnacles and octopuses.

The most popular among the inhabitants of Cape Verde is considered "kachupa". It is made from pork or other meat, beans, onions, garlic, sweet potatoes, corn and pumpkin. It is noteworthy that each island has its own recipe for this hearty meal. If it uses several types of meat, the islanders call "kachupu" rich.

In Cape Verde, rice with a seafood cocktail and meat soup with shrimp are excellent. Almost all travelers like "jagasida" - a dish of stewed pork and beans with cornmeal dressing. It is also worth trying a local delicacy - bochada sausage, which is made from the blood and stomach of young lambs and served with rice. AT different places Cape Verde sells island fast food - fried "devil pies" stuffed with tuna meat, ripe tomatoes and onions.

Almost all local desserts are made from tropical fruits. Banana muffins, honey cassava biscuits, and delicate quark puddings with a bright papaya or mango flavor are available in many cafes.

Cape Verde has its own winemaking traditions. Since the end of the 19th century, delicious Calderas wine has been produced on the island of Fogo. The vines were brought here by the French Count of Montro. Local vineyards are small and are watered by hand. The island wine is exported and supplied to the European Union. The best quality is considered to be young wine, the age of which has not yet reached one year. Interestingly, due to the mineral-rich volcanic soil and warm tropical climate, it is 2 degrees stronger than ordinary European wine.

While vacationing in Cape Verde, you should try the local cane grog, which the islanders emphasize with various fruit flavors. It is customary to drink a low-alcohol drink hot and use it for making cocktails. The grog produced on the island of Santo Antan received the greatest recognition. Like Fogo wine, it is also exported.

Transport

The most common type public transport in Cape Verde are "aluguer" - minibuses that run without a clear schedule. They depart from the final destinations when there are no empty seats in the cabin.

Tourists often use taxis. If you plan to order a car for a full day, you need to agree on the price of the trip with the driver in advance.

From island to island, various transport runs. The outlying islands of Cape Verde are connected by planes, while the nearby islands are connected by ferries and speedboats.

Visa

To travel to Cape Verde, residents of Russia need to obtain a visa. This can be done in Moscow at the consulate of that country. For registration, you need to present a passport, an application form, a color photo 35 by 45 mm, a hotel reservation (or an invitation from friends or relatives), as well as paid round-trip tickets or a ticket reservation.

Documents can be submitted to the consulate in person or by proxy, and not necessarily notarized. Tourist visas in Cape Verde are issued for six months. They are single, multiple, group (for group members of 5 people) and family (for a parent with a child). Documents are made within 3 days. It is allowed to live on a tourist visa in the country at a time for 30 days.

There is another option for obtaining a visa. It can be issued upon arrival at the airport on the island of Sal. Such a visa is cheaper, but for its issuance, in addition to the usual package of documents, you need to provide a special permit obtained from the consulate of the republic. For those who wish to use this option, please be aware that some airlines only serve passengers who have a pre-arranged visa permit.

Currency, tips and customs features

The country pays with the local currency - the Cape Verdean escudo (CVE). It is recommended to exchange money in banks, because the exchange rate at airports is not very favorable. Bank branches are open on weekdays from 9.00 to 17.00. Some banks may also work on Saturdays until 12.00.

The country does not do a reverse exchange, so tourists are not advised to change all the money at once. Not everywhere in Cape Verde you can pay with a credit card. Cash is preferred here.

If tips are not included in the bill, it is customary in restaurants to leave 10% of the order. In other places, the issue of tips and their amount is decided by the tourists themselves.

There are no restrictions on the import and export of foreign currency in the country, and there is no need to declare any amount. Duty-free allowed to import up to 2 liters of alcohol and 400 cigarettes. Imported plants are subject to special control. From Cape Verde, you can take out up to 5 kg of vegetables and fruits, as well as products and things necessary for personal use.

Souvenirs

The most common souvenirs that travelers bring back from Cape Verde are expressive figurines of animals and people, as well as African masks carved from ebony. They are traded by the inhabitants of Senegal, and you can buy such crafts everywhere. The main thing - do not forget to bargain! In addition, souvenirs made from coconut shells, bull horns and tortoise shells, straw mats, hats made from raffia palm leaves, ceramic figurines and dishes, as well as carpet paths and lamps are popular with tourists.

On the islands they sell beautiful Jewelry made from coral and pearls. These are beads, earrings, bracelets and silver jewelry inlaid with pieces of coral and individual pearls.

Almost all shops are open from 8.00 to 18.00, except Sunday. Large supermarkets are usually open until 21.00.

Where to stay

Cape Verde presents a rare combination wildlife and excellent hotel service. There are almost no branded hotels here, but there are many hotels built on a grand scale. Large resort complexes offer their guests cozy rooms, restaurants, bars, cafes, golf courses and children's playgrounds. Most hotels have pools with both fresh and salt water. The all-inclusive system is ubiquitous.

On some islands of Cape Verde, you can rent cottages located far from populated cities and towns, right on the ocean. This option is chosen by lovers of secluded relaxation. Own hotels also have diving and surfing centers.

Tourist infrastructure has been created throughout the archipelago, but most travelers prefer to rent accommodation in Santiago, Sala, Sao Nicolau, Sao Vicente and Maio. It should be borne in mind that not all hotel complexes in Cape Verde with 4 and 5 stars correspond to the declared category. Internet access is provided almost everywhere for a separate, fairly high fee.

How to get there

There are no direct flights from Russia to Cape Verde. Santiago and Sal airports can only be reached with transfers. From Moscow planes fly to the islands via Lisbon, Madrid, Paris and Frankfurt. The flight, excluding transfer time, takes approximately 9 hours.

> Cape Verde

Cape Verde (Cape Verde Islands) on the map

Cape Verde - (the second name - the Cape Verde Islands is the translation of Cape Verde from Portuguese into Russian) an archipelago state located in the Atlantic Ocean. The islands of Cape Verde are located south of the Tropic of Cancer at 15 degrees from the equator.

In the Atlantic Ocean, the islands are located on very long distance from each other. The distance from Cape Verde to the Canary Islands is 1600 km, to Saint Helena 3975 km. To the nearest Caribbean 4000 km. And only to the nearest African coast is only 560 km. The Cape Verde archipelago lies opposite the coast of Senegal.

The islands are conditionally divided into "leeward" ones: Brava, Mayu. Santiago, Fogo and small islands (Branco, Grande, Du Rei, Luis Carneiro, Razo, Santa Maria, Zapado, Sima); and "windward": Boavista, Sal, Santo Antoine, San Vicente, Santa Luzia, San Nicolau.

Visa to Cape Verde

The Cape Verde Islands are completely occupied by the republic of the same name. To enter its territory, Russians require a visa, which can be obtained upon arrival at the airport of Sal Island or Sanyago Island (). Prudent travelers can take care of a visa in advance, it can be done at the Cape Verdean consulate in Moscow. Sometimes there are misunderstandings with airlines whose employees begin to require a visa upon landing. Sometimes this happens with German companies, Portuguese airlines are usually aware of the visa regime.

How to get to Cape Verde

The main tourist islands of the Cape Verde archipelago are:

• Sal Island international Airport Amilcar Cabral (IATA code SID) main city Santa Maria
• Santiago Island, where the capital Praia is located and, accordingly, Praia Airport International Airport. (IATA RAI code)
• Boa Vista Island
• San Vincente Island - São Pedro Airport, (VXE) and the city of Mindelo
• Santa Antau Island - there is no airport on the island, you have to fly to Mindelo, and then get about 50 minutes by ferry

There are no direct flights from Russia to Cape Verde. The main options for flights through Lisbon, the Portuguese company TAP, through Madrid, the Spanish a/k Iberia. You can fly via Paris, Casablanca (Morocco) and via Las Palmas airport on canary islands. Also via Dakar (Senegal) - but in 2014, due to Ebola, such a flight is not recommended.

Cape Verde Map

The archipelago got its name in honor of the Cape Verde peninsula, opposite which it is located. Cape Verde was discovered by the Portuguese. This peninsula differed significantly from the desert coast of northwest Africa in its lush vegetation and was indeed green. Today, the entire tip of Cape Verde is occupied by largest port and the capital of Senegal is Dakar.

Cape Verde is an archipelago of volcanic origin. With the exception of the island of Brava, all the local islands are basalt rocks covered with modest vegetation. That is why the Cape Verde archipelago is more like a piece of the lunar surface than a tropical paradise.

Tourists in Cape Verde are attracted by its remoteness from civilization and the availability of high-quality European-level service. This country is also extremely popular with diving and surfing enthusiasts.

The underwater world of the islands is extremely rich in both living creatures and the remains of sunken ships. BUT geographical position Cape Verde is ideal for hunting big waves. Best Places for surfing and diving on the Cape Verde Islands are Sal, Boavista and St. Vincent.

The archipelago is also famous for its excellent conditions for sport fishing; in 2000, 6 world records were set here for the size and weight of the fish caught.

And yet, visiting Cape Verde you can look at the whales or at the local carnival - the most colorful in Africa.

Capital of Cape Verde Praia

The main and, perhaps, the only historical attraction of Cape Verde is Cidadi Velha. Cidadi Velha is the ruins of the first Portuguese settlement in the tropics, listed world heritage UNESCO. Cidadi Velha is located on the island of Santiago near the capital of the republic - the city of Praia.

History of Cape Verde

The Cape Verde Islands were known to Pliny the Elder. The famous ancient Roman scientist called them Gorgadas and believed that Medusa Gorgon, who was killed by Perseus, lived here.
Until 1456, the Cape Verde archipelago was uninhabited, and the Knights Templar became its first settlers. They were invited here by the Portuguese Infante Enrique the Navigator, who was a member of the order. It was his captains who rediscovered the islands.
Since 1462, active colonization of Cape Verde began, the archipelago became an outpost of the Portuguese in the tropics. The French, Spaniards, Genoese and Jews expelled from Portugal were drawn here. However, a hundred years later, most of the population of Cape Verde were blacks and mulattoes - the descendants of slaves, in huge numbers brought to the archipelago for subsequent resale.
After the slave trade was banned, the Cape Verdean economy collapsed. The colony was saved only by its advantageous position on the way from Europe to America. refueling transatlantic liners and replenishing their stocks, the people of Cape Verde provided themselves with a livelihood.
In 1930, the inhabitants of Cape Verde received privileges from the metropolis, and in 1953 the archipelago, together with neighboring Guinea-Bissau, acquired the status overseas territory. At the same time, Amilcar Cabral, a native of Cape Verde, began the national liberation struggle in Guinea-Bissau. He intended to create a single independent state from this territory and the Cape Verde Islands. The population of Cape Verde practically did not participate in the liberation struggle, but nevertheless gained independence in 1975, without becoming part of Guinea-Bissau.



The island group of the Cape Verde state is a dry, hilly and windy area, reminiscent of the moon in color. The most beautiful thing about these landscapes is the hills. Some of the islands, on the contrary, are very picturesque - great places for hiking, and their shores - for diving and jumping into the water. Life, especially at night, is always seething here, and at the same time you can find many cozy corners where it is so nice to be completely alone with wildlife.

Map of the islands of Cape Verde. The islands are located in the Atlantic Ocean at a distance of 620 km from the coast West Africa.

Geographic coordinates: 15°05′14″ s. sh. 23°37′56″ W d.

See also where Cape Verde is located, at interactive map world:

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The islands are inhabited by people of various nationalities. Most of all here are immigrants from Africa, the Portuguese and Hispanics. The culture of the islands has also been influenced by many different cultures. Now, when there is probably no corner left on Earth that is not covered by international tourism, here, surprisingly, almost untouched nature has been preserved.

Within 20 minutes drive from the airport you find yourself in a small tourist town Santa Maria, with all the charms and pleasures of resort life, with constant holidays and entertainment events. Nearby are magnificent beaches, very suitable for practicing the most different types water sports. Here there is both complete calm and high wave. And another plus - the beaches are never crowded.

A few kilometers from the city is Punta Preta - a gathering place for desperate surfers. For surfers, riding the local wave is a great pleasure. There are also usually few people here.

Video: surfing on the waves near Punta Preta. Josh Angulo windsurf & surf in Ponta Preta (Cabo Verde). The most interesting starts from the second minute.

Sal is already a place for more experienced wave riders, it is less suitable for beginners than Punta Preta. But real athletes will undoubtedly like it here.

Relaxed and friendly atmosphere, hospitable locals will make your holiday in Santa Maria truly unforgettable.

Transport communication between the islands of the archipelago is carried out by aircraft. Flights connect everything inhabited islands. Sea ferries and boats run between the neighboring islands. Shuttle buses operate on several islands. Taxis can be hired for an hour or a whole day. There are no traffic lights or traffic jams on the islands.

Hotels in the Cape Verde Islands are modern, some of them four-star. The hotels have discos, swimming pools, motorcycle, bicycle and car rental. There are still quite a few tourists on the streets and beaches, the beaches are not littered and very clean. The only pity is that this will not always be the case - Cape Verde strives to become a fashionable and visited resort.

The picturesque archipelago was the birthplace of Cesaria Evora and the music of the Good Life. calling card islands Green Cape the ocean is considered: the resorts of Cape Verde attract travelers with secluded sandy beaches, luxury hotels, scuba diving, sport fishing, surfing and yachting. It is also necessary to highlight the picturesque nature, which creates conditions for ecological tourism.

General idea of ​​the country

The Cape Verde archipelago consists of 18 islands located in the Atlantic Ocean, 620 km from West Africa. The islands are located at a distance of 150 km from each other, which makes it very problematic to travel throughout the state.

The area is unique in its preserved virgin nature, undisturbed by the tourist infrastructure. Series national parks closely intertwined with modern development society, which makes the rest more intense and interesting. The main feature of the region is associated with a huge number of diving centers that offer sport fishing services.

Local weather is formed by a dry tropical climate. Unlike other African countries located in this belt, the islands are cooler and there are no sharp temperature changes day and night. The archipelago is blown by northeast winds, which bring coolness and bring down the heat. It is best to fly to the resorts of Cape Verde from August to October.

How to get to resorts from different CIS countries

Cape Verde is not connected to the CIS by direct flights. However, from Moscow or Minsk, tourists will be able to get to Sala or Santiago with transfers at, or. If you do not take into account the waiting between connections, then the flight will take nine hours.

To visit the country, residents of the CIS must apply medical insurance and a special visa. As for the latter, this is done at the airport, the cost is 25 euros per person.

Santiago is the largest volcanic island archipelago. The territory is the capital of the state of Praia, the port city and the center nightlife Cape Verde. It regularly hosts music festivals and dance performances. The metropolitan area is famous for the old colonial city, protected by UNESCO.

Sant Antao is considered the second largest in Cape Verde and the greenest. This paradise decorated with mountains, steep canyons, huge rocks and wooded slopes. The edges of the cliffs are dotted with small fishing villages. Flat Sal attracts tourists with its tropical white sandy beaches in the city of Santa Maria. This is the most important ecosystem where you can see sea ​​turtles. The island is also considered the best for windsurfing and kitesurfing.

The most interesting, picturesque and wonderful island San Vincent. The place is not damaged mass tourism and attracts cultural diversity. The city of Mindelo is interesting for its colorful houses and festivals. In that locality takes place the largest event of the year in the resorts of Cape Verde - the carnival. Fogo Island with the city of San Philippe is famous for its active volcano, on the crater of which there is a village.

Medical and ecological tourism in Cape Verde

Medical tourism on the Cape Verde Islands is represented by elite spa centers located in luxury hotels and hotel complexes. Local spas for healing and rejuvenation offer clients treatments such as sea baths, a variety of massages, mud therapy and thalassotherapy. Santo Antan and Brava are known for their healing mineral springs, local thermal water has a beneficial effect on the heart, digestive and nervous systems.

Fans of eco-tourism should be aware that most of the islands of Cape Verde are volcanic. Only one of them remained active (Fogu). The archipelago is used for the extraction of salt and limestone, volcanic tuff and pozzolana. The vegetation here is not diverse, the flora is represented by herbs and shrubs, coconut and date palms, cypresses and eucalyptus trees, pines and acacias. From living creatures you can meet exotic birds, lizards and monkeys.

Connoisseurs of green tourism come to the resorts of Cape Verde for diving, as the local coast is considered the most beautiful in the world. Coastal waters will please scuba divers with barracudas, stingrays, salmon and moray eels, sole and tuna, lobsters and eels, clams and lobsters. Whales, dolphins and sharks also live here.

Basic entertainment, how to spend time

In addition to diving and relaxing on the beach, tourists in Cape Verde most of all like to visit the island of Fogo, where they descend to the black sands on a snowboard from the top of the volcano.

Scuba divers will enjoy the coastal waters with reefs, rocks, grottoes with octopuses and crabs, sunken ships. The best time for diving is from April to November.

The Cape Verde Islands are also known for their excellent conditions for windsurfing. The mountains of Santo Antao are used for trekking and hang gliding. Hiking and cycling tours are organized in the valley.

Every February, a colorful carnival is held in the capital and Mindelo.

Attractions, what to see in the resorts of Cape Verde

Cape Verde is attractive because each island is considered unique and different from the others. Santo Antao is interesting for the picturesque mountains and craters of Cova, Brava for its beautiful flowers, and Fogo for its active volcano of the same name.

Santiago is the country's largest island. The capital, Praia, is famous for the Portuguese fortress of St. Philip in the Old Town. This is the first European building in the republic. The fortress walls are decorated with cannons raised from the depths of the ocean.

Archeology fans should visit San Nicolau. In this place, see the legendary rock with ancient writings that have not yet been unraveled by scientists and researchers.

Resorts in Cape Verde are considered safe, but keep in mind some tips and tricks:

• The islands of Boavista and Sal are completely safe for travelers, which cannot be said about Praia and Sao Vicente.
• Do not walk in the surrounding areas at night.
• Bags and valuable items must be supervised in public places.
• There are no African diseases in Cape Verde, you can not get vaccinated before the trip.
• The country should be attentive to personal hygiene.
• Water is drinkable only after boiling, but it is better to buy bottled mineral water.
• Locals willingly help tourists and take pictures.
• The islands are connected by planes, boats. Minibuses and taxis ply on land. To rent a car, you will need a standard package. Ferry services are extremely unreliable, and a flight using local airlines takes at least 1 rest day.

Reviews of tourists about a trip to the country

Valentina: Last year, my husband and I flew to Cape Verde for two weeks. The Cape Verde Islands are strikingly different from continental Africa. The infrastructure is developed, and the locals are friendly and do not try to fool a rich tourist. Nature is unusual, but amazing, and active volcano just mesmerizing.

Eugene: My wife and I spent our honeymoon in Cape Verde, and we did not regret at all that we came here. Picturesque nature, warm ocean with rich underwater world, friendly residents and much more - all this was amazing in romantic trip. At the first opportunity, it will be necessary to go to the resorts of Cape Verde again.

Far from mainland Africa, the Cape Verde Islands have long had excellent infrastructure. Cape Verde will delight travelers with an interesting underwater world, excellent conditions for windsurfing, picturesque nature with a volcano and mountains.

Video review: resorts of Cape Verde

The Cape Verde Islands (or the state called Cape Verde) are located a little in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. This is an amazing combination of wild, almost untouched nature with modern service, which gives a person everything he needs here.

Geographical position

Each on the map is located along the tropical climate band. Since there are land areas in close proximity to the African continent, but at the same time in the Northern Hemisphere, dry winds and monsoons often occur here. From the eternal drought, which is observed in the Sahara, only the ocean saves, which slightly fills the air with moisture. The archipelago itself consists of ten major islands and five (other sources say eight) smaller ones. All of them are divided into two groups: Barlaventa (Windward) and Sotaventa (Leeward). The first includes the islands of San Vicente, Santo Antan, Santa Luzia, San Nicolau, Boavista and Sal. The second includes Fogo, Mayu, Brava, Santiago, as well as small islands: Razo, Branco, Grande, Santa Maria, Luis Carneiro, Sima, Salado and Du Rei. The last of these is the main port of Cape Verde.

Climate

As mentioned above, the Cape Verde Islands lie in a tropical natural zone. A dry climate prevails here, which is helped by the ever-blowing monsoons from Africa. It is always windy on the islands, so the sport of windsurfing is very well developed here. The temperature of the ocean water in summer period is 26 degrees, and in winter it drops to 22. Thus, you can relax in this resort at any time of the year. It is also worth noting that from August the rainy season begins here, which lasts until October. True, the amount of precipitation is minimal, and most often showers take place in the mountains.

Geological data

If we consider separately each island of Cape Verde on the map, we will find that this archipelago is not of continental origin, as might be assumed (due to its proximity to Africa), but of volcanic origin. This zone is seismically stable, located only on Fugu Island. Danger lies in a completely different direction. The islands of Boavista and Sal are eroded by strong ocean waves and constant monsoons, which bring not only heat, but also sand. However, so far their underwater structure retains its original appearance.

A small historical sketch

Historians have discovered the first mention of the Cape Verde Islands in the on-board diaries of the Arab navigator Idrisi, who lived in the 12th century. The official date of discovery of these lands is considered to be 1460, when the Portuguese landed on the shores of the island of Sal. They declared these lands their colony and new possessions and founded the first settlements here. For centuries, until the 20th century, more and more people arrived here from all over Europe and even from Russia. They were followed by immigrants from Africa. In 1956, the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde was founded here. In 1974, it achieved full independence from Portugal, and today it exists autonomously.

Ethnic composition

The Cape Verde Islands were uninhabited until they were discovered by the people of Portugal. Since then, the flow of immigrants here has been huge, while people came not only from Europe, but also from Africa. Thus, its own racial type was formed here, which is generally called "Creoles". They make up 70% of the total population of the country. 28% are Africans, but there are only 1% of white people here. Half of the population lives in cities. The largest ports in the country are Mindelo and Sao Filipe. The capital is the city of Praia. 44% of Cape Verdeans are below the poverty line.

Attractions

Where is the island of Cape Verde, which is definitely worth a visit? It is difficult to single out any specific region, because each unit of the archipelago will be able to attract your attention with something special.

• Sal is the most popular island. There are always a lot of tourists, excellent transport interchange and beautiful beaches suitable for both recreation and surfing.
• Santo Antao is endless natural beauty. Can be viewed for days high mountains and enjoy their greatness.
• There is an active volcano on the island of Fogo, to the mouth of which you can go with an excursion group.
• On the banks of the Brava, flower beds and shrubs of incredible beauty are grown.

Conclusion

A unique natural creation and at the same time perfect place for summer holiday- Cape Verde Islands. Photo of this geographical feature is in the article, and looking at them, you can roughly understand how beautiful and good it is. These are not typical resort islands with an azure calm sea, turning into pink sand. This is interesting place for lovers of outdoor activities and new experiences!