Cape Verde

Description of Cape Verde

Cape Verde is located in West Africa and is made up of several islands located in the Atlantic Ocean. It is a part of Macaronesia, located west of Senegal. Cape Verde is extremely elevated and remote with every island but 3 being mountainous. There are few natural resources in the area and there have been several devastating famines during the late part of the 20^th century. Despite all of this, the area is considered to have one of the more stable democracies in all of Africa, including a higher standard of living than most other African nations. It is also one of the more politically liberal nations of the continent and throughout the world. 

Cape Verde is located around 500 kilometers off the coast of Africa. The islands were uninhabited until the 15^th century when they were discovered by the Portuguese and then colonized. These islands became a trade center for African slaves and then an important area for coaling. The islands gained independence in 1975. Most of the people who live on the islands have both Portuguese and African antecedents.

Climates and Regions 

The overall climate is temperate, with the summer months being warm and dry. There are some islands that see no rain with Fogo, Santo Antao, and Santiago getting the most. 

There are 10 main islands that make up the country as well as around 8 islets. Each of the main islands offers different opportunities. On Santo Antao you will find great hiking and the island of Sao Vicente offers a cultural capital in Mindelo. You can visit Santa Luzia on a day trip as the island is uninhabited. For those looking for a relaxing and quiet getaway, Sao Nicolau is the perfect choice. There are great beaches and resorts found on both Sal and Boa Vista. Brava is another great choice for those that want to get away from everything. The first island that was settled in Cape Verde is Santiago Island. This is where the majority of the population lives and is also where Praia is located, which is the capital city of the country. 

Brava is the smallest island and it offers many unique floras throughout its misty forests. This is a great place to go if you are a flower lover. Pico de Fogo is an active volcano located on the island of Fogo. This volcano has created an extremely unique landscape that should be seen while you are in the area. The island is best explored either on horseback or by foot.

What to See, do, and Buy 

There are several things to see and do while you are in Cape Verde. You may want to try your hand at game fishing or kite surfing, there are also plenty of watersports including jet skiing. In Santo Antao you can go canyoning and you can also enjoy hiking on Fog. 

Make sure you purchase some of the world famous coffee from Fogo and try the wine from Cha das Caldeiras. You also want to make sure to try Grogue, which is the local term for the rum of the islands. 

There is a fantastic assortment of food available on the island, especially fresh seafood, with tuna being the most common. A lobster dish called lagostada is quite popular. One of the national dishes which are made from potato and maize is called Cachupa. Often this comes with either chicken or fish to add flavor. The tosta mista is a ham and cheese sandwich that is found in many places as well.

There are many guest houses and hotels located throughout the islands. During the past 10 years or so there have been a number of private resorts developed throughout the islands.

Some facts about Cape Verde

Gallery of Cape Verde

Cape Verde video guide

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