CAPE VERDE 2025: 3 weeks, 4 islands. (page 2 of 7)

Thanks for the explanations and tips. The issue is that it’s late July-August when I can take a long vacation (more than 15 days), and I’d like to hike somewhere. I’ll wait a bit longer for now.

Well, here comes the "Cricri tut tut, I'm on my way!" Bruno 😄. But I was waiting to really have the time to savor your long-awaited first Cape Verdean words 😊.

I have to say, the atmosphere you describe immediately makes my mouth water—especially that "Brazilian African" vibe, which really reminds me of São Tomé, a place we loved.

And then when you start right off with a caipirinha tasting to a musical backdrop, it’s clear you know how to talk to your fan club 😆.

By the way, is "Caipi" the short version of caipirinha like in Brazil, or not at all?

Well, here it is—"Cricri tut tut I'm coming" Bruno 😄. But I was waiting to really have the time to savor your long-awaited Cape Verdean words 😊

Oh, there’s our Joelle Mazart (got the reference?)

I have to say, the atmosphere you describe immediately makes my mouth water, especially that "Afro-Brazilian" vibe, which really reminds me of São Tomé, a place we loved.

Believe it or not, when I arrived in Praia, I immediately thought of your travel journal!

By the way, is "Caipi" the short for Caipirinha like in Brazil, or not at all?

It’s the same drink worldwide, and yes, it’s the diminutive in Brazil and elsewhere. The only difference you might find is that in Brazil, the base alcohol is cachaça, while elsewhere it could be rum.

True story: we took in two cats a few years ago (actually, I’ve lived with them ever since), and you’ll never guess—they’re named Caïpi and Rhiña 🤪

Believe it or not, but when I arrived in Praia, I immediately thought of your travel journal!

Ah!! I remember my São Toméan journal didn’t impress you much! I hope the weather was kinder in Cape Verde and, most importantly, that you avoided fuel shortages and flat tires 😄

I don’t know why I was expecting a Portuguese country. Our first steps in Praia left no doubt: we’re in Africa. But not sub-Saharan or equatorial Africa—no, a Brazilian Africa. One that shouts, sings, smiles, prays.

What a fantastic culture-shock report! You’re officially confirmed as our ambassador (note that the diplomatic pouch isn’t meant to transport the eponymous spirit). Just a reminder of your secret mission: restock the spices and aromatic plants that make said spirit a success (cocoa beans, gentian, bitter orange, sweet orange, vanilla...).

Thanks Jean-Luc, too late to take on the secret mission, even though I *did* bring back a few intoxicating bottles in my suitcase (including a white from Fogo Island that’s absolutely divine 😵)😛

But I’m curious: in 2025, who even knows about—and more importantly, who drinks—Ambassadeur? 🤪

Believe it or not, but when I arrived in Praia, I immediately thought of your travel journal!

Ah!! I remember my São Toméan journal didn’t wow you! I hope the weather was kinder in Cape Verde and that you avoided fuel shortages and flat tires 😄

Your journals radiate sunshine and your energy—it was your travel conditions that put me off. Here, no car rentals for us, so we’re dodging those issues…

No car rentals here either

Why?

Qui crie, qui chante

Yikes, I’ll have to pick some remote places to stay!

No car rentals here

Why?

First, because there are several islands, so renting a car each time means losing time picking it up and dropping it off. Plus, there aren’t many options, and prices are high (around 60 €/day on average).

Second, the *aluguer* network is perfectly set up and really affordable. Taxis are an option too, but they’re pricier.

Most importantly, if you’re hiking, there are few loop trails, so a car won’t be much use to you.

We decided not to rent one

But most importantly, if you're hiking, there are few loop excursions, so the car won’t be of any use to you.

That’s a great point! 😉

But most importantly, if you're hiking, there are few loop excursions, so the car won’t be of any use to you

And what’s this then? 😉 https://www.komoot.com/fr-fr/guide/3260707/randonnees-autour-de-parque-natural-do-morocos

I just took a quick look on Komoot… At Cha Morte: Pousada do Sossego? They even serve lobster for dinner! Maybe grogue for aperitif too? 😏 https://visitsantoantao.net/comer-e-dormir/

I’m counting on @Ptitortue for their spots!

Thanks for the explanations and tips. The issue is that it’s late July-August when I can take a long vacation (more than 15 days), and that’s when and where I’d like to hike. I’ll wait a bit longer, then.

It’s possible in July/August, but you’ll need to start *very* early in the morning to hike as much as possible while it’s still cool.

But most importantly, if you're hiking, there are few loop hikes, so a car won’t be much use to you

And what’s this then?😉 https://www.komoot.com/fr-fr/highlight/3980002 I just took a quick look on Komoot... At Cha Morte: Pousada do Sossego? They even serve lobster for dinner! Maybe grogue for aperitif too?😏 https://visitsantoantao.net/comer-e-dormir/ I’m counting on @ Ptitortue for their recommendations!

Yes, of course, there are *some* loop hikes. Just not the majority here. Far from it. Pousada do Sossego is great. Around here, it’s known as Chez Suzy (and Nelson, but Nelson passed away, so...). Hence the name change. But Suzy is very kind. Simple and family-run guesthouse. As for the lobster... well, it depends on the timing. It’s not always "in season," and it’s not always legal to fish for it. Personally, since you never really know if it was caught under good conditions—outside of breeding and spawning seasons—I’d rather skip it :O) But grogue? On Santo Antão, you’ll find it everywhere... at any time of day! Even at breakfast! Marie

but grog, on Santo Antão, you’ll find it everywhere... and at any time! Even at breakfast! Marie

I admit, I didn’t try it at breakfast. 😛

Noob! 😛

A little "pressure" ??? : strela is really good !! That was in Praia a few years ago !😉



Strela or Superbook, pick your side 😉 Don’t forget the country’s motto: No stress! Welcome here, Lillie!

A little "pressure" ??? : strela muito bom !! That was in Praia a few years ago !😉



Strela or Superbook, pick your side 😉

Strela....Kriola, of course!!