Results for "Cap+Vert"

Hello,

We’ve booked our tickets for July—there’ll be 4 of us, maybe 6 (all in our sixties). We’d like to visit 4 islands: Arrival in Praia on July 8th Return from São Vicente on July 29th

Between those dates, I’m not sure how to split our time across each island. We’ll definitely spend at least a week on Santo Antão. We’re planning to visit Santiago, Fogo, São Vicente, and Santo Antão. We’re looking for easy hikes, diving, sightseeing, and a little beach time (but not too much). How do you think we should divide the 3 weeks among the islands? Is 3 days in Fogo enough? Are guides essential, and can we easily find them on the spot? Should we rent a car, given we won’t just be hiking?

Thanks in advance for your advice, tips, warnings, and anything else you can share… and I’ve still got plenty more questions! Valéry

Hi,

We just found out my wife is pregnant, and we’ve planned a trip to the Barlavento Islands in Cape Verde this November.

We’d like to know if there’s a real risk of Zika contamination on those islands, because from what we’ve found online, the recorded cases are old and come from the Sotavento Islands.

We’re thinking about canceling our trip.

If you’ve recently traveled to Cape Verde or live there, do you have any thoughts on this?

Thanks

And we still haven’t seen everything! Before setting off for new horizons at the end of this year, it’s time for me to share my trip to Cape Verde this summer 2025.

I particularly love these spontaneous trips, and our stay in Cape Verde is one of those because it was only at the beginning of April that we decided on this getaway, which had been catching our eye for a while, given our love for the mountains.

As always—well, when it’s open—I turned to VF, and I want to immediately thank Marie, aka ptitortue, who helped me a lot in planning this trip through her travel journals and our exchanges!

Because Cape Verde is both small and vast! We decided not to rush from one airport to another, to enjoy the places and the people, but also to relax, since the work backlog from being stuck in May (see my previous travel journal 😅) had to be caught up on in June.

So, 4 islands will be our winners from 06/28 to 07/19:

Santiago first for logistical reasons, as round-trip flights from the capital Praia were the cheapest (650 €/person from Lyon via Lisbon with TAP, still!)

São Vicente, because it’s the gateway to the next one but ultimately more than that...

Santo Antão, pretty much the main goal of the trip since Marie (and the photos) had really sold it to me.

And finally, Sal Island, for some rest—a non-negotiable condition for my other half—and we’ll see that I should’ve listened to Marie...

That said, what a chatterbox I am—buckle up, flight attendants at the doors, off we go on new beautiful escapes! (Thanks to Sophie for the easy loan)

Last note for my eager fan club 😏: yes, there will be alcohol—how could there not be in the land of grogue!

It starts here:

https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=10790234;a=10790234

Hi everyone,

I’d like to share our travel plans for March 2026 to get your valuable feedback...

- Arrival in Sao Vicente on Tuesday, March 3rd at 9:20 AM from Lisbon (EasyJet) - Direct departure the same day or the next day for Santo Antao – 3 or 4 nights on Santo Antao (depending on whether we spend the first night in Mindelo or on Santo Antao) - Return to Sao Vicente for 3 nights - Flight to Boa Vista via Sal (Cabo Verde Airlines) on Tuesday, March 10th – 5 nights on Boa Vista - Return flight on Sunday, March 15th (Boa Vista to Porto: EasyJet)

Given the various bits of info I’ve seen about the unreliability of inter-island transport, is this itinerary realistically doable without stress? Would it be better to just take a simple flight from Sao Vicente to Sal and end the trip there (from where it’s also possible to return to Europe or France)? I’m still more drawn to Boa Vista... but I’m worried that two flights in a row might be complicated, unless it’s the same plane that just makes a stopover and continues...

Also, I’m calling on the expertise of hikers for Santo Antao: I’m not a big sports enthusiast—I enjoy walking when I travel, but not distances much longer than 10 km, and nothing too difficult (especially steep climbs where I quickly run out of breath)... For the hike from Ponta do Sol to Cruzinha: can you confirm that the hike is easier in the direction from Ponta do Sol to Cruzinha (less climbing)? I’ve found info that this hike is 14 km and takes about 5 hours. Do you think it’s possible to shorten it by taking a taxi or *aluguer* to Fontainhas? If so, how long would the hike be then, and how much time would it take?

For the hike from Xoxo (starting at the Bela Vista kiosk on the Cova road), I’ve found info that it’s 12 km and takes 5 hours of walking. I think it goes to Ribeira Grande. Apparently, you can shorten the hike and find *aluguers* on the road near Café Melicia... In that case, do you know how long the hike would be? Is this the hike that lets you walk along *levadas* (like in Madeira), cross banana plantations, and pass by the Cachoeira de Vinha waterfall?

Sorry for all these questions, but I can’t find a guide with hikes and difficulty levels... I think two hikes (one along the coast and one inland with terraces, *levadas*, and banana plantations) would suit our level.

On the third free day, do you think we could rent a 4x4 to explore: take the two scenic routes on the east side and maybe venture a little off the beaten path (without taking risks, of course)... Otherwise, hire a guide for the day: do you have any recommendations and an idea of the price?

One last thing: in March, is it worth (or pointless) to choose accommodation with a pool (especially on Santo Antao)? Is the pool water warm enough? What about the ocean temperature?

Thanks so much for your help, have a great day!

Hi there, We’re planning a two-week hiking trip to Santo Antão. We’ve been before three years ago through an agency, but this time we want to organize the trip ourselves. Regarding homestays, especially places like ex Casa Luciano or Cha de Feijão at Dona Antona’s—is it possible to book ahead? I can’t find any contact details. If not, what happens if there’s no availability? Do we pay in euros or escudos? Also, is it possible to get meals and a packed lunch for the next day? We’re heading to Cha de Morte first, then want to visit the volcano, and continue toward the northeast of the island (we prefer the green areas!). Thanks for your tips! 😊

Hi there, We’re planning a two-week couple’s trip hopping between the Cape Verde islands at the end of November 2025. Our arrival and departure airport will be on the island of SAL. We’ve got some hikes lined up. Based on your experiences, what recommendations and suggestions do you have? Thanks in advance for your valuable tips!

Which hotels offer half-board on Santiago Island? Also, I’d love some contacts for guide-taxis—I’m traveling solo and really want to discover authentic spots.

Hi there, Which island would be best for a one-week solo trip at the end of November? I’d like to explore with a local guide who can help me discover Cape Verdean culture. It’s still just the beginning of the plan… Thanks to anyone who’d like to share some tips!

Hi there, I’m leaving for Cape Verde at the end of the week. I’ve heard that transportation isn’t very reliable, so I’d love your advice: - My return flight is from Sal on the night of August 13–14 - I’ll be in São Vicente until August 10 - I found an indirect flight (São Vicente–Praia–Sal) on August 9–10 and a ferry on August 10 as well - I’m traveling alone with two kids, ages 6 and 9

In your opinion, which option is more reliable and comfortable?

Thanks!

Hello, We’re planning a trip to São Vicente and Santo Antão in January. We’re a couple (ages 51 and 57). My husband is really into hiking. As for me, I’m not at my best right now—I’ve just recovered from a long illness and am still on medication that exhausts me and causes a lot of pain, so I won’t be able to keep up with very "physical" hikes. That said, I still enjoy walking in nature. We’re looking for advice on where we could stay. A place where my husband can go hiking while I take shorter walks. But also somewhere I can relax in nature, maybe go for a swim if possible, and enjoy local life—markets, music, etc. Boat trips would be a great bonus for us. Thanks in advance for your suggestions. Virginie

Hi there,

I’m considering Cape Verde for an upcoming trip, but I’m wondering if it’s really doable, and if so, which areas would work. We prefer traveling on our own without going through agencies, and without a car to keep costs down. However, since we’re traveling with a baby and a young child, we don’t want to rely on the "usual tricks" like sleeping in a tent, hitchhiking, or walking for kilometers on end. Our walking limit is probably around 4 km max with the little one. Are there enough interesting spots where we can easily see and do things from a central point, walking no more than 4 km? Places with frequent buses to reach activities or sights?

Thanks

Hello, We’ve just returned (2 senior couples) from 18 days in Cape Verde (21/01 to 7/02) that we really enjoyed. The temperature was great—20° to 27°—admittedly a bit windy at times, but the friendliness of the Cape Verdeans made up for it. Paris Orly, direct flight with Transavia (cheap if you book in advance). We landed in São Vicente, with a 12 € city transfer. We had a fantastic 2-bedroom apartment in downtown Mindelo—Av. Fernando Ferreira Fortes, "Casa So Morabeza"—for 58 € per night. The owner lives in France and communicates instantly via WhatsApp. We spent 2 days exploring the (beautiful) city of Mindelo and its port activity, plus a private taxi tour of the island (6000 CVE for the day). Then we took the Armas ferry (recommended company—1500 CVE) to Santo Antão. From there, a collectivo (450 CVE per person) took us to Ribeira Grande, a central base for hikes. We stayed in a brand-new, modern, and well-equipped 2-bedroom apartment—*Apartamentos Modernos*—for 6770 CVE per night, staying 6 nights. I highly recommend it for its location in town and proximity to *aluguers* and *collectivos* for hiking. The hikes were stunning: - The coastal trail from Fontainhas to Cruzinha (taxi for 1500 CVE) - The route from Corda to Coculi (taxi for 2000 CVE + 100 CVE per person for the return) - The trail from Cova to Cidade de Pombas (taxi for 2000 CVE + 100 CVE per person for the return) - The hike from Miradouro to Ribeira Grande (taxi for 2000 CVE) - The coastal road from Ribeira Grande to Ponta do Sol (visit and lunch at *Mini Familiar* in the city center—excellent and affordable) for the round trip. Ribeira Grande has plenty of restaurants, but avoid *5 de Julho*—it’s loud and slow. We loved: *Bellcanto*, *Cantinho da Amizade*, and *Boca-Fina Churrasqueria*. Meals with drinks cost around 800–1000 CVE. Back to São Vicente by ferry (1500 CVE), then an airport transfer (12 €) and a flight (99 €) to Santiago’s Praia. The airport-to-city transfer was 15 €. We stayed at *Kelly’s* in Plato, Praia, which was disappointing—not ideal for two couples—but well-located. One day was spent visiting the massive *Suspicia* market, then a collectivo to Cidade Velha (2 x 200 CVE round trip per person). We hiked up to the fort, explored *Rua Banana*, and had lunch at *Praça do Mar* by the beach. We rented a car for 6 days (29000 CVE) from *Slimpycar* in Praia. On Saturday, we visited the huge *Assomada* market—don’t miss it!—then hiked to *Boa Entrada* and *Poilon*, the largest and most impressive tree we’ve ever seen. We stayed for 2 nights (138 €) in a beautiful valley in *Picos*—a spacious, lovely house with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a large living area, surrounded by nature and animals. Lina, the charming neighbor, prepared dinner (8.50 €) and breakfast (4.50 €) for us. Next, we headed to *Tarrafal*, stopping to visit the concentration camp (500 CVE)—a must-see—before arriving. We spent 3 nights (184 €) in a fantastic house called *"Maison Familiale"*—huge, with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 kitchens, 5 toilets, and a large terrace with sea views. It was absolutely stunning and very close to the beach and numerous restaurants. We did a beautiful 3.8 km hike to the *Farol da Ponta Preta* lighthouse. Tarrafal’s beach is lively and pleasant, with bars, restaurants, and even acrobats! We also explored *Ribeira da Prata* to see the *Piscina Natural de Cuba* (not easy to find). We loved discovering isolated villages like *Ponta Furna*, *Ponta Labrão*, and *Fazenda*. For food, I recommend *Mira Mar* at *Mama’s*. On the way back to Praia, we took the east coast route via *Calheta de São Miguel*, *Pedra Badejo*, and *Praia Baixo*—nothing extraordinary, just a rugged, wild coastline with beaches that seemed a bit tricky to access. Our last evening in Praia was nice. The seaside esplanade was lively, and many Cape Verdeans were swimming at *Prainha* beach, which seemed very accessible and safe. If you’d like more info—addresses, etc.—feel free to message me privately. I’ll respond. Jacquesler.

Hi everyone, We’re traveling at the end of February with two little kids. Everywhere I read that payments are made in escudos. For exchanging larger sums, what’s the best place to do it? Thanks for your tips!

Hello,

I just booked the flight tickets for two people. We arrive on July 21st in the afternoon in São Vicente and will leave again on August 11th from Praia.

I was thinking of staying around 4 days in Mindelo to explore São Vicente using shared aluguers. Then take the boat to Santo Antão, stay there for about five days to do different hikes, staying in Ponta do Sol. After that, it gets a bit tricky—we’ll return by boat to São Vicente to reach São Nicolau. I wanted to know when the ferry leaves in terms of days and times? Or the plane? We’ll stay there for about four days, then take the ferry or plane to Santiago. Same question—what days does the ferry leave and at what time? Or the plane? Finally, we’ll end our trip in Santiago; I’m thinking of staying in Tarrafal. I also wanted to know where in São Vicente we can exchange euros for Cape Verdean escudos. I was planning to use shared aluguers for all our travel.

Thanks in advance for your answers—I’ll probably have more questions later. Nolwenn

Hi everyone who loves Santo Antão in Cape Verde! 🙂

I’m arriving at São Vicente Airport in Cape Verde around 2:00 PM. Are there buses or *aluguer* that go to Mindelo, and is it possible to catch a ferry to Santo Antão right after, or is it better to leave the next day?

Thanks so much for your help

Hi, I'd like to find a small hotel on the main street, not too far from the beach. Thanks for your help! Fanfancom

Hi there,

We’ve just returned from 15 days in Cape Verde, including 8 days of hiking in Santo Antão. It was a fantastic trip with great weather and heat that stayed manageable. Everything was organized by a highly competent local agency that really listened to our requests. I’m happy to share more details about the hikes, hotels, etc. if you’d like!

Because of a miscalculation on extra costs (non-hotel expenses and transfers), I’ve got 18,000 escudos left—I’d be more than happy to exchange them for a more widely used currency!

Hi there, We’re heading to Cape Verde in January and will spend 6 nights on Santo Antão. There are two couples in our group, so we’re looking for two separate rooms. We plan to base ourselves either in Ribeira Grande - Pombas or Ponta do Sol for hiking. Could you share some good places to stay (so we can contact them directly) at reasonable prices? Same question for São Vicente, where we’ll be staying 4 nights in Mindelo. Best regards, Jacques

Which airline to fly to São Vicente from Praia? On the Cabo Verde Air website, no flights are scheduled for April or May...