last edited Dec 11, 2019
What to See in Cape Verde
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Location Map of Cape Verde
Cape Verde
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UNESCO World Heritage Site
Cape Verde has one site inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list, on the island of Santiago:
Cidade Velha (2009)
It is the former capital and the oldest city in Cape Verde. Its beautiful historic centre has earned it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
It is the former capital and the oldest city in Cape Verde. Its beautiful historic centre has earned it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
"Leeward" Islands
Santiago **/***
Assomada
It's a "cultural" city located in the center of Santiago Island. You can see various buildings in Portuguese colonial style.
It's a "cultural" city located in the center of Santiago Island. You can see various buildings in Portuguese colonial style.
Cidade Velha
It is the former capital and the oldest city in Cape Verde. Its beautiful historic centre has earned it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
It is the former capital and the oldest city in Cape Verde. Its beautiful historic centre has earned it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Pico da Antonia
The highest point on Santiago is located in a protected area. You get a beautiful panorama from its summit (1,394 m).
The highest point on Santiago is located in a protected area. You get a beautiful panorama from its summit (1,394 m).
Praia
The capital of Cape Verde, featuring historic buildings, beaches, and all the services of the archipelago's largest city.
The capital of Cape Verde, featuring historic buildings, beaches, and all the services of the archipelago's largest city.
Tarrafal
This fishing port on the north coast of Santiago also boasts beautiful beaches popular with visitors.
This fishing port on the north coast of Santiago also boasts beautiful beaches popular with visitors.
Other Islands
Brava
The smallest inhabited island in Cape Verde is only accessible by boat. Fairly quiet, you can enjoy pleasant walks and still see some colonial houses in Nova Sintra.
The smallest inhabited island in Cape Verde is only accessible by boat. Fairly quiet, you can enjoy pleasant walks and still see some colonial houses in Nova Sintra.
Fogo
The island's main attraction is its still-active volcano (Pico do Fogo). You can climb its slopes, preferably with a guide.
The island's main attraction is its still-active volcano (Pico do Fogo). You can climb its slopes, preferably with a guide.
"Windward" Islands
Sal *
Espargos
It is the capital of Sal Island, with Amílcar Cabral International Airport on its outskirts.
It is the capital of Sal Island, with Amílcar Cabral International Airport on its outskirts.
Pedra de Lume
Small village on the east coast with salt pans that, incidentally, gave the island its name.
Small village on the east coast with salt pans that, incidentally, gave the island its name.
Santa Maria
This is the main tourist area of Sal and even the archipelago. Visitors come for the beaches and the various water activities available, including surfing and windsurfing.
This is the main tourist area of Sal and even the archipelago. Visitors come for the beaches and the various water activities available, including surfing and windsurfing.
São Vicente **
Mindelo
Nestled in its beautiful bay with a few fine colonial houses, Mindelo is the cultural capital of Cape Verde, thanks in particular to its music. It is also the second-largest city in the archipelago. You can go hiking and enjoy the beaches in the surrounding area, as well as windsurfing at the nearby São Pedro site.
Nestled in its beautiful bay with a few fine colonial houses, Mindelo is the cultural capital of Cape Verde, thanks in particular to its music. It is also the second-largest city in the archipelago. You can go hiking and enjoy the beaches in the surrounding area, as well as windsurfing at the nearby São Pedro site.
Other Islands
Boa Vista
South of Sal, the large island is known for its beaches, dunes, water activities, and, incidentally, its sea turtles. This is also where the "morna", a traditional music style, originated. Sal Rei, its main town, has a few colonial buildings.
South of Sal, the large island is known for its beaches, dunes, water activities, and, incidentally, its sea turtles. This is also where the "morna", a traditional music style, originated. Sal Rei, its main town, has a few colonial buildings.
Santa Luzia
The uninhabited island next to São Vicente is a nature reserve. It’s visited on excursions from the latter.
The uninhabited island next to São Vicente is a nature reserve. It’s visited on excursions from the latter.
Santo Antão
This is the westernmost island in the archipelago. Volcanic and wild, it offers great hiking opportunities and, secondarily, climbing, canyoning, and diving amid dramatic landscapes.
This is the westernmost island in the archipelago. Volcanic and wild, it offers great hiking opportunities and, secondarily, climbing, canyoning, and diving amid dramatic landscapes.
São Nicolau
This island, traditionally living off agriculture and fishing, has developed a small tourism sector with hiking, fishing, diving, and water activities. Its main town, Ribeira Brava, has retained its colonial Portuguese character.
This island, traditionally living off agriculture and fishing, has developed a small tourism sector with hiking, fishing, diving, and water activities. Its main town, Ribeira Brava, has retained its colonial Portuguese character.
Recommended
Cidade Velha
★★★ It is the former capital and the oldest city in Cape Verde. Its beautiful historic centre has earned it a place on the UNESCO World…
Santo Antão
★★★ This is the westernmost island in the archipelago. Volcanic and wild, it offers great hiking opportunities and, secondarily, climbing…
Worth a look / Other
Assomada
★★ It's a "cultural" city located in the center of Santiago Island. You can see various buildings in Portuguese colonial style.
Boa Vista (Cape Verde)
★★ South of Sal, the large island is known for its beaches, dunes, water activities, and, incidentally, its sea turtles. This is also where…
Fogo
★★ The island's main attraction is its still-active volcano (Pico do Fogo). You can climb its slopes, preferably with a guide.
Mindelo
★★ Nestled in its beautiful bay with a few fine colonial houses, Mindelo is the cultural capital of Cape Verde, thanks in particular to its…
Pedra de Lume
★★ Small village on the east coast with salt pans that, incidentally, gave the island its name.
Pico da Antonia
★★ The highest point on Santiago is located in a protected area. You get a beautiful panorama from its summit (1,394 m).
Santa Luzia
★★ The uninhabited island next to São Vicente is a nature reserve. It’s visited on excursions from the latter.
Brava
★ The smallest inhabited island in Cape Verde is only accessible by boat. Fairly quiet, you can enjoy pleasant walks and still see some…
Espargos
★ It is the capital of Sal Island, with Amílcar Cabral International Airport on its outskirts.
Maio
★ A small island with beaches, turtles, and forest.
Praia
★ The capital of Cape Verde, featuring historic buildings, beaches, and all the services of the archipelago's largest city.
Santa Maria (Cape Verde)
★ This is the main tourist area of Sal and even the archipelago. Visitors come for the beaches and the various water activities available…
São Nicolau
★ This island, traditionally living off agriculture and fishing, has developed a small tourism sector with hiking, fishing, diving, and water…
Tarrafal
★ This fishing port on the north coast of Santiago also boasts beautiful beaches popular with visitors.