Things To Do
in Cabo Verde
Cabo Verde is a small town located in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. It is known for its beautiful beaches and picturesque landscapes. The town has a vibrant cultural scene with music and dance festivals happening throughout the year.
Cabo Verde is also famous for its delicious seafood cuisine, attracting tourists from all over the world.
- "Olá" - Hello
- "Obrigado" - Thank you
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Desculpe" - Sorry
- "Tudo bem?" - Are you okay?
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $40 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $25
- ☕ Coffee: $1.50 - $4
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $75
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $60
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a relaxing breakfast by the beach. Take a stroll along the turquoise waters and soak in the sun.
Visit the stunning Santa Maria beach for some fun in the sun. Consider trying out water sports like windsurfing or snorkeling.
Enjoy a seaside dinner at a local restaurant featuring fresh seafood. Watch the sunset paint the sky while sipping on a tropical drink.
Take an early ferry to Santo Antão, known for its dramatic landscapes and hiking trails. After arriving, fuel up with a hearty breakfast in the village of Porto Novo.
Embark on a hike through the stunning valleys, enjoying the natural beauty and local flora. Stop for lunch at a local eatery and taste traditional Cape Verdean dishes.
Return to Porto Novo and enjoy a peaceful evening walk along the coast. Dine at a local tavern, sampling local wines and desserts.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning natural beauty with beautiful beaches and landscapes.
- Rich cultural heritage and history, including music and dance.
- Pleasant tropical climate year-round.
- Growing tourism industry with a range of activities and accommodations.
- Unique local cuisine with fresh seafood and local dishes.
- Limited public transportation options within the islands.
- Higher cost of living compared to some other Brazilian regions.
- Infrastructural challenges in some areas, including healthcare and education.
- Potential language barrier for those not speaking Portuguese.
- Environmental concerns related to climate change and tourism impact.
Best Activities in Cabo Verde
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife of Serra Malagueta National Park through various hiking trails suitable for different skill levels.
Relax on the stunning sandy shores of Praia de Santa Maria, known for its vibrant atmosphere and crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
Discover the underwater beauty of Cabo Verde by snorkeling in the Blue Hole, a popular spot that offers vibrant marine life and clear visibility.
Experience thrilling water sports like kitesurfing and windsurfing at Kitebeach, famous for its optimal wind conditions and beautiful surroundings.
Embark on an exciting dune buggy tour across the stunning sand dunes of Boa Vista, where you can enjoy the scenic views and unique landscapes.
Join a whale watching tour between January and March to observe humpback whales as they migrate through the waters around Cabo Verde.
Explore the natural beauty of Ponta do Sobo, a nature reserve that offers rich birdlife and unique coastal ecosystems, perfect for nature lovers.
Take a cultural tour in Mindelo to experience local music, art, and cuisine, immersing yourself in the vibrant Cape Verdean culture.
Join a fishing charter to experience deep-sea fishing in the rich waters around Cabo Verde, where you can catch some of the best game fish.
Enjoy a night under the stars on Fogo Island, where the clear skies provide a stunning backdrop for stargazing and astrophotography.
Places to Visit in Cabo Verde
Visit one of these nice places.
The highest peak in Cabo Verde, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding islands, lush valleys, and the Atlantic Ocean.
A picturesque bay with a vibrant harbor, providing stunning sunset views and opportunities to capture the local culture and colorful architecture.
A charming coastal town known for its beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters, perfect for capturing the essence of island life and natural beauty.
Famous for its white sand and vibrant atmosphere, this beach offers fantastic opportunities for sunset photography and capturing the essence of Cabo Verde's beach culture.
Known for its vibrant music scene and cultural festivals, the island offers numerous spots to photograph the local festivities and stunning coastal landscapes.
An active volcano with dramatic landscapes and unique volcanic scenery, providing exceptional photo opportunities at different altitudes.
A beautiful valley known for its lush greenery and stunning hiking trails, ideal for nature photography and capturing the diverse flora and fauna of Cabo Verde.
Food in Cabo Verde
Cabo Verde Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Considered the national dish, cachupa is a slow-cooked stew of corn, beans, cassava, sweet potato, and various meats or fish. It's a hearty and flavorful dish that can be found in local restaurants and homes across the islands.
Must-Try!
Lagosta Grelhada, or grilled lobster, is a must-try for seafood enthusiasts. Served with local spices and sauces, this dish can be savored at coastal restaurants and beachside eateries.
This traditional Cape Verdean chicken dish is prepared with aromatic spices and served with rice. Look for it in family-owned eateries and authentic local restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Visit this bustling market in Praia to explore an array of fresh produce, local spices, and freshly caught seafood. The market also features stalls offering traditional street food such as pastéis (fried pastries filled with meat or fish) and bolo levedo (sweet bread).
Located in the town of Assomada, this market is a great place to sample authentic street food like catchupa and grilled meats. It's a vibrant hub of local culinary culture.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Cabo Verde, a warm greeting is important. A common way to greet someone is with a friendly handshake, often accompanied by a smile. Close friends and family may greet each other with a hug or a kiss on the cheek. Always address people respectfully, using titles such as 'Senhor' or 'Senhora' before their name.
When dining in Cabo Verde, it is polite to wait for the host to begin the meal before you start eating. Additionally, it's customary to keep your hands on the table (but not your elbows), and if you’re invited to someone's home, it's considered respectful to bring a small gift, such as dessert or drinks.
While Cabo Verde is relatively laid-back when it comes to clothing, it's a good idea to dress neatly and modestly, especially in rural areas and when visiting religious sites. Wearing beach attire is fine at the beach, but for dining and social occasions, opt for smart casual wear to show respect for the local culture.
Safety
Tipping in Cabo Verde
Ensure a smooth experience
In Cabo Verde, tipping is generally appreciated but not mandatory. It is common to leave a small tip of around 10% in restaurants if service is not included in the bill. In bars and cafes, rounding up the bill or leaving small change is also customary. Tipping taxi drivers is less common, but rounding up the fare is a nice gesture. In hotels, it is common to tip porters and housekeeping, usually a couple of euros.
Payment methods in Cabo Verde vary by location. Cash is widely used, with the Cabo Verdean escudo being the local currency. Major credit cards are accepted in larger establishments, but many smaller shops, restaurants, and markets may only accept cash. ATMs are available in urban areas. Travelers are advised to carry cash for convenience, especially in more remote areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
The dry season is the best time to visit Cabo Verde, with pleasant temperatures and minimal rainfall. Visitors can expect sunny days, ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and beach relaxation.
The wet season features higher humidity and occasional rain showers, particularly in August and September. While temperatures remain warm, visitors should prepare for potential tropical storms, especially later in the season.
Summer offers warm temperatures, making it a popular time for tourists. It's also the peak of the windsurfing and kitesurfing seasons, attracting sports enthusiasts to the islands.
October is a transitional month with a mix of wet and dry conditions. Although it can be less predictable weather-wise, it's a great time to enjoy lower tourist crowds and moderate temperatures.
Cabo Verde at Night
Hiking in Cabo Verde
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Located in the state of Minas Gerais, this national park offers stunning views, waterfalls, and diverse hiking trails that range in difficulty.
A scenic hiking trail near Cabo Verde that provides beautiful landscapes and opportunities to explore the local flora and fauna.
A popular hiking destination with trails leading to the summit, offering panoramic views of the region and opportunities for bird watching.
A historical trail that traces old paths used during the gold rush, providing both a hiking challenge and a glimpse into the area's history.
Known for its rich biodiversity, this park features numerous hiking trails alongside stunning waterfalls and natural pools.
Aiports
How to reach Cabo Verde by plane.
Located in Salvador, Bahia, this airport is one of the largest international airports in Brazil, serving as a major hub for both domestic and international flights.
Situated in Rio de Janeiro, Galeão International Airport is a key international gateway in Brazil, connecting numerous international routes.
Located in São Paulo, GRU is the busiest airport in Brazil and serves as a major hub for both national and international air travel.
Serving the capital city, Brasília International Airport connects travelers to various destinations worldwide and is essential for international flights.
Also known as Governador Aluízio Alves International Airport, it is key for connecting flights in northeastern Brazil, popular for international travel especially to Europe.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant demographic group resulting from the mixing of European, African, and Indigenous ancestry.
Individuals primarily of African descent, reflecting the country's historical connections to the African continent.
People of European ancestry, representing a smaller portion of the population compared to mixed and Black groups.
The original inhabitants of the area, although they represent a very small percentage of the population today.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in Cabo Verde, with many local clubs and a strong national team.
A widely played sport with community leagues and school competitions throughout the islands.
Popular in beach settings, with both recreational and competitive formats enjoyed by residents.
Includes running and track events, with growing interest in marathons and local competitions.
With its coastal access, Cabo Verde has become a popular destination for surfing, attracting both locals and tourists.
Local games and sports that reflect Cabo Verdean culture and heritage, often played during festivals.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Cabo Verde.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Cape Verdean cuisine is meat-focused, many restaurants and cafes offer vegetarian and vegan adaptations of local dishes, such as vegetable stews, grilled plantains, and fresh salads. Look for menus specifically catering to these dietary preferences.
Most places in Cabo Verde can accommodate gluten-free dietary needs, particularly with the abundance of fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and rice-based dishes. Inform the staff about gluten-free requirements, and they can often tailor meals accordingly.