Cape Verde comprises 10 islands and several islets located off the coast of Senegal. Its clear waters and white sandy beaches attract tourists from around the world.

Santiago, Boa Vista, and Sal are the most popular of the 10 largest islands in the archipelago. Santiago’s capital, Praia, offers a slower pace of life and serves as the nightlife hub with musical events and dances. Just a short distance from Praia is Cidade Velha, the first colonial city built in the tropics and now a UNESCO World Heritage site, with most monuments either restored or undergoing maintenance.

Sao Antao, the second-largest and most westerly island, is the greenest one, characterized by the 1,585-meter-tall Pico da Krouth, steep canyons, mountains, and small fishing villages like Fontainhas perched on cliffs. Sal is one of Cape Verde’s few flat islands, known for the white tropical beach of Santa Maria, an important ecosystem where sea turtles hatch their eggs. It’s also a prime spot for windsurfing and kite surfing.

Mindelo, the capital of Sao Vicente, with its colorful houses and nostalgic vibe, is the cultural heart of Cape Verde. Music fills the streets, with concerts and musical groups performing traditional “Mornos,” a melancholic genre born from colonial oppression that expresses themes of freedom, betrayed love, and unfulfilled dreams. Mindelo is also famous for its annual carnival, the country’s biggest event.

Fogo Island is essentially a massive round volcano with Sao Filipe, a picturesque town featuring narrow streets, colorful colonial houses, squares, and the impressive church of Our Lady, offering spectacular ocean views. Fogo’s active volcano, Pico do Fogo, reaches a height of 2,829 meters. A winding road climbs the south slope to 1,800 meters, where an entire village resides within the crater.

Boa Vista, known for its dunes, has fewer tourists and lacks luxury hotels but boasts beautiful white sand and azure water beaches like Curranlinho. Cabo Santa Maria, another popular beach, is home to the wreck of a Spanish ship.

Travel between Cape Verde’s islands is possible by sea and air. Ferries are the cheapest option, although ocean conditions can disrupt travel. Alternatively, domestic flights offer a more comfortable but pricier option.