Cape Verde

Why Cape Verde

Ten volcanic islands rising from the Atlantic just a few hours from Paris, golden light all year round and a trade wind breeze that tempers even the hottest days: Cape Verde doesn't need to sell itself. You only have to arrive in Sal, set foot on the white sands of Santa Maria and look at this turquoise water, almost indecently beautiful, to understand why the archipelago has become one of the most popular sun destinations in France.

But to reduce Cape Verde to its beaches would be to miss the point. Each island has its own character, sometimes radically different from its neighbour. A few dozen kilometres from Sal, Boa Vista unfurls golden sand dunes that plunge directly into the sea. Further south, Santiago is home to Cidade Velha, the oldest colonial city in sub-Saharan Africa, classified by UNESCO. And at the other end of the archipelago, São Vicente (Mindelo) vibrates every evening to the rhythm of morna, the melancholic music that brought Cesária Évora to world fame.

Cape Verdean Creole culture is a unique synthesis: African in its rhythms, Portuguese-speaking in its language, Atlantic in its gaze turned towards the horizon. The morna, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019, speaks of the saudade of those who leave and those who stay. In Cape Verde, even the wind carries something resembling nostalgia.

When to go

Cape Verde enjoys one of the best climates in the world for holidaymakers: dry and sunny from November to June, with temperatures ranging between 22 and 27°C on Sal and Boa Vista. The North Atlantic trade winds blow regularly and prevent excess heat even in summer. The northern seaside islands (Sal, Boa Vista) remain almost unrain-free all year round.

The rainy season (July-October) mainly affects the southern islands and the green islands such as Santiago and Santo Antão, where the showers are short but intense. On these islands, the rains fertilize the valleys and make September the least favorable month for tourism. It is also the period of nesting loggerhead turtles on the beaches of Boa Vista, a rare and precious event.

The peak tourist season covers November to April, with a peak in December-January (Christmas holidays) and February (Carnival of Mindelo). The crowds are higher in July-August due to the summer charters, but the rains in Santiago make the multi-islands less obvious. Kitesurfing enthusiasts will prefer November to June, when the trade winds are at their most constant.

How much does it cost

Cape Verde is not the cheapest destination in Africa, but remains very accessible compared to other Atlantic archipelagos. A direct flight from Paris to Sal or Paris to Boa Vista costs between €350 and €700 round trip depending on the season. The vast majority of French visitors arrive on charter flights or all-inclusive packages from Paris or Lyon.

On site, the daily budget varies between €60 and €100 for independent travel (full board in a guesthouse, local meals, transport). A meal in a local restaurant costs €10 to €18. All-inclusive in large seaside hotels is the most common option and often the most economical once the accommodation is compared to the overall price. An organized multi-island tour (inter-island transport, nights, guides) starts at around €1,300 excluding flight for a week.

Don't forget the mandatory EASE pre-registration (about €31) to be done at least 5 days before departure.

Where to go

The Cape Verde archipelago is divided into two groups: the Barlavento Islands (northern, drier and more touristy, including Sal and São Vicente) and the Sotavento Islands (southern, greener, including Santiago and Fogo). Each island deserves at least two nights; inter-island transport is by domestic plane (30-60 min, €50-150) or by ferry from Mindelo to Santo Antão.

Our itineraries

In pictures

Practical advice

Formalities

EASE pre-registration (approximately €31) is mandatory for all travelers arriving by air: meet on https://ease.gov.cv/ at least 5 days before departure. Without this pre-registration, you risk double payment or delay on arrival. French nationals are exempt from visa requirements for tourist stays of up to 30 days. Passport valid for at least 3 months after the date of return.

The Cape Verdean escudo (CVE) is pegged to the euro at a fixed rate of EUR 1 = CVE 110.27. ATMs are available in all major cities. Credit cards are accepted in most hotels and tourist restaurants, but bring cash for small shops and local markets.

Getting around

Inter-island transportation can be done by plane (30 to 60 minutes, operated by Cabo Verde Airlines or Binter) or by ferry. The Mindelo-Porto Novo ferry (to Santo Antão) is the most popular crossing (about 35 minutes). On each island, aluguers (shared minibuses) are the most economical form of local transportation. Taxis are available and relatively affordable. Car rental is useful for exploring Sal or Santiago at your own pace.

Culture and uses

Cape Verde is an open and warm society, very used to tourists on the islands of Sal and Boa Vista. Cape Verdean Creole (kriolu) is the language of the heart, but Portuguese makes it easy to communicate with everyone. In the rural areas of Santiago or Santo Antão, an effort in Portuguese is always appreciated.

Music plays a central role in social life. Don't refuse an invitation to listen to morna in a bar in Mindelo: these moments are often the most beautiful memories you bring back from Cape Verde. Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated in restaurants (10% is a good reference). Respect the signs in the turtle nesting areas in Boa Vista: the protection rules are strict and essential.

Frequently asked questions