Besides the historical aspects of the country and the beautiful crystal-like water of the islands with its tropical weather or the musical pallet enriched with hot rhythms of African savor like the coladeira or funana, there are numerous activities that will keep anyone happy and feeling good to be there. The seas around the islands are some of the best for wind surfing, and its deep sea diving are some of the many water sports that you can enjoy.
To top off a typical night in Cape Verde, one should not pass up on are the food and the serenade.
Cape Verde Travel Guide
Full Name
Republic of Cape Verde
Former Name
None
Capital City
Praia
Government Type
republic
Area Size
With a total land area of 4,033 km Cape Verde is one of the five Atlantic Archipelagos of the Macaronesia.
Time Zone
UTC/GMT -1 hour
Climate
Cape Verde is in the subtropical zone. Average temperatures range from 24C in January and February to 29C in September. The average annual rainfall for Cape Verde is 68.4 mm, with September the wettest month with 33.6 mm. Conversely, the months April to July record less than one millimetre of rainfall each.
Geography
The Cape Verde islands are in the Atlantic Ocean, 620km west of West Africa's coast at Mauritania and 450 km off the coast of Senegal. There are 10 major islands (9 of them inhabited) and 5 islets, all of volcanic origin and grouped into the Barlavento (Windward) group (Santo Ant�o, S�o Vicente, Santa Luzia, Ilheu Branco, Ilheu Raso, S�o Nicolau, Sal and Boa Vista) to the north and the Sotavento (Leeward) group (Maio, S�o Tiago, Fogo and Brava) to the south. The interior of the main island, Sao Tiago, is mountainous, and Fogo has the islands' highest peak, Mt Fogo (2840m). Of volcanic origin and positioned between parallels 15 and 17 of the North latitude, Cape Verde islands are distinctly different types. Its six inhabited islands, located more to the West, are characterized by their mountainous landscapes, whereas the remaining three are distinguished by their long sandy beaches.
Languages
Portuguese, Crioulo (a blend of Portuguese and West African words)
Culture
Widely known "morna", "coladeira", "funana", "mazurka", "batuko" and "contradanca" are some of its most important genres. African and Brazilian music is also very much appreciated. Due to European, African and American influences, its most expressive forms are "batik", weaving, tapestry, and several artifacts made of clay, coconut and bone. The largest handicraft - product center is the city of Mindelo, followed by the islands of Boavista, Sal, Santiago and Santo Antao.
History
The uninhabited islands were discovered and colonized by the Portuguese in the 15th century; Cape Verde subsequently became a trading center for African slaves and later an important coaling and resupply stop for whaling and transatlantic shipping. Following independence in 1975, and a tentative interest in unification with Guinea-Bissau, a one-party system was established and maintained until multi-party elections were held in 1990. Cape Verde continues to exhibit one of Africa's most stable democratic governments. Repeated droughts during the second half of the 20th century caused significant hardship and prompted heavy emigration. As a result, Cape Verde's expatriate population is greater than its domestic one. Most Cape Verdeans have both African and Portuguese antecedents.
Travel Information
Flying is the only realistic option for getting to and from Cape Verde. There are infrequent sea services, but they'll probably end up costing as much as a plane ticket. There are regular flights from Lisbon and less frequent flights from other European centres.
Accommodation
The range of accommodation is increasing rapidly. There are international hotels on the main islands. Otherwise, there are small hotels on the smaller islands. There are also pensions.
Visa Requirements
Citizens of EU, Australia, Canada and USA need a visa to enter Cape Verde.Nationals not above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements. Visa is not required for those continuing their journey to a third destination provided holding onward documentation and not leaving the airport. A valid passport for at least six months required by all nationals referred to above. Visas are valid for six months from date of issue for visits of up to 90 days, multiple-entry visas are valid for up to one year. US nationals can obtain visas valid for five years. Apply at the Consulate.
Getting Around
There's a network of expensive internal flights between the islands; between Praia, Mindelo and Sal there are flights at least once daily. Travel on the islands is by bus or truck. Taxis are generally very expensive and there aren't many of them. You can rent cars on S
Health & Safety
No vaccinations are required for entry to Cape Verde, however it is recommended that precautions be taken against typhoid fever, Hepatitis A and yellow fever (compulsory for travellers entering from a yellow fever infected area). There is a limited risk of malaria on Santiago Island between September and November. Water is unsafe to drink without prior treatment, and milk is unpasteurised. Medical facilities are limited and some medicines in short supply. Visitors receive free hospital treatment in general hospitals on presenting their passports, but health insurance is strongly advised, with coverage for emergency repatriation. Visits to Cape Verde are usually trouble free. The political situation is stable and crime rate low. The only danger is presented by occasional hazardous sea conditions around the islands.
National Holidays
1st of January - New Year's Day 20th of January - Heroes Day 1st of May - Labor Day 5th of July - Independence Day 15th of August - Our Lady of Grace Day 1st of November - All Saint's Day 25th of December - Christmas Mardi Gras and Good Friday are also national holidays.
Currency
Cape Verde Escudo (CVE)
Electricity
220 v
Emergency Numbers
131(Ambulance) 87(Fire & Police)
