Cape Verde
Cape Verde, a breathtaking archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, offers a harmonious blend of dramatic mountains, pristine beaches, and a vibrant Creole culture – perfect for both adventure and relaxation.
Overview
Cabo Verde, an enchanting archipelago in the Atlantic, is located just 500 km west of Senegal and offers a unique blend of dramatic mountain landscapes, endless sandy beaches, and vibrant coastal towns. With nine inhabited islands, each possessing its distinctive charm—from the lush valleys of Santo Antão to the golden shores of Sal and Boa Vista—this destination is a paradise for hikers, beach lovers, and cultural enthusiasts alike. Here, you can conquer the active Pico do Fogo volcano, explore the UNESCO-listed Cidade Velha, and immerse yourself in the lively Cape Verdean culture through music, dance, and delicious local cuisine.
Official language
Portugisisk
Government
Republik
Best time to visit
November to June
Nature
Cabo Verde is a captivating archipelago where the deep blue Atlantic meets lush mountains and arid sun-kissed plains. Santo Antão is a hiker’s paradise with its verdant valleys and steep trails that offer breathtaking viewpoints. The golden beaches of Sal and Boa Vista provide perfect conditions for kite and windsurfing, while the crystal-clear waters invite snorkelers and divers to explore the vibrant underwater life. Dominating the landscape of Fogo, the majestic Pico do Fogo volcano rises dramatically, surrounded by fertile fields and vineyards thriving in the volcanic soil. The islands enjoy a sunny climate year-round, with sparse rainfall creating a unique interplay of light and colors, enhancing the natural beauty. From the wild beauty of the mountains to the rich marine life, Cabo Verde is a true haven for nature enthusiasts.
Travel to Cape Verde
Traveling to Cabo Verde is stepping into a realm of sun, sea, and culture. Direct flights from various European cities make this archipelago easily accessible, and its sunny climate offers an ideal escape year-round, with the best season from November to June. Travelers can choose to island-hop to experience the contrasts between lush mountains, volcanic landscapes, and endless beaches, or immerse themselves in the unique charm of a single island. Activities range from hiking in Santo Antão, volcano climbing on Fogo, diving and surfing in Sal and Boa Vista, to historical discoveries in Cidade Velha. The local hospitality, combined with authentic culinary experiences and lively music, ensures that every visit is unforgettable. Cabo Verde is perfect for adventurers, cultural travelers, and those seeking relaxation in exotic surroundings.
Culture
The culture of Cabo Verde is a vibrant fusion of African and Portuguese influences, shaped by centuries of history as an Atlantic trading hub. At the heart of the national identity is music, with the melancholic morna, immortalized by Cesária Évora, alongside the lively coladeira and funaná that get the streets dancing. The language is a blend of Portuguese and Cape Verdean Creole, reflecting the islands' multicultural heritage. Culinary experiences are a journey of their own, featuring signature dishes like cachupa—a slow-cooked stew of corn, beans, and meat or fish—along with freshly caught seafood and pastel com diablo dentro. Daily life is marked by a relaxed rhythm where music, dance, and community play vital roles. Festivals and markets breathe life into the towns, filling them with colors, scents, and sounds, while the warm hospitality ensures visitors quickly feel part of the island's vibrant pulse.
History
Cabo Verde's history is deeply rooted in its strategic position in the Atlantic Ocean. Discovered and colonized by the Portuguese in the 15th century, the islands quickly became an important trading post, especially during the transatlantic slave trade. Cidade Velha, located on Santiago Island, is now a UNESCO World Heritage site and the first European settlement in the tropics, showcasing both colonial grandeur and darker chapters of history. After centuries under Portuguese rule, Cabo Verde achieved independence in 1975. The nation's past is characterized by migration, trade, and cultural exchange, crafting the unique identity that still defines the islands today.
Top attractions
Pico do Fogo
Kap Verdes højeste punkt og en dramatisk aktiv vulkan, der tilbyder krævende vandreture og enestående udsigter over lavafelter.
Santa Maria Strand
En af Kap Verdes mest populære strande med blødt sand, turkisblåt vand og gode faciliteter.
Cidade Velha
Historisk kystby og UNESCO-verdensarv, kendt for koloniale ruiner og Kap Verdes tidlige historie.
Mindelo Havn
Det kulturelle hjerte i Mindelo med musik, caféer og udsigt over havnen.
Salinas de Pedra de Lume
Historiske saltminer i et vulkankrater, kendt for deres flydeeffekt som i Det Døde Hav.
Serra Malagueta Naturpark
En frodig bjergpark på Santiago med vandrestier og smuk udsigt over øen.
Tarrafal Strand
En idyllisk strand på Santiago med roligt vand og lokal charme.
Cesária Évora Museum
Museum dedikeret til den verdensberømte morna-sangerinde Cesária Évora.
Santo Antão Dale
En af Kap Verdes smukkeste vandredestinationer med frodige dale og bjerglandskaber.
Famous cuisine
Culinary overview
Det kapverdiske køkken er en smagfuld fusion af afrikanske og portugisiske traditioner, præget af friske råvarer fra havet, lokale grøntsager og krydderier. Maden afspejler øernes historie som handelsknudepunkt, og retterne er ofte enkle, men fulde af smag. Fisk og skaldyr er centrale, og mange måltider ledsages af grogue, den lokale sukkerrørsrom. Gæster kan opleve alt fra gadekøkkener med friskstegte snacks til hyggelige tavernaer og eksklusive restauranter med udsigt over havet.
Must-try dishes
Cachupa
Nationalretten i Cabo Verde – en langsomt simret gryderet lavet af majs, bønner, søde kartofler, kassava, kål og ofte kød eller fisk. Serveres både som frokost- og morgenmadsret.
Pastel com diablo dentro
En sprød, friturestegt dejpakke fyldt med krydret tunfisk eller kød. Navnet betyder 'pastel med djævelen indeni' og henviser til den stærke smag.
Lagostada
En luksuriøs hummerret, ofte tilberedt med hvidløg, smør og krydderurter, serveret med ris eller grøntsager. Meget populær på kystrestauranter.
Grogue
En stærk lokal rom lavet af sukkerrør, ofte nydt som aperitif eller digestif. Kan også bruges i cocktails.
Buzio
En ret med store havsnegle, tilberedt i en krydret sauce med løg, tomat og peberfrugt. En specialitet på øerne med rigt marineliv.
Restaurant information
Tipping
Drikkepenge er ikke obligatoriske i Cabo Verde, men værdsættes. På restauranter er det almindeligt at runde op eller give ca. 5-10% af regningen, hvis servicen har været god.
Travel information
Currency
Kapverdisk escudo (CVE)
Language
Best time to visit
November to June
Major cities
Praia and other major cities
Fremhævede destinationer
Ekstraordinære steder nøje udvalgt af vores rejseeksperter, som tilbyder unikke oplevelser og betagende landskaber.