Cabo Verde
West Africa · Africa
- Capital
- Praia
- Currency
- Cape Verdean Escudo (CVE $)
- Language
- Portuguese (official); Cape Verdean Creole widely spoken
- Timezone
- UTC-1
- Safety rating
- 7.5/10
- Best time to visit
- November to June brings warm, dry and breezy weather ideal for beaches and watersports, with strong winds peaking in winter for kitesurfers.
Overview
An Atlantic archipelago off West Africa, Cabo Verde blends volcanic peaks, golden dunes and laid-back Creole culture set to the soulful sound of morna music. Sal and Boa Vista draw beach and watersports lovers, while Santo Antão offers spectacular hiking and Fogo features a climbable active volcano. Its mix of African and Portuguese heritage gives it a distinctly relaxed, musical rhythm.
Visa requirements
Many nationalities enter visa-free, but most travelers must pay an Airport Security Tax (TSA) registered online before arrival.
Safety information
This island nation is among Africa's safest destinations, with mostly petty crime in tourist zones like Santa Maria. Take normal precautions with valuables on beaches and at night in Praia and Mindelo.
Travel tips
Euros are widely accepted alongside escudos, and cards work in larger hotels and resorts. Inter-island travel needs planning, so book ferries or flights ahead, and buy a CVMovel or Unitel SIM for data. A little Portuguese goes a long way.