Cape Verde
Cape Verde
Our notebook to help you plan your trip to Cape Verde: the right season, where to stay and our ideas to make the most of it.
On the island of Sal: long golden beaches, turquoise water and sunshine almost all year round, about 6 hours' flight from Paris.
Best weatherDuring the dry season: sunshine and trade winds, perfect for kitesurfing.
A question?
Wéa answers about this destination: neighbourhoods, seasons, ideas.
When to go
Every season has its charm. Here's how to choose yours, depending on what you want to experience.
Wind and sun
Guaranteed sunshine and trade winds: the ideal season for kitesurfing and windsurfing. And in February, the Mindelo Carnival is the most famous in the archipelago.
Calm and mild
The wind drops, the sea calms down too, and the beaches of Sal and Boa Vista are perfect for swimming.
Turtles and festivals
Loggerhead turtles come to nest on the beaches, the sea is at its warmest and, in August, the Baía das Gatas festival livens up São Vicente. A few showers, mostly in September.
Where to stay
The right neighbourhood depends on what you're after. Here are our favourite places to stay.
Santa Maria
In the south of Sal: the main beach, hotels, restaurants and watersports spots.
Murdeira
A calmer bay on the west coast, between Santa Maria and the airport.
Espargos
The island's little capital, near the airport: local life and gentler prices.
Boa Vista
The neighbouring island, wilder, with its dunes and huge beaches.
Our favourites
What we love there: its history, its landscapes, its flavours and its festivals. Take your time, it's all there to enjoy.
Morna
This soft, nostalgic music, made famous worldwide by Cesária Évora, is on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list. In the evening, look for a small concert in a bar or restaurant.
Ideal for music lovers
Cachupa
The national dish simmers for a long time: corn, beans, vegetables, and sometimes fish or meat. The next day, it's eaten fried for breakfast, with an egg.
Ideal for food lovers
Sal and Boa Vista
Long golden beaches, turquoise water and steady trade winds: these two islands are perfect for the beach, kitesurfing and windsurfing.
Ideal for board sports fans
Cidade Velha and Fogo
On Santiago island, Cidade Velha, the first colonial town in the tropics, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On Fogo, you can hike up to the volcano.
Ideal for the curious