Discover Cape Verde with Inspiration Africa. This aerial view captures the pristine beaches and turquoise waters that define the islands’ natural beauty. With a few swimmers enjoying the calm sea, the scene reflects the relaxed pace and uncrowded charm of Cape Verde. Inspiration Africa designs tailor-made journeys to this Atlantic archipelago, combining coastal escapes with cultural experiences across its diverse islands. Whether you're drawn to hiking volcanic peaks, exploring colonial towns, or unwinding by the ocean, we create personalized travel that brings Cape Verde to life. Plan your adventure with Inspiration Africa today.

Cape Verde

A slice of Cape Verde serenity, seen from above and dipped in blue.

© Dating Scout

Work in Progress ... Page Under Construction

Travel to Cape Verde

Cape Verde, an island nation in the Atlantic Ocean off West Africa, is made up of ten islands, each offering distinct landscapes and cultural influences. The largest island, Santiago, is home to the capital, Praia, where visitors can explore markets and historic architecture. Just outside the city, Cidade Velha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, preserves remnants of Cape Verde’s colonial history, including a fortress and some of the oldest churches in the region.


Fogo Island is defined by its active volcano, Pico do Fogo, which dominates the landscape. Hiking trails lead through lava fields and small agricultural communities that have adapted to the volcanic soil. São Filipe, the island’s main town, retains many buildings from earlier centuries and serves as a hub for exploring the area.


Santo Antão attracts walkers and trekkers with its deep valleys, ridges, and rural trails. Routes such as those through the Paul Valley or from the Cova crater pass through cultivated terraces and isolated villages. The island’s northern coastline is shaped by cliffs and fishing communities, offering a different rhythm of life from the interior.


On São Vicente, the port city of Mindelo is known for music and arts, with live performances, galleries, and cultural gatherings. The city also offers access to beaches and day trips around the island. Meanwhile, Sal and Boa Vista are flatter and drier, with wide beaches and small towns like Santa Maria and Sal Rei. These islands are also entry points for seasonal sea turtle nesting and local boat tours.



Less-visited islands such as Brava, Maio, and São Nicolau remain quieter, with limited infrastructure and smaller communities. Inter-island travel is possible by ferry or small aircraft, allowing visitors to combine destinations. Cape Verde offers opportunities for hiking, cultural exploration, and time by the sea, all within a setting shaped by the meeting of African and European traditions.

Start planning your tailor-made safari holiday

Must Visit in Cape Verde

Cape Verde, islands shaped by wind, waves, and culture. Wander volcanic trails on Fogo, explore Mindelo’s music scene, or relax on Sal’s beaches.

Discover local life in fishing villages and markets.

Cidade Velha (Santiago)

Cape Verde’s first capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city holds centuries of colonial history being the first European colonial outpost in the tropics. Explore the old fortress, cobbled streets, and one of Africa’s oldest churches, overlooking the Ocean.

Santiago & Tarrafal

The largest island of the archipelago, Santiago blends Cape Verdean culture, history, and nature. Explore the capital Praia, the historic Cidade Velha, and the relaxed fishing town of Tarrafal, known for its dark-sand beach, coastal walks, and former prison turned museum.

Mindelo (São Vicente)

A port city on São Vicente, Mindelo, known as Cape Verde’s cultural capital, pulses with music, art, and nightlife. Wander the colonial-era buildings, lively harbor and vibrant markets, or catch a live performance of traditional morna or coladeira music.

Santa Maria (Sal Island)

This picturesque and relaxed coastal town features a beautiful wide sandy beach stretching 7 kilometers along the Atlantic. It is a hub for water sports, dining, and boat trips. Wooden piers and bright fishing boats reflect Sal’s mix of local life and tourism.

Pedra de Lume Salt Crater (Sal Island)

Set inside an extinct volcano’s crater, Pedra de Lume features salt evaporation ponds with a surreal, otherworldly feel. Its geological formation and historic salt mines make it a site of both natural and cultural significance on Sal Island.

Boa Vista & Sal Rei

Known for its vast dunes, moonlike volcanic landscapes of the Viana Desert, quiet beaches, and laid-back vibe. Boa Vista offers turtle nesting sites, shipwrecks like Cabo Santa Maria, and desert-like landscapes. Sal Rei, the main town, serves as a base for local culture and excursions.

Santo Antão & Cova Crater
The island of Santo Antão is known for dramatic landscapes and hiking routes. The green Cova Crater, a volcanic caldera, marks the start of scenic trails descending through eucalyptus forests and terraced valleys, showcasing the island’s lush interior and rural life.

Paul Valley (Santo Antão)

Amid Santo Antão’s rugged terrain, Paul Valley stands out with lush terraces, deep ravines, and scenic trails. Fertile farmland supports sugarcane, coffee, and fruit cultivation, offering a striking contrast to the island’s surrounding dry, volcanic landscapes.

Fogo Island: Pico do Fogo & São Filipe

Hike Cape Verde’s highest peak, Pico do Fogo, through volcanic terrain and crater villages shaped by eruptions. Then explore São Filipe, a coastal town with colonial architecture and access to the island’s unique volcanic landscape.

São Nicolau & Ribeira Brava
São Nicolau offers quiet charm, rugged trails, and dramatic mountain landscapes. The island remains off the main tourist path, with Ribeira Brava—a colorful, historic town—serving as a gateway to hikes through untouched valleys, ridges, and remote rural communities.

Cape Verde in  Video

Nothing documents a destination better than a short video and that goes for Cape Verde as well.

Take a look at ourInspiration Africa YouTube Channel where you will find many travel related videos about Africa; don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to be kept up to date with new posts.


Must Do in Cape Verde

Each destination offers its own experiences and here are some "must do" activities to experience in Cape Verde!

Discover Cape Verde’s underwater world with Inspiration Africa. This photo captures the vibrant marine life found while snorkeling and diving in the archipelago—colorful fish darting through coral reefs in clear Atlantic waters. Cape Verde offers top dive spots around Sal, Boa Vista, and Maio, where volcanic formations and rich biodiversity create unforgettable experiences. Inspiration Africa arranges tailor-made journeys that include guided snorkeling, diving excursions, and coastal adventures. Whether you're an experienced diver or a first-time snorkeler, we help you explore Cape Verde’s hidden depths with expert planning and local knowledge. Let us design your perfect island and ocean getaway.
Hiking in Cape Verde with Inspiration Africa offers dramatic landscapes and unforgettable trails. This image shows a staircase path rising toward the cliffs in Paul Valley on Santo Antão—one of the archipelago’s most scenic trekking areas. The island’s steep ridges, lush valleys, and cobbled trails make it a top destination for walkers. Other excellent hikes include crater treks on Fogo and coastal paths on São Nicolau. Inspiration Africa crafts tailor-made trips that include guided hikes, cultural encounters, and local stays. Let us design your perfect walking adventure through Cape Verde’s rugged beauty and remote mountain landscapes.
Witness turtle conservation in Cape Verde with Inspiration Africa. This image shows a turtle at the water’s edge—a powerful moment found on the beaches of islands like Boa Vista, Sal, and Maio. Between June and October, loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) come ashore to nest, making Cape Verde one of the world’s most important sites for this endangered species. Guided night walks and conservation programs offer respectful, educational encounters. Inspiration Africa organizes tailor-made trips that include turtle watching, nature excursions, and cultural experiences across the archipelago. Let us help you explore Cape Verde’s wildlife and coastal beauty with care and insight.
Experience canyoning in Cape Verde with Inspiration Africa. This image captures waterfalls cascading down green cliffs on Santo Antão, the archipelago’s top destination for canyoning adventures. The island’s deep ravines, natural pools, and seasonal waterfalls—most active from August to November—offer ideal terrain for rappelling, jumping, and climbing. Guided canyoning tours explore remote, lush valleys and hidden water routes shaped by volcanic landscapes. Inspiration Africa crafts tailor-made trips that include adventure activities like canyoning alongside cultural experiences and scenic hikes. Let us plan your journey into Cape Verde’s wilder side, where nature and adrenaline meet in unforgettable surroundings.
EXPLORE MORE TRAVEL EXPERIENCES

Best Time to visit Cape Verde

Cape Verde enjoys a dry, warm climate year-round, making it a flexible destination. The best time to visit depends on your interests.


From November to June, the islands are dry and breezy, ideal for hiking, exploring, and water sports. These months also bring clear skies and comfortable temperatures, especially good for visiting volcanic landscapes like Fogo or walking trails on Santo Antão.


July to October marks the warmer, more humid season, with a chance of short rains, particularly in August and September. This period brings lush scenery, especially to the greener islands, and is also the peak of turtle nesting season on Boa Vista and Sal.


For those interested in culture, February often features Carnival celebrations, especially vibrant in Mindelo. Overall, Cape Verde’s mild climate means there’s no bad time to visit—just different ways to experience its diverse landscapes and local life.

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Receive our travel inspirations in your mailbox

Cape Verde Travel Tips

By default, since we only work on a tailor-made basis, each of our travel projects will always be accompanied by our travel tips on the destinations to be visited. These will of course be adapted to the type of trip envisaged and the reality of the activities and places visited. If you would like general travel advice for Cape Verde, please don't hesitate to contact us via the "contact us" button.

Where to Stay in Cape Verde

Cape Verde offers a wide range of accommodations across its islands, from beachside resorts and boutique hotels to simple guesthouses and rural ecolodges.

Our mission is to help you select what you like best. While inviting you to explore new options.

MORE HOTELS & LODGES INSPIRATION

Cape Verde Combines Well With

Cape Verde combines well with several nearby and easily connected destinations, offering travelers the chance to pair a relaxed island

experience with cultural, historical, or wildlife-rich adventuresSome of which we cover.

  • An aerial view of Senegal’s Lac Rose reveals a striking landscape where boats rest along the vivid pink shoreline, shaped by the lake’s high salt content and natural algae. Located northeast of Dakar, Lac Rose is famous for its otherworldly color, traditional salt harvesting, and lively local communities. The contrast between the shimmering water, bright boats, and open sky creates an unforgettable scene. Inspiration Africa offers tailor-made journeys to Senegal, bringing travelers to the heart of Lac Rose and beyond, where vibrant landscapes, culture, and natural beauty come together in one of West Africa’s most unique destinations.
    • EXPLORE MORE TRAVEL DESTINATIONS