Cape Verde 6 Day Itinerary

6-Day Itinerary for Cape Verde: A Tropical Island Adventure

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Praia, Santiago Island

Places to Go

  1. Praia: The capital city and largest urban center of Cape Verde, known for its beaches, colonial architecture, and vibrant nightlife.
  2. Plateau de Solidariedade: A hill overlooking Praia with a monument to the independence of Cape Verde and panoramic views of the city and sea.

Activities

  1. Visit Fortaleza Real de São Filipe, a 17th-century fortress that offers a glimpse into the island’s history.
  2. Enjoy local food at Mercado Municipal or Rua da Achada de Santo António, Praia’s main street.
  3. Relax at the beautiful Kite Beach (Praia de Vákua) or Santa Monica beach.

Things to Know

  • Portuguese is the official language, but Creole is widely spoken. English is also commonly understood among younger generations and in tourist areas.
  • Cape Verde uses the Euro (€) as its currency. Credit cards are accepted in many places, but it’s always good to have cash on hand.
  • The local time is UTC -1.

Visa Requirements

Citizens from most countries do not require a visa for stays under 30 days. However, check with your local embassy or consulate to confirm the requirements for your nationality.

Transportation

Taxis are widely available and affordable in Praia. A ride within the city should cost around 2-3€.

Day 2: Sal Island - Kitesurfing, Salt Mines, and Beaches

Places to Go

  1. Sal Rei: The main town on Sal Island, known for its beaches and salt mines.
  2. Pedra de Lume: A large crater filled with saltwater, which offers a unique floating experience.

Activities

  1. Kitesurfing: Sal is one of the best destinations in the world for this sport due to its consistent wind conditions.
  2. Explore the Salt Mines of Pedra de Lume.
  3. Relax at Kite Beach or Santa Maria Beach.

Transportation

Sal Rei is connected to Praia by frequent flights, and there are also daily ferries. Taxis and car rentals are available on Sal Island for exploring.

Day 3: Boavista Island - Beaches, Dunes, and the Aquarium

Places to Go

  1. Sal Rei (Boavista): The main town on Boavista Island, known for its beaches and dunes.
  2. Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora do Rosário: A beautiful 18th-century church in Sal Rei.
  3. Vale do Cebada: A valley with sand dunes and stunning landscapes perfect for off-road adventures.

Activities

  1. Visit the Boavista Marine Park’s aquarium to learn about the local marine life.
  2. Explore the unspoiled beaches of Boavista, such as Santa Monica Beach or Curral Velho Beach.
  3. Take a quad bike tour through the dunes of Vale do Cebada for an exciting adventure.

Transportation

Boavista is connected to Sal and other islands by frequent flights. Taxis and car rentals are available on Boavista for exploring.

Day 4: Santo Antão - Hiking, Traditional Villages, and Coffee Plantations

Places to Go

  1. Porto Novo: A picturesque town on the northeast coast of Santo Antão, known for its coffee plantations.
  2. Praia de Ribeira Grande: A black sand beach in Ribeira Grande, the largest town on Santo Antão.

Activities

  1. Hike from Ribeira Grande to Porto Novo, taking in breathtaking views of the island’s rugged landscape and meeting friendly locals along the way.
  2. Visit a traditional coffee plantation and learn about the process of producing Cape Verdean coffee.
  3. Relax at Praia de Ribeira Grande or explore the town’s historic center.

Transportation

Santo Antão can be reached by ferry from Sal or São Vicente, or by plane from Praia. Taxis and car rentals are available on Santo Antão for exploring the island.

Day 5: São Vicente - Museums, Music, and the Kriol Skulls

Places to Go

  1. Mindelo: The largest town on São Vicente, known for its vibrant music scene and beautiful beaches.
  2. Forte Real Santa Luzia: A 19th-century fortress overlooking Mindelo with panoramic views of the city and sea.
  3. Casa de Cultura: A museum dedicated to Cape Verdean music, history, and culture.
  4. Museu do Mundo Krío: A museum displaying skulls believed to be from the ancient Krío civilization.

Activities

  1. Enjoy a live music performance at one of Mindelo’s many bars or clubs.
  2. Visit the historic center of Mindelo and explore its colorful colonial architecture.
  3. Relax at Praia de Santa Luzia, a beautiful black sand beach near Mindelo.

Transportation

São Vicente is connected to Sal and other islands by frequent flights. Taxis and car rentals are available on São Vicente for exploring.

Day 6: Departure

On your last day, return to Praia (or another departure point) to catch your flight home. If you have time, explore more of the city or relax at the beach before saying goodbye to this incredible tropical paradise!