Once an underdog, Cape Verde has emerged as the sensation of the tournament. This remarkable performance has significantly boosted its presence in international media. Consequently, there’s been a surge in global traveler interest, with a dramatic spike in searches for this destination.
Cape Verde: A Masterpiece in the Heart of the Ocean
Officially known as the Republic of Cabo Verde, Cape Verde is a volcanic archipelago nestled in the Atlantic Ocean, approximately 570 km west of the West African coast. Comprising 10 major islands, 9 of which are inhabited, the total land area spans 4,033 km², home to just over half a million people. Unlike the scorching heat of mainland Africa, Cape Verde enjoys a temperate climate thanks to the trade winds from the Atlantic. With temperatures ranging from 22°C to 30°C year-round, this island nation is an ideal destination in nearly every season.
For nature enthusiasts seeking trekking adventures and rich local culture, Cape Verde is often hailed as the “hidden gem” of the ocean. What makes this place so captivating?
Cape Verde: Where Each Island Tells a Unique Story
Exploring the islands is a must when visiting Cape Verde. The archipelago is divided into two main groups: the Barlavento Islands in the north and the Sotavento Islands in the south. Each island boasts its own distinct geographical character.
Sal Island: A Paradise for Beach Lovers and Water Sports Enthusiasts
Sal Island
Sal is the most visited island, thanks to the Amílcar Cabral International Airport and its well-developed tourism infrastructure. Its terrain is mostly flat, with vast desert areas rich in sea salt deposits from historical commercial mining.
Santa Maria, at the southern tip, is the hub for luxury resorts, hotels, and pristine beaches with crystal-clear waters. Activities like scuba diving, kitesurfing, deep-sea fishing, or simply sunbathing are all at your fingertips. The nightlife is vibrant, with bustling bars and restaurants.
Boa Vista Island: Where Desert Meets the Sea
Boa Vista Island
Boa Vista is home to the Viana Desert, featuring vast dunes of fine white sand carried by winds from the Sahara across the Atlantic. Santa Monica Beach, stretching over 55 km, is one of Africa’s most untouched beaches.
From June to October, Loggerhead sea turtles come ashore to nest and lay eggs on the island’s sandy beaches. This period also offers the chance to observe humpback whales migrating near Boa Vista’s waters.
Santiago Island: A Blend of History and Culture
Santiago Island
Santiago, the largest island in both size and population, is home to the capital, Praia, which houses government offices, banks, and commercial districts. The historic Plateau district retains its Portuguese colonial architecture, while the Sucupira Market offers everything from fabrics to spices and handicrafts.
The highlight of Santiago is Cidade Velha, the first European settlement in the tropics, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009. Visitors can explore the Fortaleza Real de São Filipe fortress, ancient churches, and cobblestone streets from the colonial era, tracing the footsteps of a history both tragic and heroic.
Fogo Island: A Volcanic Wonder
Fogo Island
Fogo is dominated by the active volcano Pico do Fogo, standing at 2,829 meters above sea level, with its last eruption in 2014. The volcanic ash has created exceptionally fertile soil, ideal for growing high-quality Arabica coffee and grapes for wine production—a wine so exquisite you’ll want to take cases home.
Chã das Caldeiras, a village nestled within the volcanic crater, is where residents continue to farm and live despite the ever-present risk of eruption. Trekking tours to the summit of Pico do Fogo typically start early in the morning and take 4 to 5 hours. The breathtaking view of the entire archipelago from the top makes every arduous step worthwhile.
Santo Antão Island: Terraced Fields Amidst Majestic Nature
Santo Antão Island
Santo Antão features rugged mountainous terrain with the lush Paúl Valley, green year-round. Its terraced fields cultivate coffee, sweet potatoes, cassava, and bananas, earning it the nickname “Cape Verde’s breadbasket.”
The Corda Road from Porto Novo to Ribeira Grande is acclaimed by travel magazines as one of the world’s most beautiful mountain routes. This island is perfect for those seeking to escape the beaches and immerse themselves in pristine nature.
São Vicente Island: The Musical Heart of Cape Verde
São Vicente Island
São Vicente is the cultural and musical epicenter of the archipelago, birthplace of the legendary Cesária Évora, who brought the Morna music genre to global fame. Known as the “barefoot diva,” her legacy was honored in 2019 when UNESCO inscribed Morna as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Mindelo, the island’s capital, boasts vibrant colonial architecture, lively bars with live music until late, and the exuberant Mardi Gras festival in February. Once a vital refueling port for transatlantic ships in the 19th and 20th centuries, Mindelo’s multicultural heritage is palpable the moment you step ashore.
The Culinary Art of Cape Verde
Cape Verdean cuisine is a fusion of African cooking techniques with Portuguese ingredients and spices. Corn, beans, vegetables, fresh fish, and seafood form the basis of most dishes.
Exploring the Island Nation’s Cuisine
+ Cachupa: The national dish, made from cornmeal, beans, vegetables, and a choice of pork, chicken, or fish. There are two versions: Cachupa Rica, rich with meat and sausages for special occasions, and Cachupa Pobre, a simpler daily meal with just vegetables and beans.
+ Pastel de Atum: Deep-fried tuna patties mixed with onions and bell peppers. Crispy on the outside, flavorful on the inside, these are a street food favorite.
+ Caldo de Peixe: A hearty fish soup with fresh seafood, potatoes, carrots, tomatoes, and onions. The broth, naturally sweetened by the fish bones, is best enjoyed hot with garlic butter bread.
+ Grilled Seafood: Includes lobster, yellowfin tuna, grouper, and swordfish, simply seasoned with salt, pepper, lemon, and olive oil.
+ Grogue and Pontche: Must-try local beverages. Grogue is a potent rum distilled from sugarcane, while Pontche is a sweet cocktail blending Grogue with molasses and lime juice.
Essential Tips for Exploring Cape Verde
Cape Verde is not among the 47 countries requiring a visa obtained from an embassy. However, depending on your nationality, you’ll need to register for an EASE electronic travel authorization or apply for a Visa on Arrival (VOA) at the airport.
Importantly, starting January 1, 2026, Cape Verde will no longer offer visa on arrival to citizens of 96 countries, including Vietnam. Vietnamese travelers must obtain a visa before departure to avoid being denied boarding or entry.
Cape Verde Awaits Your Discovery
Currently, there are no direct flights from Vietnam to Cape Verde, so the journey involves multiple layovers, taking 18 to 26 hours depending on the airline and transit times. Travel between islands can be done by domestic flights or ferries. Flights are faster but more expensive, while ferries are economical but subject to frequent schedule changes due to weather, requiring flexibility to avoid missing international connections.
Cape Verde is not a budget destination compared to many other African countries. With developed tourism infrastructure and heavy reliance on imports, the cost of living is relatively high. Estimates suggest a total budget of $4,000 to $5,000 for a comprehensive trip to fully explore this beautiful island nation.
Cape Verde may not be easy to reach or affordable, but these very challenges contribute to its allure. Amid the vast Atlantic Ocean, these 10 volcanic islands await those with the patience and curiosity to discover them.
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