Cape Verde is a volcanic archipelago off the coast of Western Africa, almost halfway between Portugal and Brazil. It was first settled by the Portuguese in the 15th century and quickly became a commercial hub for merchants, pirates, and inevitably, the Atlantic slave trade. Due to its location, its culture reflects Portuguese, Brazilian, African influences. Portuguese is the official language and a Cape Verdean Creole is spoken by most of the population.
Like the Caribbean, Cape Verde is home to many all-inclusive and luxury resorts, mostly on the islands of Sal and Boa Vista. Those of course, come with the amenities one would expect at luxury beach resort. Diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, fishing, and hiking are all readily available, as well as whale watching, turtle, and even shark viewing.
1. Shark Viewing
There are whale watchings, and sea turtle viewing is popular as well, but for a more adventurous (but not dangerous) encounter, try a shark viewing, lemon sharks to be exact. Off the coast of Sal, there is a natural nursery for lemon sharks. You can enter the water and view them close up or view them from a boat or nearby beach, and learn about conservation efforts in the process.
2. Spend the Afternoon on a Catamaran
If you're staying in one of the luxury hotels on the island of Sal, a catamaran excursions is a great way to spend an afternoon. A little less intense perhaps than the shark viewing, you can take it a little easier and snorkel, fish, or just chill out on the boat. Adult beverages and entertainment are usually included in the package.
3. Walking Tour of Cidade Velha
Praia, on the island of Santiago, is the capital and largest city, and a logical starting point for exploring Cape Verde. Tours are offered that take you through the old section of town and then on to nearby Cidade Velha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was the first Portuguese settlement in the tropics and much of the original city still remains. One of the original structures is Fort de São Filipe, which overlooks the city and offers great views of the island. Be sure to sample the local seafood or try cachupa, the national dish, a mix of maize, beans, sweet potatoes, and chicken or meat. On some tours you can also taste pontxi, a local cocktail made with grogue, a liquor similar to rum, and honey.
4. Hike Pico de Fogo
On the island of Fogo is the 9,300 foot high volcano, Pico de Fogo, Cape Verde's highest point. Wine and coffee are grown in the rich volcanic soil nearby. Experienced hikers can spend an afternoon hiking up the peak with or without a guide. Less experienced hikers will probably want to go on a guided hike. It's about a 6-7 hour hike but the views from the summit are spectacular, and well worth the effort.
5. Listen to Morna
The different cultural influences on Cape Verde have naturally produced many different genres of music. Morna is the most well known and Cesária Évora is the most celebrated morna singer. Mindelo, on the island of São Vicente, was her home and it still has a vibrant, cosmopolitan music scene, where you can also hear jazz and coladeira. The island is also home to the Festival de Baía das Gatas, Cape Verde's biggest music festival, held in August.
6. Visit Colonia Penal de Tarrafal
For some insight into Cape Verde's more recent turbulent history, visit Colonia Penal de Tarrafal, a prison and concentration camp used to keep political opponents of António de Oliveira Salazar, the dictator who ruled Portugal in the mid-20th century. It is intense and not for the faint of heart, but it is an important visit.
