Cabo Verde, an archipelago island on the west coast of the Atlantic is one of the most sought-after tourism havens. It is endowed with ten (10), unique islands with a little over 500,000 inhabitants.
Blessed by the sun throughout the year, they have in music and culture, a ritual that is part of the daily life of the inhabitants while involving the visitor in the incomparable mystique of the Archipelago.
Only four hours away from Europe, the country enjoys a privileged location, which combines with the tranquillity of the territory, making this a destination not to be missed. Let yourself be enveloped by the flavours of the delicious local gastronomy and toast to the Morabeza and the sensuality of this culture.
Venture into the unusual nature and enjoy the security that Cape Verde has to offer you.
Discover a paradise here so close…
Sandwiched in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, the ten islands of Cape Verde benefit from a strategic geographic location between the African, European, and American continents. Located at the same latitude of the Caribbean, the Archipelago is 320 nautical miles off the coast of Senegal and less than 4 hours flight from America and Europe. The country has four international airports, situated in the islands of Santiago, Sal, Boa Vista and São Vicente that offer connections to Africa, America, as well as to the main cities of Europe.
Feel the Morabeza … a unique concept that only feels in Cape Verde
Morabeza is a unique concept that cannot be explained, simply, … it’s felt!
Visiting Cabo Verde is to let yourself be enveloped by the spontaneous smile, for the kindness and gentleness of its people. More than a concept, the Morabeza is an attitude towards life, which reflects the natural predisposition of the inhabitants of Cape Verde to receive in a caring and welcoming way, like nowhere else in the world.
Venture out, contemplate the unusual nature…
Cabo Verde is a country of contrasts, where imposing mountains melt into plains to lose sight of, and where the green of the vegetation mingles with the brown of an almost desert landscape.
The highest point of the archipelago is located on the island in Fogo and is one of the ex libris of Cabo Verde tourism. The volcano rises to 2829 meters of altitude, and it is on the rugged slopes of the imposing mountain that the incomparable Fogo’s wine is grown.
The beaches of Cabo Verde are also the third most important of the five places in the world of spawning sea turtles, especially the caretta-caretta species. In the summer months, females go to the archipelago’s beaches to spawn, a ritual that can be followed by the visitor through organized tours. The marine fauna is another attraction of the archipelago, making it a unique place to practice diving. In addition to the turtles, other protected species, such as the dolphin or the Bossa whale, can be observed in winter, as well as beautiful coral reefs, the habitat of numerous types of fish.
Fall in love with beaches to lose sight of …
With sea-water temperatures between 22 degrees Celsius and 25 degrees Celsius, and air temperatures between 22 degrees and 27 degrees, throughout the year, the beaches are authentic paradises for lovers of sun and sea.
With 55 km of beautiful beaches, fine white sand, and an emerald sea, the island of Boa Vista gathers the largest stretch of beaches of the Archipelago. The island is today one of the main tourist attractions in Cape Verde, thanks to a recent investment in the creation of infrastructure adapted to the needs of the visitor.
The island of Sal is still the most sought after. The irresistible Bay of Santa Maria, with about 4km of white sand and turquoise water, promises you unique experiences for water sports.
The island of Maio is also a place of magnificent beaches deserted in its pure state, tourism makes this a bucolic and quiet place. The beaches of the island invite you to visit a multitude of secret places that perpetuate the romanticism present in each corner.
Experience the adrenaline of water sports
The beaches are one of the main tourist products of Cape Verde.
With a constant warm and dry climate, moderated by the trade winds, the archipelago presents mild temperatures throughout the year, offering ideal conditions for practicing nautical sports, from surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing to diving, fishing and swimming.
The island of Sal offers the visitor exceptional conditions to practice these activities thanks to the constant winds blowing from continental Africa.
Feel the mystique of Creole culture … and the magic of music
Language is the richest manifestation of Cape Verdean culture. Creole originated in the first years of settlement of the archipelago, due to the need for understanding between European slaves and settlers, especially Portuguese, hence the Portuguese language served as a lexical basis for the development of Cape Verdean Creole.
Although Creole is the mother tongue of almost the entire population of Cape Verde, Portuguese is still the only official language. However, Creole has become a symbol, which goes beyond language, and has become a social identity. The so-called creoulidade, ended up exerting a strong influence in another of the great cultural manifestations of the country: the music.
The development of Caboverdian culture has always revolved around music. Nostalgia, love, joy and sadness served as a basis for the emergence of musical genres and original dances, which express the identity of the people of Cape Verde, and are part of the daily life of the inhabitants. Let yourself be enveloped by the magic of Morna, the Batuque and the Funaná, and re-emerge from this memorable experience.
Indulge in authentic flavors…
The great reference of the Cape Verdean gastronomic tradition is in the cachupa, a plate made with fish, corn, and beans, sometimes only corn and bacon. With the passing of the years, the local way introduces vegetables and meats, which give it a very particular flavor. The flavors of Cape Verde also go through the quality and diversity of fish and shellfish on the islands, which delight visitors. The meal is not complete without a good Fogo’s wine, or the typical grog, an alcoholic beverage made from the fermentation of sugarcane, ending with the famous and delicious coffee of the island of Fogo.
A Music Tavern
The Island is full of talent and rhythm and a step in any bar, event of outdoor gathering will confirm the assertion. Every home in Cabo Verde at least has a guitar waiting to give you some beats to begin a genre. As Cape Verdeans say: “Our richest resources are our people and our music.” Aside the Grammy award winning late Evora, the West African island has produced equally talented musicians in IIdo Lobo, Titina, Celina Pereira, Bana, , Djosinha, B. Leza, Travadinha, Sãozinha, Maria Alice, Carmen Souza and Gardénia Benros.
This article was first published in the 16th Issue of the VoyagesAfriq Travel Magazine
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