Last Updated on May 22, 2018

40 Photos of Cape Verde that will make you want to go there now

Not many people have heard of Cape Verde.  Since reading about it in a magazine a few years ago, I’ve been absolutely intrigued by it.

How did a small archipelago nation with so little natural resources become one of the most economically stable countries in Africa? And being so remote and isolated from other countries, how did it grow from being an uninhabited place to a flourishing nation of 500,000 people? 

Let’s back up a little bit: Cape Verde (also known as Cabo Verde) is a group of 10 islands and five islets located around 500km from the west coast of Africa. The once uninhabited islands were discovered and colonized by the Portuguese in the 15th century. They subsequently became a trading center for African slaves. It gained independence in 1975, although the strong Portuguese influence still remains and has blended beautifully with the African culture.

During the 20th century, severe droughts caused the deaths of 200,000 people and prompted heavy emigration. Today, more people with origins in Cape Verde live outside the country than inside it and support the economy with money transmitted from overseas. Over the years, Cape Verde has won a positive reputation for having the most stable democracy in Africa and a standard of living higher than most African nations.

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READ MORE: Best Things to Do in Cape Verde

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Cape Verde and Tourism

Tourism is becoming more important to this archipelago nation as European tourists are starting to come this way for some winter sun. Most tourists head straight to the islands of Sal and Boa Vista for their spearmint blue waters and picture perfect sandy beaches. But I wanted to learn more about the essence of the country and its people. I chose to explore Santiago instead, the biggest of the islands at 991 sq km (383 sq miles).

Because of its size, Santiago is probably the most diverse island in terms of its landscape. There are as many sandy beaches as there are mountains, fertile valleys and plateaus. Two volcanic mountain ranges dominate the island, leaving it with plenty of lush green hillside and winding valleys. It’s therefore great for keen hikers eager to immerse in the backcountry. Santiago is also the cultural heart of Cape Verde, having been the primary location of the slave trade during its height, and is home to the UNESCO world heritage old fort site at Cidade Velha. On this island, you’ll also find the capital city Praia, the governmental and economic epicentre of the country.

With this visual photo essay, I’ll take you on a journey through the lush island of Santiago. From the mountains of Sao Jorge in the south to the busy markets of Assomada in the center of the island and the quiet beaches of Tarrafal all the way up north.

Praia – The Bustling Capital City

Praia is busy, loud, and hectic — although relatively tame for African capital cities standards. About 100,000 people live in the city. The core of the old town is known as Plateau and – as its name implies – is built on a plateau with its magnificent houses and regal mansions from the colonial era. It surprised me by just how much colonial architecture there was.

Some interesting sights include the Nossa Senhora da Graça church, the Palace of Justice, the Museo Ethnográfico, the presidential palace, the parliament building,  and the old town fortress of Bateira. From the latter you can enjoy a wonderful view of the ocean. Further in the distance, slums that are reminiscent of Brazil‘s favelas and suburbs with multi-storied concrete buildings also dominate the cityscape.

Photos of Cape Verde – The cityscape of Praia.

Quirky, colorful street art is surprisingly all over the city.

Embracing the African spirit.

The Royal Palace sits close to the viewpoint that overlooks the Atlantic Ocean.

Portuguese colonial buildings have been restored by the government to give Plateau a new look.

Beautiful wall paintings on the Foundation of Amílcar Cabral, the national hero of Cape Verde. He founded the PAIGC (African Party for the Independence of Guinea and the Cape Verdes) and helped the country gain independence.

Wall art depict the daily life of Cape Verdeans.

Cape Verde is largely a Catholic country because of the Portuguese influence.

A large cross stands on the edge of Plateau.

The Observatory Diogo Gomes has the best view of the city and it features the statue of the Portuguese sailor who supposedly discovered Santiago Island.

Gamboa Beach, the main beach in the city of Praia

Cidade Velha – A Peek into Cape Verde’s Past

This is the oldest site of Cape Verde, having been established in 1462. It was here where the history of the archipelago started. After the Portugese established a port here, Cidade Velha (translated to mean ‘old town) became a trade center and was a hub for the slave trade. Sao Felipe fort was built in the 16th century to protect the Portuguese against pirates and other enemies.

On the road to the fortress you can see the pillory of the slaves, the ruins of the cathedral and churches. You’ll also find the first church to be built in West Africa just a short walk from town. Cidade Velha is just 10km from Praia and a short local bus ride away.

What was the original hub of Cape Verde is now a small, sleepy fishing town.

The center of Cidade Velha.

More street art found on the walls of the village.

Ruins from the oldest church in West Africa.

Sao Jorge – The Lush Interior

The interior of Santiago is crisscrossed with hiking trails that weave their way up and down the steep slopes and into tiny villages and communities. Some of the best areas to hike are in the Serra Malagueta National Park and in and around the island’s highest peak, the Pico d’Antónia. These areas are blanketed with achadas (plateaus) and flat-top mountains of lava rock, as well as rich vegetation: Acacia, euphorbias and figs are very common here since the soil is comparatively moist.

I went on a day hike around the Sao Jorge area, descending from Rui Vaz and arriving at the botanical gardens of Sao Jorge. It was a relatively easy walk, through lush rainforests and eucalyptus forests. I wish I had time to stay in Rui Vaz and actually spend the whole week hiking in this area.

A typical view as seen on the hike.

You can easily spend a week or even more hiking in the Sao Jorge area.

A kingfisher spotted during the  hike.

Assomada – A Colorful Cultural Hub

Located right in the center of the island, Assomada is the largest city in the region of Santa Catarina. It lies at about 550 m elevation on a plateau surrounded by mountains, farmland, and hills. It’s a bustling town with a large African population and it is also home to the largest local market on Santiago. To soak in the energy and colors, head on to the central market of the island on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

A beautiful ensemble of colors

Selling their goods on the streets

The busy central market in Assomada

 

Bananas, tomatoes and lettuce on sale

Fresh red chilli is used to make the popular peri peri sauce

Tarrafal – The Best Beach on the Island

What’s lauded as the best beach on Santiago, Tarrfal is a pretty little palm-fringed bay. It’s protected from the wind by the imposing mountains of Serra Malagueta. I spent a few hours here, first swimming the cool Atlantic Ocean, then watching the boats arrive at the small fishing harbour. Soon after I was watching locals barter for the freshest catch of the day. Once a week, there is a also market on the church plaza which otherwise is quite quiet and tranquil.

It’s easy to see why this is named the best beach on Santiago.

Fishing is still the main industry in this part of the island

Boats of different colors on display

Local vendors selling freshly caught fish right on the beach

Photos of Cape Verde – Sunset at Tarrafal

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More Information

How to get there:

The main international airport on Santiago island is the Nelson Mandela Airport, 3km away from Praia. Only six airlines fly there – with TACV, the national airline, serving the most destinations from Praia. I flew TACV from Lisbon and it was a four-hour flight. Be warned though, TACV doesn’t have a good reputation for being punctual. My return flight was delayed and I missed my connecting flight from Lisbon to Madrid.

From the airport to Praia, you can easily catch a taxi for just 1,000 CVE (Cape Verdean Escudos) – about US$10 or 9euros. It takes around 10 minutes to get to Plateau or the area around it.

What to do there:

Praia itself is a busy city, though it’s very small in comparison to other cities in Africa. You can easily spend a day or two wandering around Plateau, the old town of the city. You’ll want time to admire its colonial architecture and soak up the atmosphere in its central market.

Most people base themselves in Praia and then take day trips from there to explore the island. Cape Verde Experience offers day trips around Santiago including a full-day tour of the island (which I highly recommend). The day tour brings you through the gorges of Sao Jorge. Then into the markets of Assomada, visiting the concentration camp, before spending a few hours relaxing on the beach at Tarrafal.

You can also book hiking excursions through Cape Verde Experience. I did a half-day trek in Sao Jorge, starting from Rui Vaz and descending 700m, hiking through algarve groves, sugarcane plantations and eucalyptus forests. My local guide Salazar was very knowledgable and helpful, and he shared lots of interesting stories on life in Cape Verde.

For more information on day trips on Santiago, check out this page.

Where to stay:

I stayed at Pestana Tropico Hotel, one of the best hotels in Praia that is close to the beach and offers affordable prices. The hotel is modern, clean and spacious and enjoys a privileged location right on the water. It’s also located in a safe and high-end residential area. It’s within walking distance from popular restaurants and bars like Ipanema and El Pescador. A taxi into Plateau costs just 200 CVE (US$2 or 1.70 euros). Check the their prices here.

Villa Halcyon Caboverde is the best place to stay at Cidade Velha. The 4-bedroom villa has a beachfront location and private pool, and absolutely stunning views of the coast. It’s perfect for those traveling in a big group. Check the latest prices here.

If you’re looking for something smaller and simpler, check out Pousada Quinta Ribeirinha which also has a pool but much more afforadable prices. It reminds me of a typical guesthouse in Spain or Portugal, with sundecks and a beach bar. Check the prices here.

There aren’t many accommodation options in the Sao Jorge area, and pretty much the only place to stay here is Quinta Da Montanha, located in Rui Vaz. Thankfully, this cozy guesthouse has a spectacular location on the hilltop, with stunning views of the whole of Sao Jorge. Glass windows at the breakfast area open up to panorama of the mountains. Check the latest prices here.

There are only two places to stay in Assomada. Pensão Asa Branca is a cheap and surprisingly clean and comfortable place. Don’t expect four-star comfort of course, but it’s simple and clean, and within walking distance from the market in Assomada. Check the latest prices here.

Vista Mar is a surprisingly modern place right on the beachfront of Tarrafal. You can’t ask for a better location as the sand is literally steps from your bedroom. You’re also within walking distance from town. Prices are also affordable. Check for prices here.

Casa Strela B&B Tarrafal is a cheaper option that’s equally modern but simpler and further from the beach. It’s still just a 3-minute walk and I love the colorful vibe of the place. Check for latest prices here.

Disclaimer: My stay was made possible by Cape Verde Experience, but as always, all the opinions expressed above are my own.

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