If you are going to visit Cape Verde you definitely want to know what the main highlights of the archipelago are. With the great beauty and immense diversity it can be a challenge to select the highlights you want to see. Therefore, we have collected and described in short some highlights and attractions of Cape Verde for you.
Fogo volcano – Fogo
One of the symbols of Cape Verde is the volcano on the island Fogo. The summit is located at 2,829 meters altitude. On a clear day you can see the active volcano from the nearby islands of Santiago and Brava. The volcanic scenery is as well as for climbers as for spectators impressive. The ancient lava flows are still very good to see. Furthermore, the ancient flows are still very good to see. Travelers who visited Fogo will never forget the impressive landscape and the famous wine.
Santa Maria beach – Sal
The beach of Santa Maria on Sal Island is not for nothing often depicted on postcards. The beach is sandy white and kilometers long, shining in the sun and a clear sea in the background. A perfect place to swim in the sea or to enjoy a drink. Right at the beach you can also enjoy the best of the Cape Verdean cuisine, such as freshly caught tuna or lobster.
Pedra de Lume salt pans – Sal
One of the most visited places by tourists is Pedra de Lume on Sal with its salt pans. This is not for nothing. In 1833 this place is put to use to make salt. Colorful salt pans, old storage houses and the wooden fundamentals of the transport cable are still visible. Because the water in the salt pans is 27 times saltier than the water in the ocean, you can float with your body in the water. For visitors it is possible to do so and it give a unique experience. In short, the salt pans are a combination of history, scenery and an outdoor spa in the sun.
Rock Formation Carbeirinho – Sao Nicolau
The asymmetrical sculptures in the rock formation of Carbeirinho near the town of Tarrafal (Sao Nicolau) is difficult to describe. You must see it to understand the feeling. The desert landscape and the sea in the background gives you the feeling that you are one with the universe. If you visit Sao Nicolau then this attraction is worth to behold.
Viana desert – Boavista
The Viana desert on Boavista is shaped by sand brought by the wind from the Sahara. In the huge white expanse of sand dunes are small oases with acacia, cocus- and palm trees. You can experience this unique scenery both on foot, by horseback or by jeep. A must for visitors to Boavista.
Monte Gordo national park – Sao Nicolau
The landscape Monte Gordo national park located in Sao Nicolau is a true beauty. The ecosystem is very rich, with as many as 32 plant species found only in this park. Of these 26 species are threatened. This is an ideal place for beautiful nature walks.
Cidade Velha – Santiago
The historic city of Cidade Velha on Santiago Island is the first place of Cape Verde which has been placed on the UNESCO list. There the first Cape Verdeans were born. The over 500 year old town has an impressive fortress and other sights. For travelers interested in the background and culture of Cape Verde, this is highly recommended.
Turtles and whales – Boavista / Maio / Sal
Cape Verde is the world’s third largest country as to the population of the Carreta Carreta sea turtle. 90% of the nests can be found at Boavista. The nesting season takes place primarily between the months of June and October. The islands of Maio and Sal are also good places to admire turtles. Whales migrate to the sea at Cape Verde to have their calves (baby whales) in the world. Each year, several hundred whales towards Cape Verde. They arrive in December.
Ribreira do Paul – Santo Antao
A tropical green valley that lets you descend through beautiful kilometers of a famous zig zag road. In the beautiful valley there is really anything to see. In the valley you will find mango-, banana-, coconut trees, sugar plantations and many vegetables. This valley on Santo Antao starts in the volcano which is hanging in the clouds. It ends where the ocean starts.. The difference in height is more than 1,000 meters.
Carnival
A parade brightly colored costumes, music, people dancing, eating and drinking. That is carnival in Cape Verde. And that is why it is also called small Rio de Janeiro. The largest carnival is in February in the streets of Mindelo on Sao Vicente.
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