Travel tips for Cape Verde
Top 5 experiences
Each of Cape Verde’s 9 inhabited islands has its own character: from sea and beaches to mountains and green valleys or towns steeped in tradition and Cape Verde an warmth. Highlights include:

North Islands
The so-called „above the wind“ islands include the inhabited islands of Santo Antão, São Vicente, São Nicolau, as well as Sal and Boavista. Santo Antão captivates with its impressive landscape, São Vicente is the cultural centre of Cape Verde, São Nicolau offers pure nature and Sal and Boavista stand for beach, sand and sun.

South Islands
„Under the wind“ are the inhabited islands of Maio, Santiago, Fogo and Brava. On Maio, time seems to stand still while Santiago, the largest island of Cape Verde, delights with its richness of facets. Fogo is „the“ volcanic island thanks to the picture book volcano Pico de Fogo and Brava is the green oasis.

Bathing Islands
Long white sandy beaches characterize the flat islands of Sal and Boavista. The warm temperatures of the turquoise water invite you to relax. The island of Sal stands for sand, deserts, dry valleys as well as small oases, salt flats and silent volcanoes. The image of Boa Vista is characterized by sand and scree desert as well as low mountain ranges and beach.

Active Tours
With imposing mountains and green valleys the islands of volcanic origin offer ideal conditions for outdoor enthusiasts. Be it hiking on Santo Antão and Fogo, mountain biking on São Nicolau or bird watching on Maio. Water sports enthusiasts will find the adventure they are looking for in diving, sailing, kite surfing and windsurfing on Sal or Boavista.

Culture
The multifaceted islands stand for one thing above all: Creole joy and friendly people. For example, in Mindelo on São Vicente one will encounter a cosmopolitan and lively atmosphere. A visit to the bustling fish market gives an insight into the everyday life of the locals. On Maio, the hospitality of the inhabitants in the cheerful town of Cidade do Maio will enchant.
Tourist infrastructure
International flights are available to the islands of Sal, Santiago, Boavista and São Vicente. There are domestic air connections between the islands, a ferry service is available on short distances. The transport network of Cape Verde is well developed in regional comparison, which is also due to the increasing number of tourists in recent years. Road conditions can vary depending on the island and region. The main roads are mostly paved, towns in the interior are accessible via small dirt roads.
The number of accommodations has also improved. Especially on the islands of Sal and Boavista there is a well-developed portfolio of accommodations in different categories.
Climate and travel season
The Cape Verde Islands are characterized by a mild oceanic climate. The average daytime temperature is 23°C up to 30°C, with a night time temperature of over 20°C during the summer months. During the winter months (January to April), the thermometer drops to about 18°C at night. Precipitation is to be expected in the months of August to September.
In general, the islands can be visited all year round, as the sea breeze provides cooling even in the hotter months. Due to the temperatures, the months of November to June are considered the preferred travel time.
Visa and entry
Citizens of Germany, Austria and Switzerland need a passport valid for at least six months to enter Cape Verde. For a stay of up to 30 days, no visa is required, but travellers must register online with the Polícia National de Cabo at least five days before departure. For a stay of more than 30 days, a visa must be applied for at the responsible embassy in the respective country.
Since the regulations can change at any time, all information are non-binding and without guarantee. Please observe the visa regulations and the current information of the Federal Foreign Office / Federal Ministry European and International Affaires / Federal Department of Foreign Affaires at all times.
Impressions from Cape Verde
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Status: 05.10.2021