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Cape Verde: Volcanic Islands and Rhythm You'll Never Forget

Cape Verde: Volcanic Islands and Rhythm You'll Never Forget

Cape Verde or Cabo Verde isn’t the kind of place you arrive at by accident. It’s a small country made up of ten volcanic islands floating off the West African coast, yet it feels big in emotion. The rhythm of morna music, the taste of fresh catchupa, and the ever-present wind—it all stays with you.

Every island tells its own story. One might be all golden sand and lazy waves. Another has crater hikes, cobbled streets, and live guitar in a tiny bar. And through it all: Creole culture, open smiles, and a pace that invites you to breathe, listen, and let go of time.

In this guide, we’ll take you through the top places to visit, local dishes to try, and the best way to stay connected with JetSet eSIM.


Must-See Places in Cape Verde

Sal – Beachfront Simplicity and Sea Breezes

Sal is the island that knows how to relax. Think white beaches, surf-ready winds, and brightly colored fishing boats. Santa Maria is the hub, with a laid-back vibe, seafood on every menu, and locals who greet you with “no stress.”

Santo Antão – Hike, Climb, and Gaze Down Valleys

The greenest island. Switchbacks climb steep ridges. Banana trees, sugarcane, and waterfalls fill the valleys. Trek through the Paul Valley, stay in a mountain guesthouse, and watch clouds roll over terraced cliffs.

São Vicente – Culture, Music, and Mindelo’s Pulse

This is the island of soul. Mindelo is Cape Verde’s cultural capital—birthplace of Cesária Évora, and still home to smoky bars, spontaneous jam sessions, and late-night poetry. Walk the harbor, visit the art galleries, and don’t leave without dancing.

Fogo – Volcanoes and Black Sand Silence

Home to the country’s only active volcano, Pico do Fogo. Hike up through hardened lava fields, sip wine from vines that grow in volcanic soil, and explore Chã das Caldeiras, where life continues inside the crater.

Boa Vista – Sand Dunes, Turtles, and Long Quiet Beaches

Wide open and windblown. Boa Vista is about space—miles of coastline, desert plains, and nesting sea turtles in season. Quad bike across dunes or just lie back and watch the Atlantic sky shift colors.


What to Eat in Cape Verde

Catchupa – The Soul of the Kitchen

A slow-cooked stew made with corn, beans, sweet potato, and fish or meat. Every household has its own version. It’s comfort food, celebration food—shared at weddings, in homes, and street stalls alike.

Pastel com diablo dentro – A Bite with a Name

Literally “pastry with the devil inside,” these are fried turnovers filled with spicy tuna or meat. Crispy outside, warm and fiery inside.

Buzio – Ocean in a Shell

Sea snails cooked with garlic, onion, and lemon. A salty-smooth appetizer often served at beach shacks or casual bars.

Doce de papaya – Tropical Sweetness

Homemade papaya jam, sometimes with a touch of lime or cinnamon. Spread on toast in the morning or eaten with cheese as dessert.

Grogue – Strong and Straightforward

A sugarcane spirit distilled locally, especially on Santo Antão. It’s intense, unfiltered, and part of Cape Verde’s social rhythm. Sip with caution and with respect.


Essential Travel Tips for Cape Verde

Best Time to Visit

  • November to June is dry and sunny, perfect for beach time and hiking.
  • August to October brings short rains and slightly higher humidity.


Money & Payments

  • Currency: Cape Verdean Escudo (CVE)
  • Cards: Accepted in hotels, some restaurants, and larger shops, but many places are cash only.
  • Cash: Bring euros (widely accepted), or withdraw from ATMs in cities.
  • Tipping: 5 to 10 percent is standard, or just round up.


Getting Around

  • Domestic Flights connect most islands, but may be delayed or full. It's best to book early.
  • Ferries link some islands but are less reliable.
  • Aluguers (shared minivans) run between towns. They are cheap, social, and unpredictable.
  • Taxis are easy in towns like Mindelo and Santa Maria. Always ask for prices upfront.


Staying Safe

  • Cape Verde is generally very safe and welcoming.
  • Petty theft can happen in tourist areas. Keep an eye on your bag at the beach or in busy markets.
  • Tap water is not always drinkable. Stick to bottled or filtered water.


Staying Connected in Cape Verde

Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, guesthouses, and cafés, but speeds can vary widely, especially on smaller islands like Fogo or Santo Antão. Signal strength also drops the farther you go from town centers.

Buying a local SIM can be tricky. Lines are slow, passport registration is required, and instructions are usually in Portuguese or Creole. If you're island-hopping or arriving late in the day, this setup can eat into your trip time.

JetSet eSIM keeps it simple.

Activate Cape Verde JetSet eSIM before your flight, land with coverage already set, and stay online as you move from beach town to mountain trail. Need more data? Order new eSIM online in seconds. No shops. No hassle.

Explore Cape Verde’s islands with confidence. JetSet eSIM keeps you connected from coastlines to crater hikes.

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