Cape Verde, an archipelago located off the northwest coast of Africa, is fast becoming a popular tourist destination. With 9 very different islands to explore, from the tropical landscape on Santo Antao, the volcanic crater on Fogo, the island of Sao Vicente, famous for its festive celebrations and the black sand beaches of Sao Nicolau, a Cape Verde Island hopping adventure is a fantastic getaway for beach lovers and nature & hiking enthusiasts alike.
What to expect on a Cape Verde Island hopping trip
Cape Verdean culture is a vibrant tapestry woven from various influences, reflecting its unique geographical location and historical background. Here are some key aspects:
Stunning Beaches and Landscapes
Cape Verde offers a variety of dramatic landscapes, from volcanic islands with rugged terrain to serene beaches with clear blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean, an ideal spot for water sports like windsurfing and kite surfing, and diving to explore its vibrant marine life. Cape Verde is a captivating destination for tourists looking for both relaxation and adventure.
Pleasant Climate
The archipelago boasts a year-round mild climate with plenty of sunshine, making it an ideal getaway for tourists escaping colder climates. The dry season from November to June is the best time to book your Cape Verde Island hopping holidays with sunny days and warm temperatures, which are ideal for beach outings and water sports. It's the peak tourist season, providing the most favorable conditions for travel.
Cultural Diversity
Cape Verde is rich in cultural heritage, influenced by African, Portuguese, and Brazilian cultures. You can enjoy unique music & dance as you travel between the islands. Cape Verdeans celebrate numerous festivals throughout the year, with music, dance, and parades being common features. The colourful and exuberant “carnavals”, influenced by the Brazilian Carnival are deeply entrenched in local culture. February is the best month to experience the festival vibe. Music is integral part of everyday life in the Cape Verde islands, and you will hear a variety of song as you travel between the islands, including:
· Morna: A genre characterized by melancholic melodies and themes of nostalgia and longing. Cesária Évora, known as the "Barefoot Diva," was a world-famous singer of Morna music.
· Funaná: A lively and fast-paced music style often accompanied by energetic dancing.
· Coladeira: Features upbeat rhythms and is often used for social dance gatherings.
Local artisans & culinary delights
The cuisine combines African, Portuguese, and Brazilian influences. On your Cape Verde Island hopping trip, you can sample the Cachupa: a traditional dish made with corn, beans, fish, or meat. It's considered the national dish of Cape Verde. Seafood is abundant and often a staple in many dishes given the islands' proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. Grogu is a potent rum made from sugarcane, locally distilled, and enjoyed in social settings. Pastéis are small pastries filled with fish or meat, often served as snacks.
We recommend leaving a little space in your luggage when packing for your holidays as you will want to pick up some souvenirs. Cape Verdean art embodies vibrant colors and depicts daily life and cultural themes. Crafts often feature intricate wood carvings, pottery, and woven textiles.
Welcoming Atmosphere
The locals are known for their friendliness and hospitality, making visitors feel welcome and encouraged to explore the islands. A Cape Verde Island hopping adventure is characterized by the warmth of the Cape Verdeans. Portuguese is the official language used in government and educational settings. Kriolu (Creole) is widely spoken and serves as a cultural identity marker. It's a blend of Portuguese with West African languages.
The logistics of a Cape Verde Island hopping adventure
Are there ferries between the islands?
When you book a Cape Verde Island hopping tour with Intura, we take care of all of the logistics during your time on the archipelago. There are ferry services between some of the Cape Verde islands. These ferries provide crucial transportation links, allowing both locals and tourists to travel between the islands. The ferry services can vary in frequency and availability depending on the weather and sea conditions.
Are there domestic flights between the islands?
There are also domestic flights between the Cape Verde islands. Flights are operated by local airlines, providing a convenient way to travel between some of the islands. Airlines like Binter Cabo Verde offer services connecting islands such as Sal, Santiago, Boa Vista, and the island of São Vicente. As destination experts, we can easily modify your itinerary and adapt to any changes to the ferry or flight schedule, offering you a stress-free holiday.
Explore the islands of Cape Verde with Intura Travel.
We offer a range of self-guided walking holidays in Cape Verde. The island of Santo Antao is a haven for hiking enthusiasts and is a prominent feature on our tours. We recommend 8 days to explore on foot the 2 islands of Santo Antao & Sao Vicente and for a real Cape Verde Island hopping adventure, we offer 2 tours that last just short of 2 weeks and offer some of the best hikes on the archipelago and the option to take it easy on some days, and simply relax, meander and immerse yourself into the everyday lifestyle of the Cape Verdeans.
· Discovering the winward islands : Santo Antão, Sao Nicolau, Sal
· An Island hopping adventure in Cape Verde
Through tropical orchards of banana, mango and orange trees, through fertile valleys and traditional hamlets, taking in colourful markets, volcanic craters and fields of petrified lava, alternating between alpine and coastal landscapes in just one day, reaching high plateaus with breathtaking views… come and enjoy a Cape Verde Island hopping trip with Intura for a truly memorable adventure!
