Cape Verde

Cape Verde is an archipelago of distinct personalities, so choosing islands matters more than trying to see everything. Sal and Boa Vista suit travellers seeking wide beaches, watersports and easy resort access. Santiago offers the capital, Praia, colonial history and a deeper look at everyday Cape Verdean life. In São Vicente, base yourself in Mindelo for music, cafés and a lively cultural scene, then consider the ferry to mountainous Santo Antão, one of the country’s best hiking destinations. Fogo brings volcanic landscapes and the chance to explore Chã das Caldeiras, while quieter Maio rewards travellers who prefer empty beaches and a slower pace. Build in flexibility: inter-island ferries and flights do not operate equally often on every route, and weather can affect schedules. Use Hello’s trip-planning tools to map realistic connections, reserve buffer days and keep accommodation details together. A well-paced itinerary might focus on two or three islands rather than turning the trip into a race across the Atlantic.

Travel between islands by domestic flight or ferry, depending on the route. Santo Antão has no airport, so visitors normally fly to São Vicente and continue by ferry; Brava is also reached by sea. Check schedules shortly before travelling and avoid planning a same-day connection to an important international flight. On individual islands, shared minibuses called aluguers are inexpensive and useful for common routes, but they usually leave when reasonably full rather than following a strict timetable. Taxis are more convenient for airports, evenings and remote accommodation; agree on the fare before departure when the meter is not used. Renting a car can work well on Sal, Boa Vista or Santiago, while steep, winding roads on Santo Antão and Fogo demand confidence and careful driving. For mountain hikes, ask your guesthouse about a local guide and confirm trail conditions. Save offline maps, especially before heading into valleys or volcanic terrain, where signal and transport options can be limited.

Cape Verde’s cuisine is hearty, affordable and shaped by Atlantic and West African traditions. Try cachupa, a slow-cooked stew of corn, beans, vegetables and often fish or meat; the richer breakfast version, cachupa refogada, is especially satisfying after a late night. Fresh grilled tuna, wahoo and lobster are common in coastal restaurants, while pastéis—small fried pastries filled with fish or meat—make an easy snack. In Mindelo, listen for morna and coladeira in intimate bars, and in Praia explore markets and neighbourhood restaurants for a more local atmosphere. Hospitality is warm, but service can be relaxed, so allow extra time for meals. Learn a few Portuguese or Cape Verdean Creole phrases: “bom dia,” “obrigado” or “obrigada,” and “quanto custa?” go a long way. Dress respectfully away from resort beaches, ask before photographing people, and remember that Sunday schedules may be quieter. If travelling with friends, Hello’s expense-splitting feature can divide shared dinners, taxis and excursions without losing track of who paid.

The local currency is the Cape Verdean escudo (CVE), and the exchange rate is fixed to the euro at 110 CVE to €1. Cards are accepted in many hotels, resorts and larger restaurants, but small shops, aluguers, market stalls and some guesthouses often require cash. Withdraw escudos in larger towns and carry smaller notes for taxis and snacks; do not rely on finding an ATM on a remote island. Euros may be accepted in tourist areas, but paying in escudos usually gives clearer value. Use Hello’s budget tracking to record spending in CVE and separate accommodation, transport, food and activities. For connectivity, buy and activate Hello eSIM before landing so maps, translation and arrival messages work without roaming charges. Coverage is generally strongest in towns and tourist areas, while remote beaches, mountain valleys and smaller islands can have slower or weaker service. Download boarding passes, accommodation addresses and key maps before leaving reliable Wi-Fi.