Check the weather city by city, starting with Praia.
Cape Verde is a volcanic archipelago of 10 islands off the Senegalese coast: the still-active Fogo volcano, whose vineyards grow in the lava, Mindelo with its legendary Afro-Brazilian carnival, the beaches of Sal for kitesurfing, and Santo Antão, a hiking paradise of lush, lunar-like landscapes.
Fogo island is dominated by the Pico do Fogo (2,829 m), an active volcano whose last eruption was in 2014–2015. Inside the caldera (Chã das Caldeiras), a village of 1,000 people grows wine and coffee in the lava, ringed by the caldera walls — one of the most striking landscapes in Africa.
Highlights : Pico do Fogo ascent (2,829 m, 5h), Chã das Caldeiras village in the lava, View of neighbouring islands from the caldera.
Mindelo is Cape Verde's cultural capital: birthplace of morna (Cesária Évora's melancholic music, UNESCO-listed), a colourful colonial port lined with Portuguese buildings, and home to the Mindelo Carnival (February) — the most spectacular in Africa. A city that truly vibrates.
Highlights : Mindelo Carnival (February) — the biggest in Africa, Morna — Cesária Évora's legacy (UNESCO), Porto Grande Bay — sunset, Municipal Market & Avenida Marginal pedestrian street.
Sal is Cape Verde's most touristy island: its steady winds and shallow waters make it a world-class paradise for kitesurfing and windsurfing. Pedra de Lume, a former volcanic crater filled with salt water, lets you float just like in the Dead Sea. Santa Maria is the busiest beach.
Highlights : Kitesurfing at Kite Beach Santa Maria (steady wind), Pedra de Lume — salty volcanic crater (floating), Snorkelling at Santa Maria — hawksbill turtles.
Santo Antão is one of Cape Verde's greenest islands: its tropical valleys (Paúl, Ribeira Grande) contrast with arid ridges and cliffs over the Atlantic. The hike from Cova to Ponta do Sol beach (5h) is one of the finest in Africa.
Highlights : Paul Valley — tropical hike through banana groves, Cova–Ponta do Sol trek (Atlantic cliffs, 5h), Artisanal grogue (local rum) distilleries, Pico da Cruz — summit with island views.
Cape Verde is affordable on a reasonable budget. The Cape Verdean escudo is pegged to the euro (€1 = 110 CVE), making it a stable currency. Sal is pricier than Fogo or Santo Antão. Inter-island flights are essential.