You might have heard about the USA, Italy, the Maldives, or Thailand being the most visited holiday destinations. But what if there is another hidden gem that makes it on the list? It turns out that Cape Verde has spent around 567.00 million US dollars on tourism as per the 2020 census. Located off the west coast of Africa in the central Atlantic Ocean, about 570 kilometres (350 miles) west of Senegal, this hub of islands is perfect for a vacation escape. This blog will share what makes Cape Verde the ultimate spot to spend your holidays.
Why Choose Cape Verde for Your Holiday Trip?
This section will discuss why you must go to Cape Verde as your holiday destination this year. Let’s have a look at what makes this spot special on your cape verde holidays:
1. Best Weather
One of the prime reasons why Cape Verde must be on your bucket list is due to its weather. Being on the Atlantic Coast, it has the best sunny climate, ideal for outdoor activities. Tourists looking for a suitable time to visit Cape Verde can arrive between November to June. This makes it a perfect all-year-round destination to make happy memories.
The typical temperature falls between 20-30 degrees, with July onwards till September being the hottest months. Despite being summery, you will find locals and other visitors having fun on the beaches to beat the scorching heat.
Moreover, August to October experiences rainfall, making the atmosphere more pleasant. Guests looking to have an adrenaline rush can try their luck at kite surfing or windsurfing in the islands like Sal and Boa Vista.
2. Stunning Beaches
Another reason why Cape Verde must be on your dream vacation list is because of its stunning beaches. Cape Verde is known for its clear blue waters and wide sandy beaches. These beaches are clean, calm, and perfect for swimming or relaxing.
Sal and Boa Vista are two of the most popular islands for beach lovers. Santa Maria Beach in Sal is one of the most visited. It offers white sand, clear water, and a peaceful vibe that tourists love. Boa Vista also has beaches that feel untouched, like Praia de Chaves and Santa Monica Beach. These spots are great for long walks, watching the sunset, or simply enjoying quiet time by the sea.
The beaches are also ideal for water sports. You can go kite surfing, windsurfing, or even snorkelling. The warm ocean water makes it fun for everyone, from beginners to experts. Most beaches have nearby resorts and local cafes, so you can easily spend the whole day there. If you love clean, beautiful, and peaceful beaches, Cape Verde will not disappoint.
3. Easy to Access
One more reason why Cape Verde is an ideal tourist stop for vacation is that it is easily accessible. Travellers coming from the UK can easily get to the island without much delay. The island is just 2,837 miles away from London. This means they can hop onto a direct flight coming from cities like Birmingham, Glasgow, Manchester and Newcastle.
Most flights take around six hours, making it a convenient trip. There is no need for long layovers or multiple stopovers, which saves time and reduces travel stress. The main airports in Cape Verde are located on Sal and Boa Vista islands. These airports handle international flights smoothly. Tourists can land and reach their hotels within a short drive. Local transport is also easy to find. Taxis, minibuses, and car rentals are available right outside the airports.
Cape Verde does not require a visa for short stays for many countries. This makes planning a trip quick and easy. The country uses the Cape Verdean escudo currency, but euros are widely accepted in most tourist areas. Simple travel steps and easy entry rules make Cape Verde a smart pick for a carefree holiday.
4. Rich History
Cape Verde is famous for its rich history. This place takes its name from its neighbour, Cap-Vert, the westernmost part of Africa that is situated 350 miles away. The islands were uninhabited until 1456, when the Portuguese and Genoese explorers arrived. They turned the area into a key port for trade between Europe, Africa, and the Americas. Over time, it became a centre for the transatlantic slave trade.
The culture of Cape Verde is influenced by African and Portuguese roots. It is shaped by centuries of movement and exchange. Visitors can still see the colonial buildings, old churches, and ruins that narrate the tales of the rich history.
For those who are interested in a history lecture, they can visit the Cidade Velha- the former capital city and the current UNESCO World Heritage Site. The islands played a strong role in independence movements across Africa. In 1975, Cape Verde gained full freedom from Portugal.
5. Island Hopping
Island hopping is another fun aspect of Cape Verde that makes it a go-to choice for your holidays. Santo Antão island offers challenging hiking trails for thrill seekers. With rugged mountains and lush greenery, this island provides a breathtaking view of the valley below, filled with sugarcane plants, pine trees, and villages.
For those searching for pure relaxation, May Island is a suitable spot to consider for an afternoon nap. Having sugary white sands, this beach is a heaven for escaping the noise for a while. This island is perfect for disconnecting from the world and reconnecting with yourself.
Adventure lovers can try their workout sessions at Fogo Island. With a striking height of 2,829 meters, this island is home to an active volcano. While the race to the top is surely difficult, the view of the surroundings is worth the sweat dropped.
Families who wish to make memories on their Cape Verde holidays can visit Santiago. This is a great pick to have a little taste of everything, like beaches, mountains, and the vibrant local traditions.
6. Beautiful Culture
Cape Verde is the most lively island on which to have a fun time. The city of Mindelo is an ideal place to visit for tourists looking to dance the night away. You can sway your body to the sounds of morna, coladeira, and other musical types that are played.
Moreover, the Mindelo Carnival is another festival that must be on your things to-do list. It is an event that was inspired by Rio De Janeiro’s carnival, attracting tourists from everywhere. You will find locals dressed up in colourful costumes walking around in parades. The whole atmosphere becomes buzzing with laughter and energy.
Final Words
This blog has discussed what makes Cape Verde the ultimate island escape destination. Known to have volcanic mountains, this island is surely a phenomenal place to visit on your holidays. From stunning beaches and festive culture, to island hopping and exploring rich history, Cape Verde is a great place to check out. If you are looking for a fun and comfortable trip, then reach out to Virikson Holidays to get customised packages.