INTRODUCTION  LOCATION  BEACHES  FOOD & WINE  ACTIVITIES  FISHING  HOTEL RATINGS  SHOPPING  ENTERTAINMENT  GETTING AROUND  ESSENTIALS
To read about the islands of Cape Verde that we feature Click Here

INTRODUCTION 
The archipelago of Cape Verde presents the nearest tropical islands to the UK. Climatically they are a marine extension of the Sahara, and benefit from a dry, moderate climate throughout the year with generally very little rainfall although it can vary according to the island and altitude. At the coast it rains on average only 22 days a year in contrast to nearly 3000 hours of sunshine (average 8 hours per day). There is a pleasant, almost permanent breeze. It can rain more often in the green and mountainous islands.
Cape Verde is a cocktail of what you may find in other destinations. The magnificent beaches often with lush interiors and the Creole people are reminiscent of the Seychelles. Islands such as Sal and São Vicente have a barren landscape and climate similar to the Canary Islands of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura. In the verdant highlands of Santiago and Santo Antão you could quite easily be in Kenya’s Rift Valley. Some of the coastal areas and fishing villages recall The Gambia. The awesome volcanic island of Fogo rises from the sea like Stromboli. The overall impression is of a fascinating and unspoiled holiday destination with each island different to its neighbour.
Although tourism to the islands is developing, it remains in its infancy and many aspects are unsophisticated compared to more established and well-known resorts. Cape Verde will appeal to those wishing to experience a vibrant way of life, fascinating people, fabulous beaches, sunshine, some island hopping and a sense of adventure.

LOCATION The islands lie 385 miles from Senegal and 800 miles south of the Canaries. They are on the same latitude as Barbados and there are regular flights to Brazil. As they are just one hour behind GMT there is no jet lag.

BEACHES The beaches are superb with long stretches of fine white sand. The most popular are on the islands of Boa Vista and Sal, whilst Maio, Santiago and São Vicente have fine but little visited beaches.

FOOD & WINE You can find restaurants to suit most tastes in the more popular areas. Freshly caught fish is always on the menu cooked to local recipes, with relatively inexpensive swordfish and tuna widely found. Bananas, papaya, mango and other fruit including strawberries are usually readily available when in season. Most meat is imported from Brazil and South Africa.
The wines come mainly from Portugal, although there are good wines produced on the island of Fogo, and there are local beers and a rum-based grogue! Fogo also produces fine coffee and cheese.

ACTIVITIES Island-hopping, trekking, horseriding, diving and watersports are popular activities.
Cape Verde comprises two distinctly different types of islands. Seven of the more westerly islands are characterised by their mountainous landscapes, whereas the three closer to Africa (Boa Vista, Sal and Maio) are distinguished by their long sandy beaches.
Island-hopping between them using a combination of local ferries and inter-island flights is a popular pastime.
Trekking and rambling along the paths created by the local people on the islands of Santiago, Santo Antão and Fogo introduces you to breathtaking scenery with green valleys, rocky inlets, terraced plantations and volcanic peaks.
During the summer months bird watching on most islands is also popular. The islands are normally a key nesting site for loggerhead turtles in August and September.
The crystal clear waters around the islands are excellent for scuba diving and deep sea fishing. Waterskiing, windsurfing, kitesurfing and sailing are also popular activities, depending upon weather conditions.
There is a modest golf course on São Vicente and there are excellent spa facilities at the Venta Club on Boa Vista. Massage is available at several hotels.

May we also suggest Here are just a few things we recommend you include on any holiday to Cape Verde:
• Island hop and visit at least 3 islands
• Meet the locals by taking a trip in an aluguer and/or the ferry from Sao Vicente to Santo Antao
• Visit a local bar and enjoy a spot of samba or salsa dancing
• Visit Fogo
• Make the incredible road journey across the mountains on Santo Antao

FISHING Fishing in the Cape Verde Islands is legendary – in the summer season all big game fish are found here and during the winter wahoo and serra are most commonly found.
Holiday Options together with Fishing Dream can offer a choice of a fishing package of 5 sessions or big game fishing for half day or full day sessions.
Fishing Dream is currently the only registered company in Cape Verde with full authorisation and licenses to operate in accordance with the directives of the IGFA (International Game Fishing Association). Fishing Dream’s Italian-owned boat, which cruises at 28-30 knots, offers 5 rods on each side, 4 off the top and 2 at the back, two outriggers, all safety equipment, full insurance and a uniformed crew of English-speaking captain and 2/3 crew members.  

Pre-booked Fishing Package comprises: • One outing trolling (4 hours)
• One outing bottom fishing (4 hours)
• One outing surf casting (4 hours)
• One outing rock fishing (4 hours)
• One outing spinning (4 hours)

Prices are £495 for one person and £415 per person for 2 or more people, and include: 
Transfers from/to hotel, 5 fishing outings, fishing equipment and baits, insurance, breakfast when fishing in early morning, drinking water, expert advice and two fishing guides.

Pre-booked Big Game Daily Prices (maximum 3 persons): 
Half Day (4 hours) per boat - £375 (1 – 3 persons)
Full Day (7/8 hours) per boat - £650 (1 – 3 persons)

Fishing trips should be booked at the time of your initial booking.

SHOPPING Interestingly many shops are now run by the Chinese, originally from Macau. There is a good curio and ceramic shop on Santiago and local foods and liquor are popular purchases.

ENTERTAINMENT Some of the larger hotels provide international style entertainment. However local entertainment is most interesting, especially on Sal and São Vicente where there is a choice of clubs, bars and restaurants. The local people thrive on music and dancing, and a band will strike up anywhere for an impromptu beach or street party. Salsa and Samba mixed with tribal African dance are de rigueur. 
Cape Verdeans love festivals, the most splendid being the annual Mardi Gras in late February, but each island indulges in at least two additional fiestas each year.

GETTING AROUND There are international airports on Sal and Santiago with new ones opening this year on Boa Vista and São Vicente. Travel within the islands is by inter-island flights, or by ferry between São Vicente and Santo Antão, subject to timetables. Travelling around the islands by aluguers, locally run minibuses, is a great way to get to know the locals. Car hire is available on some islands. Most roads are challenging and are often of local stone or rough tracks.

ACTIVITIES Island-hopping, trekking, horseriding, diving and watersports are popular activities.
Cape Verde comprises two distinctly different types of islands. Seven of the more westerly islands are characterised by their mountainous landscapes, whereas the three closer to Africa (Boa Vista, Sal and Maio) are distinguished by their long sandy beaches.
Island-hopping between them using a combination of local ferries and inter-island flights is a popular pastime.
Trekking and rambling along the paths created by the local people on the islands of Santiago, Santo Antão and Fogo introduces you to breathtaking scenery with green valleys, rocky inlets, terraced plantations and volcanic peaks.
During the summer months bird watching on most islands is also popular. The islands are normally a key nesting site for loggerhead turtles in August and September.
The crystal clear waters around the islands are excellent for scuba diving and deep sea fishing. Waterskiing, windsurfing, kitesurfing and sailing are also popular activities, depending upon weather conditions.
There is a modest golf course on São Vicente and there are excellent spa facilities at the Venta Club on Boa Vista. Massage is available at several hotels.

HOTEL RATINGS Brochure descriptions provide the official Cape Verde ratings, which are not judged in the same way as EC hotel ratings. A Cape Verde five star rating would usually be the equivalent of an EC four star and so on. We hope the description will give you a correct idea of the hotel’s facilities and comfort.


ESSENTIALS
Passport and Visas:All nationals require a full passport valid for a minimum of 6 months beyond the intended date of departure from Cape Verde. All nationals also require a visa to enter Cape Verde. Holiday Options will arrange this free of charge for clients taking inclusive holidays only.

Language:Portuguese is the national language and is widely spoken along with the local Creole. English is taught at school and generally understood

Money:The local currency is the Cape Verdean escudo (£1= 160 escudos), but you cannot obtain this prior to travel. The euro is also widely accepted. Credit cards are gradually being introduced and VISA is now normally accepted in tourist hotels and some restaurants. ATMs can now be found on Sal, São Vicente, Boa Vista and Santiago. Alternatively, money can be drawn from banks against a credit card. Shops and restaurants work on fixed prices and generally exchange at the rate of 100 escudos/1 euro. Bartering as found in neighbouring African countries is not normally part of the culture.

Local Costs: A typical set 3 course meal will cost approximately £12, a tea or coffee 50p, a glass of wine or beer 70p and a bottle of wine £10.

Health: No vaccinations are required and malaria and other tropical diseases are not endemic. There are hospitals in urban areas and clinics in villages. Large hotels have a clinic and/or a doctor on regular visits. 
Sanitation is generally very good. As a precautionary measure it is advisable to take medications against stomach upsets. Medical facilities on Cape Verde for serious illnesses and injuries are not generally of a standard expected in the UK. To reduce the possibility of stomach upsets it helps to avoid tap water, ice in drinks, raw salads and unpeeled fruit. You should follow local advice before swimming in the Atlantic as in some areas there are strong undercurrents and riptides. Water: We recommend drinking only bottled water throughout your stay.

Dress code: The dress code is casual although some hotels require gentlemen to wear long trousers for dinner. As it can be cool in the mountains, and often windy at the coast with cool evenings, you are advised to pack at least one warm sweater

Time Difference: Cape Verde is on GMT-1 and is one hour behind the UK in winter and 2 hours behind the UK in the summer.

Electricity:220v with 2 or 3 pin sockets; a European adaptor is required

Flight time:The direct flying time from the UK is just under 6 hours. 

Flight Upgrades: Astraeus’ Star Class service offers a stress-free check-in and a spacious, relaxing environment in the forward cabin at a supplement from just £195 per person return. Additional benefits of this upgraded service from Gatwick include: Spacious seats with 36” pitch, 40kgs luggage allowance, use of Executive Lounge at Gatwick, superior meal choice served on china, complimentary drinks, newspapers and in-flight entertainment