The Cape Verde archipelago is a tropical paradise that lends itself to exploration. With over 50 inhabited islands, you can easily spend several days exploring each one. Each place is unique, with its own culture and traditions worth discovering. Cape Verde is an off-the-beaten-track destination that offers a wide variety of experiences. This article outlines some of the best ways to explore this country if you have limited time and funds.
Go street food hunting
Cape Verde is famous for its cuisine. In fact, Cape Verdean food has been described as "the natural cuisine of the Cape Verde islands" . The streets are full of food stalls selling hot dishes, most of which are freshly prepared. Cape Verde is also famous for its products made from cashew nut (nacional) and macadamia nuts. Savour Cape Verdean cuisine as you stroll the streets and browse the local markets. Restaurants are also a great way to sample Cape Verdean cuisine.
Most of the country's tourist attractions
Most of the country's main tourist attractions, including the Independence Day in Praiaare free. That said, many tours are not free, even if they are advertised as such. Many hotels and tourist guides offer guided tours. It's also a good idea to ask your accommodation for recommendations. Another option is to search for free guided tours online. Many travel websites list both free and paid tours and allow you to filter tours according to your interests.
A walk to delight the eyes
Many of the archipelago's islands are steep and accident victims. There are, however, some that are more accessible and offer beautiful views. Boa Vista, São Vicente, Fogo and Santo Antão are spots that can be reached by hiking. If you have the time and energy, climb the Table Mountainto the north-west of the island of Santiago. It's an arduous 16km hike, but the views are unbeatable. If you're in the south, São Vicente's Table Mountain is also well worth a visit.
Discover endemic species
La biodiversity is one of the country's main resources, as it is home to a wide range of protected animal and plant species. Plant and endemic species are of particular interest in Cape Verde. There are over 400 species of orchid and 500 species of tree. The Santo Antão and Boa Vista national parks are good choices for amateur botanists.
Staying safe and healthy
Safety is generally good in Cape Verde, but visitors should always be aware of their surroundings and avoid isolated areas. There have been a number of sexual assaults in Praia in recent years, indicating that safety awareness is essential. Please take care when drinking alcoholic beverages and avoid walking alone after dark.. It is important to take care of your health when visiting this tropical country. Avoid eating uncooked food, drinking unpasteurised beverages, swimming in polluted water sources and visiting heavily polluted beaches.
Buy local products, food and drink
Cape Verde is a cashless country. Credit and debit cards can be used for most transactions, but there are a few things for which you will need to bring more cash with you. Local products, food, drinks and souvenirs must be bought in cash. That said, it's worth doing some research online to find the best places to buy these products.
The best time to visit Cape Verde is...
The best time to visit Cape Verde is between January and AprilThis is when the weather conditions are at their best. The temperature is generally between 25 and 30 degrees, with humidity falling in the cooler months. This is also the best time to visit the national parks, as they are less crowded. However, the summer months are also good, as temperatures are not as hot and humidity is lower than in the winter months.
Cape Verde is a relatively affordable country well worth visiting. It's a small country with a limited number of visitors, so you're likely to meet few other tourists. That said, it's one of the least-visited countries in the world, so you'll also have the chance to discover a truly unique place. Cape Verde is a relatively safe country, with a rich culture and cuisine to explore. With so much to see and do, the country has a lot to offer visitors. The good news is that you can discover this country without spending a lot of money. In fact, many of the experiences described in this article are free or very inexpensive. From street food to hiking, exploring Cape Verde is easy and affordable. If you have the right tips, you'll be able to fully explore this tropical paradise without spending a lot of money.