But its real name is Cape Verde. In principle, the geography teachers were not so wrong. From the Portuguese the name is translated as Green Cape. The archipelago country consists of fifteen islands, some of which are uninhabited. All of them are located in tropical latitudes, quite close to the equator, six hundred kilometers from the western coast of Africa (exactly opposite Senegal). Cool somewhat softens the constant heat. Which island to choose for vacation? This is entirely up to you. For example, if you love diving, the islands of the leeward group (Maio, Fogo, Brava, Santiago) are suitable for you, and if you are fond of surfing or kiting, choose Bov Vista, Sal, Sao Nicolau, Sao Vicente or Santo Antao. The rather large island of Santa Lucia is uninhabited, you can only come there on an excursion.

Visa

In Russia, a representative office of Cape Verde was opened relatively recently. The embassy, ​​or rather, the honorary consulate of the country, is located at the address: Moscow, 26/1, office No. 182. But you need to go there for a visa only if you are flying to the Cape Verde Islands on a flight with a connection at German cities. According to national regulations, German airlines may deny you the right to board if you do not have the appropriate insert in your passport. If you use the services of Spanish, Portuguese or French firms, then you can get a tourist visa upon arrival in Cape Verde. The main thing is that your passport has an expiration date that exceeds your stay in the country. This pleasure costs 25 Euro per person.

How to get there

Unfortunately, there are no direct flights from Russia to the tropical Cape Verde Islands. After all, the country of Cape Verde is located nine thousand kilometers from Moscow. Therefore, the journey is long, about nine hours (excluding the time of docking). After analyzing the reviews of tourists, we can say that it is most convenient to fly with the TAP company with a transfer in Lisbon. Then you can choose a flight to the Sal Islands or Santiago. You will need to spend the night in a hotel in Hannover (and, accordingly, you need to have a Schengen visa for this) if you choose Lufthansa. But there are convenient connections in Madrid (Iberia), Paris (Air France) and Frankfurt (Lufthansa). You can freely bring two liters of alcohol and 400 cigarettes with you. Most tourists arriving in the republic land at the international airport "Amilcar Cabral", which is located on the island of Sal, while the country's capital is located on Santiago.

Movement within the archipelago

We can say that the locals are the most flying nation in the world, because the main type of communication between the islands is air. So, having arrived at Sal, do not rush to leave the well-groomed and beautiful airport building. In its open area there is a representative office of the local airline Transportes Aereos de Cabo Verde, abbreviated as TACV. Small but comfortable airplanes of this company flutter from island to island with enviable regularity. Cape Verde also boasts a developed maritime transport system, with ferries, boats and speedboats linking nearby land masses. Inside a separate island, you can rent a car (the driver must be over 21 years old and have driving experience). But the reviews of tourists say that there is no particular need for this. Minibuses (locally called aluguer) actively run on the roads, and taxis are inexpensive. You can negotiate with the driver, and a whole day of skiing around the island will cost you only Є70-80.

Helpful information

There is a currency exchange office and ATMs at Cape Verde International Airport. You should not immediately change all dollars and Euros for local escudos. The course at the airport (as well as in hotels) is underestimated. In addition, there is no return exchange, so take colorful pieces of paper with you to Russia as souvenirs. Credit cards are accepted only in large "promoted" hotels, and even then not all payment systems. Judging by the reviews of tourists, only Visa owners had no problems. It is best to change the currency in banks, but they are open on weekdays from 9:00 to 17:00, and only a few are open on Saturdays until noon. Winter tourists may have the feeling that it is not so hot outside. Don't be fooled by the refreshing ocean breeze: the equatorial sun will easily burn the skin that is not lubricated with a protective cream. But it doesn't hurt to bring a sweater or windbreaker with you.

Climate

It is due to the location of the geographical feature in tropical latitudes, the proximity of Africa (even sand is brought to Sal from the mainland, which is collected in dunes) and the action of the warm current of the Gulf Stream. The climate can be called dry, but the amount of precipitation differs significantly depending on the location of the islands. For example, on Sal it rains only eleven days a year, while on Fogo it is often overcast and damp. Summer is hot here: the average air temperature is +28 ... +32 °C, the water warms up to +26 °C. Winter brings only relative coolness: + 24 ° C air and + 22 ° C ocean. The rainiest months are January and February.

Holidays in Cape Verde: reviews of tourists

Experienced travelers who have something to compare with say that this country is a rare combination of the European level of service and primeval nature. Here you can take a break from obsessive and boring things in our civilization (smog, traffic jams, etc.) and at the same time not feel deprived of its benefits. Huge sandy beaches welcome everyone. Sun loungers and umbrellas in this earthly paradise are free. The Cape Verde Islands are very popular with French, Spanish, German and Portuguese tourists. But there are few Russians here, which can be counted as a plus. The audience is clearly divided into two categories: pensioners and couples with children who want a relaxing holiday, and the so-called athletes. The republic-archipelago is one of the universally recognized centers for diving, windsurfing and sport fishing in the world. There are no noisy discos and buzzing water scooters, as in Antalya, here. The only event that gathers crowds of people is the Carnival before Lent (usually falls in February). Colorful processions take place in the country's capital Praia and the main city of the island of Sao Vicente - Mindelo.

Hotels

The hotel base of the country is quite developed. The only feature can be called a small presence here of well-known chain hotels. But each complex can boast of its original design. Most resorts in Cape Verde consist of hotels, which are cottage villages or beachfront bungalows. But there is no shortage of noisy "anthills" - huge hotel complexes consisting of multi-storey buildings. The lion's share of hotels practices a food system. Food, as can be judged by the reviews, is tasty, well-cooked, but without frills - mostly grilled meat and fish, vegetables, fruits. The hotels have evening and daytime animation, including for children. In places with strong ocean surf, there are pools with salt water.

Excursions

Most tourists who come to the country through agencies rest in the east of the archipelago. Due to the winds blowing from Africa, there is a desert landscape here. The island owes its name to the salt deposit, which is mined from the crater. extinct volcano. There is also an analogue Dead Sea- a lake saturated with brine at the bottom of the caldera. It is worth going on a sightseeing tour of Sala. It doesn't cost that much and is often included in the tour package. They also offer to admire the inhabitants of coral reefs and underwater caves by taking a trip on a boat with a transparent bottom. You can also watch turtles laying eggs. The rest of the excursions are expensive (150-180 Є), which is understandable - they include air travel. These trips take all day. Immediately upon arrival or on the last day, it is worth seeing the island of Santiago. The capital of Cape Verde, Praia, is located there. The name of the city is translated as "beach", and that says it all. An interesting excursion to Foga (the tour includes climbing an active volcano) and to the "island of flowers" Brava.

What to bring from Cape Verde

Holidays on the islands are so original that you definitely want to take something as a memory of these wonderful places. Local craftsmen provide you wide choose. Wooden and clay figurines, handicrafts made of coconut or bull horn, lamps, baskets made of palm straw, elegant little things made of tortoise shell, carpets. Souvenirs are sold mainly by Senegalese. You need to be able to bargain with them. Your eloquence and acting skills (pretend to leave the shop) will be rewarded - a half-meter-high wooden carving can be purchased for as little as 10 euros.

The African Republic of Cape Verde politically, or the Cape Verde Islands geographically, is a unique place, discovered by Europeans over 500 years ago. Agree, both names sound unusual, romantic and attractive. The tiny state is spread over 18 islands, surrounded by an ocean boiling with life, it is famous for its national color, which is a mixture of African, Latin American and European traditions, as well as a mild climate, culture, and carnivals. Not surprisingly, the country's main source of income is tourism.

Cape Verde is worth seeing with the eyes of a future traveler. Our article will help you with this. We will talk about where the Cape Verde Islands are located, plunge into their history, look into the very heart of the capital and find out how much a trip to this remote archipelago costs, as well as how to get to it and what to see.

Location and general description

Arid islands are located in the Atlantic Ocean. They are a truly unique ecoregion. In other words, this is a territory that is a specific combination of natural communities, united by the common ecological processes of the biotic population and located in similar geographical conditions. The archipelago consists of 8 small islands and 10 large ones located 570 km off the western coast of the African continent. All of them are divided into two groups: Windward and Leeward. The first includes Santo Antan, San Vicente, Sal, Santa Lucia (the only uninhabited of all), Boavista. Brava, Fogu, Mayu, Santiago belong to the leeward group. In total, the Cape Verde Islands and the Republic of Cape Verde occupy only 4033 square meters. km.

Strong winds bringing sand with them caused soil erosion in these places. Here you will not find luxurious tropical greenery. The characteristic landscape is jagged cliffs rising above the sea, lack of vegetation, and only the interior valleys look like oases with natural flora.

Natural resources of the islands

The archipelago is of volcanic origin and is predominantly mountainous. The only flat islands are Boavista, Sal and Mayu. The coastline is mostly rocky, 1053 km long. The place where the Cape Verde Islands are located is characterized by seismic and volcanic activity. Location in one of the seismic zones of Africa makes the region unstable. The situation is also complicated by the active Fogo volcano, which is located on the island of the same name and is the highest point in the archipelago - its height above sea level is 2829 m. Eruptions occur quite often, the last was in 2014, after which the country's government decided to close the airport on the island and evacuation of its inhabitants.

From the minerals in Cape Verde, limestone, kaolin, basalt, volcanic tuff, pumice, salt and pozzolan are mined. On some islands, thermal healing springs with mineral waters are open.

Flora o. Cape Verde is quite poor. It is characterized by desert and semi-desert small-leaved grasses and shrubs. In total, there are about 450 species of local origin and 150 imported to the archipelago. Here are just a few of them: acacias, pines and cypresses, eucalyptus, almonds, date and coconut palms, baobabs, mangoes, etc. The smallest of all inhabited islands and at the same time the most “green” is considered to be about. Brava.

The sparse vegetation explains the fact that the Cape Verde Islands in Africa have a poor fauna. It is mainly represented by birds (quails, falcons, parrots, frigatebirds, flamingos, herons, kingfishers, etc.), reptiles (mainly lizards) and insects. It should be noted that the coastal waters of the islands are simply teeming with life. A natural balance has been achieved between the "poor" land and the "rich" ocean. Sharks, whales, shellfish, fish, dolphins, rays, and more - it's hard to list all the variety aquatic species.

The climate of the islands

The Cape Verde Islands (photo in text) are dominated by a dry tropical climate, characterized by slight fluctuations in air temperature throughout the year. The wind blows very often in the archipelago. This factor makes it easier to endure heat beyond +30 ° C. There will be little precipitation, about 100-300 mm per year, the rainy season lasts from August to October. During this period, the southwest monsoons begin to blow. From October to June, the islands are subject to the east wind "Harmatan". The dusty trade wind from the Sahara brings fine dust from the desert and dries up everything in the area. The water temperature fluctuates slightly throughout the year - from +21 ... +22 °С from February to March and up to +25 ... +26 °С from August to October. Thus, the archipelago enjoys fairly stable and warm weather. Tourists choose the Cape Verde Islands for a secluded beach holiday, as well as water activities, especially diving and surfing.

Facts from the history of the islands

Not inhabited islands in the Atlantic Ocean, located near the African coast, were discovered by the Portuguese in 1456-1460. It is believed that the works of Pomponius Mela and the "Natural History" of Pliny the Elder are the first official sources that indicate the islands of Cape Verde. According to their data, they were located only two days from the Horn of Hesperus (the westernmost point of Africa). They are referred to under the name of the Gorgada Islands, or Gorgons. It was believed that it was there that the mythical creatures killed by Perseus lived.

A number of islands of the archipelago were discovered in 1456 by the Venetian traveler Cadamosto, in the next decade D. Gomes and A. D. Noli returned to them again, discovering the rest of the archipelago. Almost 600 years ago, the islands were completely uninhabited and covered with dense vegetation. The first settlement was founded by the Portuguese in 1462 on about. Santiago - this was the beginning of the process of settling the archipelago by colonists. The islands became a kind of base for the penetration of the Portuguese to the mainland and the main center of the slave trade. The Cape Verde Islands were officially declared the possession of Portugal in 1495. They remained as such until 1974, when an agreement was signed in Lisbon on the proclamation of Cape Verde independent country. The first independent government was half composed of members appointed by the Portuguese administration. Now it is a unitary state headed by a president, with an adopted constitution and a multi-party system. Interestingly, the country's legal system belongs to the Romano-Germanic family and is a heritage of the metropolis. Cape Verde's own system of legal education is undeveloped, so it is received at universities in Portugal.

Population of the country

The place where the Cape Verde Islands are located is interesting for tourists not only in terms of nature, comfortable rest and amazingly beautiful ocean, contrasting with the island rocks dried up by the sun. This is a country with a unique culture, which is a vibrant and dynamic mixture of European and African. To see this, it suffices to consider National composition population, language and some other features of the country.

According to the last census (2008), 434,263 people live in the country, 53.3% of them being urban residents. The modern inhabitants of Cape Verde are the descendants of Europeans and African slaves who once arrived on the islands. Mulattos make up the lion's share of the population - 70%. About 28% are Africans, and only 2% are other nationalities, including Europeans.

The Cape Verde Islands are located near Africa, but, like in many other former colonies, they speak a European language - Portuguese. It is the state language along with Crioulo (a Creole dialect with a lot of African elements). The overwhelming majority of the country's citizens (about 89%) profess Catholicism.

Santiago Island

Santiago is the most big Island archipelago in terms of population and area: 235,083 thousand people and 991 square meters. km, respectively. It stretched 24 km wide and 50 km long. The highest point on the island is Santo António Peak. The first settlement on the island was founded in 1462 and is associated with the name of the navigator Antonio de Noli. The first to describe the geology and relief of Santiago Island was none other than Charles Darwin. He made a stop on it on January 16, 1832, during a round-the-world trip on the Beagle ship.

“What is the island interesting for tourists?”, you ask. Firstly, it is here that one of the two international airports of the country operates. Secondly, on about. Santiago is the capital of Cape Verde - the city of Praia. Thirdly, 3 km from the city of Assamada, surrounded by a majestic eucalyptus forest, a unique natural Park with dragon trees and baobabs.

Cape Verde Islands: photos and sights of the capital

Founded at the end of the 15th century future capital islands - the city of Praia - is also the largest locality states with a population of 113 thousand people. From the oldest settlement of Ribeira Grande, the center of the archipelago was moved in 1770, after the sources of fresh water dried up in it. The choice of the new capital was largely determined by natural factors. Praia is located on a rocky plateau. The features of the relief divide the city into several parts: the center, quarters. The economy is based mainly on the fact that this city is a seaport and transatlantic communications hub.

Tourists will be interested in a calm and measured holiday on the Cape Verde Islands. Near the city in the western direction are the resort areas of Praia Mar and Cuebra Canela with luxurious ocean beaches. Fans of walks and cultural attractions also have something to please.

Going to Praia, be sure to visit the main square of the city (see photo above), named after the famous Portuguese architect Afonso de Albuquerque, with the presidential palace of the late 19th century, as well as the ethnographic museum.

Do not forget about located just 10 km from Praia Old city(Cidadi Velha) - the first settlement of Europeans on the islands, founded in 1462. Once ships of H. Columbus and Vasco de Gama entered its bay. However, in parallel with the fading of the greatness of the Portuguese Empire, the commercial importance of the city also decreased. Now it is a small town with 1200 inhabitants. It is interesting primarily for its old center, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The ruins remind tourists of the former greatness cathedral, a marble pillar in the main square and the well-preserved Fort Real de San Filipe (pictured below), the construction of which was carried out from 1587 to 1593. Now it houses a museum.

Sal Island

The most visited by tourists and the busiest is about. Sal. As a rule, travelers go to other islands as part of a one-day excursion program. It is the most "flat" in relief and ancient in origin. The area of ​​the island is very small - only 216 sq. km, the population is just over 25 thousand people. Given the ocean in which the Cape Verde Islands are located, it is easy to guess that they are a place for lovers active rest and water sports. The calm and life-rich waters of the Atlantic attract surfers and divers. On the island of Sal is one of the five largest windsurfing centers in the world - the town of Santa Maria. The fact that the sun shines here 350 days a year also contributes to the development of tourism, and if the clouds cover the sky, then not for long.

Brava Island

The smallest in size (67 sq. km) inhabited island of the archipelago is Brava. Its mountainous relief is replaced by fertile plains. Unlike the rest of the islands, it is literally "green". For the abundance and variety of flowering plants, it was called the island of flowers. It will be of interest to tourists from this point of view. Where, if not here, to get acquainted with the pristine beauty of the archipelago, because the rest of the islands are scorched by the scorching sun and dried up by desert winds.

From a geologic point of view, Brava is a stratovolcano. Volcanoes of this kind are characterized by periodic explosive eruptions. However, Brava has been "sleeping" for more than 10 thousand years. The island is surrounded on almost all sides by significant depths - more than 4000 m at a short distance from the coast, and only at the junction with the neighboring island. Fogu it is several hundred meters.

How to get there?

After learning about where the Cape Verde Islands are located, many tourists ask quite a logical question about how to get to them, how much it will cost and how long the journey is. In fact, everything is not as difficult as it might seem at first glance. You will have to fly to the African republic through Moscow. There are no direct flights, so Tap Portugal (with a change in Lisbon), as well as France - Air France (via Paris), Germany - Lufthansa (via Frankfurt) and Spain - Iberia (via Madrid) will help tourists. The duration of the flight is about 4-5 hours, to this time it is necessary to add the waiting period between transfers and the duration of the journey from Moscow. The cost of a ticket to Cape Verde (Santiago Island or Sal Island) from these cities varies depending on the time of year and the airline, as well as the selected fare. Traveling in economy class with luggage will cost about 20 thousand rubles. The cost of the flight from Moscow to the transfer city should also be added to this amount.

Rules for entry, stay and transit in the country

According to the data provided by the Russian Embassy in Cape Verde, Russian citizens upon arrival at the Cape Verde Islands are issued a visa for a period of thirty days at the time of passing through passport control. Its cost is 25 euros. At the Migration Service, you can extend the validity of a visa up to one year. When living in the country for more than six months, it is possible to obtain a residence permit.

In Cape Verde, there is a free procedure for the export and import of cigarettes, alcohol, jewelry and jewelry, cultural, historical and artistic values. As in any other country, a strict ban applies to the transport of drugs.

The country's transport system

The literal translation of the country's name sounds like "Cabo" - islands, Cape Verde - "Verde". The fact that the archipelago is quite small in size, as they say, is in the hands of tourists. As part of one trip, it is quite possible to see all the inhabited islands. And you can do this not only by buying excursions, but also on your own. Transport system The country is quite well developed and operates without interruption. In order to explore this or that island, it is best to rent a car, it will cost about 50-80 euros per day. Most of the roads on the islands are mountainous, some are flat. Main types of fuel: diesel, household gas and gasoline. A Russian driver’s license is quite suitable for trips, but you should still give preference to an international document, since it will be easier and more convenient with it, and besides, in the future it can be used on other trips.

Tours to the islands

Tourists who do not risk going to solo travel, we recommend using the services of tour operators specializing in trips to African countries. There aren't many of them, but they do exist. Buying a ready-made tour, you will be sure that you will be met at the airport, delivered and settled in a hotel of the selected category. In addition, many companies offer pleasant bonuses, for example, in the form of a free sightseeing tour. Do not forget to take out insurance when going on vacation to the Cape Verde Islands. Price tours are very diverse and are designed for different categories of buyers. The price depends, firstly, on the plane tickets, and secondly, on the category of the hotel. The cheapest accommodation will be in hostels or private apartments. Thirdly, the duration of the rest is of great importance.

So, the approximate price of a tour for two, for example, on about. Sal, lasting 7 days, with accommodation in a 2 * class hotel (standard room) with breakfast and a flight from Moscow via Lisbon will cost travelers 2800 euros. Of course, this is a significant amount. However, do not forget where the Cape Verde Islands are located. The lion's share of expenses falls on the purchase of tickets and accommodation. The cost of hotels and inns is affected by the fact that there are certain problems with fresh water on the islands. But remoteness from the mainland has its positive aspects. So, the islands are considered safe in terms of typical African diseases. Unique nature, ideal diving sites, excellent cuisine based on fish and seafood, a favorable climate and beautiful (albeit few) beaches, including the famous coast of Fr. Fogu with black volcanic sand (pictured below) is all worth seeing.

When planning your vacation or trip, be sure to mark on the map where the Cape Verde Islands are indicated and include them in your individual travel plan for the future.

The Republic of Cape Verde is located on the territory of the archipelago of the Cape Verde Islands, about 500 km west of Dakar. It consists of 18 islands. The highest point is the Fogo volcano, its height is 2829 meters. Length coastline is 965 kilometers. total area state is 4033 square kilometers.

Capital

Praia is the capital of Cape Verde densely populated city in the country, its economic and Cultural Center. On its territory is main port, through which all exports to neighboring countries. However, Praia is also the largest resort with great opportunities for recreation.

Population

Several ethnic groups live in the country. The majority are mulattoes, about 28% of the total population is occupied by Africans, 1% are Europeans.

Language

Portuguese is considered the official language, Creole and West African are also in great demand. IN big cities and resorts, some hotel employees and employees of public places, in particular banks, speak English language, on the Middle level.

Religion

About 90% of the population are Catholics, approximately 3% are Protestants, the rest of the population professes traditional ancient African beliefs.

Regions and resorts

Mostly people come here on vacation, for the sake of sea adventures. However, some cities and resorts have interesting opportunities for excursions.

Santiago is the largest island, which is famous for its natural landscapes and mild climate.

Sal is another popular island where everything starts tourist routes. The main feature of the place is international Airport and a windsurfing center located in the town of Santa Maria. Thanks to the equipment, professional approach, the center is in the top 5 the best places all over the world.

San Vicente - on this island is located The largest city Mindelo. People come here for excursions to the preserved colonial buildings, and of course for nightlife.

Santo Antan is the greenest corner of the entire archipelago. Numerous excursions can be booked here. natural places. Hiking, beach holidays and hang gliding thrive here.

Boavista is an island of beaches and dunes. Walking through the area, you can enjoy the true beauty of the desert, oases, have a great time on the beaches.

San Nicolau is a small island, it is famous for the presence of the famous rock, on which ancient writings have been preserved.

Santa Lucia - the length of the island is 13 kilometers, with a width of 5 kilometers, today it is the only uninhabited island in the entire archipelago. People come here for secluded relaxation, as well as for diving.

Difference in time

Kaliningrad: – 3 hours

Moscow: - 4 hours

Samara: – 5 hours

Yekaterinburg: – 6 hours

Omsk: - 7 hours

Krasnoyarsk: – 8 hours

Irkutsk: – 9 hours

Yakutsk: – 10 hours

Vladivostok: - 11 hours

Magadan: - 12 hours

Kamchatka: - 13 hours

Climate

The country has a tropical climate. The best time to visit is between June and October. At this time of the year, the average air temperature reaches + 32 degrees, while the water indicators are + 26 degrees.

Visa and customs

For stay in the country of Cape Verbe for citizens Russian Federation a visa is required. You can get it by contacting the consulate of the country, which is located in Moscow. To do this, you will need to collect the necessary package of documents. It consists of valid passport, completed questionnaire, and color photographs. In addition, you will be asked to show a hotel reservation or an invitation from relatives or friends, as well as round-trip tickets.

A tourist visa is issued for a period of six months. Documents are checked within 3 working days.

There is a second option, in which case you will receive a visa upon arrival at the airport. To do this, you need to collect the necessary package of documents, as for a regular visa, and obtain a special permit from the consulate.

Customs

You can import and export currency in unlimited quantities without declaring. It is allowed to import, without paying the duty, cigarettes in the amount of 400 pieces, 2 liters of alcoholic beverage. In addition, it is allowed to import and export products and general consumption goods for personal use. The list of prohibited items is standard, it is not allowed to carry narcotic drugs, weapons, psychotropic drugs, etc.

How to get there

There are no direct flights from Russia to Cape Verde. The best option is a flight from Moscow to Lisbon. From there you will need to change trains all the way to Sal. In addition, convenient connecting flights are offered by airlines that fly through Madrid, Paris, Frankfurt. Approximate flight time excluding transfers is 9 hours.

Excursions

Praia island

san vicente island

Espargoush

boavista island

Sal island

during the tour you will be able to visit interesting architectural places, as well as a large number of natural objects.

Transport

Cheap and popular look public transport- minibus. She does not have a clear schedule, she leaves only after she is completely filled with passengers.

Taxi

If desired, you can use the services of a taxi. The price should be negotiated in advance. Taxis can be ordered for one trip or for the whole day.

Intercity transport

Local airlines fly between the two large islands of Sal and Santiago. Other resorts can be reached by ferry or boat.

Car rental in Cape Verde

Tourists are allowed to rent a car, for this you need to have an international driver's license, a new Russian driver's license, a credit card. In this case, the driver must be over 21 years old and have a driving experience of at least 1 year.

Connection

Main operator cellular communication Cabo Verde Telecom. It operates on the basis of the GSM 900 standard. Russian subscribers of MTS and Megafon can use Thuraya satellite communications.

You can buy a SIM card at any of the offices or at the airport.

Internet

Things are bad with the Internet, Russian operators do not have GPRS-roaming. Access to the network works only on the territory of large hotels, hotels, business centers.

Money

Official currency unit- Cape Verdean escudo. Currency exchange points operate on the territory of the airport and in hotels. However, more profitable terms banks offer exchange. They are open from Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 17:00, some of them are open until 12:00 on Saturdays. You should not change the entire amount, since the reverse exchange service is not provided here.

WITH credit cards only large hotels, restaurants and shops are open.

How much money to take with you

Each tourist decides how much money to take with him on his own, based on his habits and preferences. We offer a table of prices for the most popular expense items based on 2017 data.

How to avoid problems

Cape Verde is a relatively safe country, in all tourist regions there is a calm environment. However, there are a few rules that should be observed in order to avoid disturbing a relaxing holiday.

Do not drink tap water, it is advisable to buy water in plastic bottles. In addition, do not use ice, as it may also contain disease-causing microbes.

Use dairy products with caution.

Rinse fruits and vegetables with boiled water.

Big cities

Praia is the capital of Cape Verde

Mindelo is the second largest city in the country.

shopping

After an exciting holiday in Cape Verde, you can buy interesting souvenirs for family and friends. Various products of local craftsmen are very popular. These include clay figurines, straw baskets, pottery.

Kitchen

The national cuisine of Cape Verde is simple, there are no frills and delicacies in it, but this is precisely the highlight. Here you can taste simple yet delicious dishes. Seafood is very popular. In restaurants, you can order dishes from lobsters, tuna, try sawfish, sea bass, or taste barnacles and octopuses. The national food is "kachupa", in addition, the inhabitants of each island prepare it in their own way.

Entertainment and attractions

Fogo is the most popular island in the archipelago.

Sal is the sunniest island. Thanks to the amazing climate, you can relax here throughout the year.

Palmeira is one of the interesting ports of the island of Sal. On its territory there are many underwater caves, reefs, so this place is valued among diving enthusiasts.

Verde Santa Maria is a resort town located on the island of Sal.

Praia is the capital of the state, here you can visit interesting architectural complexes during the colonial period.

Sal Rei - invites tourists to plunge into the atmosphere of African exoticism.

Mindelo - the best beaches and luxurious nightlife.

Holidays and events

February - Ash Wednesday (Catholics' first day of Lent)

March-April - Good Friday

The Republic of Cape Verde was formerly known as the Cape Verde Island.

The Republic of Cape Verde (Republic of the Cape Verde) is a West African state located on islands (10 large and 8 small) in the Atlantic Ocean (620 km from the coast of Africa). The archipelago is conditionally divided into Leeward (Sotaventa) and Windward (Barlaventa) groups.

The relief is mostly hills. The highest point is Fogu volcano (2829 m).

Total area - 4033 sq. km, the population is more than 524,000 people, of which 70% are Creoles, 28% are Africans, 1% are Europeans. 89% of the total population profess the Catholic religion, 3% - Protestants, 5% - adhere to African beliefs, 2% - Muslims, 2% - Jehovah's Witnesses. Official language- Portuguese, regional or local official - Cape Verdianu.

The capital is the city of Praia (Santiago Island).

Cities of Cape Verde

The Leeward group includes the islands: Santiago, Brava, Fogo, Maio.

One of the most beautiful islands Cape Verde is the island of Santiago, where the capital is located - the city of Praia. Here unique nature and comfortable weather conditions, and next to Praia is the first European building - the fortress of St. Philip.

Brava Island has a second name - "island of flowers", which is quite true. It is also the smallest island in the archipelago.

Fogo is a volcano island dating back to 1460. The most popular souvenir from here is lava products.

Mayu Island is the calmest among all the others. But the ancient dormant volcano is located on this island.

The Windward group includes the islands: Santo Antau, San Vicente, San Nicolau, Santa Lucia (uninhabited), Sal, Boavista.

Ribeira Grande is the capital of the island of Santo Antau. Here are the famous craters of the Kova volcanoes.

The island of San Vincente was glorified by the singer Cesaria Evora, who was born here. The capital is the city of Mindelo, famous for the best carnivals and festivals.

San Nicolau is a small island covered with mountains. The capital is the city of Ribeira Brava.

Sal is the most popular island of the archipelago with a well-developed infrastructure. This beautiful place chosen by divers (visibility is up to 40 meters) and surfers.

The island of Boavista and its capital, the city of Sal Rei, are popular with tourists. The island has magnificent nature - deserts, oases, dunes, beaches. Active types of recreation are not alien to the guests of this beautiful place - jeep safaris and motocross in the desert, diving, surfing.

How to get to Cape Verde

There is no direct air connection between Belarus and Cape Verde.

The best option would be a flight on the Minsk-Sal route with two connections (for example, in Amsterdam and Lisbon) with the Belavia airline. Travel time - from 17.5 hours (excluding connections), the cost of a round-trip ticket - from 2281 US dollars per person.

Climate Cape Verde

The territory of Cape Verde is under the influence of a tropical trade wind climate.

The average summer (September - October) air temperature is +26 degrees, winter (January - February) - +22 degrees. The water temperature throughout the year ranges from +21 to +26 degrees.

The average annual rainfall is 100 mm - 300 mm.

The best time to travel around the country is from October to August.

Cape Verde Hotels

The hotel base of Cape Verde is located on a fairly high level, although it does not have hotels belonging to world famous chains.

Meals, as a rule, are an all-inclusive system, there are animations for children and adults, diving schools, dive equipment rental offices, swimming pools with both sea and fresh water. This type of accommodation will cost 80 - 100 euros per day.

As an alternative to hotels, you can rent a cottage or villa on the coast, a room in a private boarding house (25 - 50 euros per day), rent an apartment (250 - 300 euros for 2 weeks).

The beaches of Cape Verde

The beaches of Cape Verde are sandy, the sea is clean, clear, warm. Beach equipment is provided free of charge. The beaches of this region are distinguished by a small number of people on them, so you are guaranteed a calm, measured rest here.

Pretty good beaches are located in the suburbs of Praia - Praia - Mar and Cuebra - Canela.

The most picturesque beach of the island of Brava is near the port.

On the island of Fogo, a large number of people come to the beaches of Nossa - Señora and Salt Lake.

Maio Island is famous for its white sandy beaches - Bitche Rotsha, Ponta Preta, Santana, Tartarugas, Cais, Galeao, Real.

The best beach of Santo Island - Antau - Praia - Formosa.

Magnificent beaches surrounded by dunes are located on the uninhabited island of Santa Lucia. Divers also love to visit here.

Windsurfing competitions are held on the island of Sal on Punta Preta beach.

Boavista Island is famous for the beaches of Santa Monica and Curralinho.

Banks, money, exchange offices

The currency of Cape Verde is the escudo, equal to 100 centavos. Circulation has paper notes in denominations of 100,200,500,1000,2500 escudos and coins in denominations of 1,5,10,20,50,100 escudos. Euros are also accepted for settlements almost everywhere.

Banking hours:

On weekdays - from 9.00 to 17.00

Some - on Saturdays - until 12.00

You can exchange currency and traveler's checks (preferably in euros) at banks (the most favorable rate), at specialized exchange offices, at the airport and in hotels. There is no reverse exchange.

Credit cards of the world's main payment systems (sometimes only Visa) are accepted for payments only in large restaurants and hotels in the city of Praia. It is impossible to pay with traveller's checks.

Tipping in the country is 10% of the bill, if the service charge is not included in the check.

Tourist safety

Cape Verde is a country that is safe for travel, and the implementation of elementary rules will save you and your loved ones from minor and major troubles:

• Valuables, large sums of money and documents should be left in the hotel safe
• In places large cluster people are advised to monitor personal belongings and not leave them unattended
• It is not recommended to walk alone at night in deserted areas
• When swimming, you should be extremely careful - sharks are found in coastal waters

Transport

Domestic flights are operated between the main islands of Santiago, Boavista, Sal, San Nicolau, Santo Antan and San Vicente by Transportes Aereos de Cabo Verde. Ticket price - 40 - 80 US dollars one way.

You can also get from one island to another by ferry and boat.

Bus service connects the main island cities with smaller ones quite well. The ticket price is about 1 euro. Minibuses depart as they fill up with passengers.

On small islands, you can only travel by taxi. The cost of the trip is about 8 - 10 euros. You can also rent a car for the whole day. The rental price must be agreed in advance.

In order to rent a car, you will need:

• International driving license (age - from 21 years old, driving experience - from 1 year)
• Credit card

Rental price - from 40 euros per day. Movement is right-handed.

Entertainment, excursions, attractions

The main attractions of the city of Praia are the Presidential Palace, Albuquerque Square, the monument to Diogo Gomes. The old town of Ciudad - Velha (the first European settlement of the islands) is under the auspices of UNESCO. You can learn more about the history of the country by visiting the local Ethnographic Museum. Santiago Island is a great place for diving, but only experienced athletes are allowed to dive here - the underwater depths are fraught with many dangers.

City of Vila - Nova - Sintra - the capital small island Brava. There is a beautiful picturesque garden with a statue of the musician Eugenio Tavaresa, who made this town famous.

Fogo Island is famous for its volcano, to the crater of which you can go on an excursion. Interesting objects are also the building of the Parish Church of the 19th century, the House of Memory, volcanic caves. The island has excellent fishing.

The must-see objects on the island of Maio are: the main square of Vila - do - Maio (Port - Inglés), the church of Nossa - yes - Luz, the 18th century fort, the lighthouse.

The capital of the island of Santo - Antau - the city of Ribeira - Grande is famous, first of all, for the colonial architecture of the 19th century, as well as for its landscapes and the opportunity to go in for trekking, diving, windsurfing and even hang-gliding.

The city of Mindelo is, first of all, a unique nature, the same colonial architecture and night club life. Among other entertainment - windsurfing, cycling, horseback riding, golf.

The main mystery and attraction of the island of San Nicolau is the Rotcha Scribida rock, the ancient writings of which have not yet been deciphered. Of the entertainment, sport fishing, trekking, and boat trips are very popular.

On the island of Boavista, historical sights are the 19th century Church of St. Roch, a ceramic factory, lighthouses, which offer a stunning panorama of the Atlantic Ocean.

One of the most important events in the Cape Verde Islands is the February Carnival - one of the best in Africa, which annually gathers guests in Praia and Mindelo.

Cuisine and restaurants

The national cuisine of Cape Verde is, first of all, fish and seafood: sea bass, sawfish, tuna, octopus, lobsters, crayfish, as well as all kinds of fruits (oranges, quinces, bananas, mangoes, coconuts, papaya, juniper, dates and many others).

You should taste popular dishes:

• clam soup with spices
• bean and corn stew
• shrimp soaked in wine
• canned shrimp and pork stew
• grilled omra
• pie with "devil" filling (fresh tuna, onion, tomatoes wrapped in potato and cornmeal dough) - served hot
• bananas in dough
• canned mango

Drinks - freshly squeezed juices

From alcohol - beer, various liqueurs and ponche (local drink)

Shopping and shops

Shop opening hours:

On weekdays - from 8.00 to 18.00

Supermarkets - until 21.00

Day off - Sunday

As souvenirs from Cape Verde, as a rule, handicrafts from tortoise shell, bull horn, coconut, clay figurines, straw baskets, ceramics, and carpets are brought.

The trade is quite appropriate.

Customs

You can import and export local and foreign currencies without restrictions.

It is forbidden to import and export:

• drugs
• Psychotropic substances
• Weapons without special permission

Allowed to import and export:

• Up to 400 cigarettes
• Up to 2 liters of alcohol

• No more than 5 kg of fresh fruits and vegetables
• Food and personal belongings - in reasonable quantities

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Basic moments

Diving, yachting, windsurfing, kite surfing and sport fishing are popular on the tropical islands. Travelers who come to Cape Verde for outdoor activities prefer to stay in hotels at diving centers and surfing stations, or rent cottages on the seashore.

About 540 thousand people live on the archipelago. More than 70% of local residents are mulattoes, a quarter of the citizens of Cape Verde are Africans, and the rest of the inhabitants are immigrants from different countries Europe. Portuguese, Creole and African languages ​​are spoken here. Thanks to immigrants from the western regions of Africa, French is widely spoken among the islanders. It is believed that about 80% of the population are Catholics, while the rest adhere to local beliefs.

A famous singer, Cesaria Evora, was born in Cape Verde. The barefoot diva became famous all over the world for performing original Creole songs to the accompaniment of the ukulele, piano, accordion, clarinet and violin. In 2012, the airport on the island of San Vicente received the name of a talented singer who won the hearts of music lovers in different parts of the world.

The whole life of the tropical archipelago is connected with the ocean, and tourism forms the basis of the economy of Cape Verde. The development of tourism infrastructure is sponsored by local and foreign investors. Especially a lot of money in the development of tourism in this country is invested by entrepreneurs from Austria, Spain, Germany, Italy, France and Portugal. Thanks to them, large resort centers have been built on the islands, offering their guests a full range of necessary services.

History of Cape Verde

The first mention of Cape Verde can be found among Arab travelers and geographers who lived in the XII-XIV centuries. Europeans discovered part of the archipelago in 1456. This happened during the voyage of the Venetian traveler Aloysius Cada-Mosto, who was in the service of the Portuguese. In subsequent years, Portuguese sailors visited the rest of the islands. In those days, the entire archipelago was covered with vegetation, and there were no people here.

The first European settlements appeared in Cape Verde in 1462. Colonists from Portugal began to explore the Cape Verde Islands from Santiago. The government of the country encouraged the settlers with large plots of land and gave them significant privileges in trade on the African coast. In addition to the Portuguese, the islands were inhabited by immigrants from Spain, Genoa and France. And by the end of the 15th century, thousands of Jews arrived here, who left Europe, wanting to avoid the persecution of the Portuguese Inquisition.

The archipelago was located at the crossroads of merchant ships plying between Europe, the New World and Africa, so it quickly turned into one of the centers of the slave trade. Europeans living in Cape Verde undertook several expeditions for "human goods" on the coast of Guinea and in the hinterland of Africa, and slaves were taken out to tobacco and sugar cane plantations located in Brazil. Due to the large influx of Africans, by 1572 the vast majority of the inhabitants of the archipelago were the descendants of black slaves, as well as mulattos, who were born from the ties of African women with Europeans.

In the XVIII-XIX centuries, Cape Verde suffered from the consequences of a severe drought. The crop failure was facilitated by the constant cutting down of moist forests and the clearing of fertile soil for pastures. As a result, about 100,000 local residents died during three major droughts. The end of the slave trade came in 1876, the King of Portugal issued a special decree prohibiting slave ownership.

By the end of the 19th century, Cape Verde had become an ideal place to refuel transatlantic ships. The liners moored in Cape Verde received on the islands the coal they needed, drinking water, provisions and livestock.

In 1951, the Cape Verde Islands, along with other possessions, became an overseas province of Portugal. Soon there was a movement for the independence of Guinea and Cape Verde, and in 1974 an agreement was signed in the capital of Portugal recognizing the islands as an independent republic.

Geographic features and climate

The islands lie in the center of the Atlantic Ocean. About 16% of Cape Verde is rocky, barren highlands that resemble lifeless "lunar" landscapes. Several volcanoes are concentrated here. The largest of them - Fogu - rises to a height of 2829 m.

The islands have rocky, precipitous coasts, and there are few places convenient for mooring ships. The largest of the harbors - Porto Grande - is located on the island of Sao Vicente. A natural bay formed in the crater of a submerged volcano. Today, it is surrounded by the second largest city in the country - Mindelo.

Cape Verde has a dry tropical climate. The average annual air temperature in the Cape Verde Islands is +25 °С. The coldest months are January and February, while the hottest months are July and August. Depending on the season, the temperature of ocean water ranges from +21 °С to +26 °С.

It rains a little - only 100-300 mm per year. True, during the rainy season, which lasts from August to October, heavy rains can pass in the mountains, which can cause great damage to the upper fertile soil layer.

On the islands of Cape Verde, winds blow all year round, and thanks to them, the tropical heat is much easier to bear. From mid-autumn to early summer, the east trade wind from the Sahara, which is called "harmattan", prevails. It is very dry and often brings fine dust to the islands.

Islands of Cape Verde

The archipelago consists of 10 large and 5 small islands, divided into "leeward" and "windward" groups. The "windward" group includes Santo Antao, San Vicente, San Nicolau, the uninhabited island of Santa Luzia, Sal (Sal) and Boavista (Boa Vista) . In the "lee" - Santiago (Santiago), Brava (Brava), Fogo (Fogo) and Maio (Maio).

Sal

The most flat of all the islands of the archipelago is famous for its excellent conditions for diving and surfing. The island is of volcanic origin and emerged from the ocean about 50 million years ago. It has a developed tourist infrastructure, so more than half of all travelers who come to Cape Verde prefer to stay here.

Sala is popular for catamaran and sailboat trips along the coast. During such sea trips, tourists can swim, snorkel and fish with a line. So that travelers can better see the underwater world and sunken ships, they are taken along the coast in boats with a transparent bottom.

While relaxing in Sala, it is interesting to visit the town of Santa Maria and take a bath in the salt pools. Many tourists go on an excursion to Oásis de Algodoeiro - to the ruins of a military fortress built by the Portuguese during the colonization of the island.

Fogo

Fogo Volcano Island is the highest and one of the most colorful places in Cape Verde. On this island, green vineyards coexist with lifeless black lava fields, and the coast is framed by beaches that are covered with dark-colored volcanic sand. 37 thousand people live on Fogo. Locals serve tourists, grow coffee and produce excellent wine.

The area around active volcano Fogo has been declared a nature reserve. In the volcanic caldera there is a small village of Shan das Caldeiras, where 1.2 thousand people live. In this village there is a parish church of the 19th century and a small museum "House of Memory".

São Filipe, the third largest city in Cape Verde, has a lot of colorful houses that contrast sharply with the surrounding mountain slopes. Interestingly, almost all the buildings and churches of this city are built from volcanic tuff.

Brava

Brava is the smallest among the other islands of Cape Verde, due to the variety of rare flowering plants, it is often called the "Island of Flowers". It is located in the western part of the archipelago, 20 km from Fogo. Even geologically, the island of Brava is a continuation of Fogu. The depth of the sea in the channel that separates the two islands is several hundred meters, while the bottom of the sea around the rest of the island is about 4000 meters deep. To the north of Brava lie two small deserted islands. Tourism is not developed here, due to the steep coastline, which does not allow you to enjoy a good rest on the beaches of the island.

Santiago

The largest island of the archipelago has an area of ​​991 km². It is home to most of the population of Cape Verde - over 284 thousand people. Santiago hosted the government of the republic, foreign embassies and international organizations. For rich vegetation and an abundance of tropical fruits, the island is often called the "bread basket" of Cape Verde.

Travelers come to Santiago for the beauty natural park, where baobabs and dragon trees grow that are over 400 years old. The protected area is located near the city of Assamada.

Of great interest is the capital of the island of Praia - the city, which was founded in the XV century. Old squares, monuments and the presidential palace, built in the 19th century, have been preserved here. Many guests of the city make an excursion to the local ethnographic museum.

10 km west of the island capital, there is a historical monument included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. This is the fortress of San Filipe, which was built at the end of the 16th century to protect the coast from pirates.

San Vicente

The picturesque island stretches for 24 km and reaches a width of 16 km. San Vicente has a relatively flat terrain. The highest point of the island rises to 774 m above sea level. On San Vicente, the National Craft Center has been opened, where they support the traditions of local weaving and making handicrafts from shells and stones.

The capital of the island of Mindelo is the second largest city in the republic. Its neighborhoods grew up on the shores of a natural harbor formed on the edge of the crater of a submerged volcano. Mindelo has the largest number of nightclubs in Cape Verde. In addition, the brightest and liveliest carnivals are held here. During the August full moon, the city welcomes the colorful Bahia das Gatas festival, and in September, the Mindelact theatrical festival.

Boavista

In Portuguese, the name "Boavista" means "beautiful view". It is the third largest island in Cape Verde and has about 9,000 inhabitants. Getting to Boavista is easy. From Sal, fast boats reach the island in an hour, and by plane they get here even faster - in just 15 minutes.

The island of Boavista is known for its excellent beaches and picturesque dunes, which alternate with green oases. date palms. For these features, it is often called the island of the dunes. In recent years, off-road, motorcycle and ATV safaris have become a popular pastime in the Viana desert and the huge Santa Monica beach, covered with fine white sand. The size of this beach strip is impressive - it stretches for 40 km.

San Nicolau

In the northern part of the archipelago there is an island that for a long time had the status cultural capital Cape Verde. In 1936, an original literary movement was born here, and until 1960 the popular magazine Claridade was published.

The island is covered with mountains. It has a sufficient amount of fresh water, so agriculture and livestock breeding have developed here. A local attraction is the Rotcha Sribidada rock, where ancient, yet undeciphered writings have been preserved. According to legend, the petroglyphs on the rock were left by people who visited the island before it was colonized by the Portuguese. San Nicolau began to be settled in the 17th century, and many buildings and churches of the 18th-19th centuries have been preserved in its villages.

Santo Antan

The second largest island of Cape Verde covers an area of ​​779 km². In the city of Ribeira Grande, the capital of Santo Antana, you can see many buildings from the colonial period. Here is the oldest lighthouse in the archipelago, which was built in 1886.

Travelers come to Santo Antan to trek along the mountain ranges and fly on hang gliders. And the valleys overgrown with tropical vegetation are popular with lovers of cycling.

Mayu

Maio is a quiet secluded island located in the extreme eastern part of the Cape Verde group of islands, at a distance of 25 km from Santiago Island. This one old island archipelago, which stretches for 24 km in length and 16 km in width. In addition, Mayu is an ancient dormant volcano that has not woken up for several thousand years. The island is famous for its white sandy beaches and azure blue sea, but most of the beaches are far from the main roads and can only be reached by off-road vehicles or on foot.

Santa Lucia

Santa Lucia is the only uninhabited island in Cape Verde. It is 5 km wide and 13 km long. There is little vegetation on the island of Santa Lucia, but tourists come here for the sake of clean beaches and dunes. highest point on an island 395 m above sea level, this is Monte Grande.

The lack of water made it impossible to settle the island with permanent residents, despite this, since the 19th century, fishermen and shepherds have lived here - only about 20 people. It is known that back in 1960 a family of shepherds lived here. However, since 1990, the state declared the island absolutely uninhabited and assigned it the status of a reserve.

Diving

The most popular outdoor activity in Cape Verde is diving. best time for diving, the period from mid-spring to late autumn is considered, when almost all interesting underwater objects are available.

The underwater world of Cape Verde is famous for its diversity. In clean and warm ocean water Tunas, moray eels, barracudas, manta rays, eels, lobsters and sea bass live. Here you can find ballfish, goldfish, schools of king mackerel, bonito and groupers.

Dives are made to a depth of 6 to 30 m, while the visibility under water is from 30 to 40 m. Few places on the planet have such excellent conditions for underwater travel! It should be noted that there is not that abundance and beauty for which divers go to Egypt. But compared to the Red Sea, around Cape Verde you can more often see large inhabitants of the underwater world - large green turtles, three-meter rays, flocks of frolicking dolphins and even whales.

In addition to colorful fish, crabs, lobsters and octopuses, off the coast of Cape Verde there are picturesque reefs, underwater caves, rocks, grottoes and sunken ships. Many shipwrecks lie on the ocean floor near the islands of Santiago and Mayu. This sea ​​vessels built in the XV-XVIII centuries. Near Sal and Boavista, old ships are at an accessible depth of 12-28 m.

Sala, Santo Antana, Sao Vicente and Santiago have large diving centers that offer a full range of services - from beginner training to equipment rental. Many divers choose to stay on this island because there are more than three dozen interesting dive sites around it. by the most popular places The Sala Islands are the Blue Room, the Palmiera site, the Ponta do Farol reef, the Buracona cave, as well as three sites where wrecks lie at depths of 9 to 12 m.

Windsurfing and kitesurfing

Fans of riding the waves under a strong wind have mastered the tropical archipelago for a long time. Suffice it to say that in Cape Verde, the world champion in windsurfing in the freestyle discipline, the famous Josh Agulo, was born.

Cape Verde is always warm, but never too hot. The water in the ocean has a comfortable temperature all year round. The wind season lasts from September to May. But the best period is from December to April, when the average wind speed reaches 10 m/s. In summer, the wind speed drops to 7 m/s, and sometimes there are weeks of complete calm.

Surfing conditions are favorable throughout the archipelago, as a steady breeze from the Atlantic Ocean does not bypass any of the islands. There are 6 surf centers on Sala. Other islands also have surf clubs. They have modern equipment, train beginners, organize competitions and have their own rescue services.

Most riders come to Sal. The most popular spot of this island is Ponta Prete. When the swell comes from the west side, the highest waves form here. This spot has a lot of rocks, so it is chosen by experienced windsurfers who are able to control the situation better than beginners.

The water area of ​​​​the town of Santa Maria is very popular for skiing. The coastal embankment of the island capital has the shape of a horseshoe, and in its center the water is always calm. Beginner surfers feel comfortable here. The edges of the bay, on the contrary, protrude into the open sea, forming a zone of hard wave skating. Half a kilometer from the coast, powerful waves from the ocean prevail, the height of which often reaches 5 m. In the east of the town there is a surf station where Josh Agulo himself works.

Near Santa Maria there is an uncomplicated Albatros spot. A side wind blows on it, thanks to which waves that are easy to ride are formed. However, keep in mind that those who go too far from the coast run the risk of getting into high waves, wind dips and strong currents.

Salinas spot, which is located just a few minutes drive from the town of Santa Maria, is considered an ideal place for kitesurfers on Sala. This place is ideal for beginners due to the wide beach, the absence of strong coastal currents and the coral reef. The winds here are stable and tend to blow from the left side.

Spot Kanoa is also popular among newcomers to Sal. It is located in the southern part of the island, inside the bay of Murdeira. The bay is protected from strong winds, and the waves are small and safe. It has been declared a marine reserve, as humpback whales come here during the mating season.

Kitchen Features

Cape Verde loves fish and seafood. Local chefs cook great sawfish, tuna and sea bass. In small taverns and restaurants, you can always order dishes from delicious lobsters, barnacles and octopuses.

The most popular among the inhabitants of Cape Verde is considered "kachupa". It is made from pork or other meat, beans, onions, garlic, sweet potatoes, corn and pumpkin. It is noteworthy that each island has its own recipe for this hearty meal. If it uses several types of meat, the islanders call "kachupu" rich.

In Cape Verde, rice with a seafood cocktail and meat soup with shrimp are excellent. Almost all travelers like "jagasida" - a dish of stewed pork and beans with cornmeal dressing. It is also worth trying a local delicacy - bochada sausage, which is made from the blood and stomach of young lambs and served with rice. In different places in Cape Verde, they sell island fast food - fried "devil pies", which are stuffed with tuna meat, ripe tomatoes and onions.

Almost all local desserts are made from tropical fruits. Banana muffins, honey cassava biscuits, and delicate quark puddings with a bright papaya or mango flavor are available in many cafes.

Cape Verde has its own winemaking traditions. On the island of Fogo late XIX century produce delicious wine "Calderas". The vines were brought here by the French Count of Montro. Local vineyards are small and are watered by hand. The island wine is exported and supplied to the European Union. The best quality is considered to be young wine, the age of which has not yet reached one year. Interestingly, due to the mineral-rich volcanic soil and warm tropical climate, it is 2 degrees stronger than ordinary European wine.

While vacationing in Cape Verde, you should try the local cane grog, which the islanders emphasize with various fruit flavors. It is customary to drink a low-alcohol drink hot and use it for making cocktails. The grog produced on the island of Santo Antan received the greatest recognition. Like Fogo wine, it is also exported.

Transport

The most common type of public transport in Cape Verde is "aluguer" - minibuses that run without a clear schedule. They depart from the final destinations when there are no empty seats in the cabin.

Tourists often use taxis. If you plan to order a car for a full day, you need to agree on the price of the trip with the driver in advance.

From island to island, various transport runs. The outlying islands of Cape Verde are connected by planes, while the nearby islands are connected by ferries and speedboats.

Visa

To travel to Cape Verde, residents of Russia need to obtain a visa. This can be done in Moscow at the consulate of that country. For registration, you need to present a passport, an application form, a color photo 35 by 45 mm, a hotel reservation (or an invitation from friends or relatives), as well as paid round-trip tickets or a ticket reservation.

Documents can be submitted to the consulate in person or by proxy, and not necessarily notarized. Tourist visas in Cape Verde are issued for six months. They are single, multiple, group (for group members of 5 people) and family (for a parent with a child). Documents are made within 3 days. It is allowed to live on a tourist visa in the country at a time for 30 days.

There is another option for obtaining a visa. It can be issued upon arrival at the airport on the island of Sal. Such a visa is cheaper, but for its issuance, in addition to the usual package of documents, you need to provide a special permit obtained from the consulate of the republic. For those who want to use this option, you need to keep in mind that some airlines serve only those passengers who have a pre-arranged visa permit.

Currency, tips and customs features

The country pays with the local currency - the Cape Verdean escudo (CVE). It is recommended to exchange money in banks, because the exchange rate at airports is not very favorable. Bank branches are open on weekdays from 9.00 to 17.00. Some banks may also work on Saturdays until 12.00.

The country does not do a reverse exchange, so tourists are not advised to change all the money at once. Not everywhere in Cape Verde you can pay with a credit card. Cash is preferred here.

If tips are not included in the bill, it is customary in restaurants to leave 10% of the order. In other places, the issue of tips and their amount is decided by the tourists themselves.

There are no restrictions on the import and export of foreign currency in the country, and there is no need to declare any amount. Duty-free allowed to import up to 2 liters of alcohol and 400 cigarettes. Imported plants are subject to special control. From Cape Verde, you can take out up to 5 kg of vegetables and fruits, as well as products and things necessary for personal use.

Souvenirs

The most common souvenirs that travelers bring back from Cape Verde are expressive figurines of animals and people, as well as African masks carved from ebony. They are traded by the inhabitants of Senegal, and you can buy such crafts everywhere. The main thing - do not forget to bargain! In addition, souvenirs made from coconut shells, bull horns and tortoise shells, straw mats, hats made from raffia palm leaves, ceramic figurines and dishes, as well as carpet paths and lamps are popular with tourists.

The islands sell beautiful jewelry made from coral and pearls. These are beads, earrings, bracelets and silver jewelry inlaid with pieces of coral and individual pearls.

Almost all shops are open from 8.00 to 18.00, except Sunday. Large supermarkets are usually open until 21.00.

Where to stay

Cape Verde presents a rare combination wildlife and excellent hotel service. There are almost no branded hotels here, but there are many hotels built on a grand scale. Large resort complexes offer their guests cozy rooms, restaurants, bars, cafes, golf courses and children's playgrounds. Most hotels have pools with both fresh and salt water. The all-inclusive system is ubiquitous.

On some islands of Cape Verde, you can rent cottages located far from populated cities and towns, right on the ocean. This option is chosen by lovers of secluded relaxation. Own hotels also have diving and surfing centers.

Tourist infrastructure has been created throughout the archipelago, but most travelers prefer to rent accommodation in Santiago, Sala, Sao Nicolau, Sao Vicente and Maio. It should be borne in mind that not all hotel complexes in Cape Verde with 4 and 5 stars correspond to the declared category. Internet access is provided almost everywhere for a separate, fairly high fee.

How to get there

There are no direct flights from Russia to Cape Verde. Santiago and Sal airports can only be reached with transfers. From Moscow planes fly to the islands via Lisbon, Madrid, Paris and Frankfurt. The flight, excluding transfer time, takes approximately 9 hours.