From Wikitravel

Cape Verde (Portuguese: Cabo Verde) is a country in West Africa. It comprises a group of islands of the Atlantic Ocean, west of Senegal.

[edit] Regions

Cape Verde is formed by 10 main islands and about 8 islets. The main islands are:

• Boa Vista
• Brava
• Fogo
• Maio
• Sal
• Santa Luzia
• Santiago
• Santo Antão
• São Nicolau
• São Vicente

[edit] Cities

• Praia – the capital, on Santiago
• Mindelo – port city on São Vicente, probably the country's liveliest
• Cidade Velha (Ribeira Grande) – A World Heritage Site on Santiago
• Espargos is the capital of Sal where the airport is and Santa Maria is the main tourist area at the south of the island

[edit] Other destinations

• The Island of Fogo volcano - The country's highest point (2,829 m)

[edit] Understand

Cape Verde (pop. 480.000) is located 500 km from the west coast of Africa. The once uninhabited islands were discovered and colonized by the Portuguese in the 15th century; they subsequently became a trading center for African slaves and later an important coaling and re-supply stop for whaling and transatlantic shipping. Independence was achieved in 1975.

Most Cape Verdeans have both African and Portuguese antecedents.

[edit] Climate

Cape Verde’s climate is temperate, with a warm, dry summer. Precipitation is meager and very erratic.

[edit] Holidays

The national holiday is the 5th of July, Independence Day.

[edit] Get in

[edit] By plane

International flights land at the island of Sal, 110 miles (170 km) northeast of the capital.

There are regular flights from Amsterdam, Boston (weekly), Fortaleza (Brazil) (weekly), Lisbon (daily), Madrid, Milan, Munich and Oporto operated by TACV.

Cape Verde is also serviced by Air Senegal (from Dakar), SAA (from South Africa) and TAP airlines.

As of November 06 you can fly direct to Santa Maria on Sal from London Gatwick and Manchester on Astraeus and also with Thomson Holidays

[edit] By boat

There are only infrequent, expensive connections to the mainland.

[edit] Get around

Timetables in Cape Verde are not to be taken too seriously - don't be too surprised if that boat departs ahead of schedule or if that flight suddenly gets postponed until tomorrow. This is important to consider if you decide to do some island-hopping. Do not risk missing your flight home by being too optimistic regarding domestic transport between the islands.

[edit] By plane

TACV Cabo Verde airlines has regular flights between the majority of the islands. If you can afford to wait until you arrive, domestic tickets are cheaper if purchased in Cape Verde.

[edit] By boat

There are ferry services between the islands. Depending on the distance between the islands you are going from and to, flying can be significantly shorter but also significantly more expensive.

[edit] By taxi

Nice, new taxis are available in the major cities and are metered. Aluguers, which are usually either open back pickup trucks with bench seats or 15 passenger Toyota vans, tend to travel between more rural destinations, particularly on Santa Antao.

[edit] Talk

The official language is Portuguese. Crioulo (a blend of Portuguese and West African words) is widely spoken. English in some Islands is well understood by many; especially young adults.

[edit][add listing] Buy

[edit] Costs

[edit][add listing] Eat

• Lagostada – a lobster dish

• Cachupa - delicious bean dish, often served for breakfast

• Tosta mista - common toasted ham and cheese sandwich

European food is common on all the islands. Italian is especially popular on Sal. Not very many options for vegetarians

[edit][add listing] Sleep

• Pestana Trópico, Caixa Postal 413 Cidade da Praia Cabo Verde, ☎ (+238) 2614200 (reservas.tropico@pestana.com, fax: (+238) 2615225), [1].

[edit] Learn

[edit] Work

[edit] Stay safe

Crime rates are relatively low. The emergency number is 132.

[edit] Stay healthy

The tap water is all desalinated and is perfectly good for anyone to drink.

[edit] Respect

[edit] Contact

The telephone system is effective and improving. There is mobile phone coverage. The country also has one internet service provider.

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