GEOGRAPHY

Situated 500km off the most westerly tip of Senegal (West Africa), the Republic of Cape Verde comprises nine inhabited islands and several uninhabited. Lying in the middle of the Atlantic, just above the equator the islands attract gentle trade winds that make the conditions ideal for windsurfing, kitesurfing and other watersports, and provide a cooling breeze for sun-worshipers.

CLIMATE


The temperature rarely falls below 25C and never rises above 35C. On many of the islands it barely rains, and if it does, half the year’s rainfall can fall in a single storm.

Lying in the trade winds belt, with a gentle Atlantic swell, wind conditions are perfect for sailing, kiting, windsurfing and surfing.

FOOD & DRINK

With little in the way of commercial fishing, marine life is abundant. Hence, if you are a seafood lover (or a diver), you won´t be disappointed. Lobster and tuna carpaccio come highly recommended. If you are a salad dodger, you won´t be disappointed either: there isn´t much!

With a variety of influences, you'll find restaurants serving everything from the local cachupa to traditional Italian fare.

The local drink that Cape Verdeans live (and die) for is the aptly named grogue. This loosely translates as "fire water", but if you if you have a few too many could more accurately describe the way your head might feel the following morning.

PEOPLE & CULTURE

A history of invasion and immigration is not only lamented in the beautiful soulful music (for which the islands are world famous), but worn in the appearance of the different islanders. Cape Verdeans are a truly beautiful people, and, like their islands, are both stunning and contrasting: from the darkest African skin (seen in Santiago), pale European complexions (Sao Nicolau), and even a combination of dark skin, blue eyes, and straight blond hair (Fogo).


Once a Portuguese colony, Cape Verde has been an independent Republic since 1975. The islands were once a stopping off point for the slave trade, and then for South Africans on route to Europe during the Apartheid years. Cape Verde also has Brazilian influences, Italian residents and immigrants from Gambia and Senegal. The British, too, have left their mark - from Darwin's studious recording of flora and fauna in 1832, to the unlikely golf course and cricket club in Mindelo.

Although the official language is Portuguese, Creole is the most widely spoken language.  Creole is a blend of Portuguese and West African languages and few phrase books exists as it is only a spoken language. However, you will get by using Portuguese in the more remote parts and English will suffice in the touristy areas.

Apart from fishing which is the islanders' main source of food and income, music also plays a key role in Cape Verdean life, with international artists like Cesaria Evora and Maria De Baros.