Cabo Verde
Cabo Verde
Comprised of ten volcanic Islands and boasting a temperate climate year-round, Cabo Verde is a an appealing destination. The country lies a few hundred miles west of Senegal.
Visitors to the capital city Praia could be forgiven for feeling nostalgia for Salvador da Bahia, the Afro-Brazilian cultural capital. For me, it was the wide-ranging hues of the local population, ocean breezes, Portuguese influence, and colorful pastel houses.
Sal is the most touristy island with its endless fine sand beaches, turquoise waters and numerous restaurant options. Beware—European tour companies book huge group trips in some of the larger hotels, so anyone wanting a little bit more quiet might seek out alternative housing arrangements.
Mindelo, the capital of Sao Vicente is known for its live music scene. Cabo Verde’s national music genre, ‘as Mornas’, is designated as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, and was popularized globally by the late Cesaria Evora.
Fogo island is known for its lunar landscapes, while Santo Antao’s stunning landscapes are sought by nature lovers, especially hikers. In short, there’s no shortage of exploring to do in Cabo Verde!
Stuff to know
Population: 583,000 (Jul 2020 est)
Languages: Krioulo (a blend of archaic Portuguese and West African languages), and Portuguese
Interesting Fact: there are more Cabo Verdeans in US and Europe than in the country
Sport: Football (soccer) is most popular sport
Attractions: volcanic islands, wonderful musicians. The ‘Mornas’ is a musical style designated as World Heritage.
National dish: Cachupa, a stew made of mashed maize, onions, green bananas, manioc, sweet potatoes, squash, and yams.
