What Is Tourism Like in Cape Verde?

By Anna Duncan

Cape Verde, an archipelago of ten volcanic islands located off the coast of Senegal, is a paradise for tourists seeking immaculate beaches, pleasant weather, and vibrant culture. The country’s diverse landscape offers visitors a unique blend of African and European influences. Tourism is one of the key sectors driving the economy of Cape Verde.

Beaches

Cape Verde’s beaches are a sight to behold. Bathed in turquoise waters and surrounded by stunning landscapes, they are perfect for relaxation and water sports. The most popular beaches in Cape Verde include Santa Maria Beach on Sal Island, Praia de Chaves on Boa Vista Island, and Praia da Cruz on Santiago Island.

Culture

Cape Verde has a rich cultural heritage that reflects its history as a former Portuguese colony. The country’s music scene is particularly noteworthy and includes genres such as morna, coladeira, and funana. Visitors can enjoy live music performances at various bars and clubs around the islands.

Food

Cape Verdean cuisine is a fusion of African and European flavors with an emphasis on seafood. Some popular dishes include cachupa (a stew made with beans, corn, vegetables, and meat), pastel com diabo dentro (pastry stuffed with spicy tuna), and catchupa guisado (a more liquid version of cachupa).

Activities

Apart from relaxing on the beach or enjoying live music performances, there are plenty of other activities to keep visitors entertained in Cape Verde. These include hiking to volcanic peaks like Pico do Fogo on Fogo Island or exploring colonial-era buildings in historic towns like Cidade Velha on Santiago Island.

Diving

Cape Verde is also renowned for its scuba diving opportunities with plenty of dive sites around the islands. Divers can expect to see a wide variety of marine life including turtles, rays, and sharks.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Cape Verde is an idyllic destination that offers a unique blend of culture and natural beauty. With its pristine beaches, vibrant music scene, delicious cuisine, and a range of activities on offer, it is no wonder that tourism is thriving in this island nation.