CAPE VERDE

Discover a piece of paradise in the Atlantic

Cape Verde is a haven in the Atlantic Ocean, where volcanic landscapes sweep down to golden sand beaches and the crystal-clear sea. A combination of captivating culture, friendly people and nature in its purest form. Discover stunning scenery, great music and fine cuisine, all of which make this country a truly authentic tropical paradise.

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Explore Hotels in Cape Verde featuring sweeping sand dunes beside a calm blue ocean shoreline under clear skies

Chaves Beach, Cape Verde

Explore Hotels in Cape Verde featuring a hiker on a narrow mountain trail above the misty Paul Valley

Vale de Paúl, Cape Verde

Explore Hotels in Cape Verde featuring steep volcanic cliffs beside turquoise waves on Santo Antão island

Santo Antão Island, Cape Verde

Explore Hotels in Cape Verde with an aerial view of Tarrafal beach, turquoise water and coastal streets

Tarrafal Beach, Cape Verde

When to visit

You can visit the Cape Verde islands all year round. The mild temperatures and the warm sea, together with low levels of humidity, are an invitation for a stroll and a swim, regardless of the season.

Climate

Cape Verde has a dry, tropical climate. There is a dry season, from November to July, with moderate heat and little rain, and a rainy season from August to October, with short spells of rain and warmer days.

Language

The official language of Cape Verde is Portuguese, which is widely spoken in the country. However, in daily life, the most commonly spoken language is Creole.

Currency

The country's official currency is the Cape Verdean escudo. Some tourist establishments accept payment in dollars (USD), but we recommend using the country's official currency. Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted international credit cards.

What not to miss in Cape Verde

Take a stroll through the streets of Cidade Velha

A real open-air museum made up of historic buildings, colourful houses and cobbled streets. Cidade Velha is the birthplace of Creole culture and a mixture of European and African heritage, and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Enjoy the sun and sea

Cape Verde is the ideal destination for fun activities on dreamlike beaches. Try your hand at water sports, swim in the crystal-clear sea or simply spread out your towel and relax on the golden sand.

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Discover the heart of Cape Verde

With fine weather all year round, peaceful villages, fantastic beaches and mountains with green valleys and hiking trails, Cape Verde´s nine islands feature a little bit of everything.

Santiago Island is the largest island in the archipelago and is home to the city of Praia with its rich and diverse historic and cultural heritage. Surrender to the beauty of a destination of vibrant colours, friendly people, beaches with invitingly warm waters and markets with fresh flavours. Dance to the sound of morna and feel the energy of Cape Verde.

Where to stay in Cape Verde

FAQs

Where is Cape Verde located and why is it known?

Cape Verde is an Atlantic archipelago about 600 km off the west coast of Africa, with 10 volcanic islands (9 inhabited), divided into Barlavento (north) and Sotavento (south). Santiago is the largest island and home to the capital, Praia. It is known for its golden beaches (Sal and Boa Vista), its mild and dry climate, its volcanic landscape (Pico do Fogo), and its Creole culture, with the morna of Cesária Évora, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. In Santiago, the Pestana Trópico (in Praia) is a good base.

Which Pestana hotels are there in Cape Verde?

The Pestana Group has a presence with the Pestana Trópico, in Praia, Santiago Island. Defined as an "Ocean & City Hotel," it is located in a prime area with ocean views and about 10 minutes from the Plateau. It offers an outdoor saltwater pool, fitness center, the Creole Food & Arts restaurant, the Ilhéu Bar, free Wi-Fi and parking, and airport transfers. It is a convenient base for visiting Cidade Velha, Serra da Malagueta, and Tarrafal.

What is the best time to visit Cape Verde?

Cape Verde has a dry tropical climate, mild almost all year round. The dry season (November to July), with little rain, is best for beaches and water sports; the rainy season (August to October) is hotter, with short showers. The eastern islands (Sal and Boa Vista) are drier and windier (kitesurfing and windsurfing), while Santiago and Santo Antão are greener. In Praia, the Pestana Trópico benefits from this mild climate.

How to get to Cape Verde?

You can arrive by air, through the international airports: Amílcar Cabral, in Sal (SID), Aristides Pereira, in Boa Vista (BVC), Nelson Mandela, in Praia/Santiago (RAI), and Cesária Évora, in São Vicente. From Portugal there are regular connections; Sal and Boa Vista concentrate many direct tourist flights. For those staying at the Pestana Trópico, the reference airport is Praia (RAI), with the hotel providing transfers.

What to visit in Cape Verde?

On Sal and Boa Vista, the extensive golden beaches and turquoise waters are ideal for swimming and diving. On Santiago, the Old Town – the first European settlement in the tropics and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the Royal Fortress of São Filipe – as well as the Serra da Malagueta and Tarrafal. Cultural life is a highlight, with live music, markets, and the morna (UNESCO) of Cesária Évora. Other islands offer Pico do Fogo and the trails of Santo Antão. From the Pestana Trópico, in Praia, it's close to the Old Town.

How do I get around in Cape Verde?

Being an archipelago, travel between islands is by plane or boat. Inter-island flights connect the main islands (Praia to Sal, Boa Vista, São Vicente and Fogo), being the fastest option, with advance booking in the summer. There are also ferries operated by CV Interilhas. Within each island, you can travel by taxi, rental car or "aluguers" (shared vans). From the Pestana Trópico hotel in Praia, it's easy to arrange transfers and excursions around Santiago.

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