The Republic of Cabo Verde (as officially known) consists of ten islands, of which nine is occupied. But what’s the best for you?
After a passing spaceship, this engaging country of the West Coast of Africa should look like a spread of crumbs. Each island is golden brown, with a tilted volcanic edges driven by Surf.
Yet zoom in and differences appear.
The eastern islands are biscuits and screened with sand, while they become further west, they become mountainous and green. But wherever you go, a friendly welcome awaits.
It rare rarely, and the sun always shines. All you have to do is choose the right island. Here we are low …
Step in history
Understanding the story of the archipelago begins in Santiago, the robust and fertile largest island – the first to be established in 1462 (by Portugal).
In fact, Cidade Velha claims to be the oldest European city in the tropics.
The Republic of Cabo Verde (as officially known) consists of ten islands, of which nine is occupied. But which one is right for you?
In the 18th century Capital Praia, fruit still goes to the market balanced on heads
The more recent capital of the 18th century, Praia, was built on a pedestal of Basalt beyond the reach of pirates.
It is an interesting, charming place with churches, fortressworks, paved streets, tire teeth and fruit-colored mansions.
There is even the strange museum. In the Praia Archeology Museum, objects found in shipwrecks are displayed.
Meanwhile, the home museum Amilcar Cabral tells the story of the West Africa’s Che Guevara, whose umbrella, bean and Czechoslova battle jacket are one of the exhibits.
Elsewhere, fruits are still going on the market on the market. And you can still buy Praia’s traditional cloth, Panu di Tera, – so fine that it was once used as a currency.
Pause at the Café Sofia and enjoy a Pastel de Nata. Santiago seems not quite Africa and not quite Portugal, but somewhere in between.
Beautiful beaches
Go to SAA or Boa Vista for beaches stretching to the horizon, glowing silver and turquoise.
Go to SAA, Cape Verde (in the photo) or Boa Vista for beaches stretching to the horizon
Although you seem to have it almost for yourself, large hotels are in the dunes, which are crazy to mix in the landscape, with some like Berber Forts.
Expect Lakesized pools and tropical gardens-it is a fly-and-flaw’s sky.
Two hotels are that will be mentioned. The Morabeza, opened in the 1960s, is charming retro and comes with a library and two gargantuan -billjart tables.
The Hilton Cabo Verde Sol Resort is more contemporary, bringing a little urban chic to the dunes, with soils so lush and calm that they are home to Egrets. SAL’s coastal town, Santa Maria, is a more acquired taste: wonderful if you are looking for a surfing, tattoo or a troubled evening.
Hanger’s Delight
Santiago and Fogo are both good to walk, but the best routes are on Santo Antao. This is 1.979 m (1.979 million), with a large slopes rising dramatically.
Yet, somehow, wires threads through the craters and ravines, though you need a head for heights; In places, the road along the road drops frighteningly about 1,000 m.
Most visitors are on their way to the Vale Do Paul, which looks like a big crack on the planet. But there are farms that cling to the sides of this giant claw and small terraces of sugarcane and maize. The sudden greenery of everything is almost blinding.
Santa Mary in SAL (in the photo) is great if you are looking for a surfboard, tattoo or a nice evening.
Cabo da Ribeira is a good place to stop. Here the road ends and takes over the donkeys. These are the sounds you remember most; the drop of water; voices singing; a blacksmith’s hammer.
Life is simple here.
The step is spectacular. While paths are steep – most of the mountains dive vertically into the ocean – it is often paved. The Aldea Panoramica Hotel makes a good base.
Musical treats
Sao Vicente may seem like a strange place for a carnival.
Until the age of steam it was largely unoccupied, but then the British built a cooling station.
Now, all that remains is the mansions, a Victorian fort, a few yachts and the music.
Minelo, the capital, is often described as ‘the most beautiful city in West Africa’.
Santiago and Fogo are both good to walk, but the best routes are on Santo Antao (in the photo)
Cesaria Evora, one of the largest singers in the world, was born here and there are many bars where they extend her soulful songs.
Try Jazzy Bird, La Pergola, Casa Café Mintelo or – My Favorite – Le Metalo.
The island’s annual carnival starts every Shrove Tuesday; The beautiful sound of 100 drums is completely exciting.
Volcanic adventure
Of all the islands, fogo (or ‘fire’) is the wildest, highest and strangest. It is an active volcano and has erupted 27 times over the past 500 years.
There have been no deaths since 1847, and the islanders are in danger. Most of them live on the slopes of old lavastrome.
Take a ride to the volcano’s crater. It is five and a half miles left, beautifully black and quiet. From here it is a four -hour trek on the largest cone, Pico, at 2.829 m.
There are extraordinary 600 people living in the crater. During an outburst of 2014, both their towns were destroyed.
While Sao Vicenete may seem a strange place for a carnival, the island’s annual carnival starts every Shrove Tuesday
A few buildings have since been unearthed, and there is a scorched bar, while the old hotel still lies 6 m lava below 20 feet. Otherwise, it is matters as usual.
But Fogo is not just about Lava.
The main town, Sao Filipe, looks colorful Cuban and is extremely restored.
Stay on the cliffs in the four -star Bamboo Xaguate Hotel and try a volcanic rosé on the city square. Sao Filipe even has its own beach (with sand as black as midnight).
