Cape Verde FAQ

On a map you find the ten islands of Cabo Verde off the west coast of Africa, more than 500 kilometres west of Mauritania, Senegal and Gambia. Together they form a horseshoe, open to the west, and are divided into two groups.

The four southern islands are the Sotavento (leeward) islands, including Santiago with the capital Praia. The six northern islands are the Barlavento (windward) islands, including Santo Antão and the kitesurfing and windsurfing hotspot São Vicente.

There is none: both names refer to the same islands. In October 2013 the country announced at the United Nations that from then on its official name would be Cabo Verde, or República de Cabo Verde, in every language. Because the English name Cape Verde was used for so long, many people still use it today.

Portuguese is the official language, used mainly in government and education. On the street, Cape Verdean Creole, or Kriolu, is the language of choice, spoken by almost everyone on the islands and by Cape Verdeans worldwide. Every island has its own variety: on São Vicente it is Kriol de Sonsent, in Portuguese Crioulo de São Vicente. In tourist areas you also get by with English and French.

The full Portuguese name was Ilhas de Cabo Verde, the Islands of the Green Cape. In the fifteenth century Portuguese explorers named the westernmost tip of Africa Cap-Vert, the Green Cape. When they later discovered the islands off that coast, they gave them the same name.

Excellent, all year round. The surrounding ocean keeps the climate milder than on the African mainland. Maximum temperatures range from about 25 °C at the start of the year to around 30 °C in August and September, and rarely drop below 20 °C, even at night. The sea stays between 22 °C and 25 °C. It does not rain much: the short rainy season runs roughly from August to November, the drier and windier season from December to July. More on our weather page.

Roughly from October to June, which makes Cabo Verde the perfect escape from the European winter. In October, November and December there is a small chance of rain. The dry season is also windier, the time of choice for windsurfers and kitesurfers. And do not miss carnival on São Vicente in February or March.

Cabo Verde was a Portuguese colony until its peaceful independence in 1975, so it is no surprise that most Cape Verdeans are Roman Catholic. There are also smaller Protestant communities, the largest being the Church of the Nazarene, and small groups of other faiths.

Yes. Calm water at Baía das Gatas, snorkeling trips, island tours and the relaxed, friendly atmosphere make São Vicente a great choice for families.