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Cape Verde

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24 Cities
186 Content
16.0000° N, 24.0000° W
136 Geography
At a glance

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Gateways to culture, history, geography and food.

Spotlight

Cities

Hand-picked places and experiences from this page.

Country panorama and regions

Overview

Cabo Verde is a stunning archipelago consisting of 10 volcanic islands situated in the Atlantic Ocean. The country's geographical structure and cultural tapestry are deeply intertwined with unique natural landmarks, ranging from the dramatic volcanic landscapes around the magnificent Pico do Fogo Volcano to the pristine turquoise waters of Santa Maria Beach and Sea.

Natural Wonders and Daily Life

Life on the islands is a harmonious blend of African and Portuguese cultures. While arid expanses like the Viana Desert showcase a raw landscape, the lush and green Paul Valley offers a contrasting glimpse into the island's agricultural richness. The local philosophy of hospitality defines the daily rhythm. To locate these points of interest, you can refer to the Map section below.

Cidade Velha Historic Centre
The UNESCO-listed Cidade Velha Historic Centre

Historical and Cultural Heritage

The archipelago's colonial past and deep historical roots are vividly preserved in the ruins of the Cidade Velha Historic Centre and the fortified walls of Fort Real de São Filipe. This heritage is also celebrated through local gastronomy, where the slow-cooked traditional stew known as Cachupa stands as a culinary symbol of the nation's identity.

Pedra de Lume Salt Crater
The historic salt crater of Pedra de Lume on Sal Island

Traditions, arts and local life

Culture

The culture of Cabo Verde is a unique synthesis of West African and Portuguese traditions. One of the most fundamental cornerstones of the country's national identity is Morna music, which expresses a deep sense of nostalgia and longing. At the heart of the Cape Verdean lifestyle is the concept of "Morabeza," which stands for hospitality, warmth, and open-heartedness. The most vibrant among local festivals is the Mindelo Carnival held on São Vicente island, which rivals Brazilian carnivals. During these colorful celebrations, participants dance in traditional costumes, and the famous local dish Cachupa is widely served.

Handicrafts and Lifestyle

Handicrafts are highly developed throughout the archipelago, particularly baskets woven from dried palm leaves and hand-woven "Pano de Terra" fabrics that reflect the island's cultural heritage. It is possible to encounter local artisans making these traditional textiles around the preserved Cidade Velha Historic Centre. Additionally, the traditional game of Ouril, an indispensable part of daily island rituals, is frequently played in cafes and on the streets. During celebrations and dinners, it is a well-established custom to serve sweets like Pudim de Queijo (Cheese Pudding) after dishes made with fresh seafood such as Búzios (Whelk Stew).

Cabo Verde — The legendary Morna singer Cesária Évora
The world-renowned Cape Verdean musician Cesária Évora, the greatest representative of traditional Morna music.

The geographical diversity of the islands has also shaped cultural rituals. For instance, communities living on the slopes of the imposing Pico do Fogo Volcano organize wine production festivals using grapes grown in rich volcanic soils. In the coastal areas, life depends entirely on the rhythm of the ocean; the annual Santa Maria Music Festival around Santa Maria Beach and Sea brings thousands of people together from all over the world with local rhythms. You can consult the

Flavors, dishes and restaurants

Food

16 items

Food

16
Cachupa Food

Cachupa

The undisputed national dish of Cabo Verde , Cachupa is a hearty, slow-cooked stew. Visitors should definitely try this corn and bean-based delicacy at local re…

Pastel com o Diabo Dentro Food

Pastel com o Diabo Dentro

An indispensable street food of Cabo Verde , this spicy pastry literally translates to 'pastry with the devil inside'. You can find this famously hot snack at l…

Búzios (Whelk Stew) Food

Búzios (Whelk Stew)

Benefiting from the bounty of the ocean, this is one of the most exquisite seafood dishes in Cabo Verde cuisine. Using the map , you can find freshly caught whe…

Pudim de Queijo (Cheese Pudding) Food

Pudim de Queijo (Cheese Pudding)

A delicious milk dessert native to the Cabo Verde islands, especially made with goat cheese. It is offered as an ideal option to end dinner on restaurant menus…

Catchupa of São Nicolau Food

Catchupa of São Nicolau

A traditional seafood and tuna-based variant of the national stew, heavily celebrated across the coastal areas of Tarrafal de São Nicolau in Cabo Verde .

Tarrafal Grilled Fish Food

Tarrafal Grilled Fish

Freshly caught Atlantic fish marinated with local spices and grilled over open charcoal, serving as a culinary highlight in Tarrafal de São Nicolau .

São Nicolau Fish Soup Food

São Nicolau Fish Soup

A rich, comforting traditional fish soup made with root vegetables and fresh catch, typical of the coastal culture in Tarrafal de São Nicolau .

Papaya Jam with Cheese Food

Papaya Jam with Cheese

A traditional dessert combining sweet homemade papaya preserve with savory local goat cheese, widely enjoyed in Tarrafal de São Nicolau .

Tarrafal Cachupa Food

Tarrafal Cachupa

A coastal variation of the national dish of Cabo Verde , prepared in Tarrafal using fresh local seafood, corn, and beans.

Tarrafal Grilled Fish Food

Tarrafal Grilled Fish

Fresh daily catch sourced directly from the fishermen in Tarrafal , grilled over charcoal in traditional Cabo Verde style.

Cuscuz Cake Food

Cuscuz Cake

A breakfast staple in Tarrafal , made from cornmeal and sugar, steamed in a traditional clay pot called 'bide'.

Tarrafal Pastel Food

Tarrafal Pastel

The most popular street snack in Tarrafal , consisting of deep-fried pastry filled with spiced fresh tuna, iconic to Cabo Verde .

Cachupa Rica Food

Cachupa Rica

Considered the national dish of Cabo Verde , this rich corn and bean stew is prepared in its most elaborate form in the Sotavento Islands , particularly on Sant…

Djagacida (Jagacida) Food

Djagacida (Jagacida)

A Portuguese-influenced local dish of rice and lima beans originating from the Fogo and Brava islands in the Sotavento Islands . It is commonly served alongside…

Fogo Cheese with Papaya Jam Food

Fogo Cheese with Papaya Jam

A delicious local dessert from the Sotavento Islands , combining the famous volcanic goat cheese of Fogo island with sweet papaya jam. It's a post-meal favorite…

Búzio Guisado Food

Búzio Guisado

A delicious seafood stew made with sea snails (búzio), famous in the coastal towns of the Sotavento Islands . It is prepared with fresh ingredients gathered fro…

Terrain, waters and landscape

Geography

40 items

Mountain

3

Plain

2

River

1

Sea

7

Forest

2

Desert

2

Volcano

2

Canyons

1

Stream

3

Picnic area

2

Museum

4

Historic sites

8
Cidade Velha Historic Centre Historic sites

Cidade Velha Historic Centre

Located on Santiago Island in Cabo Verde , Cidade Velha is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the first European colonial outpost in the tropics.

Fort Real de São Filipe Historic sites

Fort Real de São Filipe

As the first military fortification in Cabo Verde , this fortress was built in the late 16th century to protect Cidade Velha from pirate attacks.

Pedra de Lume Salt Crater Historic sites

Pedra de Lume Salt Crater

Located inside an extinct volcanic crater on Sal Island, Pedra de Lume is a historical salt production site of Cabo Verde dating back to the 18th century.

Port of Tarrafal Historic sites

Port of Tarrafal

Located in the heart of Tarrafal de São Nicolau , this historic port is the main gateway to the island. It holds significant importance for maritime trade and f…

Church of Saint Francis of Assisi Historic sites

Church of Saint Francis of Assisi

The most important religious and historical building in Tarrafal de São Nicolau , this church carries elegant traces of colonial architecture. It is one of the…

Santo Amaro Church Historic sites

Santo Amaro Church

Located in the town center of Tarrafal , the Santo Amaro Church is the iconic landmark of religious architecture in this region of Cabo Verde .

Tarrafal Concentration Camp Historic sites

Tarrafal Concentration Camp

The former political prison located in Tarrafal stands as one of the darkest monuments of the colonial era in Cabo Verde .

Santo Amaro Abilio Church Historic sites

Santo Amaro Abilio Church

The historical church located in the center of Tarrafal is a major landmark reflecting the city's religious heritage and colonial architectural style.

Natural pools

3

Timeline, heritage and stories

History

Discovery and Settlement of Cabo Verde

Discovered in 1460 by Portuguese navigators Antão Gonçalves and Bartolomeu Dias, the islands of Cabo Verde were entirely uninhabited. Due to their strategic location in the Atlantic, they quickly became a vital hub for the transatlantic slave trade. The earliest settlement, now known as the Cidade Velha Historic Centre, served as the first Portuguese tropical colonial outpost and was heavily fortified with the Fort Real de São Filipe to defend against continuous pirate raids.

Cidade Velha Historic Centre — Historical Streets and Ruins
Cidade Velha Historic Centre, the first European colonial outpost in the tropics.

Economic Shifting and Salt Trade

During the 18th and 19th centuries, following the decline of the slave trade, the archipelago shifted its economic focus. On the island of Sal, the exploitation of the Pedra de Lume Salt Crater transformed the region into a major international exporter of salt, reshaping the local infrastructure. To explore the exact locations of these historical landmarks, please refer to the internal Harita section.

Pedra de Lume Salt Crater — Historical Salt Production Site
Pedra de Lume Salt Crater played a major role in Cape Verde's 19th-century economy.

The Path to Independence

In the 20th century, nationalist movements gained momentum across the archipelago. The political prisoners and freedom fighters were sent to the notorious political prison, now preserved as the Tarrafal Concentration Camp Museum. Led by the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC) and Amílcar Cabral, Cabo Verde finally achieved full independence on July 5, 1975.