7 Fun Facts About Cape Verde

Where is Cape Verde? (How do you pronounce it?)

The Republic of Cabo Verde (or “green cape”), often called Cape Verde (VARE-dee) or Cabo Verde, is an island nation off the west coast of Africa. This Atlantic archipelago consists of ten islands and five islets.

From largest to smallest, the Cape Verde islands are Santiago, Santo Antão, Boa Vista, Fogo, São Nicolau, Maio, São Vicente, Sal, Brava and Santa Luzia. Sal is the most popular island for tourists due to its beautiful beaches and tourist resorts. However, all the islands are worth exploring and you could do so on a teen tour.

Let’s take a look at seven fun facts about Cape Verde.

1: One of the Cape Verde islands is uninhabited, two are volcanic

The islands of Cabo Verde have varying climates and landscapes. Sal Island, Maio Island and Boa Vista Island are the driest and flattest, and Fogo and Santiago have somewhat otherworldly volcanic landscapes. Santa Luzia, the only uninhabited island in Cape Verde, can be reached by chartering a fishing boat from Calhau on São Vicente.

Altogether, Cape Verde has a population of about 600,000 as of 2024, with the most populous island being Santiago Island, which is also the largest. There are also many Cape Verdeans living abroad as droughts in the 20th century caused many people to leave the islands and emigrate to places like the United States (about 100,000 Cape Verdean people), Portugal (about 70,000 Cape Verdeans), and South America. Cabo Verde’s people are 71% Creole, 28% African, and 1% European. The official language is Portuguese and the secondary language is a Cape Verdean Creole language called Kriolu.

Shoreline of São Vicente Island in Cape Verde.

2: Before 1456, Cape Verde had no people

In 1456, Portuguese explorers took control of the Cape Verde archipelago. Back then it was part of Guinea Bissau, in mainland West Africa, but the Cape Verde islands themselves were only inhabited by plants and animals. The Portuguese used the islands as a stop in the slave trade, driving Cabo Verde’s population growth.

3: Cidade Velha is Cape Verde’s UNESCO World Heritage site

Cidade Velha (previously known as Ribeira Grande) on Santiago is Cabo Verde’s only UNESCO World Heritage site. Ribeira Grande was the original capital of the archipelago and the first European city in the tropics. It was a key port city, and through it traveled such famed explorers as Christopher Columbus, Vasco da Gama, and Ferdinand Magellan. More ominously, it was a major shipping point for African slaves. Approximately 500,000 African enslaved people were said to have been sent to the New World through Ribeira Grande.

In Cidade Velha, visitors can see a number of attractions steeped in history:

• Fortaleza Real de São Filipe – a fortress from the 16th century to protect the city from pirates
• Pelourinho (Pillory) – a marble column in the town center that symbolizes colonial justice. This was historically used for the public punishment of slaves and criminals.
• Nossa Senhora do Rosário Church – a 15th century church, said to be the oldest in the tropics, built in the Manueline architectural style.
• Rua Banana – one of the oldest streets in the town, lined with traditional houses that show the architectural style and urban planning of the period.
• São Francisco Convent and Church – ruins of a 17th-century convent and church.
• Slave Market Square – a historic site where enslaved people were once bought and sold, before they were transported across the Atlantic Ocean.
• Museu de Arqueologia – a museum showcasing archaeological artifacts from the colonial period.
• Historic Center – a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2009, where visitors can walk through the historic center to see various colonial-era buildings and ruins and understand the historical economy.

4: The Cabo Verde archipelago has a lot of sea turtles

Cape Verde is one of the top three nesting sites for loggerhead turtles. Visitors can witness the turtles laying their eggs between July and September. A great place to see this phenomenon is Ervatão Beach, Boa Vista. In addition to this, the waters of Boa Vista are a breeding ground for humpback whales. This phenomenon is best seen between March and April. The Cabo Verde islands also host unique species such as the long-eared bat, the only indigenous mammal to the archipelago, and the Cape Verde giant gecko, which can grow to be 15.5cm long.

Cape Verde is also home to many volcanoes, with Pico do Fogo being the highest at 9,281 feet (2,829 meters). The volcano provides spectacular views and is a significant tourist attraction. The island of Fogo has black volcanic soil, which is excellent for growing grapes and coffee. Finally, Santo Antão, the greenest island, is known for its lush landscapes and agricultural products, including the local grogue (a spirit similar to rum).

5: Cape Verde boasts a world-famous top 25 beach

Cape Verde is famous for its unspoiled beaches and crystal-clear waters. The most famous is Praia de Santa Maria (Santa Maria Beach), which has earned its spot in the hearts of global beach lovers due to its:

Stunning Natural Beauty

• Praia de Santa Maria has pristine white sand and clear turquoise waters. The coastline offers breathtaking views, making it a popular spot for taking photographs.

Ideal Conditions for Water Sports

• Windsurfing and Kitesurfing: The consistent winds and favorable sea conditions make Praia de Santa Maria an excellent destination for windsurfing and kitesurfing. It even hosts international competitions and attracts enthusiasts from around the world.
• Scuba Diving and Snorkeling: The clear waters provide excellent visibility for scuba diving and snorkeling, allowing visitors to observe vibrant marine life and coral reefs.
• Fishing: The area is also popular for sport fishing, with various tours available for deep-sea fishing adventures.

Tourist Amenities and Infrastructure

• Resorts and Hotels: A wide range of accommodations from luxury resorts to budget-friendly hotels cater to different types of travelers. (We recommend not using the search term “villa de praia,” which will return results from Portugal, not Cabo Verde.)
• Restaurants and Bars: Numerous beachfront restaurants and bars offer local and international cuisine and provide a vibrant nightlife scene.
• Waterfront Promenade: Shops, cafes and entertainment venues fill the promenade.

Rui Tourag Hotel, Boa Vista, Cape Verde

Vibrant Local Culture

• Music and Festivals: Praia de Santa Maria is known for its lively cultural scene, with frequent music performances and festivals celebrating Cape Verdean culture.
• Craft Markets: Local craft markets allow visitors to purchase handmade souvenirs, traditional clothing and local art.

6: Morna is the signature Cape Verdean musical genre

Morna is a slow dance music that is core to Cape Verde. Morna songs often talk about sad fate, lost love, or the blues, using melancholic guitars and violins.

São Vicente, especially Mindelo, is the cultural center known for its music, art, and colonial architecture. The music genre of morna, blending Portuguese, African, Brazilian and Cuban influences, is a cultural hallmark.

Among most Cape Verdeans, the late Cesária Évora is the most beloved international morna singer. She also sang coladeira songs.

• Morna: This genre, often compared to the blues, is characterized by its slow, melancholic melodies and themes of longing, love and loss.
• Coladeira: A more upbeat, rhythmic style compared to morna, coladeira also features prominently in her repertoire.

7: Cape Verde has the highest standard of living in West Africa

Sal, Cape Verde

Having gained independence from Portugal in 1975, Cabo Verde has been on the up and up for the past several decades. The country has one of Africa’s most stable democratic governments, making it a safe and welcoming tourist destination. Cape Verde also offers a certain level of convenience, widely accepting Euros in addition to the local escudo currency.

Cabo Verde is particularly welcoming to American and British citizens, who may enter visa-free for up to 30 days. There are also seven operational airports in Cabo Verde.

A challenge for the nation is that Cabo Verde is one of the driest areas of the world, with climate change having a significant impact on water availability and agriculture. As a result, 90% of food is imported; only one-tenth of the land is deemed suitable for agriculture.

The people of Cabo Verde aim to be a leading nation for the production and use of renewable energy. To better serve their energy needs for the long term, Cape Verdeans are striving to be 50% powered by renewable energy by 2030 and nearly 100% by 2040-2050.