Cape Verde – the emerging travel destination of Western Africa
Cape Verde, an unfamiliar name to many, even to the most seasoned travelers. However, if you are an avid traveler who loves authenticity in travel, the lesser known island country of Cape Verde must be in your top 10 list. Used to be a Portuguese colony in Western African region, Cape Verde is now an independent island country located 500km off the Western African coast of Senegal.
What made Cape Verde so special to avid travelers are the authentic environment. The weather is tropical with sunshine all year round and cool currents from the open ocean that separates Cape Verde from the rest of West Africa helps in keeping its temperatures moderate.
A stable political and economic system also help to support its West Africa’s highest standard of living. The local people, who represent varying degrees of African and Portuguese heritage, are always friendly and welcoming, which make travelers warm hearted at all times.
Planning holidays to Cape Verde will never be easier. Regular flights direct from Europe and the US are available since all its major islands have their own airport. Once you have arrived to any of the Cape Verdean airport, you can always arrange for island hopping with frequent internal flights or boats in between islands. Though tiny in area, the islands contain a remarkable profusion of landscapes, from Maio’s barren flats to the verdant valleys of Santo Antão. Fantastic beaches are found everywhere especially in the island of Sal and Boa Vista. Cape Verde remains as a destination for the hikers, the die-hard windsurfers, and the deep-sea anglers. A simple island hopping tour will definitely please every traveler’s itchy feet.
Cape Verdean towns are very warm and colourful. The biggest is Praia and Mindelo. Every town has its own distinctive atmosphere, architecture, colour tones, population… Various quaint little villages are scattered here and there over the islands, whether located in the mountains or by the sea.
There are no museums or monuments, however, various Cape Verdean artists display their work in the local restaurants and bars. You can also visit their workshops on the island of Sao Vicente. Music is also an integral part of the Cape Verdeans’ life. A mixture of Portuguese and African influences and Brazilian rhythms, Cape Verdean music floats over all the islands. The violin, guitar, saxophone and percussion are the main instruments accompanying the poetic texts of popular songs.
After all, Cape Verde has been a popular tourist destination among European and American lately who enjoy tropical climate and natural beauties on their travel. For avid travelers from other parts of the world, it is the time now to get to know this little country which is not far south from another archpelago of the Spanish Canary Islands. 🙂 – Travel Feeder, your ultimate photo travel guide to Africa
About The Author
Cecil Lee
The author is an avid traveler and photography hobbyist who loves to share with others his travel and photo-taking experience in many popular tourist destinations around Europe, Asia and Australasia. Read the exciting stories with many photos captured on his journeys.
