Located in the Atlantic Ocean, some 1,500 kilometres south of the Canary Islands, there are ten islands that make up Cape Verde – the Windward Islands (Boa Vista, Sal, Santo Antão, Sao Nicolau, Sao Vicente and Santa Luzia) and the Leeward Islands (Fogo, Brava, Maio and Santiago). The islands were uninhabited until the arrival of the Portuguese in the 15th century. This circumstance and their slow (until a few years ago) economic development have meant that a large part of their territory remains practically untouched. Its volcanic origin, its paradisiacal beaches and the idiosyncrasy of its inhabitants have made it a tourist destination in constant growth.
Official currency: the currency of Cape Verde is the Cape Verdean escudo (CVE).
Official language: The official language of Cape Verde is Portuguese. Cape Verdean Creole (based on Portuguese but influenced grammatically and phonetically by African languages) is also widely spoken.
Documentation needed: a passport and visa valid for the duration of the stay are required to enter the country.
Climate: temperate tropical climate with little rainfall. Temperatures range from 20°C in winter to 25°C in summer. Despite the low rainfall, the rainy season is from August to October while the driest season is from November to July.
Vaccinations: yellow fever vaccination is obligatory for all travellers over one year of age coming from infected areas. Although Spain is not included in these areas, it is highly recommended.
- Recommended: Yellow Fever, Hepatitis A and B, Tetanus, Triple Viral (Measles, Rubella, Mumps).
- Special situations: Cholera, Typhoid fever, Influenza, Pneumococcal.
However, we advise you to check this information on the Spanish Government's Web site as it may have changed.
Pack light cotton clothing and comfortable shoes. Don't forget a rain coat and some warm clothes in case it cools down. Also pack sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen and insect repellent, especially in summer.
It is advisable to get some vaccinations before your trip. Basically against typhoid, yellow fever and tetanus. Also, as in many other countries in the region, we recommend that you don't drink tap water, do without ice and don't eat uncooked food. It's not that anything bad will happen to you. It's just that we are not used to it and our stomachs suffer some "mishaps" if we don't take the right measures.
