Why visit
Cape Verde is ten volcanic islands off West Africa with a Creole culture closer to Brazil than to the mainland. Sal and Boa Vista carry the beach resorts, Santo Antão has the canyon hiking, and Fogo is an active volcano you can climb.
Country - Africa
Cape Verde
beachculturenature
How to use this result
Use it as a country shortlist
Cape Verde works best as a first-pass travel idea. Start with the region, season, and themes on this page, then compare flights, entry rules, safety guidance, and local transport before treating it as a real option.
Compare the capital and side trips
Use Praia as the administrative starting point, then check whether the strongest trip idea is actually the capital, a coastal area, a nature route, or another city in Cape Verde.
At a glance
Location
16.0°, -24.0°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
4,033 km²
1,557 mi²
Country population
520k
129/km²
Subregion
Western Africa
Currency
Cape Verdean escudo (Esc)
CVE
Dial
+238
Language
Portuguese
Demonym
Cape Verdian
Internet
.cv
UN
Member state
ISO code
CV / CPV
Where in the world
16.0° - -24.0°
Cape Verde
Open in Google Maps
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world - CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- Cabo Verde is an archipelago of 10 volcanic islands off West Africa, uninhabited until the Portuguese arrived in 1462.
- The country's best-known musical export is morna, popularized globally by Cesária Évora, "the barefoot diva".
- Pico do Fogo, an active volcano, last erupted in 2014 and destroyed the village of Chã das Caldeiras.
Traveler notes
- Santo Antão's ribeira valleys offer the best hiking in West Africa
- Fogo erupted as recently as 2014; the crater village still makes wine
- Morna music, made famous by Cesária Évora, fills Mindelo's bars
Plan checks
- Start research with the capital Praia, then compare two or three other regions.
- Check passport validity, visa rules, health requirements, and travel insurance for current conditions.
- Verify swim safety, ocean conditions, and water-quality reports by month.
- Bring layered clothing and verify trail/park access before arrival.
Explore more
Facts last reviewed June 2026 against GeoNames and national statistics sources. See the editorial policy for how destination data is maintained.
Frequently asked about Cape Verde
What is the capital of Cape Verde?
Praia is the capital of Cape Verde.
What currency does Cape Verde use?
Cape Verde uses the Cape Verdean escudo (Esc), ISO code CVE.
What languages are spoken in Cape Verde?
The primary language is Portuguese.
Is Cape Verde landlocked?
No, Cape Verde has a coastline.
What is the international calling code for Cape Verde?
The calling code is +238.
When is the best time to visit Cape Verde?
Nov–Jun. Check current weather and local events before booking.
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