School encyclopedia. Transport system of the country

From Lisbon, Portuguese Airlines took us for 3 hours 40 minutes to the island of Sal (translated from Portuguese as “salt”) in the Republic of Cape Verde. The visa is issued directly at passport control for 25 euros per person. Hotel Riu Funana and Riu Garopa are essentially one hotel, each has its own reception, but you can use the territory and services of both hotels. Upon registration, a tourist tax of 10 euros per person is collected.
The hotel operates on an all-inclusive system - meals are provided 24 hours, essentially; having arrived at 12 at night, we could easily go out to eat if we wished. But I really wanted to sleep after a long journey (taking into account sightseeing tour in Lisbon). We checked in quickly. Porters do not ask for tips. The territory is large. The two hotels have 10 buildings with 150 rooms each.
Near the shore, the water is transparent blue, slightly cool, but it’s an escape from the heat; you don’t want to go out. But after 15 hours the coolness of the water is more noticeable. The food is varied, well prepared, lots of vegetables, fruits, meat, fish, desserts. But there is no trace of tea or coffee in the main restaurant during lunch and dinner, only in the bars. But it is still very difficult to remain hungry. Although it is monotonous from day to day. At the restaurant, the waitresses are very friendly and keep everything clean and funny, but about 30% of the wait staff are heavily pregnant.
The hotel is located 5 minutes' drive from the town of St. Mary. Taxi one way – 3 euros. The town is small, there are many cafes and restaurants (mostly open after 18:00), and many souvenir shops. Beautiful coast. It's an hour and a half walk from the city to the hotel beach along the shore.
Wi-fi is paid. They offer either a one-time entry for a certain number of minutes (an hour, two, five, etc.), or multiple entry (for example, 2 hours for 2 days). 1 hour costs 7 euros. They say that Wi-Fi access is only at the reception, but in our room it connected perfectly to the network and we didn’t have to run around.
The room is practically not separated from the bathroom. The shower has only a curtain, but with a toilet better -he with a door. The wardrobe is a stick with hangers separated by a decorative curtain. Mostly Portuguese, Spanish, and French people stay at the hotel. There were only a few Russian-speaking couples. There were cockroaches in the room from time to time. There are plenty of sun loungers on the beach and by the pool. No matter what time you come, there will always be enough free ones.
In general, I got the impression that Cape Verde is for the Portuguese, French, etc. – this is the same as Türkiye for Russians.
Good children's animation, many sports programs, evening shows with 2 performances every evening.
The local currency is the escudo. 1 euro = 100 escudos. IN tourist places They easily accept euros for payment.
The first excursion was in the evening. For 20 euros per adult, you are picked up in a jeep along with other tourists from the hotel and in 20 minutes delivered to the shore, where turtles crawl out of the ocean to lay their eggs. For about 1.5 hours we sat on the sand in the dark (only moonlight is allowed), talking to each other only in a whisper. All this in order not to scare away the turtles. If they hear noise or light or movement, they will not come ashore. They were specifically warned that clothes should be dark. When one turtle finally came ashore and began laying eggs, we were led up to her in small groups from behind, and we were given about 3 minutes to take photos. Photographs can only be taken without flash. Then they waited until she finished burying them in the sand and crawled back into the ocean. While we were waiting, everyone froze. The Discovery Channel made a film about this process that is more interesting and educational.
The next excursion was a trip to Fogo Island: cost 243 euros per adult. Duration 12 hours. An airplane flight for 20 people takes 1 hour one way. At the airport upon boarding they ask for your passport. But for some reason our guide forgot to tell us about this (for example, in the Dominican Republic, internal flights as part of excursions do not require any documents at all). After explaining that we didn’t take our passports and smiling sweetly, they let us through. But an unpleasant aftertaste remained. Departing from Sal the weather was wonderful (sunny and hot), but Fogo Island was greeted with cool weather and rain. The guide broadcasts the tour in English and French. First we were taken to a small cafe, where we were treated to coffee, fresh mango juice, buns with butter and jam. Then a short walk around the city and further into the mountains to the foot of the volcano, lunch and wine tasting. The higher you are above ocean level, the colder, foggier and rainier it is. At times the wind and rain were squally. Warm clothes would be useful. Locally produced wine for every taste from 9 euros per bottle from the 2012 vintage. Russian speaking guides not on the islands yet.
Fogo Island covers 446 sq. km. Population over 37 thousand. Famous active volcano(last erupted in 1995 and on a black sand beach). You will find out everything else when you arrive...
Next we visited the island of Santiago: cost 232 euros per person for 12 hours. The capital of the Republic of Cape Verde, Praia, is located on the island of Santiago. Most big Island. The Republic of Cape Verde includes 10 islands. The flight from Sal Island takes 45 minutes. Very interesting excursion: The guide talked a lot about the history of Cape Verde, the current situation in medicine, education, politics, etc. We visited the central square of Praia, the local market, took apart the stone volcanic formations that local residents use as part of the building material (mixed with sand, etc.) during construction, visited the first defensive fortress built by the Portuguese, and a nearby village where they still traded slaves and pirates moored, climbed to the crater of a dormant volcano, visited Botanical Garden. The weather was changing before our eyes. On the island of Sal it is sunny and dry, on the island of Santiago it rains at first, but without such winds as on the island of Fogo, upon reaching the fortress (min. 20 drive) the sky turned blue and the heat began. As we ascended to the volcano it became cloudy, and upon returning to the airport it began to rain. But I really enjoyed the excursion.
Boa Vista Island: excursion cost 170 euros per adult. The flight is only 15 minutes. The island is deserted. Although there are hotels there (even a hotel from the large Riu chain), there are direct flights to this island from Lisbon. Jeep excursion, at the end of the excursion it even caught fire. At first it was cloudy and this saved us; it was difficult to be under the blazing sun. And after 14 o'clock the sky became blue and it was very hot here. We visited several small towns, sandy desert, 2 most beautiful beaches, we saw a sunken liner - the remains (a large piece of the bow) off the coast with incredibly beautiful white sand and blue transparent water of the ocean. We drove through various places on the island and stopped for swimming twice. Lunch is very good. By the way, the food was very good on all excursions.
All excursions to the islands are for the whole day. Basically, as the co-pilot told us (the pilot team and the plane were the same), that having visited 3 islands in addition to Fr. Sal, we saw all the variations of nature in the Republic of Cape Verde, because the other islands are similar to those we visited.
There are many excursion options on the island of Sal: fishing, diving on a Neptune boat, quad bikes, yacht trips, diving, catamarans. On average, the price is 70-90 euros per person. You can rent a car for the whole day for 50-80 euros, depending on the type of car (the most expensive Ford Everest is 80 euros).
A sightseeing tour of the island of Sal lasts 5 hours for 25 euros per person. They brought me on a bus to administrative city Sal Island, we walked through the streets, showed the local library, market, and central square. Then we went to the desert to see a mirage - a cool spectacle (the first time we saw it live), showed a rocky coast with an underwater cave, visited fishing village and finally, we visited the crater of an active volcano, where salt is mined, and there is salt Lake with a temperature of approximately 27-29 degrees, in which you can swim, or rather feel like a log that does not sink. The island is deserted. It’s hard to call it green at all
On the island of Sal it rains only 11 days a year, we caught one day, or rather half a day. Upon returning from the excursion, it began to rain and continued until late in the evening.
The Republic of Cape Verde consists of 10 islands, of which only two are touristic: the island of Sal and the island of Boa Vista.
In general, summing up the trip to Cape Verde, a comparison comes with a vacation in the Dominican Republic: sitting in a hotel, it will be the same Turkey with full service, but only almost 9 thousand km from Moscow. You need to visit the islands to understand and enjoy all the diversity of nature that will greet you in this country. You also need knowledge of a foreign language: Portuguese, French, English. German and other languages will not help. English saved me. Nobody speaks Russian... Although this has its own huge advantage. So take plenty of money and have a nice trip!

Independent republic Cape Verde , is considered African. The archipelago lies opposite the westernmost point of Africa (Cape Almadi and Cape Verde in Senegalese Dakar), approximately 1000 km from the continent. 10 large islands, of which 9 are inhabited and 5 are small uninhabited rock islands. The capital is the city of Praia, on the island Santiago .

Cape Verde Islands on the map:

Cape Verde(Cape Verde) on a map from a local bookstore. Now she takes worthy place in our wardroom

Cape Verde on a map of the archipelago. The names of the islands with the prefix San- may differ slightly in different sources and even among different islands, and all because there is no clear agreement on how to correctly translate them into Russian :)

Windward Islands (Ilhas de Barlavento): Santo Antau (San Antao), San Vicente , Santa Lucia (uninhabited). San Nicolau, Sal , Boa Vista.

Leeward (Ilhas de Sotavento): Santiago , Mayu, Fogo and Brava.

Language– Portuguese, Creole – a mixture of Portuguese and African dialects. “Cut” Portuguese. Blacks communicated with their oppressors in Creole. The majority of the population speaks it among themselves. Knowledge of Spanish will help mutual understanding between travelers and the local population :).

Sao Vicente Island. West Bank, view from the road

How to get to Cape Verde

By plane from Lisbon, Amsterdam, Paris, Frankfurt, Munich. On a yacht, for example, like this:

Airlines:

TAP (Transport Air Purtugesh)– Portuguese airline
– Cape Verdian Airlines

The second one is cheaper, but the first one is better. Local airline ( TACV (Transport Air Cabo Verde) likes to cancel and reschedule flights for, say, 12 hours, without particularly bothering to notify passengers. Therefore, if you are planning a flight on 4-seat aircraft, 3 of them may be covered. According to the rules, when a flight is rescheduled and there is a long connection, the company must provide passengers with a hotel. In fact, the transfer is planned in such a way that neither mother nor father will care: you fly past the hotel, and from three in the morning you spend the night at the airport on a chair. Well, the plus is that you lose money, of course, by not catching the next planes of other airlines. They say that the TAR company is about to be closed, then everyone will fly on Portuguese airlines. They also say that they should launch another company soon, then the prices will become more acceptable. But they've been saying that for five years now.

Flight cost With Cape Verde Islands to Moscow ranges from 650 (if you are lucky with discount promotions) to 1500 euros. Mostly planes to Europe fly from Sal Islands , which still needs to be reached. Local plane ticket from Mindelo ( Sao Vicente ) before Sala costs 180 euros.

View of Mindelo. Sao Vicente from Monte Verde, the highest point of the island

Cape Verde. Money and prices

For “disposable” clothes and everything else in Chinese stores, which are everywhere here, prices are comparable to European ones.

High food prices (one and a half to two times higher than the Canary Islands), since almost everything is imported from or from continents.

Some prices in escudo

Apples – 175 – local, simple. 260 – 280 – glossy, beautiful.
Snickers – 75. Sugar (brown), kg – 44 – 70.
Milk, 1 l (long-term storage only) – 60-80.
Potatoes – 120. Bulgarian. Pepper – simple – 175. Beautiful – 300-400
Coconut liqueur with local grog, 0.5 l – 500-600

History of the development of the Cape Verde Islands

Cape Verde discovered by the Portuguese around 1462. The lands turned out to be uninhabited, which seems surprising, but understandable: almost all the islands have no sources of fresh water. Europeans began to use the newly discovered lands as a transshipment base for transporting slaves from Africa to America. Here the slaves were waiting to be sent overseas, some were dying, some were sick. The sick were left on the islands. Their descendants, mixed with the descendants of Portuguese slave owners, form the backbone of the current population of the islands - the Creoles.

Cape Verde visited by us:

Sao Vicente Island

Mindelo– northern capital, cultural she is, the most beautiful city archipelago, a city of poets, artists and musicians. Birthplace of Cesaria Evora. Colonial architecture in the historical center. Here it is largest port country, in a large protected bay there is an anchorage and the only marina in the country. A hub for yachting, sailors and commercial fishermen for fishing tourists.

Marina Mindelo

View of Marina Mindelo

Anchor– depth 5 meters, sand. Marina is completely European in appearance and design. The only one on the islands.

Card shower for guests, closed pontoon.
There is a bar with food on the pontoon. Toilet is free.
Parking a dinghy at the cafe - 4 euros per day, we agreed on 10 per week. You can bargain to pay less.
Parking in the marina is 27 (29) euros per day for a size of 40 feet. The cost depends on the length of stay.
Water - 2 escudos per liter. Twice as expensive as people in the city
Fuel – diesel is cheaper at the marina than at the gas station.

Marina owner– German, his wife is an Australian of Latvian origin. She lived in Berlin, met her husband there 14 years ago, and went here to develop a business and live.

Internet in the marina and in the marina bar. We catch from a yacht antenna. But when we started downloading movies, the Mariners quickly caught on and began changing the password twice a day... :)

Fishermen take their catch to the market in Mindelo

Sao Antao Island

The most beautiful, green island of the archipelago. High folded mountains with coniferous forest, gardens and even springs. This is the breadbasket of the archipelago.

Fogs in the Sao Antao mountains at the end of the dry season. After the rainy season (in September), the mountains acquire a richer velvet green color

Car rental- in Porto Novo. There international company“Pegasus”, 400 meters from the port along the coast to the north.

Large pickup – 65 euros per day.
Plus gasoline.
If you drive more than 100 km per day, you get a bribe for every extra km.

In the northeast of the island is one of the most beautiful villages Mira Fontainhas. To get there you need to drive 6 kilometers along a dirt road from the town of Paul along the ocean and into the mountains. Not high, but rocky, if you look down at the ocean from the cabin - it makes you close your eyes :). Tourist websites and brochures write that Fontainhas is located high in the mountains. Lies. Just drive to it - along a dirt road hanging over the ocean. Like this:

The path to the village of Fontainhas along a dirt road

Houses and terraced slopes of Fontainhas

In the town Paul there is an establishment “Black Mamba”, he is being held by the Italian Liana. Outdoor tables are hidden in the shade of climbing passion fruit trees, which the hostess immediately picks to prepare a carafe of fresh juice with ice. Grog is also diluted with the same juice - a local alcoholic drink extracted from cane and drunk due to the lack of fresh water on the islands :).

The owner Liana is a stately, fit woman of about 40, hard-working and neat. If you are not here for the first time and come to her during a siesta, Liana can offer you to prepare food from what is at hand, send you upstairs, and she will do fitness on the ground floor while listening to music. Liana has two children, the youngest is a Creole, the eldest, apparently, is still from Italy. Unfortunately, there are no photos of Liana’s establishment due to a dead battery in the camera.

House in Paul, San Antao Island

Our Russian friends from Mindelo also praise the establishment of the Italian F (Ernando? Francesco??) - he lives in a very comfortably decorated home and houses and feeds tourists. It’s better to ask the locals about its location; we never got there.

Tarrafal

The southern tip of the island of San Antao (the names Tarrafal are also on other Cape Verde Islands ), fishing village.

The drive along the coast is tiring and long - along a dusty rocky dirt road through a lunar landscape for an hour and a half.
It’s easier to come on a yacht – approx. 20 miles from Mindelo. Anchorage. Great depths. Beach. Beautiful from the sea and green even in the dry season.
Here, in the cozy “place” of the Spaniard Tomas, they serve ice grog with passion fruit juice. Or just juice. Cold and tasty. Here are the numbers. The establishment speaks Portuguese and Spanish, and Tomas probably also speaks English. The owners themselves live in the house, which they rent out to guests.

U Tomas, Tarrafal, San Antao

Entrance to the restaurant-resort “Marina and Tarrafal” by the Spaniard Tomas, Tarrafal, San Antao

View of Tarrafal from the ocean as you approach the anchorage. San Antao

The streets would be beautiful if they were looked after.

Read more about Tarrafal on the island. San Antao, the features of anchorage and disembarkation from a yacht ashore are written in the material .

Santa Lucia Island (uninhabited)

The Land Before Time - on the uninhabited island of Santa Lucia

Giant eggs are laid here sea turtles. The island was once inhabited by people. Our notes about this wonderful island are in the group on FB (soon they will be transferred to the website)

Cape Verde. Medicine

State healthcare for the local population is almost free; for this you need to pay for something like an insurance policy. Certificates stating that you are low-income will help you get treatment even more free :).

Mindelo has a municipal hospital and at least one good, but expensive private clinic, “MediCentro”. It is located near the marina next to the police station. The girl at the reception even speaks Russian. An initial appointment with a doctor costs 6,000 escudos (5.5 thousand rubles). A Russian urologist works at the clinic. (If necessary, we can provide the contact in a personal message). On Sao Vicente there is a good European laboratory, “Labo Jove” (I think so), where they do high-quality tests.

The old Mindelo Hospital is 200 years old. There are hospital buildings and a clinic (consultation center). Inside the building there are open galleries with entrances to offices, trees, and again a closed corridor with office doors. Everyone has been sitting in line on benches since eight in the morning. At nine, the office doors are wide open, but not a single doctor is visible. Then the people perk up and run to one common door, either for coupons or for test results. And again he sits doomedly in front of empty offices. No one takes a turn, everyone just waits. Ostensibly…

Shops and markets in Mindelo

Fish market on the shore opposite the anchorage. From the marina exit - 3 minutes to the right. Just behind the beautiful governor's tower (a copy of some famous tower.)

In the morning there is a lot of tuna at the market; in the cutting department the carcasses are cut up and taken to the traders. A kilo costs between 400 and 500 escudos. Cut into steaks. There is plenty of other seafood - dried, salted and fresh. They speak only Creole (Portuguese). Fish cleaning – 50 escudos

Central city market– in a beautiful colonial building. Everything is clean. Moderate selection of everything vegetable, + wine and grog, preserves, hard local cheese, dried herbs.

On the road from the fish market market square(where the booths are painted with pictures from Mindelo’s past) – also vegetable and fruit shops and markets . The square itself is a souvenir and clothing area.

The street near the main temple on one side is completely occupied by Chinese shops with Chinese people at the counter. They don't speak English either. There are a lot of inexpensive and disposable things, like everywhere else. 20 years ago, with the arrival of the Chinese in the Cape Verde Islands, all the locals began to be dressed and, finally, put on shoes.

About the people in Cape Verde - ours and the locals - will be here >> (material in the process of creation :))

Other entries from the Cape Verde Islands:

Cape Verde. Photos:

The beach in Mindelo (Sao Vicente island) is made of shell rock. lime, mixing with the turquoise of the ocean, forms a fantastic color of water. Just outside the port, north along the shore from the marina

Bar in Mindelo Marina in the evening, o. Sao Vicente.

Street in the center of Mindelo

street in the center of Mindelo

Rich neighborhood in Mindelo

Panorama of Mindelo, cultural capital archipelago. View of the marina and anchorage

Surf on the uninhabited island of Santa Lucia. The masts of the Lady Mary at anchor are visible through the waves.

View from the anchorage of Santa Lucia Island to Sao Vicente Island at sunset

Evening Mindelo from the anchorage. On the left is the governor's tower with a modest museum and the triangular ruin of an open concert hall. even further to the left (outside the photo) is the fish market. Sao Vicente Island

Mindelo. Sao Vicente Island from the anchorage. In the very left building (white, behind a small palm tree) there is “Casa de Morno” - a bar with a small stage and live music from the first living musical celebrity of Cape Verde - Tito Paris. Music bar - 2nd floor, restaurant with stunning views of the harbor - 3rd floor.

Mindelo harbor. Fishermen go out for night fishing. View from the anchorage

San Pedro beach on the island. Sano Vicente

Mindelo street

Mindelo harbor. Sunset view from the anchorage, with San Antao Island on the horizon

Paul. O. San Antao. These concrete cages are 1m x 1.5m. - pig farm. Here the pigs live, get fat and wait for slaughter...

Full Moon at anchor in Mindelo

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Basic moments

On tropical islands Popular activities include diving, yachting, windsurfing, kitesurfing and sport fishing. Travelers coming to Cape Verde for active rest, they prefer to stay in hotels at diving centers and surfing stations or rent cottages on the seashore.

About 540 thousand people live on the archipelago. More than 70% of local residents are mulattoes, a quarter of Cape Verdean citizens are Africans, and the remaining residents are immigrants from different countries Europe. Portuguese, Creole and African languages are spoken here. Thanks to immigrants from the western regions of Africa, French is widely spoken among the islanders. It is believed that about 80% of the population are Catholics, with the rest following local beliefs.

The famous singer Cesaria Evora was born in Cape Verde. The barefoot diva became famous throughout the world for performing original Creole songs to the accompaniment of a ukulele, piano, accordion, clarinet and violin. In 2012, the airport on the island of Sao Vicente received the name of a talented singer who won the hearts of music lovers in different parts of the world.

All life in the tropical archipelago is connected to the ocean, and tourism forms the basis of the Cape Verdean economy. The development of tourism infrastructure is sponsored by local and foreign investors. Entrepreneurs from Austria, Spain, Germany, Italy, France and Portugal invest especially a lot of money in the development of tourism in this country. Thanks to them, large resort centers, offering their guests a full range of necessary services.

History of Cape Verde

The first mentions of Cape Verde can be found among Arab travelers and geographers who lived in the 12th-14th centuries. Europeans discovered part of the archipelago in 1456. This happened during the voyage of the Venetian traveler Aloysius Cada Mosto, who was in the service of the Portuguese. In subsequent years, Portuguese sailors visited the remaining islands. In those days, the entire archipelago was covered with vegetation, and there were no people here.

The first European settlements appeared in Cape Verde in 1462. Colonists from Portugal began to explore the Cape Verde Islands from Santiago. The country's government encouraged settlers with large plots of land and gave them significant privileges in trade on the African coast. In addition to the Portuguese, the islands were settled by settlers from Spain, Genoa and France. And by the end of the 15th century, thousands of Jews came here who left Europe, wanting to avoid the persecution of the Portuguese Inquisition.

The archipelago was located at the crossroads of merchant ships plying between Europe, the New World and Africa, so it quickly became one of the centers of the slave trade. Europeans living in Cape Verde undertook several expeditions for “live goods” on the coast of Guinea and in hinterland Africa, and slaves were transported to tobacco and sugar cane plantations located in Brazil. Due to the large influx of Africans, by 1572 the vast majority of the inhabitants of the archipelago were descendants of black slaves, as well as mulattoes, who were born from the connections of African women with Europeans.

IN XVIII-XIX centuries Cape Verde has suffered from the effects of a severe drought. Crop failure was contributed to by constant cutting down of rainforests and clearing of fertile soil for pastures. As a result, about 100 thousand local residents died during three major droughts. The end of the slave trade came in 1876, the King of Portugal issued a special decree prohibiting slavery.

By the end of the 19th century, Cape Verde had become an ideal place to refuel transatlantic ships. Liners landing in Cape Verde received the coal, drinking water, provisions and livestock they needed on the islands.

In 1951, the Cape Verde Islands, along with other possessions, became an overseas province of Portugal. A movement for the independence of Guinea and Cape Verde soon arose, and in 1974 an agreement was signed in the capital of Portugal recognizing the islands as an independent republic.

Geographical features and climate

The islands lie in the center of the Atlantic Ocean. About 16% of Cape Verde is rocky, devoid of vegetation, which resembles lifeless "moon" landscapes. Several volcanoes are concentrated here. The largest of them, Fogo, rises to a height of 2829 m.

The islands have rocky, steep shores, and there are few places suitable for mooring ships. The largest of the harbors, Porto Grande, is located on the island of Sao Vicente. A natural bay formed in the crater of a submerged volcano. Today, the country’s second largest city, Mindelo, stretches around it.

Cape Verde has a dry tropical climate. Average annual temperature air temperature on the Cape Verde Islands is +25 °C. The coldest months are January and February, and the hottest are July and August. Depending on the time of year, the temperature of ocean water ranges from +21 °C to +26 °C.

There is little rainfall - only 100-300 mm per year. True, during the rainy season, which lasts from August to October, heavy downpours can occur in the mountains, which can cause great damage to the top fertile layer of soil.

On the islands of Cape Verde, winds blow all year round, and thanks to them, the tropical heat is much easier to bear. From mid-autumn to early summer, the easterly trade wind from the Sahara, called the harmattan, prevails. It is very dry and often brings fine dust to the islands.

Cape Verde Islands

The archipelago consists of 10 large and 5 small islands, divided into “leeward” and “windward” groups. The “windward” group includes Santo Antao, San Vicente, San Nicolau, desert island Santa Luzia, Sal and Boa Vista. Downwind - Santiago, Brava, Fogo and Maio.

Sal

The flattest of all the islands in the archipelago is famous for its excellent conditions for diving and surfing. The island is of volcanic origin and emerged from the ocean about 50 million years ago. It is distinguished by its developed tourism infrastructure, so more than half of all travelers coming to Cape Verde choose to stay here.

In Sal, trips on catamarans and sailboats along the coast are popular. During such sea travel tourists can swim, snorkel and fish with a fishing rod. So that travelers can better see the underwater world and sunken ships, they are taken along the coast on boats with a transparent bottom.

While relaxing in Sal, it is interesting to visit the town of Santa Maria and take a bath in the salt pools. Many tourists go on an excursion to Oásis de Algodoeiro - to the ruins of a military fortress built by the Portuguese during the colonization of the island.

Fogo

The volcano island of Fogo is the highest and one of the most picturesque places in Cape Verde. On this island, green vineyards coexist with lifeless fields of black lava, and the coast is framed by beaches that are covered in dark colors. volcanic sand. 37 thousand people live on Fogo. Locals serve tourists, grow coffee and produce excellent wine.

The area around the active Fogo volcano has been declared a nature reserve. In the volcanic caldera there is a small village of Xan das Caldeiras, where 1.2 thousand people live. This village has a 19th-century parish church and a small museum, the House of Memory.

Sao Filipe, the third largest city in Cape Verde, is home to many colorful houses that contrast sharply with their surroundings. mountain slopes. Interestingly, almost all the buildings and churches of this city are built from volcanic tuff.

Brava

Brava is the smallest of the other Cape Verde islands and is often called the “island of flowers” due to its variety of rare flowering plants. It is located in the western part of the archipelago, 20 km from Fogo. Even geologically, the island of Brava is a continuation of Fogo. The depth of the sea in the channel that separates the two islands is several hundred meters, while the base of the sea around the rest of the island is about 4,000 meters deep. To the north of Brava lie two small deserted islands. Tourism is not developed here, due to the steep coastline, which does not allow you to enjoy a good rest on the beaches of the island.

Santiago

The largest island of the archipelago has an area of 991 km². It is home to most of the population of Cape Verde - over 284 thousand people. The government of the republic, foreign embassies and international organizations are located on Santiago. For its rich vegetation and abundance of tropical fruits, the island is often called the “bread basket” of Cape Verde.

Travelers come to Santiago for the beauty natural park, where baobabs and dragon trees grow, more than 400 years old. The protected area is located near the city of Assamada.

Of great interest is the capital of the island, Praia, a city that was founded in the 15th century. Old squares, monuments and the presidential palace, built in the 19th century, have been preserved here. Many city guests take an excursion to the local ethnographic museum.

10 km west of island capital located historical monument, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. This is the San Filipe fortress, which was built at the end of the 16th century to protect the coast from pirates.

San Vicente

The picturesque island stretches for 24 km and reaches a width of 16 km. San Vicente has a relatively flat topography. The highest point of the island rises 774 m above sea level. Open on Sao Vicente National Center crafts, where they support the traditions of local weaving and making crafts from shells and stones.

The capital of the island, Mindelo, is the second largest city in the republic. Its neighborhoods grew up on the shores of a natural harbor formed on the edge of the crater of a submerged volcano. Mindelo has the largest number of nightclubs in Cape Verde. In addition, the most vibrant and lively carnivals are held here. During the August full moon, the city welcomes the colorful Bahia das Gatas festival, and in September the Mindelact theatrical festival.

Boavista

Translated from Portuguese, the name "Boavista" means " beautiful view" It is the third largest island in Cape Verde and is home to approximately 9,000 people. Getting to Boavista is easy. From Sal, speedboats reach the island in an hour, and by plane you can get here even faster - in just 15 minutes.

Boavista Island is famous great beaches and picturesque dunes that alternate with green oases of date palms. For these features it is often called the island of dunes. In recent years, safaris on SUVs, motorcycles and ATVs through the Viana desert and the huge Santa Monica beach, covered with fine white sand, have become popular entertainment. The size of this beach strip is impressive - it stretches for 40 km.

Sao Nicolau

In the northern part of the archipelago there is an island that has long had the status of the cultural capital of Cape Verde. In 1936, a distinctive literary movement was born here, and until 1960 the popular magazine Claridade was published.

The island is covered with mountains. It has a sufficient amount of fresh water, so agriculture and livestock breeding have developed here. A local attraction is the rock of Rotxa Sribidada, where ancient, not yet deciphered writings have been preserved. According to legend, the petroglyphs on the rock were left by people who visited the island before the Portuguese colonized it. São Nicolau began to be inhabited in the 17th century, and many buildings and churches from the 18th and 19th centuries have been preserved in its villages.

Santo Antan

The second largest island of Cape Verde covers an area of 779 km². In the city of Ribeira Grande, the capital of Santo Antana, you can see many buildings from the colonial period. The oldest lighthouse in the archipelago, which was erected in 1886, is also located here.

Travelers come to Santo Antan to trek along the mountain ranges and hang glider. And the valleys covered with tropical vegetation are popular among cycling enthusiasts.

Mayu

Mayu is a quiet, secluded island located in the extreme eastern part of the Cape Verde group of islands, at a distance of 25 km from the island of Santiago. This is the oldest island of the archipelago, which stretches 24 km in length and 16 km in width. In addition, Mayu is an ancient dormant volcano that has not awakened for several thousand years. The island is famous for its whites sandy shores and the azure blue sea, however, most of the beaches are located far from the main roads and can only be reached by off-road vehicles or on foot.

Santa Lucia

Santa Lucia is the only uninhabited island in Cape Verde. It is 5 km wide and 13 km long. There is little vegetation on the island of Santa Lucia, but tourists come here for the clean beaches and dunes. The highest point on the island, 395 m above sea level, is Monte Grande.

The lack of water made attempts to settle the island with permanent residents impossible, despite this, since the 19th century, fishermen and shepherds lived here - about 20 people in total. It is known that back in 1960 a family of shepherds lived here. However, since 1990, the state declared the island completely uninhabited and assigned it the status of a nature reserve.

Diving

Most popular look active recreation in Cape Verde is diving. The best time The period for diving is considered to be from mid-spring to late autumn, when almost all interesting underwater objects are available.

The underwater world of Cape Verde is famous for its diversity. The clear and warm ocean water is home to tuna, moray eels, barracudas, manta rays, eels, lobsters and groupers. Here you can find ball fish, goldfish, schools of king mackerel, bonito and grouper.

Dives are made to depths of 6 to 30 m, with visibility underwater ranging from 30 to 40 m. Not many places on the planet have such excellent conditions for underwater travel! It should be noted that there is no abundance and beauty here for which divers go to Egypt. But compared to the Red Sea, it is much more common to see large inhabitants underwater world– large green turtles, three-meter stingrays, pods of frolicking dolphins and even whales.

In addition to colorful fish, crabs, lobsters and octopuses, there are picturesque reefs, underwater caves, rocks, grottoes and sunken ships off the coast of Cape Verde. Many shipwrecks lie on the ocean floor near the islands of Santiago and Mayo. This sea vessels, built in the XV-XVIII centuries. Near Sal and Boavista, ancient ships are found in accessible depths of 12-28 m.

There are large diving centers on Sal, Santo Antan, Sao Vicente and Santiago that offer a full range of services - from training for beginners to equipment rental. Many divers choose to stay on this island because there are more than three dozen interesting dive sites around it. The most popular places The islands of Sala are the Blue Room, the Palmiera site, the Ponta do Farol reef, the Buracona cave, as well as three sites where shipwrecks lie at depths of 9 to 12 m.

Windsurfing and kitesurfing

Those who like to ride the waves under strong winds have mastered the tropical archipelago for a long time. Suffice it to say that the world champion in freestyle windsurfing, the famous Josh Agulo, was born in Cape Verde.

Cape Verde is always warm, but never too hot. Ocean water has a comfortable temperature all year round. The wind season lasts from September to May. But the best period is considered to be from December to April, when the average wind speed reaches 10 m/s. In summer, the wind speed drops to 7 m/s, and sometimes there are weeks of complete calm.

Surfing conditions are favorable throughout the archipelago, as a steady breeze from the Atlantic Ocean bypasses none of the islands. There are 6 surfing centers on Sal. There are also surf clubs on other islands. They have modern equipment, provide training for beginners, organize competitions and have their own rescue services.

Most riders come to Sal. Ponta Prete is recognized as the most popular spot on this island. When the swell comes from the western side, the highest waves are formed here. This spot has a lot of rocks, so it is chosen by experienced windsurfers who are able to control the situation better than beginners.

The water area of the town of Santa Maria is very popular for skiing. The coastal embankment of the island capital is shaped like a horseshoe, and in its center the water is always calm. Beginner surfers feel comfortable here. The edges of the bay, on the contrary, protrude into the open sea, forming a zone of hard wave riding. Half a kilometer from the coast, powerful waves from the ocean prevail, the height of which often reaches 5 m. In the east of the town there is a surf station where Josh Agulo himself works.

Near Santa Maria there is an easy Albatross spot. There is a side wind blowing on it, which creates waves that are easy to ride. However, it should be borne in mind that those who move too far from the shore risk being caught in high waves, wind troughs and strong currents.

The ideal place for kitesurfers on Sal is the Salinas spot, which is located just a few minutes drive from the town of Santa Maria. This place is ideal for beginners due to its wide beach, lack of strong coastal currents and coral reef. The winds here are stable and, as a rule, blow from the left.

The Canoa spot is also popular among newcomers coming to Sal. It is located in the southern part of the island, inside Murdeira Bay. The bay is protected from strong winds, and the waves are small and safe. It has been declared a marine reserve because humpback whales come here during the mating season.

Kitchen features

Cape Verdeans love fish and seafood. Local chefs prepare excellent sawfish, tuna and sea bass. In small taverns and restaurants you can always order dishes of delicious lobster, barnacles and octopus.

The most popular among Cape Verdeans is “kachupa”. It is made from pork or other meat, beans, onions, garlic, sweet potatoes, corn and pumpkin. It is noteworthy that each island has its own recipe for this hearty dish. If it uses several types of meat, the islanders call "cachupa" rich.

In Cape Verde, rice with seafood cocktail and meat soup with shrimp are excellent. Almost all travelers enjoy jagasida, a dish of stewed pork and beans with a cornmeal dressing. It is also worth trying a local delicacy - bochada sausage, which is made from the blood and stomach of young lambs and served with rice. In different places in Cape Verde they sell island fast food - fried “devil's pies”, the filling of which is tuna meat, ripe tomatoes and onions.

Almost all local desserts are made from tropical fruits. In many cafes you can order muffins with bananas, cassava cookies with honey and delicate curd puddings with the bright taste of papaya or mango.

Cape Verde has its own winemaking traditions. On Fogo Island with late XIX centuries have been producing delicious Calderas wine. The vines were brought here by the French Count of Montreux. The local vineyards are small and watered by hand. Island wine is exported and supplied to the European Union. The best quality is considered to be young wine, the age of which has not yet reached one year. Interestingly, due to the mineral-rich volcanic soil and warm tropical climate, it is 2 degrees stronger than regular European wine.

While vacationing in Cape Verde, you should try the local cane grog, which the islanders complement with various fruit flavors. The low-alcohol drink is usually drunk hot and used to make cocktails. The grog produced on the island of Santo Antan received the greatest recognition. Like Fogo wine, it is also exported.

Transport

The most common type public transport in Cape Verde there are “aluguer” - minibuses that run without a clear schedule. They depart from final points when there are no empty seats in the cabin.

Tourists often use taxis. If you plan to order a car for a full day, you need to agree on the price of the trip in advance with the driver.

Various transport runs from island to island. Outlying Islands Cape Verde is connected by planes, and nearby by ferries and speedboats.

Visa

To travel to Cape Verde, residents of Russia need to obtain a visa. This can be done in Moscow at the consulate of this country. To apply, you must present a foreign passport, an application form, a color photo 35 by 45 mm, a hotel reservation (or an invitation from friends or relatives), as well as paid round-trip tickets or a ticket reservation.

Documents can be submitted to the consulate in person or by power of attorney, and not necessarily notarized. Tourist visas to Cape Verde are issued for six months. They can be single, multiple, group (for group members from 5 people) and family (for a parent with a child). Documents are completed within 3 days. Residence on a tourist visa in the country is allowed at a time for 30 days.

There is another option for obtaining a visa. It can be issued upon arrival at the airport on the island of Sal. This visa is cheaper, but to obtain it, in addition to the usual package of documents, you need to provide a special permit obtained from the consulate of the republic. For those who want to take advantage of this option, you need to keep in mind that some airlines only serve passengers who have pre-approved visa approval.

Currency, tips and customs features

Payments in the country are made in the local currency, the Cape Verdean Escudo (CVE). It is recommended to exchange money in banks, because exchange offices The exchange rate at airports is not very favorable. Bank branches are open on weekdays from 9.00 to 17.00. Some banks may also be open on Saturdays until 12:00.

The country does not do reverse exchange, so tourists are not advised to change all their money at once. Not everywhere in Cape Verde you can pay with a credit card. Cash is preferred here.

If a tip is not included in the bill, it is customary in restaurants to leave 10% of the order. In other places, the question of tips and their amount is decided by tourists themselves.

There are no restrictions on the import and export of foreign currency in the country, and there is no need to declare any amount. You are allowed to import up to 2 liters of alcohol and 400 cigarettes duty free. Imported plants are subject to special control. From Cape Verde you can export up to 5 kg of vegetables and fruits, as well as food and things necessary for personal use.

Souvenirs

The most common souvenirs that travelers bring to remember Cape Verde are expressive figurines of animals and people, as well as African masks carved from ebony. They are sold by the residents of Senegal, and you can buy such crafts everywhere. The main thing is not to forget to bargain! In addition, souvenirs made from coconut shells, bull horns and turtle shells, straw mats, hats made from raffia palm leaves, ceramic figurines and dishes, as well as carpet runners and lamps are popular among tourists.

The islands sell beautiful jewelry made from coral and pearls. These are beads, earrings, bracelets and silver jewelry inlaid with pieces of coral and individual pearls.

Almost all stores are open from 8.00 to 18.00, except Sunday. Large supermarkets are usually open until 21.00.

Where to stay

Cape Verde presents a rare combination wildlife and excellent hotel service. There are almost no branded hotels here, but there are many hotels built on a grand scale. Large resort complexes offer their guests cozy rooms, restaurants, bars, cafes, golf courses and children's playgrounds. Most hotels have swimming pools with both fresh and salt water. The all-inclusive system is widespread.

On some islands of Cape Verde you can rent cottages located far from populated cities and towns, right on the ocean. This option is chosen by lovers of secluded relaxation. Own hotels also have diving and surfing centers.

Tourist infrastructure has been created throughout the archipelago, but most travelers prefer to rent accommodation in Santiago, Sale, Sao Nicolau, Sao Vicente and Maya. It should be kept in mind that not all hotel complexes Cape Verde, having 4 and 5 stars, corresponds to the declared category. Internet access is provided almost everywhere for a separate, fairly high fee.

How to get there

There are no direct flights from Russia to Cape Verde. Santiago and Sal airports can only be reached with transfers. From Moscow, planes fly to the islands via Lisbon, Madrid, Paris and Frankfurt. The flight, excluding transfer time, takes approximately 9 hours.

The African Republic of Cape Verde in political terms, or the Cape Verde Islands in geographical terms - unique place, discovered by Europeans more than 500 years ago. Agree, both names sound unusual, romantic and attractive. The tiny state is spread over 18 islands, surrounded by an ocean teeming with life. It is famous for its national flavor, which is a mixture of African, Latin American and European traditions, as well as a mild climate, culture, and carnivals. It is not surprising that the country's main source of income is tourism.

Cape Verde is worth looking at with the eyes of a future traveler. Our article will help you with this. We will tell you where the Cape Verde Islands are located, plunge into their history, look into the very heart of the capital and find out how much a trip to this island costs remote archipelago, as well as how to get there and what to see.

Location and general description

The arid islands are located in the Atlantic Ocean. They are truly a unique ecoregion. In other words, this is a territory that is a specific combination of natural communities, united by the common ecological processes of the biotic population and located in similar geographical conditions. The archipelago consists of 8 small islands and 10 large ones, located 570 km from west coast African continent. All of them are divided into two groups: Windward and Leeward. The first includes Santo Antan, San Vicente, Sal, Santa Lucia (the only uninhabited of all), Boavista. The leeward group includes Brava, Fogo, Mayo, Santiago. In total, the Cape Verde Islands and the Republic of Cape Verde occupy only 4033 square meters. km.

Strong winds carrying sand have caused soil erosion in these areas. You won't find lush tropical greenery here. The characteristic landscape is one of jagged cliffs rising above the sea, a lack of vegetation, and only the inland valleys are like oases with natural flora.

Natural resources of the islands

The archipelago is of volcanic origin and has predominantly mountainous terrain. The lowland islands include only Boavista, Sal and Mayu. Coastline mostly rocky, 1053 km long. The place where the Cape Verde Islands are located is characterized by seismic and volcanic activity. Its location in one of Africa's seismic zones makes the region unstable. The situation is complicated by the active Fogo volcano, which is located on island of the same name and is the highest point of the archipelago - its height above sea level is 2829 m. Eruptions occur quite often, the last one was in 2014, after which the government of the country decided to close the airport on the island and evacuate its residents.

Mineral resources in Cape Verde include limestone, kaolin, basalt, volcanic tuff, pumice, salt and pozzolan. On some islands there are thermal healing springs with mineral waters.

Flora o. Cape Verde is quite poor. It is characterized by desert and semi-desert small-leaved grasses and shrubs. In total, there are about 450 species of local origin and 150 introduced to the archipelago. Here are just a few of them: acacias, pines and cypresses, eucalyptus trees, almonds, date and coconut palms, baobabs, mangoes, etc. The island is considered the smallest in size of all the inhabited islands and at the same time the most “green”. Brava.

The sparse vegetation explains the fact that the Cape Verde Islands in Africa have a poor fauna. It is mainly represented by birds (quails, falcons, parrots, frigate birds, flamingos, herons, kingfishers, etc.), reptiles (mainly lizards) and insects. It should be noted that the coastal waters of the islands are simply teeming with life. A natural balance has been achieved between the “poor” land and the “rich” ocean. Sharks, whales, shellfish, fish, dolphins, stingrays, and much more - it’s difficult to list all the diversity aquatic species.

Climate of the islands

The Cape Verde Islands (photo by text) are dominated by a dry tropical climate, characterized by slight fluctuations in air temperature throughout the year. The wind blows very often in the archipelago. This factor makes it easier to tolerate heat above +30 °C. There will be little precipitation, about 100-300 mm per year, the rainy season lasts from August to October. During this period, the southwest monsoons begin to blow. From October to June the islands are exposed to the easterly wind "Harmattan". The dusty trade wind from the Sahara brings fine dust from the desert and dries out everything in the area. The water temperature fluctuates slightly throughout the year - from +21 ... +22 °C from February to March and up to +25 ... +26 °C from August to October. Thus, the archipelago enjoys fairly stable and warm weather. Tourists choose the Cape Verde Islands for secluded beach holiday, as well as water activities, especially diving and surfing.

Facts from the history of the islands

Uninhabited islands in Atlantic Ocean, located near the African coast, were discovered by the Portuguese in 1456-1460. It is believed that the works of Pomponius Mela and " Natural history» Pliny the Elder - these are the first official sources that indicate the Cape Verde Islands. According to their data, they were located only two days' journey from the Horn of Hesperus (the westernmost point of Africa). They are referred to as the islands of Gorgada, or Gorgons. It was believed that the mythical creatures killed by Perseus lived there.

A number of islands of the archipelago were discovered in 1456 by the Venetian traveler Cadamosto; in the next decade, D. Gomes and A. D. Noli returned to them again, discovering the remaining components of the archipelago. Almost 600 years ago the islands were completely uninhabited and covered with dense vegetation. The first settlement was founded by the Portuguese in 1462 on the island. Santiago - this was the beginning of the process of settling the archipelago with colonists. The islands became a kind of base for the Portuguese to penetrate to the mainland and the main center of the slave trade. The Cape Verde Islands were officially declared the possession of Portugal in 1495. They remained so until 1974, when an agreement was signed in Lisbon declaring Cape Verde an independent country. The first independent government consisted half of members appointed by the Portuguese administration. Now it is a unitary state headed by a president, with an adopted constitution and a multi-party system. Interestingly, the country's legal system belongs to the Romano-Germanic family and is a heritage of the metropolis. Cape Verde's own system of legal education is undeveloped, so it is received at universities in Portugal.

Population of the country

The place where the Cape Verde Islands are located is interesting to tourists not only in terms of nature, comfortable rest and the amazingly beautiful ocean, contrasting with the sun-dried island rocks. It is a country with a unique culture, a vibrant and dynamic mixture of European and African. To be convinced of this, it is enough to consider the national composition of the population, language and some other features of the country.

According to the latest census (2008), 434,263 people live in the country, 53.3% of them are city dwellers. Modern residents of Cape Verde are descendants of Europeans and African slaves who once arrived on the islands. Mulattoes make up the lion's share of the population - 70%. About 28% are Africans, and only 2% are other nationalities, including Europeans.

The Cape Verde Islands are located near Africa, but, like many other former colonies, the European language spoken here is Portuguese. It is a national language along with Criulo (a Creole dialect with many African elements). The overwhelming majority of the country's citizens (about 89%) profess Catholicism.

Santiago Island

Santiago is the largest island of the archipelago in terms of population and area: 235,083 thousand people and 991 square meters. km respectively. It stretches 24 km wide and 50 km long. The most high point islands - Santo Antonio Peak. The first settlement on the island was founded in 1462 and is associated with the name of the navigator Antonio de Noli. The first to describe the geology and relief of Santiago Island was none other than Charles Darwin. He made a stop on it on January 16, 1832 during trip around the world on the Beagle.

“Why is the island interesting for tourists?” you ask. Firstly, this is where one of the two functions international airports countries. Secondly, on about. Santiago is the capital of Cape Verde - the city of Praia. Thirdly, 3 km from the city of Assamada, surrounded by a majestic eucalyptus forest, there is a unique natural Park with dragon trees and baobabs.

Cape Verde Islands: photos and attractions of the capital

Founded at the end of the 15th century, the future capital of the islands - the city of Praia - is also the largest locality state with a population of 113 thousand people. The center of the archipelago was moved from the oldest settlement of Ribeira Grande in 1770, after its fresh water sources dried up. Choice new capital largely determined natural factors. Praia is located on a rocky plateau. The relief features divide the city into several parts: the center, quarters. The economy is built mainly on the fact that this city is sea port and a hub for transatlantic communications.

Tourists will be interested in a calm and measured holiday on the Cape Verde Islands. Near the city in westward located resort areas Praia Mar and Cuebra Canela with luxurious ocean beaches. Lovers of walks and cultural attractions also have something to please.

When going to Praia, be sure to visit the main square of the city (see photo above), named after the famous Portuguese architect Afonso de Albuquerque, with the presidential palace of the late 19th century, as well as the ethnographic museum.

Don't forget about located just 10 km from Praia Old city(Cidade Velha) is the first European settlement on the islands, founded in 1462. The ships of H. Columbus and Vasco de Gama once entered its bay. However, in parallel with the fading of the greatness of the Portuguese Empire, the commercial importance of the city also decreased. Now it is a small town with 1200 inhabitants. It is interesting primarily for its old center, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The ruins remind tourists of their former greatness cathedral, a marble pillar in the main square and the well-preserved Fort Real de San Filipe (pictured below), which was built from 1587 to 1593. Nowadays it houses a museum.

Sal Island

The most visited by tourists and the busiest is about. Sal. As a rule, travelers go to other islands as part of a one-day excursion program. It is the most “flat” in relief and ancient in origin. The area of the island is very small - only 216 square meters. km, the population is just over 25 thousand people. Considering the ocean in which the Cape Verde Islands are located, it is easy to guess that they are a place for lovers of outdoor activities and water sports. The calm and life-rich waters of the Atlantic attract surfers and divers. On the island of Sal is located one of the world's five largest windsurfing centers - the town of Santa Maria. The development of tourism is also facilitated by the fact that the sun shines here 350 days a year, and if clouds cover the sky, it is only for a short time.

Brava Island

The smallest inhabited island of the archipelago (67 sq. km) is Brava. Its mountainous terrain gives way to fertile plains. Unlike the other islands, it is literally “green”. For the abundance and variety of flowering plants it is nicknamed the island of flowers. It will be interesting for tourists from this point of view. Where else if not here can you get acquainted with the pristine beauty of the archipelago, because the rest of the islands are scorched by the scorching sun and dried out by desert winds.

From a geological point of view, o. Brava is a stratovolcano. Volcanoes of this kind are characterized by periodic explosive eruptions. However, Brava has been “sleeping” for more than 10 thousand years. The island is surrounded on almost all sides by significant depths - more than 4000 m at a short distance from the coast, and only at the junction with the neighboring island. Fogu it is several hundred meters.

How to get there?

Having learned where the Cape Verde Islands are located, many tourists ask a completely logical question about how to get to them, how much it will cost and how long the journey is. In fact, everything is not as complicated as it might seem at first glance. You will have to fly to the African republic via Moscow. There are no direct flights, so tourists can use the Portuguese airline Tap Portugal (with a transfer in Lisbon), as well as France - Air France (via Paris), Germany - Lufthansa (via Frankfurt) and Spain - Iberia (via Madrid). The flight duration is about 4-5 hours, to this time it is necessary to add the waiting period between transfers and the duration of the journey from Moscow. The cost of a ticket to Cape Verde (Santiago Island or Sal Island) from these cities varies depending on the time of year and airline, as well as the chosen fare. Traveling in economy class with luggage will cost approximately 20 thousand rubles. To this amount should also be added the cost of the flight from Moscow to the transfer city.

Rules for entry, stay and transit throughout the country

According to the data provided by the Russian Embassy in Cape Verde, upon arrival to the Cape Verde Islands, Russian citizens are issued a visa valid for thirty days at the time of passage passport control. Its cost is 25 euros. The migration service can extend the validity of your visa up to one year. If you live in the country for more than six months, you are given the opportunity to obtain a residence permit.

In Cape Verde, there is a free procedure for the export and import of cigarettes, alcohol, jewelry, cultural, historical and artistic values. As in any other country, a strict ban applies to the transport of drugs.

Transport system of the country

The literal translation of the name of the country sounds like “Cabo” - islands, Cape Verde - “Verde”. The fact that the archipelago is quite small in size is, as they say, to the benefit of tourists. In one trip it is quite possible to explore all the inhabited islands. Moreover, you can do this not only by purchasing excursions, but also on your own. Transport system The country is quite well developed and operates without interruption. In order to explore this or that island, it is best to rent a car; it will cost approximately 50-80 euros per day. Most of the roads on the islands are mountainous, some are flat. The main types of fuel: diesel, domestic gas and gasoline. A Russian driver's license is quite suitable for travel, but you should still give preference to an international document, since it will be easier and more convenient, and in the future it can be used on other trips.

Tours to the islands

Tourists who do not risk going to independent travel, we recommend using the services of tour operators specializing in trips to African countries. There are not many of them, but they still exist. By purchasing a ready-made tour, you will be sure that you will be met at the airport, delivered and checked into a hotel of the chosen category. In addition, many companies offer pleasant bonuses, for example, in the form of a free sightseeing tour. Don't forget to take out insurance when going on vacation to the Cape Verde Islands. Tours are very varied in price and are designed for different categories of buyers. The price depends, firstly, on the plane tickets, and secondly, on the hotel category. The cheapest accommodation will be in hostels or private apartments. Thirdly, the duration of rest is also of great importance.

So, the approximate price of a tour for two, for example, on. Sal, lasting 7 days, with accommodation in a 2* hotel (standard room) with breakfast and flight from Moscow via Lisbon will cost travelers 2800 euros. Of course, this is a significant amount. However, do not forget where the Cape Verde Islands are located. The lion's share of expenses comes from purchasing tickets and accommodation. The cost of hotels is affected by the fact that there are certain problems with fresh water on the islands. But the distance from the mainland also has its positive aspects. Thus, the islands are considered safe in terms of typical African diseases. Unique nature, ideal diving spots, excellent cuisine based on fish and seafood, favorable climate and beautiful (albeit few) beaches, including the famous coast of the island. Fogo with black volcanic sand (pictured below) is all worth seeing.

When planning your holiday or trip, be sure to mark on the map where the Cape Verde Islands are indicated and include them in your individual travel plan for the future.

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