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Trekking and Hiking
The islands’ spectacular scenery is ideal for hiking. The volcanic island of Fogo offers good hikes with excellent views, while the scenery on Santo Antão is particularly lush. Ribeira Grande Mountain on Santo Antão takes a day to climb but is well worth the effort. It is advisable to take a guide. There are also excellent walks on Brava and São Nicolau. Birdwatching trips can be arranged.
Watersports
Visitors are advised to exercise caution when entering into watersports as tides and currents around Cape Verde are very strong. Sailing charters can be arranged, depending on time, weather and number of passengers. Surfing and windsurfing are both available on Sal, although the surfing is not generally suitable for beginners; however, instruction is offered. Diving is gaining in popularity. There are several dive centres, mainly on the islands of Sal and Boa Vista, with qualified personnel and equipment. These islands also offer good wreck sites. Water temperatures are good all year round, though seas can be rough. Some boats and equipment are available for fishing. Visitors could consider taking their own equipment.
Sailing, Windsurfing, Kite surfing, Surfing
The warm Atlantic waters and fresh winds make the Cape Verdes, especially Sal a perfect spot for sailing, windsurfing and kitesurfing.
Boa Vista also has good windsurfing.
Board Surfing Sal Some of the world`s best breaks are on Sal.
Sailing is available on Sal and Sao Vicente
Scuba Diving
Sal is one of the world`s best diving spots. It is also available on Boa Vista and Sao Vicente.
Golf
There is an existing 18 hole course on Sao Vicente and Ernie Els is reported to be designing more for Sal and Sao Vicente.
Game Fishing
More blue marlin have been caught in a single day than almost anywhere else in the world.
Nature Watching Birds, Whales, Turtles
There are many unusual birds, marine mammals and fish in the Cape Verde waters. Unique birds inhabit the islands.
Whales and dolphins and many unusual fish can be seen at certain times of year.
Turtles are especially plentiful on Boa Vista but can be seen on most Cape Verde islands.
Trekking or walking up the volcano on Fogo or the mountains on Santa Antao gives wonderful views.
Live music
There is no shortage of live Cape Verdean music played in bars and clubs. Local musicians may hope to follow in the footsteps of their internationally known compatriots such as Cesaria Evora. Music is an integral part of daily life in the islands.
Food & Drink
There is an increasing number of restaurants and cafes on the islands.National specialities: • Pastel com diablo dentro ('pastry with the devil inside') - a mix of tuna, onions, tomatoes and pastry, made from boiled potatoes and corn flour. • Cachupa, a mess of maize and beans.• Fruits include mangoes, bananas, papayas, goiabas (guavas), zimbrão, tambarinas, marmelos, azedinhas, tamaras and cocos. National drinks:• Aguardiente (sugar cane rum).• A San Antao liquor made from coffee, cinnamon, fig leaf, peppermint, orange or lime.• Manecome (local wine from Fogo).Tipping: It is normal to give 10 per cent for good service.
Nightlife
Some hotels provide evening entertainment. Small villages will have a lively taverna. Most nightlife is on the main islands: there are 21 nightclubs in Cape Verde – eight on Santiago, seven on Sal, five on São Vicente and one on Fogo. Praia has a cultural centre at which local Cape Verdean artists and instrumentalists perform.
Shopping
There are daily markets. The Santa Catarina market is held Wednesday and Saturday. Coconut shells are carved by local craftspeople; there is also pottery, lacework and basketry.
Shopping hours: Mon-Sat 0800-1200 and 1500-1900.
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Cape Verde Recreation
