UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Book Attractions in Advance
Skip the lines at Cabo Verde's top attractions by booking tickets in advance through Tiqets. Get instant confirmation and mobile tickets for museums, forts, and experiences across the islands.
Cidade Velha Historic Centre
Discover the first European colonial settlement in the tropics, with slave trade ruins and colonial architecture.
A poignant site for history buffs, featuring the Cathedral and Bananal Fortress overlooking the sea.
Ribeira Grande de Santiago
Explore the UNESCO-listed valley with 18th-century churches and terraced landscapes from the sugar era.
Blends Portuguese heritage with lush valleys, ideal for cultural walks and mountain views.
Fortaleza de São Felipe
Visit this 16th-century fort in Cidade Velha, guarding against pirates with ocean vistas.
Key to understanding Cabo Verde's defensive history, with restored walls and exhibits.
Convento de São Francisco
Admire the ruins of this convent in Cidade Velha, showcasing Franciscan architecture and history.
Combining religious artifacts with scenic coastal paths for reflective visits.
Tarrafal Historical Prison
Uncover the site's role in political imprisonment during colonial times, now a museum.
Less crowded, offering insights into Cabo Verde's independence struggle.
Pelourinho de Ribeira Grande
Visit this colonial pillory and surrounding historic center on São Nicolau island.
Fascinating for those interested in Atlantic trade history and Creole architecture.
Natural Wonders & Outdoor Adventures
Pico do Fogo Volcano
Hike to the rim of this active crater on Fogo island, surrounded by lava fields and vineyards.
Perfect for multi-day treks with dramatic viewpoints and geothermal activity.
Santa Maria Salt Flats & Beaches
Relax on white-sand beaches in Sal with turquoise lagoons and kite-surfing spots.
Family-friendly fun with fresh seafood and trade winds in the dry season.
Monte Gordo Natural Park
Explore volcanic plateaus and canyons via hiking trails, attracting nature photographers.
Serene spot for birdwatching and diverse ecosystems with endemic species.
Paul Valley on Santo Antão
Wander terraced mountainsides near Mindelo, perfect for easy hikes and scenic drives.
This lush valley offers a quick nature escape with coffee plantations.
Rabil Dunes & Oasis
Kayak or quad-bike through desert dunes on Boa Vista, with hidden oases and beaches.
Cova de Paul Crater
Discover misty caldera forests and trails with endemic flora on Santo Antão.
Agricultural hikes connecting to Cabo Verde's rural heritage and misty charm.
Cabo Verde by Region
🌆 Sotavento Islands (Leeward)
- Best For: Cultural heritage, volcanoes, and relaxed island vibes with Santiago as the hub.
- Key Destinations: Praia, Cidade Velha, Fogo, and Maio for historic sites and volcanic landscapes.
- Activities: Hiking craters, beach relaxation, cultural tours, and Creole music experiences.
- Best Time: Dry season (December-April) for hiking and beaches, with warm 20-30°C weather.
- Getting There: Well-connected by inter-island flights from Praia, with private transfers available via GetTransfer.
🏙️ Barlavento Islands (Windward)
- Best For: Lush mountains, music scenes, and adventure as the northern cultural heart.
- Key Destinations: Mindelo on São Vicente, Santo Antão valleys, and São Nicolau for trails and festivals.
- Activities: Hiking terraced paths, morna music shows, whale watching, and local rum tastings.
- Best Time: Year-round, but spring (March-May) for fewer crowds and blooming landscapes.
- Getting There: São Vicente Airport is a main hub - compare flights on Aviasales for best deals.
🏝️ Northern Desert Islands
- Best For: Pristine beaches and water sports, featuring arid dunes and lagoons.
- Key Destinations: Sal, Boa Vista, and Ilha do Sal for resorts and turtle nesting sites.
- Activities: Kitesurfing, dune buggy tours, diving reefs, and seafood barbecues.
- Best Time: Winter months (November-March) for wind sports, with sunny 25-28°C and calm seas.
- Getting There: Rent a car for flexibility in exploring remote dunes and beaches.
🌿 Eastern Green Islands
- Best For: Biodiversity and eco-adventures with forested trails and marine parks.
- Key Destinations: Maio, Santa Luzia, and Brava for birdwatching and quiet escapes.
- Activities: Snorkeling, eco-hikes, salt harvesting visits, and stargazing nights.
- Best Time: Summer for marine life (June-October) and lush greenery, 22-28°C.
- Getting There: Ferries from Praia or São Vicente, with scenic boat journeys connecting the isles.
Sample Cabo Verde Itineraries
🚀 7-Day Cabo Verde Highlights
Arrive in Praia, explore Cidade Velha's UNESCO sites, visit Tarrafal beach, and sample cachupa stew.
Fly to Fogo for Pico volcano hike and wine tasting, then ferry to Brava for coastal walks and music.
Head to Sal for Santa Maria beaches and kitesurfing, with a day trip to Boa Vista's dunes.
Final day in Praia for markets, funana music shows, and departure, with time for souvenir shopping.
🏞️ 10-Day Adventure Explorer
Praia city tour covering markets, colonial forts, and Assomada cultural center with local food tastings.
Ferry to Mindelo, then hike Paul Valley terraces and visit Cova de Paul crater for misty views.
Fly to Fogo for crater rim trek, lava field exploration, and stays in Chã das Caldeiras village.
Full beach adventure with diving in Blue Eye cave, salt flat tours, and sunset quad biking.
Boa Vista dune oasis relaxation, turtle watching, and flight back to Praia for final experiences.
🏙️ 14-Day Complete Cabo Verde
Comprehensive exploration including Cidade Velha ruins, hiking Serra Malagueta, and Praia museums.
Santo Antão trails and coffee farms, Mindelo for morna music, and São Nicolau colonial sites.
Fogo volcano climbs, Maio shell beaches, and Brava island hikes with local festivals.
Sal kitesurfing and lagoons, Boa Vista desert safaris, followed by Santa Luzia eco-tours.
Maio birdwatching and salt ponds, return to Praia for cultural shows and departure preparations.
Top Activities & Experiences
Whale Watching Tours
Cruise from São Vicente for sightings of humpbacks and dolphins in crystal waters.
Available December-April with expert guides and marine biology insights.
Creole Music & Dance
Experience morna and funaná at festivals in Mindelo and Praia across the islands.
Learn rhythms from local artists and join impromptu street performances.
Kitesurfing Lessons
Master the winds on Sal's Ponta Preta beach with certified instructors and rentals.
World-class spots with steady trade winds for all levels year-round.
Island Hiking Tours
Trek Santo Antão's terraced paths and Fogo's craters with guided groups and maps.
Popular routes include volcanic ascents and valley descents with stunning vistas.
Turtle Nesting Watches
Observe loggerheads on Boa Vista beaches during guided night tours in summer.
Conservation-focused experiences with experts on marine life protection.
Volcano Hikes
Ascend Pico do Fogo with porters and gear for the active caldera summit.
Many tours include lava tube explorations and post-hike wine pairings.