Cabo Verde's culture is a vibrant blend of African and European influences, creating a distinctive identity that sets this island nation apart from both continents. The archipelago's relative isolation and unique history as an uninhabited territory settled by Portuguese colonizers and enslaved Africans has produced a creole society with its own language, music, cuisine, and traditions.

Key elements of Cape Verdean culture include:

• Creole identity and language: At the heart of Cape Verdean culture is Kriolu (Cape Verdean Creole), a language that evolved from Portuguese with influences from West African languages. While Portuguese remains the official language used in education and government, Kriolu is the everyday language of the islands and a powerful symbol of national identity. Each island has its own dialect, reflecting the archipelago's diverse history and geography. Although not yet standardized in written form, Kriolu literature and poetry have flourished, particularly through the works of poets like Eugénio Tavares and novelists like Germano Almeida, who explore themes of identity, migration, and island life.
• Musical heritage: Music is perhaps Cabo Verde's most internationally recognized cultural expression. The mournful, lilting melodies of morna, often compared to Portuguese fado, express saudade – a sense of longing, nostalgia, and melancholy that resonates deeply in island culture. Cesária Évora, the "Barefoot Diva," brought this genre to global audiences with her powerful interpretations of classics like "Sodade." Other traditional styles include the upbeat coladeira, batuku (performed primarily by women using cloth pouches as percussion), and funaná, which was once discouraged by colonial authorities but has experienced revival. Contemporary musicians like Mayra Andrade and Lura continue to innovate while honoring these traditions, creating a dynamic musical landscape that connects the diaspora with the homeland.
• Diaspora connections: With more Cape Verdeans living abroad than on the islands themselves, diaspora connections profoundly influence culture, economy, and identity. Major communities in the United States (particularly Massachusetts and Rhode Island), Portugal, the Netherlands, and other countries maintain cultural practices while creating transnational networks. Remittances from emigrants have historically sustained families and funded development, while cultural exchanges ensure traditions evolve both at home and abroad. This dual identity – of being simultaneously Cape Verdean and part of a global community – shapes literature, music, and social practices. The concept of "sodade" (longing) resonates throughout cultural expressions, reflecting both the pain of separation and the enduring connections that transcend distance.
• Island diversity: Despite the country's small size, each of the nine inhabited islands maintains distinctive cultural traditions, dialects, and celebrations. Santo Antão is known for its grogue (sugar cane liquor) production and dramatic landscapes; São Vicente is considered the cultural capital with its vibrant music scene centered in Mindelo; Santiago preserves strong African traditions, particularly in batuku and tabanka festivals; Fogo is characterized by its wine-making tradition and volcano-centered culture; while Sal and Boa Vista have developed beach tourism cultures that blend traditional hospitality with international influences. This regional diversity contributes to a rich national tapestry while providing multiple expressions of Cape Verdean identity.
• Festive traditions: Cape Verdean celebrations blend Catholic traditions with African-influenced practices, creating a distinctive festival calendar. Carnival is celebrated with particular enthusiasm in Mindelo (São Vicente), featuring colorful parades, elaborate costumes, and music competitions. Saints' festivals (festas) are important community events on each island, with São João (St. John) celebrations on June 24 featuring jumping over bonfires and nightlong dancing. The Festival of Bandeira on Fogo combines Catholic rituals with horse races and traditional feasting. In rural areas, tabanka processions involve colorful parades with drumming and mock hierarchies that historically subverted colonial social structures. These celebrations strengthen community bonds while providing opportunities for musical and artistic expression.

Cape Verdean cuisine reflects the islands' history of adaptation to challenging environmental conditions:

• Staple foods: Corn (maize) forms the foundation of traditional Cape Verdean cuisine, introduced after Portuguese settlement and adapted to the arid conditions. Cachupa, the national dish, is a slow-cooked stew combining corn, beans, and vegetables with fish or meat when available, representing the resourcefulness of island culture. Rice has increasingly supplemented corn in daily diets, particularly in urban areas. The limited agricultural potential of the volcanic islands has historically shaped a cuisine that makes creative use of available ingredients, with variations between islands reflecting local production capacities.
• Seafood tradition: Surrounded by abundant Atlantic waters, fish and seafood feature prominently in coastal communities. Fresh tuna, wahoo, grouper, and octopus are prepared in various ways, from simple grills with minimal seasoning to more complex preparations with herbs and spices. Buzio (sea snails), percebes (goose barnacles), and lobster are considered delicacies. Caldo de peixe (fish soup) combines various seafood with vegetables and herbs in a light broth. Fishing remains both an economic mainstay and cultural practice, with traditional methods still used alongside more modern techniques.
• Portuguese influences: Colonial heritage appears in dishes like pastéis (fried pastries filled with fish or seafood), queijo de cabra (goat cheese), and various bread traditions. Wine production on Fogo Island, using grapes grown in volcanic soil, connects to Portuguese viticultural traditions while producing distinctive vintages. Desserts often feature Portuguese-inspired egg custards and sweet pastries, though adapted to local ingredients and preferences. Special occasions may feature more elaborate Portuguese-influenced dishes, particularly in urban areas where ingredients are more readily available.
• Tropical fruits and beverages: Where water is sufficient, tropical fruits flourish, including papayas, mangoes, bananas, and guavas, which are eaten fresh or made into preserves and juices. Grogue, a rum-like spirit distilled from sugar cane, is produced particularly on Santo Antão and Santiago, often flavored with herbs or honey to create ponche (punch). Traditional fruit liqueurs and coconut milk provide refreshment, while imported Portuguese wines complement meals for special occasions. Coffee, grown in small quantities on some islands, is prepared strong and sweet, reflecting both European and African preferences.
• Culinary adaptations: Modern Cape Verdean cuisine continues to evolve through international influences, particularly as tourism develops and the diaspora returns with new ideas. Restaurants in tourist areas offer fusion approaches combining traditional ingredients with international techniques, while maintaining authentic options. Food security remains a concern in this drought-prone nation, with ongoing efforts to develop sustainable agriculture and fishing practices. Urban dining increasingly offers diverse options, while rural areas maintain stronger connections to traditional preparation methods and ingredients.

Contemporary Cape Verdean culture continues to evolve through ongoing dialogue between tradition and modernity. Visual arts, including painting and sculpture, often explore themes of island identity, maritime connections, and the relationship between humanity and the challenging natural environment. Literature, both in Portuguese and increasingly in Kriolu, examines historical trauma, diaspora experiences, and the complexities of postcolonial identity. Despite economic challenges, investment in cultural infrastructure has created venues like the Centro Cultural do Mindelo and various municipal cultural centers that support artistic development. Traditional crafts including ceramics, weaving, and basket-making maintain historical techniques while incorporating contemporary designs for both local use and tourism markets. The government has increasingly recognized culture as both a source of national identity and potential economic development through cultural tourism, supporting festivals, museums, and heritage preservation initiatives that showcase Cape Verde's unique cultural expressions.

Cabo Verde offers visitors a compelling blend of stunning natural landscapes, vibrant culture, and diverse experiences across its ten islands (nine inhabited). From pristine beaches and mountainous terrain to colonial architecture and lively festivals, the archipelago rewards travelers seeking experiences beyond conventional tourism routes.

Here are some of Cabo Verde's most remarkable destinations:

Sal Island: The most developed island for tourism, Sal offers stunning beaches and a desert-like landscape. Santa Maria Beach stretches for 8 kilometers of white sand and turquoise waters, perfect for swimming, kitesurfing, and windsurfing due to consistent trade winds. The Pedra de Lume salt crater, a former salt mine in an extinct volcano crater, provides unique floating experiences in water saltier than the Dead Sea. Shark Bay offers opportunities to observe lemon sharks in shallow waters, while the Buracona Blue Eye presents a natural pool where the sun creates a mesmerizing blue reflection at specific times. The island's flat terrain makes it ideal for exploration by quad bike or dune buggy, and the main town of Santa Maria offers a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops catering to international visitors. While heavily touristic, Sal maintains authentic Cape Verdean experiences through its music venues and local festivals.

Santo Antão: The second-largest and most mountainous island presents dramatic landscapes with impressive hiking opportunities. The verdant Paul Valley features terraced farms, tropical vegetation, and small villages clinging to steep hillsides, with hiking paths winding through sugarcane plantations and alongside irrigation channels (levadas). The stunning Cova crater, a collapsed volcanic cone now used for agriculture, offers spectacular views and photographic opportunities. The coastal path from Ponta do Sol to Cruzinha da Garça provides breathtaking ocean vistas alongside towering cliffs. The island is also known for its grogue (sugar cane spirit) production, with traditional distilleries offering tastings. Unlike the more touristic islands, Santo Antão provides authentic rural Cape Verdean experiences and agricultural traditions. Access is via ferry from São Vicente, as the island has no operational airport, which has helped preserve its less commercial character.

Fogo Island: Dominated by its active volcano, Pico do Fogo (2,829 meters), this island offers a unique landscape of black volcanic soil contrasted with colorful buildings. The volcano last erupted in 2014-2015, partially destroying the village of Chã das Caldeiras, where residents have stubbornly rebuilt within the caldera. Adventurous travelers can hike to the volcano's summit (approximately 4-5 hours) with local guides, rewarded with spectacular views across the archipelago on clear days. The island produces distinctive wines from grapes grown in volcanic soil, with tastings available at small wineries. São Filipe, the main town, features well-preserved colonial architecture with Portuguese-style sobrados (mansions) and cobblestone streets offering Atlantic views. The black sand beaches provide dramatic coastal landscapes, though swimming conditions can be challenging due to strong currents.

Santiago Island: The largest and most African-influenced island is home to Cidade Velha (Ribeira Grande de Santiago), a UNESCO World Heritage site and the first European colonial settlement in the tropics. Historical landmarks include the restored Fort Real de São Filipe, Pillory Square with its 16th-century marble pillar, and the oldest colonial church in the tropics, Nossa Senhora do Rosário. The capital city Praia offers urban experiences with its markets, including the colorful Sucupira Market, the Presidential Palace, and the Ethnographic Museum. The island's interior features Serra Malagueta Natural Park with hiking opportunities through varied ecosystems. Traditional batuku music performances can often be witnessed in rural communities, representing one of the strongest connections to the islands' African heritage. Santiago provides the most diverse experience, combining historical sites, natural landscapes, and vibrant cultural expressions.

São Vicente: The cultural heart of the archipelago, this island centers around Mindelo, a vibrant port city with colonial architecture, colorful buildings, and a lively arts scene. The replica of Lisbon's Torre de Belém houses a maritime museum, while the Centro Cultural do Mindelo showcases contemporary art and performances. The city is famous for its music scene, with numerous live venues where visitors can experience morna and other Cape Verdean musical styles. Monte Verde, the highest point on the island, offers panoramic views of the city and neighboring islands. Baía das Gatas features a natural lagoon protected from the ocean's stronger waves, popular with locals and visitors, especially during its famous full moon music festival in August. The island's relaxed, cosmopolitan atmosphere has historically attracted artists, writers, and musicians, creating a distinctive cultural environment.

Beyond these highlights, other noteworthy destinations include Boa Vista Island with its extensive desert dunes and pristine beaches like Santa Mónica; Maio Island offering undeveloped beaches and authentic village life; Brava, the smallest inhabited island, known as the "island of flowers" for its relatively lush vegetation; São Nicolau with its dramatic mountain scenery and traditional farming communities; and the uninhabited islands of Santa Luzia, Branco, and Raso, which serve as nature reserves with unique bird and marine life. For travelers interested in marine experiences, whale watching (humpbacks are present from March to May), diving among coral reefs and shipwrecks, and sport fishing opportunities are available from several islands.

Transportation in Cabo Verde reflects the archipelago's geographic realities, with island-hopping being a fundamental aspect of travel. While infrastructure continues to develop, both inter-island and intra-island transport options have improved significantly in recent years.

• Air travel between islands: The most efficient way to travel between many of Cabo Verde's islands is by domestic flight. TICV (Transportes Interilhas de Cabo Verde) operates regular connections between the islands with airports, including Santiago, São Vicente, Sal, Boa Vista, Fogo, São Nicolau, and Maio. Flights are relatively short (typically 30-45 minutes) but can be subject to weather delays, particularly during periods of strong winds. Advanced booking is recommended, especially during high season (November-April) and around festivals, as capacity is limited. While not inexpensive, air travel saves considerable time compared to sea connections for more distant islands. The flight experience itself offers spectacular aerial views of the volcanic landscapes and coastlines, adding a scenic dimension to inter-island transportation.
• Ferry services: Maritime connections provide an alternative for island-hopping, generally at lower cost than flights but requiring more time. Companies including CV Interilhas operate scheduled services between various islands, with the most frequent connections being São Vicente-Santo Antão, Santiago-Fogo-Brava, and Santiago-Maio. Reliability and frequency have improved with newer vessels, though schedules can still be affected by weather conditions, particularly during winter months when seas are rougher. Ferry classes range from basic to more comfortable cabins for longer journeys. For travelers not constrained by tight schedules, these sea connections offer a more leisurely pace and opportunities to experience the maritime character of this island nation. The São Vicente to Santo Antão route is particularly necessary since Santo Antão has no operational airport.
• Island transportation: Options for getting around individual islands vary considerably:
  • Shared minibuses (aluguer) connect towns and villages on most islands, departing when full rather than on fixed schedules, providing affordable but flexible transportation
  • Taxis are readily available in larger towns and tourist areas, with both metered and negotiated fares depending on the island
  • Car rental is available on the main islands, with both international and local companies offering services, particularly useful for exploring larger islands like Santiago and Santo Antão
  • Organized excursions with transportation included are popular on more touristic islands like Sal and Boa Vista, providing guided experiences to key attractions
  • Walking is practical within towns and for some hiking experiences, particularly on the mountainous islands where trails connect communities
  Road conditions vary significantly, from well-maintained highways between major towns to rough unpaved tracks in rural areas, particularly on the mountainous islands.
• Specialized transportation: Some locations require or benefit from particular transport methods:
  • Hiking is the primary mode of accessing many of Santo Antão's spectacular valleys and mountain paths, with local guides recommended for more challenging routes
  • 4x4 vehicles are necessary to reach certain destinations, such as the volcano caldera on Fogo Island or remote beaches on Boa Vista
  • Boat excursions provide access to uninhabited islands and marine experiences, including whale watching, fishing, and visits to sea caves
  • Bicycle rentals are available on flatter islands like Sal, offering an eco-friendly exploration option
• International connections: Cabo Verde is accessible through several international gateways:
  • Amílcar Cabral International Airport (Sal) and Nelson Mandela International Airport (Santiago) handle most international flights, with connections to Europe, Africa, the Americas, and other island destinations
  • Cesária Évora International Airport (São Vicente) offers some direct international flights, particularly from Portugal
  • Aristides Pereira International Airport (Boa Vista) receives charter flights from various European destinations
  • Historical maritime connections have diminished as air travel has become more accessible, though occasional cruise ships visit the islands

Transportation tips: Consider these factors when planning travel in Cabo Verde:

• Island-hopping itineraries require careful planning, as flight and ferry schedules may not align perfectly and can be subject to changes
• For complex multi-island visits, working with a local travel agency can help navigate logistical challenges and secure necessary bookings
• The less touristic islands have more limited transportation options, particularly on weekends and holidays
• During peak tourism seasons and local festivals, advance reservations for inter-island travel are strongly recommended
• Weather conditions can significantly impact transport reliability, particularly maritime connections during November-April when stronger winds and occasional storms occur
• On larger islands like Santiago and Santo Antão, combining public transportation with strategic taxi use can provide cost-effective exploration
• Language considerations are important for public transportation; while Portuguese is official, Kriolu is more commonly spoken, and English proficiency varies widely

Cabo Verde's aviation infrastructure plays a crucial role in connecting this island nation both internally and with the outside world. The country's strategic location between Africa, Europe, and the Americas has historically made it an important aviation hub, and recent investments have modernized several key facilities.

• Amílcar Cabral International Airport (SID): Located on Sal Island, this is Cabo Verde's busiest international gateway, handling approximately 1 million passengers annually. Named after the independence leader of both Cabo Verde and Guinea-Bissau, the airport serves as a major entry point for tourists visiting the archipelago, particularly those headed to the beach resorts of Sal and Boa Vista. Airlines operating regular services include TAP Air Portugal, TUI, Royal Air Maroc, and TACV (Cabo Verde Airlines), connecting to destinations in Europe, Africa, and Brazil. The facility features a modern terminal with standard international amenities including duty-free shopping, restaurants, currency exchange, and car rental services. Located approximately 15 km from Santa Maria, the main tourist area, transportation options include taxis and hotel shuttles. The airport's location on Sal made it historically important as an Atlantic refueling point, with Aeroflot using it extensively during the Soviet era.
• Nelson Mandela International Airport (RAI): Serving the capital city Praia on Santiago Island, this facility handles both international flights and serves as a domestic hub. Named in honor of South Africa's first post-apartheid president, the airport connects Praia with destinations including Lisbon, Boston, Dakar, and various Cape Verdean islands. The upgraded terminal provides standard international services though on a smaller scale than Sal's facility. Its importance stems from serving the governmental, business, and administrative needs of the capital, along with providing access to Santiago's historical sites including the UNESCO-listed Cidade Velha. Located approximately 3 km from central Praia, the airport is easily accessible by taxi or hotel transfer services. Recent infrastructure improvements have expanded capacity and upgraded passenger facilities to support growing tourism and business travel.
• Cesária Évora International Airport (VXE): Named after Cabo Verde's most famous musical ambassador, this facility serves São Vicente Island and its cultural capital, Mindelo. International connections include direct flights to Lisbon and seasonal charters from various European cities, alongside domestic services to other Cape Verdean islands. The modern terminal, opened in 2009, significantly improved the island's accessibility and tourism potential. Located approximately 5 km from Mindelo, transportation options include taxis and arranged transfers. The airport provides not only access to São Vicente's cultural attractions but also serves as a gateway to Santo Antão Island via ferry connection, as Santo Antão has no operational airport due to challenging terrain.
• Aristides Pereira International Airport (BVC): Serving Boa Vista Island, this facility primarily handles international charter flights from European countries, focusing on the island's growing tourism market. Named after Cabo Verde's first president, the airport features a terminal capable of handling medium-sized aircraft, with basic but adequate passenger facilities. Located approximately 5 km from Sal Rei, the island's main town, access is primarily via taxi or resort shuttle services. The airport's development has been crucial in opening Boa Vista's impressive beaches and desert landscapes to international tourism, transforming the island's economy in recent years.
• Domestic airports: Several smaller airports serve Cabo Verde's internal transportation needs:
  • São Filipe Airport (SFL) provides essential access to Fogo Island, known for its active volcano
  • Preguiça Airport (SNE) serves São Nicolau Island with limited domestic connections
  • Maio Airport (MMO) offers basic facilities connecting Maio Island to Santiago
  • Porto Novo Airport on Santo Antão has been closed due to dangerous wind conditions, with ferry service from São Vicente being the only current access
  These facilities primarily handle TICV (Transportes Interilhas de Cabo Verde) domestic services using smaller aircraft, with basic passenger facilities focused on essential needs rather than commercial amenities. Their importance lies in providing vital connections for islands that would otherwise be accessible only by lengthy and occasionally unreliable sea journeys.

Airport Transportation: Options for reaching your destination from major airports include:

• Sal (Amílcar Cabral International): Taxis are readily available outside the terminal, with fares to Santa Maria typically costing around 15-20 euros. Many hotels and resorts offer pre-arranged transfer services, sometimes included in package holidays. Some car rental companies maintain counters at the airport for those planning to self-drive. The journey to Santa Maria takes approximately 15-20 minutes.
• Santiago (Nelson Mandela International): The airport's proximity to Praia makes transportation straightforward, with taxis available at reasonable rates (approximately 5-10 euros to the city center). Hotel shuttles are common for business travelers and tourists, while car rental facilities offer options for independent exploration of the island. The short distance to the city center means transfers typically take only 10-15 minutes.
• São Vicente (Cesária Évora International): Taxis provide the primary transportation option to Mindelo, with fares around 10 euros. The journey takes approximately 10-15 minutes. For travelers continuing to Santo Antão, coordinating flights with the ferry schedule requires planning, as the last ferry typically departs in mid-afternoon.
• Domestic connections: For smaller airports, transportation options are more limited, typically consisting of taxis and occasionally pre-arranged transfers through accommodations or tour operators. Advance arrangements are recommended, particularly for arrivals at less busy domestic airports where taxi availability may be unpredictable.

Important notes: Several practical considerations affect air travel to and within Cabo Verde:

• The Airport Security Fee (TSA) of approximately 31 euros must be paid by all international passengers, either in advance online or upon arrival
• Wind conditions occasionally affect flight schedules, particularly during winter months when trade winds are strongest
• Domestic flight schedules can change with limited notice; confirming departures 24-48 hours in advance is advisable
• International flights to Cabo Verde often arrive in the evening or at night, making advance transportation arrangements particularly valuable
• Portuguese is the primary language at airports, though English is increasingly spoken at international facilities, particularly in tourism-focused islands like Sal and Boa Vista
• Inter-island flights often have strict baggage allowances, generally lower than international standards, requiring careful packing for multi-island itineraries

Cabo Verde has implemented visitor-friendly entry policies to encourage tourism, making it relatively straightforward for most travelers to visit this island nation. Understanding the specific requirements and practical considerations ensures a smooth experience in this Atlantic archipelago.

Visa Options by Nationality

The following table outlines visa requirements for common nationalities:

Nationality	Visa Requirement	Maximum Stay
EU countries, UK, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland	Visa-Free	30 days
USA, Canada, Brazil, Japan	Visa-Free	30 days
ECOWAS countries	Visa-Free	90 days
Most other nationalities	Visa on Arrival	30 days

Entry requirements: All visitors to Cabo Verde must have:

• A passport valid for at least six months beyond the planned period of stay
• Return or onward travel tickets
• Proof of accommodation for the duration of stay (hotel reservations or invitation letter)
• Pre-paid Airport Security Fee (TSA) of approximately 31 euros, payable online before travel or upon arrival
• Completed online pre-registration form for all arrivals (recently implemented as part of health measures)

Important Travel Considerations

• Currency and payments: The Cape Verdean Escudo (CVE) is the official currency, with a fixed exchange rate to the Euro (1 EUR = 110.265 CVE). Euros are widely accepted, particularly in tourist areas, making it practical to carry both currencies. ATMs are available on most inhabited islands, though more limited on smaller islands like Brava and Santo Antão. Credit cards (particularly Visa and Mastercard) are accepted in larger hotels, restaurants, and tour operators, but cash remains essential for smaller establishments, markets, and remote areas. Money exchange services are available at airports, banks, and some hotels, with slightly better rates typically found at banks. Carrying adequate cash when visiting smaller islands is advisable, particularly for multi-day stays where ATM access may be limited.
• Language: Portuguese is the official language, used in administration, education, and media, while Cape Verdean Creole (Kriolu) is the everyday language of most islanders. Each island has its own dialect of Kriolu, though they remain mutually intelligible. English proficiency varies considerably, with better coverage in tourism-focused areas on Sal and Boa Vista, but more limited elsewhere. Basic Portuguese or Kriolu phrases are appreciated, particularly outside major tourist zones. In practical terms, communication in tourist areas rarely presents significant challenges, while more remote areas may require greater linguistic flexibility. Younger Cape Verdeans increasingly speak some English, particularly those working in tourism or who have family connections to English-speaking countries.
• Health considerations: No vaccinations are officially required for entry, though standard travel immunizations are recommended. The health system provides basic care on major islands, with more comprehensive facilities in Praia and Mindelo, though serious medical issues may require evacuation to Europe. Comprehensive travel insurance with evacuation coverage is strongly recommended. Tap water is generally not recommended for drinking; bottled water is widely available. The islands present few endemic health concerns, with no malaria and limited tropical disease risks. Sun protection is essential given the archipelago's position and strong UV radiation, while motion sickness remedies may be valuable for ferry journeys and roads in mountainous islands.
• Safety and security: Cabo Verde enjoys a reputation as one of Africa's safest destinations, with political stability and relatively low crime rates. Standard precautions regarding valuables in urban areas and tourist zones are advisable, particularly in marketplace areas and at night. The most common security concerns involve opportunistic theft rather than violent crime. Water safety requires attention, as some beaches have strong currents and undertows, particularly on the western shores of islands exposed to Atlantic swells. Natural hazards include occasional volcanic activity on Fogo Island, which has experienced eruptions as recently as 2014-2015, though monitoring systems provide advance warning. The relaxed pace of island life extends to safety concerns, with violent crime rare and tourists rarely targeted.

Best time to visit: Climate significantly influences travel conditions:

• High season (November to May): Generally considered the ideal period, with reliable sunshine, moderate temperatures (24-29°C/75-84°F), and low precipitation. Wind conditions peak from January to March, making this period ideal for windsurfing and kitesurfing on islands like Sal and Boa Vista. The waters are clearest during these months, optimal for diving and snorkeling. Cultural events including Carnival (February/March) and numerous saints' festivals enliven this period. This represents peak tourism season with correspondingly higher prices and larger visitor numbers, particularly around European winter holidays.
• Shoulder seasons (October and June): These transition months offer good conditions with fewer visitors and somewhat lower prices. October may experience occasional rain showers but generally maintains pleasant temperatures, while June offers warmth before the summer humidity increases. These periods provide good value for travelers seeking balance between favorable conditions and lower crowds.
• Low season (July to September): Characterized by higher temperatures (26-32°C/79-90°F), increased humidity, and occasional rainfall, particularly in the mountainous islands. While beaches remain enjoyable, hiking can be challenging due to heat. This period offers the lowest prices and fewest visitors, though some smaller accommodations and restaurants may close or operate limited hours. For budget-conscious travelers comfortable with warmer conditions, this season presents value opportunities. The Festival de Gamboa music festival typically occurs in May, while the important Festival de Bandeira on Fogo takes place in late April/early May.

Cultural etiquette: Cape Verdean society is characterized by friendliness and informality:

• Greetings are important; a handshake is standard for initial meetings, while friends may exchange cheek kisses
• Casual dress is acceptable in most situations, though beachwear should be confined to beach areas
• Photography etiquette follows standard practices; asking permission when photographing individuals is appreciated
• Tipping is not extensively practiced in local establishments but is appreciated for good service; 10% is standard in restaurants catering to tourists
• Visitors to small communities may be invited into homes; small gifts are appreciated but not expected
• Religious sites, primarily Catholic churches, request modest dress and respectful behavior
• The relaxed concept of time ("Cape Verdean time") means punctuality is less rigid than in many Western countries, particularly for social occasions
• Environmental awareness is increasingly important, with efforts to reduce plastic waste on the islands appreciated by locals