Off the coast of Africa, Cape Verde unveils an archipelago of contrasts where the Atlantic plays director: golden dunes at Boa Vista, turquoise bays at Sal, cliff sides and dizzying trails at Santo Antão, not to mention the black cone of the Fogo volcano that overlooks the ocean.
From Praia to Mindelo, one passes from colorful alleys to swaying rhythms, while the rainy season (from August to October) chisels the landscapes between quick showers and a returning blue sky. A breath of trade winds, warm sands, and already the journey tastes of the open sea.
Cape Verde rhymes with volcanic landscapes, golden beaches battered by the Atlantic, and melodies of morna wafting from the alleys of Mindelo. In this article, focus on a complete and entertaining guide to prepare your discovery of Cape Verde: when to go, how to move between the islands, safety and formalities, health and hiking, water sports, where to pay in escudos (or euros), and not forgetting the right reflexes in case of administrative hiccups. Updated on August 14, 2025 (information valid as of this date).
Discovery of Cape Verde, an enchanting archipelago off the coast of Africa
Nestled off the coast of Senegal, the Cape Verde archipelago blends African, Portuguese, and Atlantic influences. Nine inhabited islands, each with their character: Sal and Boa Vista for beach and trade wind lovers, Santiago for the energy of Praia and its mountains, São Vicente for the cultural breath of Mindelo, Fogo for the ascent of its volcanic cone, Santo Antão for green valleys where the trails flirt with the ocean.
People come here to slow down, breathe, and let themselves be rocked by an island way of life. But they leave captivated by the contrast between lunar reliefs, golden dunes, turquoise coves, and villages with colorful architecture. An enchanting archipelago where each channel crossing promises a new surprise.
When to go and weather: between trade winds, rainy season, and harmattan
The climate is generally dry and sunny, with a short rainy season from August to October. Rain can be brief but intense, especially in mountainous terrain: caution is advised on roads where mudslides and sudden floods are possible.
Rarely affected by hurricanes, Cape Verde is not completely spared from tropical whims. On August 11, 2025, Tropical Storm Erin caused torrential rains and flooding impacting São Vicente, Santo Antão, and São Nicolau, with disruptions to electricity and drinking water. Before departing, follow local authorities’ directives and check updates on the official Cape Verdean government website: governo.cv.
From mid-December to the end of March, the harmattan carrying Saharan sands can reduce visibility and disrupt air traffic (delays or cancellations). The trade winds signal the high season for kitesurfers and windsurfers.
On-site safety: travel light, stay vigilant
The country attracts with its sweet way of life, but large cities (especially Praia on Santiago) see a rise in thefts and assaults, sometimes in broad daylight. The same goes for some medium mountain trails (Santiago) and outside urban centers on Boa Vista. A friend’s advice: avoid walking at night, prefer a taxi, stay in groups after sunset, do not display jewelry or flashy smartphones, keep your documents in a safe place, and do not resist in case of an attempted theft.
Tourist areas attract snatch-and-grab thefts, and an upsurge in sexual assault is reported: female travelers, especially those alone, will need to be extra cautious. At sea, thefts from yachts have been reported at night (Praia, Mindelo, São Filipe, Tarrafal): secure all access points and ensure you have an insurance that includes medical evacuation.
Note that due to the heightened Vigipirate posture at “Attack emergency” level (March 17, 2025), increased vigilance is recommended for French nationals abroad. The French embassy in Cape Verde has limited capabilities in the event of a crisis: plan your insurance and financial means for any medical emergencies or evacuations.
Sea, beach, and diving: wild paradise, limited rescue
Powerful waves, strong currents, unsupervised swimming, and the absence of sea rescue invite caution. If diving is a dream, keep in mind that there is no decompression chamber in the archipelago. Avoid outings on unsuitable boats, cancel if weather is unfavorable, and prioritize serious schools.
Want a nearly deserted beach to escape the crowds? Draw inspiration from these ideas for less frequented summer destinations and transpose the spirit to Cape Verde: dunes of Boa Vista, coves of São Nicolau, discreet inlets of Santo Antão.
Volcanic hikes: Fogo and its high-altitude trails
Climbing the Pico do Fogo (2,829 m) is a significant moment. The ascent is demanding, not recommended for children and anyone who underestimates the elevation gain. The country does not have helicopters, so a fracture at altitude can turn into a prolonged wait for evacuation to São Filipe, Praia, or abroad. Start early, equip yourself properly, and hire a local guide.
Entry requirements: passport, pre-registration, and visas
French travelers (including dual nationals) enter Cape Verde with a passport valid for at least six months after the expected end of their stay. Access is via the airports of Praia (Santiago), Sal, São Vicente (Mindelo), and Boa Vista, or via the ports of Praia, Mindelo, and Palmeira.
Essential step: pre-registration at least 5 days before arrival on the official platform ease.gov.cv, along with payment of the airport security tax (3,400 CVE). Keep the payment receipt; if the registration does not appear upon arrival, you may need to pay again and later request a refund from the Cape Verdean authorities.
For a touristic stay of less than 30 days, no visa is required for French nationals. Beyond that (up to 90 days, extendable once), a tourist visa is required, which can be requested before departure or upon arrival. Holders of official passports benefit from specific regimes. Missions like VIE/VSI and professional stays require a temporary visa and then a process with the foreigners and borders office on-site.
Loss of passport: emergency solutions
In case of loss or theft of your passport, a transit document can be issued to return directly to France (not to another destination). Plan ahead, as identity verification is necessary. For an expired passport on-site, issuing a new document falls under the French consulate in Dakar; it is sometimes possible to return to France with a local document (salvo-conduto) and an expired passport of less than 5 years, depending on the route and conditions.
Health: mosquitoes, water and good reflexes
Consider an insurance that covers medical expenses and medical evacuation. Hospital facilities are limited, and access to certain medications is restricted.
Diseases caused by mosquitoes are a major concern: dengue has been on the rise since late 2023, malaria is sporadic and limited to Santiago, with occasional Zika presence, especially from August to October. Protect yourself: wear covering clothes, use repellents, install mosquito nets, utilize air conditioning, and eliminate standing water. In case of fever, consult immediately and avoid aspirin and anti-inflammatory medications if dengue is suspected.
Vaccines: none are mandatory, except for yellow fever if transiting through Senegal or Brazil. Ensure routine vaccines (DTP, MMR…) are up to date; depending on your itinerary, consider hepatitis A/B and typhoid. For Covid-19: since September 15, 2022, no requirement for vaccination certificate or testing upon entry; however, consider the rules of the country of departure and transit. Local health info: travel.gov.cv and covid19.cv.
Food hygiene: drink bottled water (avoid ice cubes), prioritize well-cooked foods, peel fruits, and wash your hands frequently. Digestive infections (including Shigella) and typhoid fever exist: remain rigorous about hygiene rules.
Transport: roads, ferries, inter-islands, and Sahara dust
The main roads are in fairly good condition; dirt tracks in rural areas become tricky during the rainy season. Driving on the right, animals sometimes on the road, and no emergency roadside assistance. In case of an accident, call the police and wait for the report before moving the vehicle. When renting, choose an insurance that covers at least third-party liability, preferably full coverage.
No public intercity network: “aluguers” (shared taxis) get the job done, sometimes at a brisk pace. Between the islands, ferries and domestic flights are frequent but subject to delays (weather, harmattan); allow for extra time.
Sailors: report arrivals and departures to the harbormasters, communicate the number and identity of passengers, equip yourself with flares/beacons, and ensure the safety of your vessel during moorage. No sea rescue is provided.
Budget and payments: escudo or euros?
The currency is the Cape Verdean escudo (CVE). Cards are increasingly accepted, but Visa is more often accepted than Mastercard, whether at ATMs or terminals. In some tourist areas, especially in Sal and Boa Vista, payment can be made in euros; expect an unadvantageous exchange rate. Regarding customs, there are no particular restrictions for the non-commercial import of goods.
Business trips: business visas and useful contacts
For a business trip, an entry visa is required (stay up to 90 days). It can be granted by Cape Verdean representations in France or upon arrival, sometimes with multiple entries due to the special EU-Cape Verde partnership agreement. Pre-registration on ease.gov.cv remains mandatory, at least five days before your arrival.
For economic approaches, the archipelago is covered by French services based in Dakar (Treasury General) and the local AFD. A member of ECOWAS, African Development Bank, and IMF, Cape Verde offers a stable framework, but administrative delays can vary: anticipate your procedures.
Inspirational itineraries by season
Winter in the sun? Head to Sal and Boa Vista for beaches and sliding sports, while keeping an eye on the sandy weather of the harmattan. For ideas of getaways at the end of the year, take a look at these warm destinations for the holidays, then transpose the vibes to your favorite Cape Verdean islands.
Spring greenery? Head to Santo Antão for panoramic hikes; draw inspiration from these ideas to enjoy spring 2025 to create a “nature + villages” itinerary between São Vicente and the valleys of Paúl and Ribeira Grande.
Summer without crowds? Escape to São Nicolau or Maio and draw from these suggestions of reduced summer destinations and crowd-free travels to concoct a slow stay.
Need to cut the notifications and controversies of the moment? Nothing like an archipelago to disconnect, even if it means smiling while reading this page before turning off your phone and listening to the surf.
Express check-list before departure
• Passport valid for 6 months after the end of the stay, pre-registration on ease.gov.cv at least 5 days in advance, tax paid with proof retained.
• Health insurance + evacuation, personal medical kit, mosquito repellents, covering clothing.
• Flexible itinerary: possible delays (weather, harmattan). Caution at sea and in mountains, no sea rescue or decompression chamber.
• Urban safety: no visible valuables, travel by taxi at night, hikes with a guide in Santiago and the dunes of Boa Vista.
• Stay informed about local conditions and official instructions: governo.cv.
