A little more
Cabo Verde.
A lot less roaming.

Travelling to Cabo Verde: what to know before you go

Cabo Verde is an archipelago of ten volcanic islands in the Atlantic, off the coast of West Africa. The islands vary widely, from the flat, sandy beach islands of Sal and Boa Vista to the green mountains of Santo Antão and the active volcano on Fogo. Its music, especially morna, is famous worldwide. It suits beach holidays, hikers and travellers interested in Creole culture.

Where to go

• Sal. The island with the main international airport and the beach town of Santa Maria, known for its long sandy beach and good conditions for kitesurfing and windsurfing.
• Boa Vista. An island of sand dunes and long, empty beaches, where loggerhead turtles come ashore to nest in summer.
• Santo Antão. The best island for hiking, with deep green valleys, terraced fields and cliff-edge paths, such as those in the Paul valley and around the Cova crater.
• Fogo. Dominated by Pico do Fogo, the country's highest peak and an active volcano.

Best time to visit

Cabo Verde is warm and dry for much of the year. November to June is the most popular period, with steady winds ideal for kitesurfing from about December to March.

Staying online in Cabo Verde

Mobile coverage is good in the towns and on the main roads of the larger islands, with 4G widely available. It becomes patchy in remote valleys on Santo Antão, on high ground on Fogo and in the interior of Boa Vista. Wi-Fi is common in hotels and resorts, and many cafés offer it. Install an eSIM before you fly and switch it on when you land.