A 650 kilometers west of the coast of Senegal, in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, lies the archipelago of Cape Verde. This is a cross between three continents, where it is inevitable to perform a stop. This country, comprising 10 islands and 8 islets, deserves special attention because of its lush vegetation and how lucky your climate, including its magnificent beaches and the many entertainment activities that it can be practiced.
When and how to go?
It is recommended that, for a typically tropical climate, to avoid going in the rainy months, ie between August and October, so we can enjoy the island in all its splendor. Its pleasant temperatures remain uniform throughout the year ranging between 20 and 26 degrees.
The plane is presented as the only option to get to Cape Verde and the Leeward Islands. Madrid since the trip lasts about four hours from Las Palmas and is reduced by half. There are two airports, one on the island of Sal and the other in the capital, Praia, hosting major international flights. To move from island to island, once in the archipelago, there is a ferry service connecting major ports. A small tip, avoid flights between them that although there are often more expensive.
The Sotavento Islands:
The islands of Cape Verde is divided into two groups, the Windward Islands and Sotavento Islands. The latter, chosen destination on this trip by the Republic of Cape Verde, comprising the islands of Santiago, Maio, Fogo, Brava and Secos islets.
Santiago is the largest island in the archipelago where the city of Praia. In addition, it presents a highlight that the more rugged although not lacking in beauty, especially its interior, giving the visitor a rich vegetation. Santiago is full of deep and beautiful valleys, the result of hundreds of years of erosion and provides a nice contrast between the aridity of its steep coast and humidity inside. A tip for the more adventurous, do not stop to check the highest peak on the island, called San Antonio. With an altitude of 1392 meters, offering magnificent views. The city, Praia, has two beaches, Praia Mar and Quebra-Canela. Also, ten kilometers west of the capital, Old Town is the first village on the island created by the Portuguese. From the top of Fort Royal Sao Felipe views of the city are beautiful. Tarrafal an enclave that is not to be missed, famous for its beaches, is about 20 miles from Praia.
Another of the islands forming the group is to Leeward Fogo, an island of volcanic origin and whose profile is the manifestation of an ancient volcano that rises to 2829 meters above sea level. San Felipe is a must for its rich architecture, inviting us to an interesting journey through the history of this island. Walking through its streets and squares can reach the old slave cemetery.
Leaving San Felipe another point of great interest is Vulcao peak, the highest in the Atlantic after the Teide, which is part of the natural park of Chas Das Caldeira. The Salt of St. George, north of San Felipe, is a wonderful black sand beach where you can rest after this wonderful trip.
Maio Island, the island that is the greatest of all forest perimeter, despite its aridity, and is excellent for scuba diving because of the wide variety of marine wildlife. It is said that the beaches of this island are the most beautiful of all Cape Verde, and an example of this is the beach of Morro, whose waters are excellent for good fishing enthusiasts.
Our journey ends at the island of Brava, the smallest of the archipelago and very mountainous. Visitors can spend their time taking long walks on it, enjoying the countryside or swimming in lakes. One of its attractions is the town of Nova Cintra, located at the base of a ring of mountains was a past time in an old crater. Its streets, its houses and clumps of flowers are a great attraction for tourists. Other small towns to visit are Faurna, Our Lady OFAJ do Monte d’Agua.
For the Gourmet:
Portuguese cuisine is typically African with a few reminiscences. Anyway, you can also find some dishes indigenous to the islands, as the cake with devil. This is a pasta made from fresh tuna, onions and tomatoes, boiled potatoes mixed with flour and fried, ready to eat hot
One of the most popular «Coldo do Peixe», consisting of fish broth with vegetables and spices, thickened with a little butter cassava. The soups are very appreciated in the islands, as well as bananas and enlisted sleeve retains a kind of beverage from fruit, vegetables and spices.
Each island has a dish that should be discovered island by island for everyone. An activity that could certainly awaken your palate.
How fun?
The celebration of excellence in Cape Verde are the Carnival, one of the most fun events of the year. The festivals take place on the beach during the month of February. In May and June is the Tabanka, a festival of music and color that takes place in Santiago and Fogo.
As for sports, as is logical in some islands, you can do plenty of water sports like sailing, swimming, windsurfing, diving or fishing, as well as a range for lovers of adventure.
After our tour of the Leeward Islands, we can note that these islands offer a myriad of landscapes and activities, promising not to disappoint any of its visitors. I have not.
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