Cape Verde's ten volcanic islands pair Sal's flat windsurfing beaches with Santo Antão's terraced ribeiras for hiking, and Mindelo's Festival da Baía has a Cesária Évora pedigree on São Vicente.
Highlights
Sal
Santo Antão
Fogo
Mindelo
When to Visit
Nov-Jul
Dry trade-wind season with Sal kitesurfing at peak, Santo Antão's hiking trails clear, and Boavista loggerhead nesting June-October.
Feb-Mar
Mindelo Carnival considered the country's biggest celebration, with parades down Avenida 5 de Julho rivalling smaller Brazilian carnivals.
Aug-Oct
Brief rainy season with humpback whales off the islands, and turtle nesting at peak. Mindelo Baía Festival in mid-August.
Nov
Trade winds returning, Sal kitesurfing season opening, and the Cape Verdean morna music heritage in full evening swing across Mindelo's bars.
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