Places to visit
Discover the island’s attractions!
- Home page
- Places to visit
Stunning nature, iconic beaches
Places to visit in Cape Verde
Extreme Sports Paradise
Due to the wind conditions, the island is a globally recognized spot for kite-surfing and surfing. Additionally, you can quad bike on the sand dunes, hike through volcanic landscapes, or explore the coastal caves by motorboat.
Buracona - Blue Eye Cave
This rock pool is a famous swimming spot that gets flooded by the ocean during high tide. The "Blue Eye" is a natural pool carved into the rock, where water shines sparkling blue when exposed to sunlight.
Santa Maria Pier
The pier is a central hub for the island’s coastal life and fishing, as well as a popular tourist attraction.
Shark Bay
This unique place is named after the lemon sharks often seen in the shallow waters. Known for their peaceful nature, these sharks provide a unique experience. Visitors can watch these creatures, while standing in the shallow water as they swim right next to their feet.
Pedra de Lume Salt Mines
One of the island’s most interesting sights is the Pedra de Lume volcanic crater, where you can visit an abandoned salt mine and float in the salty water, which is similar to the Dead Sea.
Turtle and Whale Watching
The island's shores are one of the most important nesting sites for the endangered Loggerhead turtles. In summer and autumn, you can observe the hatching of turtles. In the winter months, you can go whale watching to admire the migrating Humpback whales.
Events
Cabo Verde Carnival
For most Cape Verdeans, this is the highlight of the year — a vibrant celebration they eagerly anticipate for months.
When the time comes, the whole country comes alive with energy. The festivities feature spectacular floats, dazzling costumes, bold colours, non-stop music, and dancing in the streets. It’s a celebration of joy, culture, and community spirit.
It’s no wonder Cabo Verde ranks among the world’s top three tropical carnivals, alongside Brazil and Trinidad and Tobago. When it comes to partying, Cape Verdeans truly know how to do it in style!
The dates vary each year, as the event takes place during the three days leading up to Ash Wednesday. You can expect the fun to unfold on a Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday sometime between 1 February and 7 March.
Stunning coastline
Shell Cemetery
A large area parallel to the ocean shore. Over the years, small shells and their seashells have accumulated here, offering an amazing sight along several kilometres of coastline.
GASTRONOMY
Local culture
The towns of Sal, such as Santa Maria and Espargos, are centres of local culture. Santa Maria is full of colourful houses, markets and lively restaurants. Local cuisine is characterised by fresh seafood such as grilled lobster, tuna and the famous ‘cachupa’, the island’s traditional one-dish meal.
