Travel guide – cape verde
cape verde
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Overview
Only six hours flying time from the major airports of Europe, the volcanic Cape Verde archipelago, lying in the Atlantic Ocean off the bulge of Africa, is rapidly emerging as an inspiring holiday destination for those seeking something different.
The nine inhabited islands are bristling with their own individual character and melodious with a unique musical culture, besides offering plenty of opportunities for relaxation or active pursuits.
The rapidly developing island of Sal, in particular, with its long white sandy beaches, has been discovered by European beach buffs and water sports enthusiasts. The main tourist town, Santa Maria, near the international airport, is earning its place on the map as being the world's latest surfing Mecca, also a major draw for windsurfers and kite surfers, with its trade winds and winter swells.
A former Portuguese colony, Cape Verde is now a struggling Republic, scourged by drought in the last century, which prompted heavy emigration. Exploiting the natural assets of the islands by encouraging tourism has now become a valuable injection for the economy.
Apart from beaches, the islands also offer impressive mountains, volcanoes, delicious seafood and an interesting African/Portuguese cultural mix. The distinctive music of the islands, carried abroad by renowned artist, Cesara Evora, "the barefoot diva", also adds to Cape Verde's character.
Most visitors utilise the inter-island ferries or domestic airline to explore more than just one of these somewhat barren and rugged islands, each of which has unique sights or experiences to offer. In a frenetic world Cape Verde remains slow, unsophisticated and secure with a stable democratic government, ready to welcome those seeking a simple holiday far from the madding crowd.
Regions and cities within Cape Verde...
Sal
Santo Antao
Santiago Island
Sao Vicente
Climate
The tropical climate of Cape Verde is tempered by trade winds, temperatures remaining constant most of the year. The rainy season is during August, September and October, the amount being rather unpredictable.
Health
No vaccinations are required for entry to Cape Verde, however it is recommended that precautions be taken against cholera, typhoid fever, polio and Hepatitis B. There is a limited risk of malaria on Santiago Island between September and November. Water is unsafe to drink without prior treatment, and milk is unpasteurised. Medical facilities are limited and some medicines in short supply. Visitors receive free hospital treatment in general hospitals on presenting their passports, but health insurance is strongly advised, with coverage for emergency repatriation.
The basics
Time
Local time is GMT -1.
Electricity
Electrical current is 220 volts, 50 Hz.
Language
The official language is Portuguese and a patois known as Crioulo.
Tipping
Better restaurants expect a 10% tip if no service charge has been added to the bill.
Safety
Visits to Cape Verde are usually trouble free. The political situation is stable and crime rate low. The only danger is presented by occasional hazardous sea conditions around the islands.
Communications
The archipelago's main cities can be reached by International Direct Dialling. The country code is +238. The outgoing code is 0 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 044 for the United Kingdom). A GSM 900 mobile network is in operation. Internet is available in the main towns.
Duty Free
Travellers to Cape Verde are permitted the following items without incurring customs duty: 200 cigarettes; 1 litre of spirits; a reasonable amount of perfume or eau de cologne and some gift items. The import or export of narcotics is strictly prohibited and pharmaceutical products may only be imported by public institutions.
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