Introduction

Located in the Atlantic Ocean, 600km (450 miles) west-northwest of Senegal. The Cape Verde islands consists of Santo Antão, São Vicente, Santa Luzia, Ilheu Branco, Ilheu Raso, São Nicolau, Sal and Boa Vista, Maio, São Tiago, Fogo and Brava.

All the islands are of volcanic origin, the main island, São Tiago, is mountainous, Fogo has the islands' highest peak, Mt Fogo (2840m/9320ft). Santo Antão has the highest rainfall and is much greener than the other islands and favourable for those who enjoy hiking.

CLIMATE

The average day time high temperature range from 20°C (68°F) to around 29°C (84°F) in the months of August to October, when there can also be rainstorms.

The best time to visit Cape Verde is from August to October, when the weather is warm, but winds can be quite strong all year round. The rest of the year is much cooler.

VISAS & IMMIGRATION

All visitors to Cape Verde require a visa.



MONEY

Official Currency: Cape Verde escudo (CVE)=100 centavos

Banks in the major towns can change money and travellers' cheques. Travellers cheques are best taken in French Francs and US Dollars and you'll find it easier to exchange cash in Pounds Sterling or US Dollars. . Currency cannot be reconverted. Credit cards are only rarely accepted and then only some hotels


BANKING & BUSINESS HOURS

Banks: 0800-1400 Monday to Friday
Shops: 0800-1200 and 1500-1900 Monday to Saturday.


LOCAL TIME

Cape Verde is one hour behind of GMT

TRANSPORT & GETTING AROUND

Air:

International Flights
Flying is the best option for getting to and from Cape Verde. There are regular flights from Lisbon and less frequent flights from other European centres.

Domestic Flights

TACV - Cabo Verde Airlines is the main domestic carrier. There's a network of expensive internal flights between the islands; between Praia, Mindelo and Sal there are flights at least once daily. Private charters are available from Cape Verde Express air-taxi service..

Public Transport:
Taxis are generally very expensive and few and far between, travelling around the islands is best by bus or truck.

Self Drive / Hire Cars:

You can rent cars on Santiago, Fogo, São Vicente and Sal. Traffic drives on the right hand side and an International Driving Licence is required.


PUBLIC HOLIDAYS