Cape Verde has become a thriving tourist hotspot that welcomes . The archipelago’s tourism sector made up 17.8% of the country’s GDP in 2017, which shows its growing popularity as a must-visit destination.over half a million visitors annually
Ten unique destinations await visitors in Cape Verde. Each spot showcases stunning natural wonders from untouched beaches to soaring mountains and volcanic landscapes. The famous Fogo volcano offers adventurous hiking trails, while the magical Buracona Lagoon on Sal creates a stunning blue eye effect. These natural treasures are easy to reach and explore.
This piece highlights Cape Verde’s seven natural wonders. Visitors can experience the majestic Monte Cara, the stunning Carbeirinho, the unique Pedra de Lume salt lake, the beautiful Santa Maria beach, the vast Viana desert, and the diverse Monte Gordo national park. Each location offers its own special adventure for nature lovers to enjoy.
Undiscovered Treasures of Sal and Boa Vista
“The Island of Sal is named after natural saltpans found in the crater of an inactive volcano in the north of the Island. Spending an afternoon at Salinas de Pedra de Lume educates you on the process of salt extraction. It also provides the unique opportunity to experience ultimate buoyancy in the salt lakes.” — The Resort Group PLC, Cape Verde property development and investment company
The shores of Sal Island reveal one of Cape Verde’s most remarkable geological wonders. The Salinas de Pedra de Lume nestles within an extinct volcano crater that spans an impressive radius of 900 meters[1]. These salt flats have stood since 1833 [1], and they’re quite extraordinary. The water contains salt levels that are 27 times higher than regular seawater [1]. This creates such strong buoyancy that you float without effort—much like the famous Dead Sea. Santa Maria Beach adds to Sal’s charm with its pristine white sand meeting crystal-clear turquoise waters. You won’t find a single rock or shell to spoil your barefoot walk along the shore. The spot has become a paradise for windsurfers and kitesurfers, while the volcanic caves and tunnels below the surface buzz with marine life.
The neighboring Boa Vista Island holds its own wonder—the . This little Sahara stretches roughly 20km long and reaches up to 5km wide Deserto de Viana[2]. African winds have carried sand across the ocean to create this stunning desert. The golden dunes shift and reshape themselves each day with the wind, nature’s own living artwork.
Praia de Santa Monica stretches an incredible 22km [2] along the pristine coast. The protected beach welcomes endangered loggerhead turtles during nesting season, and lucky visitors might spot them making their way across the sand.
Morro de Areia’s dune system beckons thrill-seekers to try sandboarding. The experience combines breathtaking coastal views with pure adrenaline as you glide down the sandy slopes.
The waters around these islands are a diver’s paradise where Atlantic and tropical marine species thrive together. This unique spot creates an unusual mix of cold-water and warm-water fish. Rays and nurse sharks call these waters home, and between February and May, you might even spot dolphins or whales passing by.
Santo Antão and São Vicente’s Natural Secrets
You’ll be left speechless by Santo Antão’s dramatic contrasts as you move from arid landscapes to what many call the most beautiful place in all of Cape Verde. Seasoned travelers describe Paúl Valley as “the most stunning place” they have ever visited [3]. This green paradise looks like it jumped straight out of a magical realism novel with terraced slopes where agriculture thrives.
Paúl Valley stands unique in the archipelago with its tropical abundance. Mangoes, passionfruit, bananas, sugarcane and many more crops flourish here in remarkable profusion [3]. The valley’s special climate creates a lush setting where hiking trails weave through rolling terrain and give you breathtaking views from different spots.
The highest points on these trails reward you with sweeping panoramic views of the entire valley [3]. Your journey down to the valley floor leads to vibrant communities like Boca de Figueiral. Here, local life unfolds naturally – children splash in stone reservoirs while adults go about their daily tasks [3].
São Vicente island boasts its own natural wonder—Monte Cara, which people also call “Sleeping Giant.” This striking 490-meter mountain looks just like a human face at rest [4] and creates a magnificent backdrop to Mindelo. Photographers capture unique views of the harbor and Atlantic Ocean from its peak.
The coastal path from Cruzinha to Ponta do Sol gives hikers an extraordinary experience as it weaves along steep cliffs. You’ll find Fontainhas along this route – a colorful collection of houses perched on a mountain spine [5], which has recently been recognized among the world’s prettiest villages[6].
Volcanic origins have shaped Santo Antão’s remarkable features—steep mountains, high cliffs, and deep valleys that seem almost unreal [1]. The hiking routes vary in difficulty, and the Cova-Paúl trail stands out especially when you have its dizzying descent and stunning landscapes [1].
These islands’ isolation makes them truly special, creating unique microclimates and biodiversity that you must explore during your Cape Verde holidays [7].
Fogo and Brava: Volcanic Wonders Off the Map
The circular island of Fogo, Cape Verde’s geological masterpiece, features a magnificent stratovolcano at its center. Pico do Fogo soars 2,829 meters above sea level [8] and ranks among the world’s most perfectly cone-shaped volcanoes [9]. This active volcano’s last eruption occurred in 2014, and its structure forms the island’s nearly perfect circular shape, spanning roughly 25 kilometers in diameter [8].
The remarkable community of Chã das Caldeiras sits at the volcano’s base, right on the crater floor. The 2014 eruption lasted 88 days [10] and destroyed two communities completely [10]. The residents showed incredible resilience by rebuilding their homes on the cooling lava. Tourists can now experience this unique phenomenon by staying in guesthouses where natural heat warms the floors. Remember to keep your shoes on – the floor temperature remains too hot for bare feet [8]!
The rich volcanic soil makes the land incredibly fertile. Local farmers grow grapes for wine, coffee, and other crops in these challenging conditions. Adventure seekers can climb the steep path to Pico do Fogo’s peak and enjoy stunning views of the crater and lava fields [8]. The journey down brings its own excitement as travelers slide down ash slopes or try “snowboarding” on volcanic material [9].
Brava, Cape Verde’s tiniest inhabited island, lies just 20 kilometers westward and covers only 64 km² [11]. The island’s lush greenery has earned it the nickname “Garden Island” [11]. Brava’s special microclimate can see nighttime temperatures drop to 12°C [12].
This small island packs impressive scenery with its uneven plateau ranging from 300-976 meters above sea level [13] and steep coastal cliffs. Brava contains 15 volcanic craters [14] and continues rising from the sea at 0.2-0.4mm yearly [13]. Scientists have found raised marine features up to 400m above today’s sea level [15], proving this gradual uplift.
Adventure lovers will find excellent hiking trails through Brava’s green highlands [16]. The beautiful natural hot pools of Fajã d’Água [17] provide a perfect swimming spot and complement Fogo’s dramatic volcanic landscape.
Conclusion
Cape Verde shows nature’s artistic brilliance with adventures that include floating in ancient salt lakes and hiking active volcanoes. The islands feature pristine beaches that stretch for kilometers, dramatic mountain ranges, and volcanic wonders that still alter the landscape today.
Every spot has its own tale – from Viana Desert’s shifting dunes to Paúl Valley’s lush agricultural terraces. The resilient people of Chã das Caldeiras have rebuilt their homes right on cooling lava flows. These natural gems remain available to visitors while keeping their pristine appeal.
The true essence of Cape Verde exists beyond its popular beach spots where most tourists gather. Migrating whales appear off Boa Vista’s coast from February to May. Visitors can also see endangered loggerhead turtles as they nest on untouched beaches. Such sights explain why this archipelago ranks among Africa’s most fascinating natural spots.
Volcanic forces, ocean effects, and distinct microclimates have shaped an environment that stands unique on Earth. The islands provide different adventures at every turn – from Brava’s natural hot pools to Santo Antão’s windswept peaks. These features create lasting memories of this remarkable island group.
FAQs
Q1. What makes Cape Verde a unique destination? Cape Verde is an archipelago of 10 volcanic islands known for its diverse landscapes, from pristine beaches to towering mountains and dramatic volcanic terrain. It offers a blend of warm weather, delicious cuisine, vibrant music, and natural wonders like salt lakes and hidden coves, making it a distinctive destination for travelers.
Q2. What are some of the natural wonders in Cape Verde? Cape Verde boasts numerous natural wonders, including the Salinas de Pedra de Lume salt flats in an extinct volcano crater, the Deserto de Viana mini Sahara on Boa Vista, the lush Paúl Valley on Santo Antão, and the active Pico do Fogo volcano on Fogo Island. These diverse landscapes offer unique experiences for visitors.
Q3. What activities can tourists enjoy in Cape Verde? Visitors to Cape Verde can engage in a variety of activities, such as hiking volcanic trails, sandboarding on dunes, floating in salt lakes, and exploring underwater caves. The islands also offer excellent conditions for water sports like windsurfing and kitesurfing, as well as opportunities for whale watching and turtle nesting observation in season.
Q4. Is Cape Verde suitable for eco-tourism? Yes, Cape Verde is well-suited for eco-tourism. The islands feature diverse ecosystems, from volcanic landscapes to lush valleys and pristine beaches. Visitors can explore protected areas like Monte Gordo National Park, witness unique wildlife such as nesting sea turtles, and experience sustainable local agriculture in places like Paúl Valley.
Q5. What is the best time to visit Cape Verde? The best time to visit Cape Verde depends on your interests. The islands enjoy a warm climate year-round, but for whale watching, February to May is ideal. The turtle nesting season occurs during specific months. For general tourism, the period between November and April offers pleasant temperatures and minimal rainfall, making it suitable for various outdoor activities and exploration.
