Boa Vista
The island of Boa Vista is one of the most beautiful islands in Cape Verde. The very name “beautiful view” suggests a vacation paradise. Boa Vista is the third largest island in the group, but the island with only 12,000 inhabitants is sparsely populated and not overcrowded with tourists. A trip here is particularly worthwhile for those who appreciate quiet nature and beaches – especially in the off-season.
Location & arrival
Boa Vista belongs to the Cape Verde Islands off Africa’s west coast and is located in the very east of the archipelago. At 29 by 31 kilometers, it is almost round in shape. Between January and May it is rather windy on the island, with the comparatively coolest temperatures prevailing in January to March, which many travelers find pleasant.
Boa Vista can be approached from one of the other Cape Verde islands as part of island hopping, but it also has an international airport itself. Arrival by ship is also possible.
History
Boa Vista is of volcanic origin, which is why it has a particularly complex geology. It was probably settled by humans from the end of the 15th century. There followed changeful decades, marked by the salt trade, slavery and frequent pirate attacks. Due to the continuous settlement and long links to various trade routes, however, a stable middle class with many artistic activities was also able to develop.
Sights & Activities
One of the main reasons for a visit to Cape Verde and especially Boa Vista is the wide, pristine beaches. Due to the climate, these are not only suitable for endless walks, but also for kite surfing and sailing. But even inland, the island offers extraordinary natural beauties that are worth hiking. Thanks to the volcanic origin, there are rough desert landscapes as well as volcanic rocks and wide rock terraces. The fruit grown on site is an insider tip.
Some testimonies to the rich history of the island are ideal for study trips. A chimney can be visited, a remnant of a brick factory from the 19th century. In addition, the wreck of an accidental Spanish freighter can be found on Praia de Atalanta beach. A small white church can be visited near the settlement of Povoação Velha. With the capital Sal Rei, which has a city center that is well worth seeing, there is a nice place for a leisurely stroll. Cobblestone-paved streets and small houses with facades in pastel colors exude a special charm. The central market is also worth a visit.
Santo Antão
Most versatile island in Cape Verde
The island of Santo Antão in the Cape Verde Islands can take your breath away. The beautiful island is a mixture of Morocco and the Himalayas, with huge volcanic walls, seemingly inaccessible gorges and perfectly cultivated terraced valleys with banana and mango trees and of course sugar cane fields. Vacationers exploring this stunning island on a guided tour by vehicle or on foot will quickly see why the locals call it the Garden of Eden. There are many great hiking trails, such as the Cova crater down into the Paul Valley or the dramatic coastal hike from Cruzinha to the charming fishing village of Ponta do Sol. If you have more time, you should definitely visit the remote western part of the island,
Sights and activities
The landscape of Santo Antao is characterized by its diversity. In the south and west it is barren and hostile to life, in the north and east it is subtropical and rich in vegetation. If the Cape Verdeans swarm around Santo Antão so lyrically and call it paradise, then this green and fertile island in the northwest of the archipelago with its terraced valleys and paved paths must definitely be included when visiting Cape Verde. Mango, bananas, papaya and oranges are just some of the trees that tourists will notice as they stroll through the Ribeiras. As an island that seems worlds away from the golden sands of Sal or Boa Vista, Santo Antão offers holidaymakers the opportunity to go on long hikes and exciting sightseeing explorations in a place relatively unspoiled by tourism.
Island tour by car
Those who prefer the less strenuous option can take in the breathtaking views with spectacular drives along the coastal roads. The area quickly changes from a barren and arid landscape to the mountains, which, as the road meanders, reveal breathtaking views of green valleys at every corner with villages appearing either far below or high in the distance.
Pico do Fogo in Cape Verde
Trips to Cape Verde impress with a dreamlike island world and scenic beauty in the Atlantic Ocean. The island republic of Cape Verde, which has been independent since 1975, belongs to Macronesia and is located about 570 kilometers from the west coast of Africa.
Pico do Fogo – the dormant volcano
One of the most exciting excursion destinations in the archipelago is Pico do Fogo on the island of Fogo. The Pico do Fogo (summit of the fire) is 2,829 meters high and thus represents the highest point on the Cape Verde Islands. The Pico do Fogo is a dormant stratovolcano, which was discovered in the 15th century. To date there have been around 30 eruptions, which makes the Pico do Fogo one of the most active stratovolcanoes in the world. The last eruption took place on November 23, 2014 and lasted until February 8, 2015. The volcano belonging to the Fogo National Park can be explored during a hike.
Spectacular morning climb
The Pico do Fogo rises today around 1,200 meters above the east side of the semicircular basin Chã das Caldeiras. This basin with a diameter of around nine kilometers was created by a huge landslide. If you are planning a hike to Pico do Fogo, it is best to start from Chã das Caldeiras. The strenuous and at the same time wonderful tour is only possible in the company of a mountain guide. It is worth getting up early for the six-hour hike. It starts so early that a flashlight is needed for the first stage. With sturdy shoes, it goes steeply uphill on the lava rubble. Once at the top, the effort is rewarded with breathtaking views. Yellow and green shades of sulfur shape the picture of this fascinating crater landscape.
It gets really fast on the way down. Long stockings and high shoes are recommended. Now it goes down the black slope sliding, running and hopping down. The legs can sink down to the calves in the coarse-grained ash. There can be no talk of cosiness, but fun and action are the order of the day.
The Pico do Fogo on the Cape Verde Islands is the perfect destination – regardless of whether it is a study trip or a vacation. The island’s capital Sao Filipe is also worth a visit.
