Attraction in Cabo Verde
Fort of São Filipe
The Fort of São Filipe stands on a clifftop above Cidade Velha on Santiago Island, built by the Portuguese in the late 16th century to defend the settlement against pirate raids, including the attack by Francis Drake in 1585. Its thick stone walls, cannon emplacements, and panoramic views over the harbour and the Atlantic coastline make it one of the most striking military structures surviving in West Africa. As part of the Cidade Velha UNESCO World Heritage Site, the fort anchors a landscape of monuments that collectively document Cabo Verde's pivotal role in early European expansion.
Wise
Your bank marks up every USD you spend in Cabo Verde. Wise doesn't.
- No foreign transaction fees
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4.8 ★ App Store·4.8 ★ Google Play
Airalo eSIM
Your phone plan was built for home. This one was built for Cabo Verde.
- No SIM swapping
- No data roaming charges
- Active in minutes
4.7 ★ App Store·4.6 ★ Google Play
Travel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Cabo Verde
Entry requirements vary by passport. Check the requirements for your specific passport on the Cabo Verde page at Yoogo.
Cabo Verde uses the Cape Verdean escudo (CVE), which is pegged to the euro at a fixed rate. Euros are widely accepted on the main tourist islands of Sal and Boa Vista. Cards are accepted at hotels and larger establishments; cash is needed for smaller shops and local restaurants.
Cabo Verde is considered one of the safer destinations in West Africa. Petty theft occurs, particularly in market areas and on beaches, so keep valuables secure. Take care on roads, as traffic safety standards vary. The islands of Sal and Santiago have experienced some crime in tourist areas at night.
Inter-island travel is by domestic flight or ferry. TACV and Binter Canarias operate island-hopping flights. Ferry services connect the main islands but can be subject to weather delays and cancellations. On each island, taxis and hire cars are the main options, as public transport is limited outside main towns.
Cabo Verde enjoys warm and sunny weather year-round. The best conditions are from November to July, when temperatures are pleasantly warm and rainfall is minimal. August to October brings the harmattan, a dusty Saharan wind, and occasional tropical storms. The islands of Fogo and Santo Antão can be cooler and cloudier due to elevation.
Portuguese is the official language. Cape Verdean Creole (Kriolu) is the language spoken in daily life across the islands and is a significant marker of national identity. English and French are spoken by some in the tourism industry, particularly on Sal and Boa Vista.
No vaccinations are legally required for most travellers. Hepatitis A and typhoid vaccinations are recommended. Malaria is not present in Cabo Verde, but dengue fever has been reported. Tap water is generally not safe to drink; stick to bottled water.
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. In restaurants, rounding up the bill or leaving 5–10% for good service is customary. Hotel staff, tour guides, and drivers appreciate a small gratuity.
CV Móvel and Unitel T+ are the main mobile providers. Coverage is reasonable on the main tourist islands but limited on smaller or more remote islands. Prepaid SIM cards are available at airports and phone shops. Wi-Fi is available at most hotels and some cafes.
Cape Verdean culture is warm and hospitable, shaped by a blend of African and Portuguese influences. The concept of morabeza, meaning warmth and openness to strangers, is central to island life. Greetings are important: always say hello before entering a shop or starting a conversation. Morna music, associated with the late Cesária Évora, is a source of deep national pride.