Cape Verde
If you love animals, sea turtle watching is a must in Cabo Verde, especially on the sandy islands of Sal, Mayo, and Boa Vista. Most European tourists head straight for the Sal and Boa Vista islands in Cabo Verde for their minty blue waters and fine sandy beaches. While Sal and Boa Vista are the most touristic islands, it is worth going further and exploring the colourful scenery and rich culture of the other Cape Verdean islands.
On the island of Sal, along with Boa Vista, most of the seaside resorts of the archipelago are located. Beyond the golden beaches and date-lined shores of Boa Vistas lies Sal Rei, the capital of the island. The climate of Sal Island is extremely hot and dry, and the miles of sandy beaches make this island a tropical paradise for those who are looking for a vacation by the sea. Boa Vista Island is one of those beaches that will make you feel alone on Sal Island.
Boa Vista Island offers 55 km of white sandy beaches and small coves where you can spot turtles and whales. One of the most popular islands attracting visitors to Cabo Verde, Boa Vista is a desert island paradise perfect for off-road adventures in the dunes. Boa Vista's Ervatao Beach is the third most important loggerhead turtle nesting site in the world.
If you like hiking, you'd better go to another Cabo Verde island. If you spend a few days on the beach but still want to know more about the island, you can easily combine your beach holiday with visiting the other islands of Cabo Verde. The sunny island of Sal in Cabo Verde Islands, Cabo Verde Island, attracts sun, sea, and sand lovers.
Located in the southwest of Cabo Verde, Pico Island is known for its Pico do Fogo, which sits at almost 3,000 meters above sea level, the highest peak in Cabo Verde. If you are looking for something adventurous, head to Fogo Island, where you can hike close to the top of Pico de Fogo (the highest point in all of Cabo Verde). Fogo's largest city is Sao Filipe, the fourth largest city in Cabo Verde archipelago, as well as the island's airport. In Santiago you will also find the capital Praia, the governmental and economic centre of the country.
The fiery influence of Fogos Island rules the island, home to black sand beaches and lava rock houses. White sandy salsa beaches and evaporated salt deposits make it an adventurer's paradise.
The island of Sal is especially suitable for "stress-free" ("morabeza" in the local language) and if you are chasing the sun and want to relax for a few days, Sal is the perfect place for you. Santa Maria is the city where most tourists come for shopping, lunch, and dinner, and most of the accommodation on the island is in or around Santa Maria.
Most of the islands offer horse riding on beaches, trails, or even hills. However, if you prefer to slowly visit only one or two places on your own, or do not plan to try to pack your bags for the many multi-island activities, you can fly without problems. What better way to experience Boa Vista than on a quad bike tour that covers most of the island's interesting features.
If you have not been tempted to visit Morro yet, the sea turtles that visit the island in the summer to lay their eggs are sure to close the deal. Head to the Riu Palace Cabo Verde Hotel on Ponta Preta Beach on the west coast, a little further from Santa Maria, and you will find the Biodiversity Project Turtle Hatchery. Once you arrive at the Blue Eye, you will encounter the natural wonder that once made Sal one of the richest islands in Cabo Verde.