Overview
A beguiling blend of Portuguese and West African influences, Cape Verde is characterized by a typically African landscape and European architecture. Comprised of ten volcanic islands and five tiny islets, Cape Verde offers spectacular mountain ranges and uncrowded beaches to the eye. Each island has its own distinct character, ranging from the verdant and bustling Santiago Island to the tranquil diving island of Boa Vista. The conditions in Cape Verde are fantastic for windsurfing, and the waters are also ideal for divers, where numerous shipwrecks from the 16th century can be found on the seabed. century up close. Music plays an important role in Cape Verde. The carnival is also extensively celebrated here on several islands; the best known is the Baia das Gatas festival.
Getting there
Arriving by plane
According to top-medical-schools, Cape Verde’s national carrier Cabo Verde Airlines (VR) flies non-stop to the Cape Verde Islands from Paris, Lisbon, Milan and Rome. TUI fly (X3) connects Frankfurt/M. and Munich once a week non-stop with Boa Vista; Onward flights to Sal are possible. TAP Portugal (TP) offers flights from Frankfurt/M., Munich, Vienna, Geneva, Zurich via Lisbon to the Cape Verde Islands. Feeder flights to Lisbon are available with national airlines.
Flight times
Frankfurt/M. – Boa Vista: 6 hours 35 minutes (non-stop); Frankfurt/M. – Salt: 8 hours; Munich – Boa Vista: 6 hours 40 minutes (non-stop); Munich – Sal: 8 hours 5 minutes; Vienna – Boa Vista: 16 hrs 40 mins; Vienna – Sal: 10 hours 45 minutes; Zurich – Boa Vista: 8 hours 35 minutes; Zurich – Sal: 8 hours 5 minutes
Departure fee
Airport security fee Incoming passengers Domestic flights: 150 CVE (approx. €1.36) per passenger. International flights: 3400 CVE (approx. €30.83) per passenger. Types of payment Exceptionally upon arrival at the Cape Verde Islands at the airport or via online registration, no later than 5 days before departure.
Arrival by car
Documents: In addition to the national driver’s license, the international driver’s license is required.
Arrival by ship
Mindelo on São Vicente is the largest port; it is approached by cruise and cargo ships. Other ports are in Praia, Sal Rei (Boa Vista) and Tarrafal (São Nicolau).
Cruise ships
AIDA, TUI Cruises, Hapag Lloyd and Sea Cloud (sailing cruises) also call at Cape Verde on their cruises departing from European ports. Most cruises depart from the Canary Islands and Funchal (Madeira).
Transportation
Traveling by plane
TICV connects the Cape Verde Islands with each other. Flight tickets are available through the travel agency Bestfly.
Traveling by car/bus
The entire road network covers around 1,400 km. Most places on the different islands are connected to the respective road network.
Right-hand traffic/left-hand traffic
Right
Condition of the roads
Much of the road network is paved or cobbled. Sal has a motorway-like connection road between the airport and Santa Maria, in the south of the island, and Praia has a motorway-like ring road (Circular da Praia) around the city with an airport connection.
Car rental
Car hire is available on the main islands and should be booked in advance if possible. The minimum age for drivers is 18 years. Drivers under the age of 25 often pay a young driver fee.
Taxi
Taxis are readily available in larger cities. In addition, there are very cheap shared taxis in both cities and rural areas, which only leave when all seats are taken. In shared taxis, passengers also have the option of paying for multiple seats, thereby speeding up the departure.
Bicycle
Bike rentals are available on the larger islands, such as Sal and Boa Vista.
Coach
Minibuses or pickups, so-called Aluguer, are used as shared taxis that connect the villages with each other. They can also be rented privately.
Regulations
Traffic regulations: – Proof of insurance must be visibly attached to the windscreen. – Children under the age of 12 must be carried in the back seat. Speed limits: – in built-up areas: 50 km/h; – extra-urban: 80 km/h.
Roadside Assistance
The ADAC foreign emergency call offers ADAC members and holders of ADAC foreign health and accident insurance comprehensive assistance in the event of vehicle breakdowns, traffic accidents, loss of documents and money, and medical emergencies. The emergency number is available around the clock; in the event of damage to the vehicle: Tel. +49 (0)89 22 22 22, in the event of illness: +49 (0)89 76 76 76. In the event of breakdowns or accidents with the rental car, the car rental company should be contacted first.
Documentation
In addition to the national driver’s license, the international driver’s license is required.
Traveling in the city
In Praia and Mindelo there are buses in the city area. Both single-use taxis and cheap shared taxis can be found in the island towns.
Locally on the way by train
There is no rail traffic in Cape Verde.
Traveling by ship
CV Interilhas ferries run regularly between the islands of Boa Vista, Brava, Fogo, Maio, Sal, Santiago, Santo Antão, São Nicolau and São Vicente.
