Cabo Verde

Cabo Verde is an Atlantic archipelago of ten volcanic islands, and each one feels like a different journey. On Santo Antão, old footpaths drop through cliffs, green terraces and mountain villages; on São Vicente, Mindelo mixes port life, art, morna and nights that start late.

Fogo is shaped by its great volcano and the settlements of Chã das Caldeiras, while Santiago combines Praia, markets, mountains and historic Cidade Velha. Sal and Boa Vista bring beaches, wind sports and open ocean, but they are only one chapter of the country.

The real challenge is not finding things to do but choosing islands without turning the trip into a race between flights and ferries. Leave weather buffers, ride local aluguer minibuses, eat cachupa and follow the sound of morna and funaná. This is a water-scarce archipelago, so travel lightly, use resources carefully and keep your spending with local guides and businesses.