Culture

Cape Verdean cultural diversions are very similar to those of rural Portugal, celebrating a deep passion for football, church activities and community spirit. A walk round the town square to meet with friends, called a praça, is still a regular custom in Cape Verde, typifying the islands' high regard for socialising.

Cuisine

The Cape Verde diet is mostly based on fish and staple foods like corn and rice. Vegetables available during most of the year are potatoes, onions, tomatoes, manioc, cabbage, kale and dried beans. Fruits such as bananas and papayas are available year-round, while others like mangos and avocados are seasonal.

Climate

Cape Verde usually benefits from dry, tropical weather. August is the hottest month with average temperatures of 27°C, and the coolest month is January at 23°C. April gets the most daily sunshine (9 hours), and September receives the most rain with an average of 77mm rainfall.

Things to do

Across the islands that make up Cape Verde you find an astonishing wealth of cultural attractions. Santo Antão is populated with rocky outcrops and vibrant green valleys of flowers and sugarcane that were made for hiking. São Vicente is the cultural capital, pulsating with bars and music. Boa Vista, Sal and Maio are defined by pure white dunes and azure seafronts, reflecting the quintessential elements of long-haul holidays.