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USACape Verde holidays take travellers deep into the Atlantic Ocean to a chain of volcanic islands off the coast of West Africa. Discover some of the treasures to be found in this remote archipelago.
Cape Verde holidays take travellers deep into the Atlantic Ocean to a chain of volcanic islands off the coast of West Africa. Discover some of the treasures to be found in this remote archipelago.
Animal lovers, listen up. This Portuguese spot on the northeastern coast translates to Bay of the Cats – but it’s not the moggies you’re thinking of, the moniker is thanks to the abundance of catsharks (pictured). The small nocturnal fish are bountiful in the coastal waters around Europe and Northern Africa but don’t worry, they only eat molluscs and crustaceans, not humans.
The catsharks certainly have good taste (no pun intended) – Baya de Gatas’ setting is delightful thanks to rocks which have formed a barrier and created a large natural pool with wonderfully clear water. It’s lovely to swim in and you’re treated to great views across the bay, too.
The spot has also become famous due to the annual intentional music festival held here every summer. No news on whether the catsharks enjoy the jiving as well.
With Ambassador’s Cape Verde cruise excursions, you’ll visit this small village by bus so travellers are treated to fabulous vistas en route from Mindelo in comfort and the small volcanic peeks of Calhau and Vianna in particular.
The following optional destination experiences all visit Baya de Gatas: ‘A Glimpse of São Vicente’, ‘São Vicente & Mindelo Highlights’ and ‘São Vicente Island @ Ease’.
Thirsty? Whet your whistle with pontche, a traditional liquor produced in Cape Verde. The mellow and sweet drink is made from grogue (sugar cane spirit), molasses or honey and sometimes lime juice.
Too intense? Flavoured versions of pontche such as coconut, chocolate or fruit versions are often made for tourists if you think the original beverage might be overwhelming.
Seek out the liqueur yourself during your day visit or join Ambassador’s Cape Verde cruise shore excursions ‘A Glimpse of São Vicente’ or ‘São Vicente Island @ Ease’.
On the former, you can try some during your stop at a local beach restaurant in Baia das Gatas (soft drinks also available!) while on the latter you can sip a glass while visiting Praia Grande (pictured), a white sand beach surrounded by volcanic rocks.
Island life nearly always guarantees excellent seafood and, with Mindelo the second largest city in Cape Verde, the fish market (pictured) here is a vibrant place to be in the morning (perhaps less so among the marine life). Tuna is the common fish on offer but there’s also mackerel, octopus, whiting and grouper to name a few.
Your Ambassador cruise to Cape Verde from the UK arrives early in Mindelo so breathe in the smell of the sea and soak up the hustle and bustle of the market to get a taste of local life. If you know any Portuguese this would be a great place to get some practice in. Olá!
Monte Verde is the highest peak on the island of São Vicente at 2,460 ft and is part of a national park. There’s not much vegetation on the mountain’s arid slopes (although locals did once grow corn and green beans) but the views of São Vicente’s rugged coastline are fantastic.
On your Cape Verde cruise with Ambassador, enjoy panoramas of Baia das Gatas, the black lava mountains, Mindelo, and Porto Grande plus on a clear day you might also spot neighbouring islands such as Santo Antao (pictured) and Santa Luzia.
If you fancy going it alone on your Cape Verde cruise, hiking up is a popular option but Ambassador does offer optional destination experiences that will get you to the top sweat-free.
Day trips ‘A Glimpse of São Vicente, ‘São Vicente & Mindelo Highlights’ and ‘São Vicente Island @ Ease’ all drive up the winding roads on the slopes to the peak by bus.
Cachupa, a stew, is considered the national dish of Cape Verde and dates back to the 15th century when Portuguese settlers started to grow vegetables on the islands.
The meal (pictured) consists of corn, beans, sweet potato, cassava and often meat or fish. The “rica” (rich) version of the stew also includes chorizo.
Cape Verdean families all tend to have their own interpretations of the classic dish but it can be found in restaurants too – the perfect fare for fueling your island adventure.
On the southern coast of Santiago you’ll find the town of Ribeira Grande, renamed Cidade Velha in the late 18th century.
This was the first European colonial outpost in the tropics and became the second richest city in the Portuguese realm before pirate and enemy attacks led to its demise.
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage List in 2009, Cidade Velha (pictured) still features cobblestoned streets, churches and the royal fortress Fort Real of São Filipe which was built to defend the city against the aforementioned pirate offensives. It’s the best-preserved structure and, located 393ft above sea level, provides brilliant views overlooking Cidade Velha and the south coast.
Ambassador Cape Verde cruise excursions ‘Explore Praia & UNESCO Cidade Velha’ and ‘Praia & Cidade Velha @ Ease’ are a great way to learn all about the chequered past of Cidade Velha as you drive through with a guide.
For more cultural discovery there’s Praia’s Ethnographic Museum, devoted to Cape Verde’s rich historical role as a cultural crossroads.
The building is worth admiring from the outside – it’s situated in a beautiful converted old colonial house (called ‘sobrados’ in Cape Verde). Meanwhile, inside, displays range from the history of fishing and traditional ‘panos’ (woven cotton fabrics) to cooking utensils used before electricity was invented.
Join the ‘Praia & Cidade Velha @ Ease’ optional destination experience to visit the museum with an Ambassador guide. En route, you’ll motor along Avenida Cidade de Lisboa, the most modern street in Praia. It’s home to the Palace of the Government, the Estadio da Varzea (football stadium), the National Library and the statue of Amilcar Cabral – a revolutionary who led the struggle for independence in Cape Verde.
Right, time for a sit-down and that glass of pontche.
