Cape Verde best beaches. The main attractions of Cape Verde: photo and description. Attractions, what to see in the resorts of Cape Verde

Santa Maria is the second most populated city in Cape Verde. It is located in the northern part of Sal Island. In this lively place, life does not stop even at night. A huge number of bars, restaurants, clubs and entertainment centers are happy to welcome tourists on their snow-white shores. But among other things, you should definitely visit the local market.

Santa Maria is the most attractive place on the whole island with its own unique color and atmosphere. The locals are mostly ordinary people, fishermen and workers are very friendly and helpful. They willingly communicate even without understanding the language, invite you to restaurants and cafes to try local dishes. But all this cannot be compared with the incredible atmosphere of the local market. Here you can find the most unexpected and amazing things. In the total mass of colorful, bright and fragrant goods, you will find the very unique souvenir that will remind you of a trip to Cape Verde for a long time.

Almost every week folk festivals with music and dancing take place here. Locals are very fond of when tourists join their simple entertainment and holidays. On September 15, on the day of St. Mary, the brightest and most incredible festival takes place, which gathers residents from the surrounding islands.

Salt Mining Pedra Vincente Lume

Sal island is known for its white sandy beaches. Local landscapes are reminiscent of the lunar surface: the island is completely flat and the sand, blown by the winds from Africa, forms small relief dunes against the backdrop of reddish rocky plains. The northern part of the island, against the backdrop of white beaches, looks completely snow-white. Here, in the crater of an extinct volcano, salt is being mined and some deposits are equipped for medicinal purposes.

Sal Island of volcanic origin and local salt deposits owe their appearance to its once powerful eruptions. Now in the picturesque volcano crater in the town of Pedra de Lume (literally translated as the Fire Stone), not only salt is mined, but tourist resorts flourish. Some deposits are equipped with spa centers and clinics, where you can take a hot salty bath, enriched with minerals. Local salt has a beneficial effect on the skin and some chronic diseases of the joints and bones. Inhaling the local bitter air while walking along the coast will already be very useful!

Literally a few minutes drive from Pedra Lume is the liveliest city of the island - Santa Maria. Here you can stay in a hotel, relax on the beaches, have fun in nightclubs and bars, and at the same time visit the Pedra de Lume salt mines.

And what sights of Sal did you like? There are icons next to the photo, by clicking on which you can rate a particular place.

Porto de Palmeira

The main port of the island of Sal is located in its northwestern part in the city of Palmeira on the west coast. This large city is the main sea link that receives hundreds of tourists and many merchant ships every day. Life in Porto de Palmeira does not stop even at night.

Most of the inhabitants of the port cities in the republic are engaged in fishing and the island of Sal is no exception.

There are many restaurants and cafes here where you can experience traditional cuisine as soon as you arrive. Local dishes are refined and varied. Its main components are, of course, fish, shellfish and other seafood. Be sure to try the rare-spiced clam soup "Caldo de camarã o a moda da mama Bibi" and the shrimp soaked in local wine "Camarã o em vinha de alhos". For dessert, order coconut tarts and Ponchi, a local drink infused with coffee, peppermint and orange.

The most popular attractions in Sala with descriptions and photos for every taste. Choose the best places to visit the famous places of Sala on our website.

Geographic location, nature

The Republic of Cape Verde is located on the islands of the same name in the Atlantic Ocean, 620 km. off the west coast of Africa and consists of 10 large and 5 small islands. The territory of the country is elevated and rather dry, up to 16% of the country is occupied by dry gravelly highlands - the so-called. "lunar landscape". The highest point of the country is the city of Fogu (2840 m.). The total area is 4 thousand square meters. km.

Capital, largest cities

Weather and Climate

Tropical trade winds, dry. Average monthly temperatures range from +22 C (January-February) to +26 C (September-October), but it is much cooler in the mountains. Precipitation is only 100–300 mm. per year, mainly in August-October, when the southwest monsoons blow. The water temperature off the coast ranges from 21 C to 26 C. The best time to visit the country is from August to October.

Population

400 thousand people, mostly mulattoes - 71%, Africans (fulbe, balante, manja) - 28% and European settlers.

Behind Moscow in summer by 5 hours, in winter - by 4 hours

Visa and customs control

Citizens of the Russian Federation have recently received a visa at the airport of arrival and it costs 25 euros.
The transit of currencies is not limited; upon entry and exit, it is not required to fill out a declaration on the import and export of national or foreign currency. The import, export, storage and distribution of drugs and psychotropic drugs, weapons without special permission is prohibited. The import of plants is subject to mandatory control. Duty-free import and export of fresh fruits and vegetables (not more than 5 kg), as well as other products and things in quantities intended for personal consumption, is allowed.

Transport

Domestic flights between the islands of Santiago, Boavista, Sal, Sao Nicolau, Santo Antao and Sao Vicente are operated by Transportes Aereos de Cabo Verde (www.tacv.cv). Flights are operated 1-2 times a day in each of the directions, except for the island of Sal (4 flights per day). The cost of flights varies from $40 to $80 one way. The company offers the so-called Air Pass, which is 10 coupons for flights between the islands within 22 days. Coupons cost $380.
Bus service, as a regular mode of transport, is absent on the islands. As a rule, 12-seater minibuses, popularly called "Carrinhos", run around the islands. They depart as they fill with passengers and connect the main cities with villages located in the depths of the islands. Communication is quite frequent and on the larger islands (Santiago, Fogo, Sal) traveling by public transport is easy and convenient. At the same time, on small islands (Brava, Santa Luzia, etc.), the only transport can be only a taxi.
Taxis are available on all major islands (Santiago, Sal, Fogo, Mayu, Santo Antan). Given that taxis can often be the only possible means of transport (especially on small islands), prices can be quite high.

General information

The stunning contrast of the azure blue ocean and yellow, sun-dried rocks create a peculiar charm of this country. The main "treasures" of the islands are under water - the ocean in the area of ​​​​the archipelago is saturated with life, so for water sports and scuba divers this is one of the best places in the world. The underwater foothills of the islands go down very steeply and are replete with both coral reefs with countless marine life and underwater caves with a labyrinth of tunnels and caverns. During the migration period, both herds of whales often appear off the coast of the archipelago, letting them approach at a fairly close distance, as well as shoals of oceanic fish that serve as an object of sport fishing. Suffice it to say that in 2000, 6 world records were registered off the coast of these islands in terms of the size and weight of fish caught.

The capital of the country - Praia (Santiago Island), located on a mountain plateau, which is called the Plateau, is not rich in any architectural delights and sights, but it has two beautiful beaches to the west of the center - Praia Mar and Cuebra Canela. 10 km. to the west of the capital is Cidade Velha (Old Town) - the first settlement of Europeans in the archipelago, famous for its picturesque Portuguese fort Real da Santo Felipe, hanging over the waters of the ocean. And to the north of the capital lies Tarrafal - a favorite vacation spot for citizens and guests of the country, known for its beautiful beaches.

The deserted island of Sal, on which the country's international airport is located, is almost entirely given over to tourists. While waiting for a flight to the capital or to the islands, you will be offered to take a boat trip to various islands of the archipelago, visit good restaurants with local and Portuguese cuisine, or spend time on the small but cozy beaches of the island.

Mindelo on about. Santo Vincente is the largest city in the country and the only deep-water port in the archipelago. Unlike the capital, it is full of bars, nightclubs and restaurants. Built up mainly with buildings of colonial architecture with carved balconies and shady courtyards, it is the tourist capital of the islands.

Additional Information

Internet
Russian operators do not have GPRS roaming. Major hotels offer Internet access. You can also use Internet services in business centers of large cities.

cellular
The local operator Cabo Verde Telecom operates in the GSM 900 band. MTS and Megafon subscribers are offered the use of Thuraya satellite communications. Beeline subscribers should clarify information about roaming immediately before the trip. Travelers are encouraged to buy local SIM cards on the spot. The price is 20 euros. International calls - 0.5 euro/minute.

Cape Verdean escudo (CVE), equal to 100 centavos ($1 equals approximately 95 escudos).
Foreign currency and travelers checks are exchanged at banks, airports and hotels. The use of credit cards and traveler's checks is possible only in large restaurants and hotels in the capital.

The Republic of Cape Verde is located on the islands of the same name in the Atlantic Ocean. An archipelago of 10 large and 8 smaller islands is located 620 kilometers off the west coast of Africa. The distance between the islands is 100–150 kilometers. Conventionally, they are divided into 2 groups: “leeward” (Sotaventu) and “windward” (Barlaventu). The first includes the islands of San Vicente, Santo Antao, San Nicolau, Sal, Boavista and the uninhabited island of Santa Lucia. The "windward" group of islands includes Brava, Fogo, Santiago and Maio. Translated from Portuguese, the name of the country means "green cape". Previously, in Russian, the country was called that - the Cape Verde Islands, unofficially this name still exists. Cape Verde is a unique country in the sense that pristine nature has been preserved here, which miraculously has not been touched by the rapidly developing tourist infrastructure here. The main thing travelers come here for is diving (Cabo Verde is one of the world's top five places for diving), windsurfing and sport fishing. And of course, guests of the Cape Verde Islands will not be indifferent to local carnivals and music festivals (by the way, this country gave the world the inimitable Cesaria Evora). And the sincere hospitality of the Cape Verdians and the peaceful atmosphere of paradise lost in the ocean will leave an indelible mark on the soul.

Information

• date of independence: 5 July 1975 (from Portugal)
• official languages: Portuguese
• Regional or local official language: Cape Verdian
• Capital: Praia
• The largest city: Praia
• Form of government: Presidential republic
• Territory: Population
• Currency: Cape Verdean escudo (CVE code 132)
• Internet domain: .cv
• ISO code:CV
• IOC code: CPV
• Telephone code: +238
• Time Zones: −1

A Brief History of Cape Verde

The uninhabited islands of Cape Verde were discovered by the Portuguese in 1456.
1462 Start of Portuguese colonization. Importation of Negro slaves from Africa.
Soon there were African slaves.
Until February 6, 1986 the name of the country - the Republic of the Cape Verde Islands - was given in translation from the Portuguese language.

Climate and weather in Cape Verde

The climate is dry tropical. Water temperature in the ocean: February-March +21…+22 °C, August-October +25…+26 °C. The wind constantly blows on the islands, which helps to endure the summer heat well. There is little precipitation during the year - 100-300 mm. Sometimes there are heavy downpours in the mountains, which can “pour out” up to 500 mm of moisture in one day, which destroys the fertile topsoil. The rainy season falls on August-October, when the southwest monsoons blow. The rest of the time, the northeast trade winds dominate. East wind harmattan, blowing from the Sahara from October to June, has a withering effect and brings fine dust.

Language

Official language: Portuguese and Creole. Creole is a mixture of Old Portuguese and African languages. In the tourist environment, Spanish and English are used.

Religion

About 80% of the population are Catholics. Many adherents of local beliefs have survived.

Currency

International name: CVE. The Cape Verdean escudo is equal to 100 centavos. There are banknotes in denominations of 100, 200, 500, 1000 and 2500 escudos. Coins come in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 escudos. Foreign currency and traveler's checks are exchanged at banks and hotels. There is no reverse exchange. The use of credit cards and traveler's checks is possible only in large restaurants and hotels in the capital.

Time

It lags behind Moscow by 5 hours in summer, and by 4 hours in winter.

Nature

Islands of volcanic origin. The relief is predominantly mountainous. The plains are located on the islands of Boavista, Mayu and Sal. The coastline of the islands (1053 km) is rocky and very indented. The archipelago is located in one of the seismic zones of Africa, the most frequent earthquakes on the island of Brava. The highest point of the archipelago is the active Fogu volcano (2829 m), located on the island of the same name (the last eruption occurred in 1995). There are two groups of islands - the northern windward
(Barlaventu) and south leeward (Sotaventu). Minerals: basalt, tuff, limestone, kaolin, pumice, pozzolan and salt. On the islands of Brava and Santo Antan there are sources of healing mineral waters. The climate is dry tropical (hot). The warmest period of the year is August-September, the coolest is January-February. The average annual air temperature is +22–26° C. The average annual precipitation is 100–300 mm, most of which falls in the mountains. Vegetation is sparse. The flora includes 450 native plant species and 150 imported ones. Acacias, bombardeiras, cypresses, pines and eucalyptus trees grow in the mountains, almonds, coconut and date palms grow in the valleys. There are baobabs, dragon tree and mango. The greenest island of the archipelago is Brava, sometimes called the island of flowers. Deforestation has led to the virtual disappearance of rivers, their channels are filled with water only during the rainy season. Fresh water sources - wells, drilling rigs and desalination plants. Fauna - a diverse world of birds (egret, capercaillie, kingfishers, sandpipers, sea gulls, quail, parrots, falcons, flamingos, frigatebirds) and many species of lizards. Most animal species are introduced by settlers - livestock, cats, rabbits, rats, mice, monkeys and dogs. The world of butterflies and insects is diverse. The waters of the islands are rich in fish (barracuda, mullet, salmon, mackerel, sole, moray eel, herring, tuna). Lots of sharks, lobsters and clams. There are whales and sea turtles.

Population

The population density is approx. 130 people per 1 sq. km. (2009).
The average annual population growth is 1.428%. The birth rate is 21.21 per 1000 people, the death rate is 6.28 per 1000 people.
Child mortality - 26.02 per 1000 newborns. Average life expectancy is 71.8 years (67.78 years for men and 73.27 for women). (All figures are current as of 2012).
70% of the population are Creoles (descendants from mixed marriages of Portuguese and Spanish settlers with Africans), 28% are Africans, 1% are Europeans. In addition to Portuguese, the Criulu Creole dialect (a mixture of Old Portuguese and African languages) is common. 53.3% of the population are residents of cities and towns (2000). The most populated island is Santiago.
More than 60% of the population lives in cities. Large cities: Mindelo (62.97 thousand people), Sao Filipe (6 thousand people) - 2000.
Purchasing power in 2002 amounted to 1.4 thousand US dollars. In 2011 this figure was 2,078 thousand US dollars. (a rather high level for African countries), however, approx. 30% of the population qualifies as poor.
The process of emigration continues. The Cape Verdean diaspora in Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, the USA and African countries (Angola, Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal and Mozambique) has 700 thousand people.

Holidays

January 1, January 20, February 19 and 20, May 1, July 5, August 15, November 1, December 25, as well as the days of religious holidays

Tourism

Tourists are attracted by the sandy beaches of the islands of Boavista, Mayu and Sal, as well as the picturesque mountain landscapes on the islands of Brava, Santo Antan, Santiago and Fogo. Favorable climatic conditions make it possible to receive tourists all year round. Both local entrepreneurs and foreign investors invest in the development of tourism (in 1998, 74% of all foreign investments were invested). The main foreign investors are Austria, Germany, Spain, Italy, Portugal and France. Popular hotel complexes in the city of Tarrafal, on the islands of Boavista, Mayu, San Vicente and Santo Antan. In 1999, the first five-star Criula hotel opened on Sal Island. The number of tourists (Portuguese, Germans, Italians, Dutch, Americans, French, South Africans, etc.) is increasing annually: 20 thousand people. in 1993, 67 thousand people. in 1999. In 2000, 83.3 thousand people visited the country, and tourism income amounted to 40.8 million US dollars.
Attractions: Catholic cathedrals of colonial times, the village of Cidadi Velha (translated as “old town”, founded on the island of Santiago in the 15th century, listed as a UNESCO-protected historical monument), the Belen tower and the Maritime Museum in the city of Belém. Mindelo, ethnographic museum in Praia. When planning travel around the country, holidays should be taken into account: January 20, May 1, July 5, November 1.

Architecture

Traditional dwellings in rural areas are stone one- or two-room function houses (built without the use of cement) with earthen floors and obligatory shutters on the windows. The roof is gable, covered with straw or tiles. The architectural appearance of modern cities organically combines old mansions of colonial times and multi-storey buildings and cottages with all amenities, the construction of which began in the 1990s. Fashionable hotels and supermarkets made of glass and reinforced concrete structures have become a sign of cities.

Online tour in Cape Verde (video)

Source. votpusk.ru, krugosvet.ru, states-world.ru

Amazing sights of Cape Verde

Sal Island is mostly desert, and there is also a magnificent green oasis here. This paradise, namely the Botanical Garden, is located in the city of Viveiro, where you can walk among the palm trees, ride an ATV and even visit a tiny zoo with donkeys, goats, rabbits, ducks and peacocks. Attractions in Cape Verde - it is not only amazing nature, it is also numerous architectural monuments and museums.

Things to Do in Cape Verde

If the countryside was chosen as a place of rest, then you should not count on a varied entertainment program in the evenings after 10 pm, but if you are lucky and the locals can be in the mood, then you can arrange a real holiday with songs and dances. Peak season is Christmas, New Year and summer months.

When it comes to mass entertainment, the main cities to focus on are Santa Maria on the island of Sal, Mindelo on San Vicente Praia in Santiago and the city of Sal Rei, and the Esplanade on Boa Vista. Entertainment Cape Verde, one way or another, they are connected with music, which is the main component of the life of the local population.

Interesting places in Cape Verde

The Cape Verde Islands are a mesmerizing combination of Portuguese and African influences. One of the most popular events is the Baia das Gatas festival. San Vicente is also famous for its wild celebrations. The performances are very popular in Cape Verde. The plays, which are usually written by the actors themselves, deal with everyday topics that interest the residents. The theater festival takes place in the summer in Mindelo. ANDinteresting places in Cape Verde in terms of nightlife, you can find in the city of Santa Maria on the island of Sal: bars, discos, restaurants. In addition, large hotels offer music and dance events.

Excursions Cape Verde

The Cape Verde Islands have much more to offer than meets the eye. For those who want to learn a little about the place of their vacation, and not just bask in the sun, various excursions in Cape Verde. Diving in the ancient city of Mindelo, getting to know the African roots of Santiago, hiking through Santa Antan and contemplating tropical landscapes, visiting an active volcano - all this is possible! On Sal, Santiago, San Vicente and Fogo, you can explore in detail the best local attractions.

Monuments of Cape Verde

Worthy of special attention Monuments of Cape Verde, for example, the 15th century tower located in the city of Mindelo, which is called Torre de Belém, which was designed to guard the port of Lisbon. In an incredibly beautiful location with a stunning view of the lower town of Praia and a small beach right in front of it, there is a monument to Diego Gomez near the presidential palace, which can be seen during a walking tour. StoryCape Verde, one way or another, it is reflected in city buildings and statues. The monument to Diego Alfonso, for example, reminds people of their colonial past.

Museums in Cape Verde

History buffs can visit the numerous museums in Cape Verde. The five most popular of them are the Museum of Archeology in the capital city of Praia, which is said to be difficult to find but worth it, the Museum of History in Mindelo, the Museum of History de Tabanga in Assomad, the Ethnographic Museum, and also the art gallery deserves special attention. Casa da Memoria in São Filipe

Cape Verde, or the Cape Verde Islands, is a small archipelago of 18 islands off the west coast of Africa. The Portuguese called the islands green because they saw them in that short three-month period when they really look like that.

The rest of the year, the color scheme of the country is limited to ocean tones and gray-brown hues, reminiscent of a quarry. According to locals, visitors used all the trees to build ships. Life on the islands is calm, the Cape Verdians have nowhere to hurry - there is no industry, and tourism is in its infancy.

Locals can often be found playing board games, waiting for the weather from the ocean for good fishing, or feeding monkeys. Contrary to the stereotypes about the peoples of Africa, the population of Cape Verde is very friendly and beautiful, loving to take pictures with tourists without demanding money - they are not at all spoiled by the flow of tourists. For visitors, this is a real terra incognito - mountains, uninhabited islands, sunken ships.

There is something to see on the islands, despite the small number of historical monuments. The main attractions that will help you get to know Cape Verde from different angles:

City of Mindelo on the island of Sao Vicente

In Cape Verde, the city of Mindelo on the island of Sao Vicente is considered the most beautiful and attracting the attention of tourists. The guests are greeted by a monument to Cesaria Evora, a Cape Verdi singer who became famous throughout the world for her voice and way of life - very modest, she went barefoot, gave all her money to maintain the country's primary schools and hospitals. Thanks to this woman, the city is considered the musical capital of the islands. Mindelo is very neat and picturesque, this is due to the careful attitude of the population towards plants and cleanliness. Every citizen of Mindelo planted his own tree according to the law issued in 1873. The city is notable for three completely different architectural features:

• Traditional colorful houses that resemble European streets.
• Buildings in the colonial style of the 19th century: the snow-white Presidential Palace, the Bethlehem Tower (an exact copy of the Lisbon one)
• Modern architectural solutions - for example, the Johnny Walker club.

You can get to know all the exclusivity of the local ocean by going to catch marlin on a yacht. Entertainment is not cheap, but in the case of a catch, inexpressible emotions are guaranteed. Fishing is available all year round. In addition to blue and white marlin, you can catch swordfish, tuna, merlow and even some sharks.

According to the laws of developed countries, old ships must be disposed of, this procedure is expensive. In Cape Verde, there is no such requirement from the authorities, so ships are brought from all over the world and left here to “live out”. There are ships still afloat, sinking and already sunken.

The latter are a favorite sight of divers, because there is an opportunity to plunge headlong into local attractions. And although diving to the ships is a dangerous business - you can get lost in the labyrinths of debris, get hurt on sharp pieces of reinforcement, be eaten by a shark, but this lost world is worth it. Complementing the incredible underwater views is the diverse flora and fauna of the ocean.

Extreme lovers will like to conquer the waves under the supervision of an experienced instructor. The most favorable period for this entertainment is the winter months. Surfers' favorite islands are Sal, Sao Vicente, Santiago, Boavista, Maio and San Nicolau.

uninhabited islands

Those who have admired the stories of Robinson Crusoe since childhood have a good opportunity to be in his place. There are many small non-residential islands in the archipelago, where local fishermen will kindly take tourists by boat.

There will definitely not be relaxation, but those who like to test their abilities will like this idea: bare stones, large rubble instead of sand, rock inscriptions, an endless ocean and not a soul around. It is almost impossible to get food and water, which means it is better to stock up on provisions in advance.

Fishermen wait out bad weather on such islands, so there you can find places for a fire lined with stones and dishes. On a deserted island, there is a great opportunity to sunbathe naked, try to make fire, fresh water and catch fish with a sharp stick - activities for adventurers who crave solitude.

Saint Anthony Island is considered the most picturesque place in Cape Verde - here is the richest vegetation in the highest part, reminiscent of a botanical garden: eucalyptus, cypress, pine trees in the north and breathtaking views from above on the southern rocky part of the island, including the local Grand Canyon. Here you can buy very tasty goat cheese from the inhabitants of local villages.

If a tourist who has arrived in Cape Verde has a week to completely break away from civilization, it is worth going to Fogo. This is the highest volcanic island in Cape Verde, its maximum height 2830 m.

Right on the territory of an active volcano is the village of Caldera. Reasons to be here:

1. Views - the spectacle of an active volcano is especially mesmerizing at dawn. You should be prepared that climbing to the top will ruin your clothes and shoes, but it's worth it;
2. Wine is phenomenal, but there is not a single blade of grass on the lava of the volcano, and grapes grow. Locals say that they throw vine branches into the lava, pour two buckets of water before the rainy season and forget about the plant. The grapes grow very small and very rich, with a "lava" aftertaste. Accordingly, the same shade of taste is also in wine. There is no other alcoholic beverage like it anywhere else in the world;
3. Coffee - it is drunk very easily, and invigorates better than traditional varieties. You can’t buy it, but you can ask the locals and the winemaker. The only traffic light on the island is designed to warn of danger. You can also visit the caves, which take at least three days to hike.

The beaches of Cape Verde

The beaches of the country are very diverse and any tourist will find the best option for himself: quiet and crowded, with white sand or black volcanic, wild and civilized, secluded and with numerous entertainment offers - each island and settlement has its own beach highlight.

Local canteens (local food)

Prices in restaurants for tourists in the Cape Verde Islands are sky-high. Therefore, it is recommended to learn the delights of Cape Verdian cuisine in establishments for the local population, the so-called local food.

The average cost of lunch or dinner in them will cost a tourist up to $ 5. Kachupa is definitely a must for sunset - a national dish. Kachupa is distinguished for the poor - it contains sweet potato, pumpkin, beans, and for the rich - boiled cabbage and 4-5 varieties of meat are added to the ingredients of poor kachupa. The portions are very large, the dish is hearty and tasty.

Such establishments offer, as a rule, only 2 dishes of the day: either kachupa or fish caught today with rice. Such a modest assortment is quite enough to appreciate the Cape Verdian cuisine.

If a visit to Cape Verde falls in February, then the national carnival is a must-see event. Action scenarios are originally borrowed from the Portuguese, but completely remade for the culture of the people of the Cape Verde Islands.

The local population during the holiday is as liberated and friendly as possible, an atmosphere of boundless respect for each other is in the air, you can have fun and take pictures as much as you like. It is significant that the action takes place without alcohol and other stimulants; there are a lot of happy Cape Verdian children at the carnival. A minimum of rehearsed and staged numbers, everything is alive and natural.

The costumes are very diverse and colorful: national costumes, Don Quixote, Dulcinea de Toboso, caricatures of the heroes of American Westerns, variations of the images of Che Guevara.

Residents decorate the streets and compete for the title of the most beautiful. Eyewitnesses say that the February carnivals in Cape Verde are in no way inferior to the Brazilian holidays.

The city of Cidadi Velha is located on the island of Santiago and is notable for being the oldest settlement in the country. It is rich in architectural monuments of the 15th century: 2 churches, Fort San Felipe, and a square with a pillory used to punish guilty slaves. The place will appeal to all history buffs.

As you can see, despite the modesty of natural conditions and undeveloped tourism, the country is very interesting and diverse. Every lover of everything unusual and exotic should go here.