Accommodation
HOTELS/PENSIONS
The range of accommodation is increasing rapidly. There are international hotels on the main islands. Otherwise, there are small hotels on the smaller islands. There are also pensions. For further information, contact CI - Carbo Verde Investimentos or Cape Verde Travel (see Top Things To See & Do).
ACCOMMODATION INFORMATION
Agência Cabo-verdiana de Promoção do Investimentos (CI)Rotundo do Cruz do Papa, Achada Santo António, PO Box 89C, Praia, Santiago, Cape Verde Tel: 260 4111/0 or 262 1488 or 2689. Website: www.virtualcapeverde.netCape Verde Travel in the UK14 Market Place, Hornseam, East Yorkshire HU18 1AW, UKTel: (01964) 536 191.Website: www.capeverdetravel.co.uk
Business
•
GDP: US$825 million.• Main exports: Shoes, clothes, fish, bananas, hides, salt and pozzolana (volcanic rock used in making cement).•
Main imports: Petroleum, foodstuffs, consumer goods and machinery.• Main trade partners: Portugal, Japan, Netherlands and USA.
Economy
About one-quarter of the working population is engaged in agriculture. Maize and beans are the main crops; a variety of fruit and vegetables are also grown. The agricultural sector is especially vulnerable to the periodic droughts that afflict the islands, often lasting for several years. Meanwhile, throughout the 1990s, the fishing industry has received substantial international aid, reflected in the result that the islands’ catches now contribute almost half of the total export earnings. Cape Verde joined the International Whaling Commission in 2002 and, with the incentive of an aid package from Japan, has supported the resumption of commercial whaling. The small industrial sector is dominated by fish processing and canning factories, to which electrical and other machinery, chemicals and textiles have recently been added. Mining is confined to salt and pozzolana. Future economic development is being focused on tourism, transhipment facilities and ‘offshore’ financial services. A further vital source of national income are the remittances provided by émigré communities – some 700,000 Cape Verdeans live abroad, mainly in the USA. Cape Verde is a member of the West African Economic Community (ECOWAS).
Business Etiquette
All correspondence should be in English or French. Most of Cape Verde’s business links are with Portugal. Office hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1230 and 1430-1800.
Conferences/Conventions
The larger hotels on the main islands can provide conference facilities.
Commercial Information
Câmara de Comercío Industria, Agricultura e Serviços de Barlavento Rua de Luz 31, CP 728, Mindelo, São Vicente, Cape Verde Tel: 328 495.Website: www.cciasb.com Câmara de Comercío Industria e Servícos de SotaventoAv. Andrade Corvo, Edificio Shopping Moeda, Praia, Santiago, Cape Verde Tel: 615 352. Ministry for Education, Science, Youth and Sport (Information on Conferences/Conventions)Palácio do Governo, Santiago, Praia, Cape Verde Tel: 610 507.
Climate
Climate
Generally temperate, but rainfall is very low. The rainy season is August to October when rainfall is unpredictable.
Required clothing
Lightweight throughout the year, tropical for midsummer.
Communications
Telephone
Country code: 238. IDD is possible to main cities. Improvements to rural areas are in progress.
Mobile telephone
Roaming agreements exist with some international mobile phone companies, but travellers should check with their service provider. Coverage is variable, but generally good in towns.
Internet
Major hotels offer laptop connections. Public access is available at the offices of Cabo Verde Telecom. Privately-run business centres in the main towns offer e-mail, Internet and fax facilities.
Post
Postal facilities can be slow with deliveries to Europe normally taking over a week.
MEDIA
A free press is guaranteed by law, but most media are state-controlled. There are a few private radio stations. Portuguese and French radio are available via FM relays. Press: Newspapers are in Portuguese. There are no daily newspapers. The weekly newspapers with the highest circulation figures are Horizonte and the independent A Semana.TV: Televisao Nacional De Cabo Verde is a state-run channel.Radio: Stations include state-run Radio Nacional De Cabo Verde, as well as Radio Nova in Sao Vicente and Radio Comercial in Praia.
Duty Free
Duty Free
The following goods may be imported into Cape Verde without incurring customs duty:200 cigarettes; one litre of liquor; a reasonable amount of perfume, lotion and eau de cologne in opened bottles.Currency must be declared on arrival.
Note
There is, in principle, no free import of tobacco products and alcoholic beverages.
Entertainment
Food & Drink
There is an increasing number of restaurants and cafes on the islands.National specialities: •
Pastel com diablo dentro ('pastry with the devil inside') - a mix of tuna, onions, tomatoes and pastry, made from boiled potatoes and corn flour. •
Cachupa, a mess of maize and beans.• Fruits include mangoes, bananas, papayas, goiabas (guavas), zimbrão, tambarinas, marmelos, azedinhas, tamaras and cocos. National drinks:•
Aguardiente (sugar cane rum).• A San Antao liquor made from coffee, cinnamon, fig leaf, peppermint, orange or lime.• Manecome (local wine from Fogo).Tipping: It is normal to give 10 per cent for good service.
Nightlife
Some hotels provide evening entertainment. Small villages will have a lively taverna. Most nightlife is on the main islands: there are 21 nightclubs in Cape Verde – eight on Santiago, seven on Sal, five on São Vicente and one on Fogo. Praia has a cultural centre at which local Cape Verdean artists and instrumentalists perform.
Shopping
There are daily markets. The Santa Catarina market is held Wednesday and Saturday. Coconut shells are carved by local craftspeople; there is also pottery, lacework and basketry. Shopping hours: Mon-Sat 0800-1200 and 1500-1900.
General Information
Area
4033 sq km (1557 sq miles).
Population
482,000 (2005).
Population Density
112.5 per sq km.
Capital
Cidade de Praia. Population: 106,757 (2005).
Geography
Cape Verde is situated in the Atlantic Ocean, 600km (450 miles) west-northwest of Senegal and comprises 10 volcanic islands and five islets in two groups: Balavento (Windwards) and Sotavento (Leewards). In the former group are the islands of São Vicente, Santo Antão, São Nicolau, Santa Luzia, Sal and Boa Vista, along with the smaller islands of Branco and Raso; the Sotavento group comprises the islands of Santiago, Maio, Fogo and Brava, along with the smaller islands of Rei and Rombo. Most have mountain peaks; the highest being Pico do Cano, an active volcano, which is on Fogo. The islands are generally rocky and eroded, and have never been able to support more than subsistence agriculture (maize, bananas, sugar cane and coffee are the main crops); low rainfall over the last 10 years has crippled food production and forced the islands to depend on international aid.
Government
Republic. Gained independence from Portugal in 1975. Head of State: President Pedro Pires since 2001. Head of Government: Prime Minister José Maria Neves since 2001. Recent history: The MPD held onto both Presidency and National Assembly in 1995 but lost both to the PAICV at the most recent elections in early 2001. The extremely close Presidential race was won by the PAICV’s Pedro Rodrigues Pires with a margin of just 17 votes over the MPD’s Carlos de Carvalho. Cape Verde has pursued a determinedly non-aligned foreign policy, reflected in its being chosen as mediator in the settlement of a variety of international disputes, including Angola. More recently, in 1998, it hosted talks to reach a settlement of the conflict in Guinea Bissau. Cape Verde maintains close relations with Portugal, Brazil and other Portuguese-speaking African countries in the PALOP group (Angola, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique and São Tomé).A new constitution introduced in 1992 allows for the election of an Assembleia Nacional (National Assembly) with 79 deputies and a President who serves as Head of State, both elected by adult suffrage for five-year terms.
Language
The official language is Portuguese. Creole is spoken by most of the inhabitants. Some English, French, German and Spanish are widely spoken.
Religion
92.8 per cent of the population are Roman Catholic with a Protestant minority of one per cent.
Electricity
220 volts AC, 50Hz.
SOCIAL CONVENTIONS
The usual European social courtesies should be observed.
Health
Health
1
Following WHO guidelines issued in 1973, a cholera vaccination certificate is not a condition of entry to Cape Verde. However, cholera is a risk in this country and precautions could be considered. Up-to-date advice should be sought before deciding whether these precautions should include vaccination as medical opinion is divided over its effectiveness. For more information, see the Health appendix.
2
Yellow Fever is endemic. A certificate of vaccination is required if travelling from other countries in the endemic zone.
3
Typhoid fever is widespread and vaccination may be necessary. Polio vaccination may also be advised.
4
There is a limited risk of malaria from September to November on São Tiago Island.
Food & drink
All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. All drinking water should be bottled, boiled or carbonated. Water used for brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Milk is unpasteurised and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised, but make sure that it is reconstituted with pure water. Avoid all dairy products and food from street vendors. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Pork, salad and mayonnaise may carry increased risk. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.
Other risks
Hepatitis A and E are highly endemic in sub-saharan Africa, but have very low occurrence in Cape Verde, but precautions are still advisable. Hepatitis B is hyperendemic in the region. Vaccination against tetanus is advised. Giardia occurs.
Health care
Health insurance, including emergency repatriation cover, is advised, although in-patient treatment is free in general wards on presentation of a passport. Treatment is private and expensive on the smaller islands.
History and Government
History
The Portuguese discovered the islands in the 15th century; they were uninhabited and there was no evidence of previous settlement. By the late 15th century, settlement began on São Tiago, which later became used as a supply point for slaves traded to Brazil and the West Indies. The inhospitable landscape and climate made development of the islands difficult, while the attentions of rival colonial powers also made life difficult for the Portuguese colonial administrators. Although sugar plantations, worked by slaves brought over from Africa, and, subsequently, cotton cloth weaving were successfully established, life on the islands was one of extreme poverty.In 1951, Cape Verde was redefined as an overseas province, from its previous status as a colony. In the 1960s and early 1970s, the islands were used as a garrison by the Portuguese army, while many members of the growing independence movement fled to Guinea-Bissau, another Portuguese colony on the mainland, to form the Partido Africano da Independência do Guiné e Cabo Verde (PAIGC) under the famous revolutionary leader Amilcar Cabral. Following the revolution in Portugal in 1974, Cape Verde achieved independence in 1975, shortly after the granting of independence to Guinea-Bissau, with whom Cape Verde had close political associations. In 1976, Cape Verde joined the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).The PAIGC took control of the political activities of both countries and full unification was discussed. This proposal was shelved after the 1980 coup in Guinea-Bissau, after which the Cape Verdean branch of PAIGC was renamed the Partido Africano da Independência de Cabo Verde (PAICV) and the two countries pursued their own separate paths of development. At the turn of the 1990s, the Government followed the continental trend and held elections in February 1991. The PAICV faced the challenge of the Movimento para Democracia (MPD) which duly won both the legislature and the race for the Presidency in which their candidate, ex-supreme court judge Antonio Mascarenhas Monteiro, defeated the incumbent Aristides Pereira.The MPD held onto both Presidency and national assembly in 1995 but lost both to the PAICV at the most recent elections in early 2001. The extremely close Presidential race was won by the PAICV’s Pedro Rodrigues Pires with a margin of just 17 votes over the MPD’s Carlos de Carvalho. Cape Verde has pursued a determinedly non-aligned foreign policy, reflected in its being chosen as mediator in the settlement of a variety of international disputes, including those concerning Angola. More recently, in 1998, it hosted talks to reach a settlement of the conflict in Guinea Bissau. Cape Verde maintains close relations with Portugal, Brazil and other Portuguese-speaking African countries in the PALOP group (Angola, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique and São Tomé).
Government
A new constitution introduced in 1992 allows for the election of an Assembleia Nacional (national assembly) with 79 deputies and a President who serves as Head of State, both elected by adult suffrage for five-year terms. The next Presidential election is in 2006.
Money
Currency
Cape Verde Escudo (CVE) = 100 centavos. Notes are in denominations of CVE5000, 2000, 1000 and 500. Coins are in denominations of CVE200, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1.
Currency exchange
Available at the airport and in local banks. Currency cannot be reconverted, except in Portugal. There are ATMs found in Sal, Praia and Sâo Vincent.
Credit & debit cards
Credit cards are rarely used. A few major hotels accept Visa. Currency can be obtained in banks from credit cards but charges are very high.
Traveller's cheques
Accepted in main towns and tourist areas. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in Pounds Sterling or US Dollars.
Currency restrictions
The import and export of local currency is prohibited. The import of foreign currency is unlimited, subject to declaration on arrival and on departure. The export of foreign currency is limited to the equivalent of CVE1,000,000 or the amount declared on arrival, whichever is the larger.
Exchange rate indicators
DateAt time of publishing£1.00=CVE163.94$1.00=CVE92.88
Banking hours
Mon-Fri 0800-1400.
Overview
Country Overview
Cape Verde is situated in the Atlantic Ocean, 600km (450 miles) west-northwest of Senegal. It comprises 10 volcanic islands and five islets in two groups: the Balavento (Windwards) and the Sotavento (Leewards). There are many superb diving sites around the islands, several of which have shipwrecks dating back to the 16th century. Windsurfing opportunities are also excellent. Many of the islands have spectacular mountain scenery and beautiful deserted beaches, such as Tarrafal on São Tiago. San Filipe has a spectacular volcano and fine beaches. There are good markets on some of the islands, and a number of colourful festivals. Mindelo on São Vincente, with its Portuguese-style buildings, is worth a visit. The main local culinary speciality is cachupa, a mix of maize and beans. Fruits include mangoes, bananas, papayas, goiabas (guavas), zimbrão, tambarinas, marmelos, azedinhas, tamaras and cocos. Beer, wine and local spirits are commonly available and punch is a popular beverage. The nightlife is mainly centred around the discos in hotels and several nightclubs.
OverviewII
The Portuguese discovered Cape Verde in the 15th century; its islands were uninhabited and there was no evidence of previous settlement. By the late 15th century, settlement had begun. Situated in the Atlantic Ocean, 600km (450 miles) west-northwest of Senegal, Cape Verde comprises 10 volcanic islands and five islets in two groups: the Balavento (Windwards) and the Sotavento (Leewards). The Cape Verde islands count as Africa’s most westerly point. Evidently, the islands are no longer as verdant as they were when the Portuguese named them, but they offer much to interest the traveller: spectacular mountain scenery and beautiful deserted beaches. Indeed, every island on Cape Verde seems to have its own distinct character, from the lush and lively Santiago to the sandy and salty Sal, and from the volcanic Sao Nicolau to the diving paradise of Boa Vista. There are also good markets on some of the islands, and some are livelier than others. São Vicente’s is renowned for its exuberant Carnival, whilst the Baia das Gatas Festival is a more traditional affair but one that still has people boogieing until the early hours to Cape-Verdean rhythms. In all the islands, however, is a fascinating admixture of African and European custom and conduct. This is best reflected in the foods on offer, with Portuguese foods (such as fish- and seafood-based dishes, olive oil, garlic, lemon and sausage) and African foods (stews, beans, maize and tropical crops) comfortably combined on most menus. Many of the towns on the islands have retained their Portuguese architecture and worth a visit just to see these. Cape Verde's Government is now trying to develop the tourist industry, and the infrastructure is being expanded to accommodate the increasing number of visitors attracted to this unusual but attractive destination. As Cape Verde comprises islands, it will come as no great surprise to learn that, in the midst of a vibrant Creole culture, are very good conditions for watersports, such as windsurfing, diving (with shipwrecks dating back to the 16th century) and sailing. However, many might argue that Cape Verde's isolation is a blessing, leaving these islands unspoiled and comparatively undiscovered. Since achieving independence in 1975, Cape Verde has struggled somewhat economically (it has few natural resources and frequently suffers from very low rainfall). However, the Government is sure to succeed in attracting visitors to Cape Verde when it offers so much natural beauty, which will surely bolster the islands' fiscal situation.
Passport/Visa
Passport/Visa
Passports
Passport valid for at least six months required by all.
Visas
Required by all except the following: (a) nationals of ECOWAS countries, Angola and South Africa; (b) former nationals of Cape Verde, their spouses and children, provided holding proof of origin; (c) those continuing their journey to a third destination provided holding onward documentation and not leaving the airport.
Types of visa and cost
Transit, Tourist, Business: &Euro;38 (single entry); &Euro;72 (multiple-entry, for Business visas only); paid by cheque or postal order. Prices may fluctuate - enquire at nearest Embassy or Consulate for details.
Validity
Valid for six months from date of issue for visits of up to 90 days, multiple-entry visas are valid for up to one year.Note: US nationals can obtain visas valid for five years.
Application to
Consulate (or Consular Section at Embassy); see Passport/Visa Information.
Application requirements
(a) Two passport-size photos. (b) One application form. (c) Valid passport. (d) Fee. (e) Return/onward ticket. (f) A stamped addressed envelope if applying by mail.
Working days required
Where there are no complications, visas may be issued immediately; however, it is advisable to anticipate up to two days' delay.
Passport/Visa Information
Embassy of the Republic of Cape Verde in the USA3415 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20007, USATel: (202) 965 6820. Website:www.virtualcapeverde.net Embassy of the Republic of Cape Verde in the UK18-20 Stanley Street, Liverpool L1 6AF, UK.Tel: (0151) 236 0206.
Public Holidays
Public Holidays
Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2006-June 2007 period.Jan 1 2006 New Year’s Day. Jan 20 Heroes’ Day. Feb 27 Carnival. May 1 Labour Day. Jul 5 Independence Day. Aug 15 Assumption (Day of Our Lady of Grace). Sep 12 National Day. Nov 1 All Saints’ Day. Dec 25 Christmas Day. Jan 1 2007 New Year’s Day. Jan 20 Heroes’ Day. Feb 27 Carnival. May 1 Labour Day.
Resorts & Excursions
The Cape Verde islands count as Africa’s most westerly point. First discovered by the Portuguese in the 15th century, they have since featured on the routes of seafarers and traders sailing between Europe, Africa and Latin America, and their culture today reflects this mix. The climate is mainly dry (especially in the Leeward Islands) and years of deforestation, overcultivation and rather unpredictable weather have left the country’s economy relatively fragile. Evidently, the islands are no longer as verdant as they were when the Portuguese named them, but they offer much to interest the traveller: long, white sand beaches, a vibrant creole culture and good conditions for watersports. Their isolation has left them unspoilt and comparatively undiscovered. The Government is now trying to develop the tourist industry, and the infrastructure is being expanded to accommodate the increasing number of visitors attracted to this unusual but attractive destination. Cape Verde has nine inhabited islands. Santiago, the largest and most populated of these, has a mountainous, lush interior fringed by small sandy beaches. The island’s capital, Praia, is a lively, pleasant town with a good nightlife. Other attractions include Cidade Velha (the old city of Praia), the first Portuguese settlement on Cape Verde. There are ruins and old buildings and, on the hill above, the Fort Real de San Felipe, an old Portuguese fort. The attractive fishing village of Tarrafal features one of the island’s best beaches and contains the old colonial prison where the Portuguese dictator, Salazar, held dissidents from all over his empire in the first two-thirds of the 20th century. This is currently being restored. The island of Sal, characterised by its fine white sand beaches, attracts most of the package tourists. There are three dive schools, and windsurfing conditions are excellent. The famous salt pits, after which the island is named, produced salt for much of the former Portuguese empire. São Vicente is the most cultural and cosmopolitan of all the islands and is home to the deep-water port of Mindelo, a lively town with old colonial buildings and a thriving local music scene. Cape Verde’s most famous daughter, Cesaria Evora (an internationally-known singer who performs in the traditional style), hails from the island, as do many other leading local musicians. The carnival in Mindelo is the liveliest in Cape Verde, while the traditional Baia das Gatas festival, which usually falls in August, has become internationally renowned for the standard of its music. The other islands in the archipelago are quieter and more appealing to nature lovers. Boa Vista features shallow seas and the 16km- (10 mile-) pristine Santa Monica beach. Sao Nicolau is the quietest island in Cape Verde with a dramatic landscape of steep rocky peaks in its interior with black sand beaches around its edge. Maio is isolated and quiet with simple fishing villages, white sand beaches and sand dunes. Sea turtles lay their eggs on the beaches. Brava, a lush island with more rainfall than most, offers beautiful views of the coast from its plateau and an abundance of unique plant life. There are no facilities for watersports. The mountainous island of Fogo features an active volcano and black sandy beaches. Coffee, grapes and local wine are amongst the island’s produce. Santo Antão’s spectacular scenery and rugged coastline attract mainly walkers and climbers, especially given that there are no beaches. It is one of Cape Verde’s greener islands and its interior contains forested hills. Many of the deep flat-bottomed valleys are the craters of extinct volcanoes, long overgrown by trees and tropical vegetation. Visitors should make sure they sample Cape Verdean rum or grog, produced on Santo Antão.
Sport & Activities
Hiking
The islands’ spectacular scenery is ideal for hiking. The volcanic island of Fogo offers good hikes with excellent views, while the scenery on Santo Antão is particularly lush. Ribeira Grande Mountain on Santo Antão takes a day to climb but is well worth the effort. It is advisable to take a guide. There are also excellent walks on Brava and São Nicolau. Birdwatching trips can be arranged.
Watersports
Visitors are advised to exercise caution when entering into watersports as tides and currents around Cape Verde are very strong. Sailing charters can be arranged, depending on time, weather and number of passengers. Surfing and windsurfing are both available on Sal, although the surfing is not generally suitable for beginners; however, instruction is offered. Diving is gaining in popularity. There are several dive centres, mainly on the islands of Sal and Boa Vista, with qualified personnel and equipment. These islands also offer good wreck sites. Water temperatures are good all year round, though seas can be rough. Some boats and equipment are available for fishing. Visitors could consider taking their own equipment.
Live music
There is no shortage of live Cape Verdean music played in bars and clubs. Local musicians may hope to follow in the footsteps of their internationally known compatriots such as Cesaria Evora. Music is an integral part of daily life in the islands.
Top Things To Do
Tourist Information
CI (Agência Cabo-verdiana de Promoção do Investimentos)Rotundo do Cruz do Papa, Achada Santo António, PO Box 89C, Praia, Santiago, Cape Verde Tel: 260 4111/0 or 262 1488 or 2689. Website: www.virtualcapeverde.netCape Verde Travel14 Market Place, Hornseam, East Yorkshire HU18 1AW, UKTel: (01964) 536 191.Website: www.capeverdetravel.co.uk
Top Things To See & Do
Top things to see & do
•
Santiago, the largest and most populated of Cape Verde's nine populated islands, has a mountainous, lush interior fringed by small sandy beaches. The island’s capital, Praia, is a lively, pleasant town with a good nightlife. Other attractions include Cidade Velha, the first Portuguese settlement on Cape Verde. There are ruins and old buildings and, on the hill above, the Fort Real de San Felipe, an old Portuguese fort. The attractive fishing village of Tarrafal features one of the island’s best beaches and contains the old colonial prison where the Portuguese dictator, Salazar, held dissidents from all over his empire in the first two-thirds of the 20th century. This is currently being restored. • Make sure you check out Cape Verde's fantastic beaches: in particular, go see the fine white sand beaches of Sal and the black sand beaches of Sao Nicolau. The ever-present sea provides great sailing. Surfing and windsurfing are available on Sal, although the surfing is not generally suitable for beginners. Diving is gaining in popularity, mainly on the islands of Sal and Boa Vista, which offer qualified personnel and equipment. These islands also offer good wreck sites. Water temperatures are good all year round, though the seas can be rough. • Find the famous salt pits of Sal, after which the island is named, which produced salt for much of the former Portuguese empire. • Listen to some live music on the island where Cape Verde’s most famous daughter, Cesaria Evora (an internationally-known singer who performs in the traditional style), hails: São Vicente. Music is an integral part of daily life in islands such as this one. The deep-water port of Mindelo is a lively town with old colonial buildings and a thriving local music scene. São Vicente’s Carnival is the liveliest in Cape Verde, while the traditional Baia das Gatas Festival, which usually falls in August, has become internationally renowned for the standard of its music. • Unveil an abundance of unique plant life on Brava, a lush island with more rainfall than most, offering beautiful views of the coast from its plateau. •
Walk or climb the spectacular scenery and rugged coastline of Santo Antão. It is one of Cape Verde’s greener islands and its interior contains forested hills. Many of the deep flat-bottomed valleys are the craters of extinct volcanoes, long overgrown by trees and tropical vegetation. Its Ribeira Grande Mountain takes a day to climb but is well worth the effort. It is advisable to take a guide. The mountainous island of Fogo is also great for hikes with excellent views, and it also has an active volcano in its midst. • Sample Cape Verdean rum or grog, produced on Santo Antão.
Tourist Information
Agência Cabo-verdiana de Promoção do Investimentos (CI)Rotundo do Cruz do Papa, Achada Santo António, PO Box 89C, Praia, Santiago, Cape Verde Tel: 260 4111/0 or 262 1488 or 2689. Website: www.virtualcapeverde.netCape Verde Travel in the UK14 Market Place, Hornseam, East Yorkshire HU18 1AW, UKTel: (01964) 536 191.Website: www.capeverdetravel.co.uk
Travel - Internal
Air
TACV – Cabo Verde Airlines (website: www.tacv.cv) is the main domestic carrier. There are internal flights available to all inhabited islands except Brava and San Antao. Passes: The Cape Verde Airpass, available from TACV to passengers booking their long-distance tickets through the airline or their agents, offers discounted flights within Cape Verde. A minimum of two internal flights must be booked and the pass is valid for 21 days. These must be purchased with transatlantic tickets. Private charters are available from the Cape Verde Express (website: www.capeverdeexpress.com) air-taxi service.
Sea
There is a daily ferry service operating between the port of Mindelo, São Vincente and Santo Antao. Cargo ships may also accept passengers and regular services connect Santiago, Fogo and Brava; however, these are primaily for cargo supply and demand and so are inconsistent. Sea conditions around Cape Verde are sometimes treacherous, due to many submerged rocks. Travel by sea to the southern islands of Brava and Fogo can be particularly disrupted.
Road
There are over 2250km (1400 miles) of roads on the islands, of which one-third are cobbled. There is a road improvement programme underway to convert cobblestone roads into asphalt. Road conditions and driving standards are generally of a reasonable quality, although paved roads are mostly narrow and winding. Traffic drives on the right and seat belts must be worn at all times. Children under 12 years old should sit in the back seat. Local transport is usually provided by an Aluguer (minibus or pick-up truck); they are used by locals and visitors. Taxi fares should be agreed in advance, although some prefer to use the taximeter. Drivers can be hired to see the main sights on the islands. Buses are satisfactory. Car hire: Available on the main islands, book in advance when possible. Documentation: An International Driving Permit is legally required and proof of insurance should be displayed on the car windscreen.
TRAVEL TIMES
False
Travel - International
Air
The national airline is TACV (website: www.tacv.cv) which offers flights to several European cities, including Amsterdam, Lisbon, Madrid, Milan, Paris and Porto, as well as to Las Palmas (Canary Islands). Information on international and internal flights, and flight tickets may be obtained from Cape Verde Travel, TACV’s agent in the UK (tel: (01964) 536 191; website: www.capeverdetravel.com). Astraeus (www.flyastraeus.com) plans to operate direct charter flights from the UK beginning November 2006.
Approximate flight times
From London to Lisbon (Portugal) is two hours and from Lisbon to Sal is four hours; from Boston to Sal is seven hours; from Paris to Sal is six hours. Note that the stopover in Lisbon will sometimes be overnight if flying by TAP Air Portugal. The most convenient routes from London are via Paris and Amsterdam, where there are direct connections with no stopover time.
Main airports
Amílcar Cabral (SID) on Sal, is 2km (1 mile) south of Espargos. To/from the airport: Taxis are available to the city centre and to resort areas. Facilities: Several banks, duty free shops, refreshments, tourist information, car hire and left luggage facilities. Praia International Airport, Santiago, opened at the end of 2005, taking flights from Paris, Amsterdam and Lisbon. International airports are under construction on the islands of St Vincent and Boa Vista, due to open 2007-2008.
Departure tax
None.
Sea
Main ports: Mindelo and Praia are the principal ports. São Vicente is served by passenger and cargo ships, but sea services are not frequent and may be costly.
Travel Advice
Travel Advice
Most visits to Cape Verde are trouble-free but you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate international terrorist attacks, which could be against civillian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organisations for the latest travel advice: British Foreign and Commonwealth OfficeTel: (0845) 850 2829.Website: www.fco.gov.ukUS Department of StateWebsite: http://travel.state.gov/travel
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CAPE VERDE
