Full Description
The new, thoroughly updated eighth edition of Bradt's Cabo Verde (Cape Verde) remains the most detailed and extensive English-language guidebook available to this alluring Atlantic archipelago, described by some as 'Africa light'. Stable and peaceful, quietly isolated by its mid-Atlantic location, malaria-free and with year-round sun, Cabo Verde's appeal to independent travellers is a natural one - with its unique island geography making it something of an adventure to navigate beyond the more conventional single-island visit of the increasing numbers of package tourists.
The archipelago is diverse, particularly in terms of its tourist infrastructure. Sal and Boavista, the oldest of these volcanic islands, boast white-sand beaches that rival those anywhere in the world, and are complemented by dream windsurfing and kitesurfing opportunities, courtesy of strong breezes and powerful Atlantic waves. Consequently, these two islands attract 95% of Cape Verde's visitors, leaving the other seven inhabited islands undeveloped - and awaiting discovery.
Hikers, music fans and those curious to experience something more authentically Cabo Verdean are drawn to these seven islands. Lace up your walking boots to trek amid the jaw-dropping mountainous landscapes of Fogo or Santo Antão. Or chill, taking time out in tiny Brava or mellow Maio. Or let your internal culture-vulture revel in the fusion of African, Portuguese and Brazilian influences that courses through the cities of Praia and Mindelo, with their constant backdrop of seductive music (or February's raucous carnival) - the aural thread that ties together these islands scattered across the mid-Atlantic.
Although Sal and Boavista's all-inclusives dominate the tourist market, they are increasingly joined by small, independently owned eco-lodges across all islands, complemented by an upswing in the quality and accessibility of traditional pensão and homestays. Throw in coffee and wine, and an authentic culture of organic food, and you have a recipe for well-catered relaxation. So, whether you are a winter sunseeker craving beach-based downtime or an ecotourist looking for nesting loggerhead turtles and birds found nowhere else, an Africa afficionado or a digital nomad enticed by new long-stay visas, Bradt's Cabo Verde provides the perfect guide to getting the most out of these unexpectedly rewarding islands.
Contents
Introduction
PART ONE GENERAL INFORMATION
Chapter 1
Background Information
Geography and climate, Natural history and conservation, History, Government and politics, Economy, People, Language, Religion and beliefs, Education, Culture
Chapter 2 Practical Information
When to visit, Highlights, Suggested itineraries, Tour operators, Red tape, Getting there and away, Health, Safety, Focus on specific groups, What to take, Money and budgeting, Getting around, Accommodation, Eating and drinking, Public holidays and festivals, Shopping, Arts and entertainment, Opening hours, Media and communications, Cultural etiquette, Travelling positively
PART TWO THE GUIDE
Chapter 3 Sal
Highlights and lowlights, Background information, Getting there and away, Getting around, Where to stay and eat, Excursions and tour operators, Activities, Espargos, Murdeira, Santa Maria, Other places to visit, Hikes
Chapter 4 Boavista
Highlights and lowlights, Background information, Getting there and away, Getting around, Where to stay and eat, Excursions and tour operators, Activities, Sal Rei, Other places to visit, Hikes
Chapter 5 Santiago
Highlights and lowlights, Background information, Getting there and away, Getting around, Where to stay and eat, Excursions and tour operators, Activities, Praia, Cidade Velha, São Domingos, Assomada, Serra Malagueta, Tarrafal, Other places to visit, Hikes
Chapter 6 Maio
Highlights and lowlights, Background information, Getting there and away, Getting around, Where to stay and eat, Excursions and tour operators, Activities, Cidade do Porto Inglés (Vila do Maio), Other places to visit
Chapter 7 Fogo
Highlights and lowlights, Background information, Getting there and away, Getting around, Where to stay and eat, Excursions and tour operators, Activities, São Filipe, Chã das Caldeiras, The east-coast road to Mosteiros, Mosteiros, Other places to visit, Hikes
Chapter 8 Brava
Highlights and lowlights, Background information, Getting there and away, Getting around, Where to stay and eat, Excursions and tour operators, Activities, Furna, Vila Nova Sintra, Fajã d'Água, Other places to visit, Drives, Hikes
Chapter 9 São Vicente
Highlights and lowlights, Background information, Getting there and away, Getting around, Where to stay and eat, Excursions and tour operators, Activities, Mindelo, Other places to visit
Chapter 10 Santo Antão
Highlights and lowlights, Background information, Getting there and away, Getting around, Where to stay and eat, Excursions and tour operators, Activities, The East, The West, Hikes
Chapter 11 São Nicolau
Highlights and lowlights, Background information, Getting there and away, Getting around, Where to stay and eat, Excursions and tour operators, Activities, Ribeira Brava, Around Ribeira Brava, Tarrafal, North of Tarrafal, South of Ribeira Brava, The East, Hikes, Raso and Branco
Appendix 1 Language
Appendix 2 Further Information
Index
Index of advertisers
