Cape Guide 1

A climate marked by the pleasant temprature of both air and sea, landscapes full of contrast and the country's social stability make the archipelago of Cape Verde an ideal destination for spending pleasant holidays.
As one of the few completely safe tourist spots still unspoiled by mass tourism, the archipelago of cape Verde offers visitors a wealth of possibilities.

Sal Island begins to work its charm from the moment visitors set foot on land, especially when they get to the fine white sand and crystal-clear water at the beach.
Sant Maria Beach is just 17 km from the airport and is the main attraction of Sal. This 8 km beach bathed in a turquoise-blue ocean with tepid waters, the pleasant climate and pollution-free environment make this the most inviting place for holiday on sal Island.

Documents : A current passport and a visa are required to inter the Cape Verde Islands. A traveller should apply for the visa at the Cape Verdean consulate in the country of origin.

Vaccination : No vaccinations required for entry.

Currency : The unit of currency is the Cape Verdean escudo.

Security : Cape verdean are a peaceful people. Crime is very rare in the country.
Visitors need observe common-sense precautions such as keeping larger amounts of money in the hotel safes and being careful with wallets/purses and objects of value.
There is no danger for women travelling around alone.
Electricity : 220 volts, European sockets.
Bank holidays : 1 / 13 / 20 January, 1 May, 5 July, 1 November, 25 December
Opening times : Everything is closed on Sundays and holidays. Banks : monday-Fryday 8.00 to 14.00
Language : Portuguese ( official ) Grioulo ( national ) English, Frnch and Spanish are widely understood in the main tourist centres.
Health : Cape Verde has no endemic or tropical diseases, and the health situation is good.
Water : Visitors are advised to drink bottled water and avoid wastages of water in hotel showers.
Clothes : Light closing is recommended and some kind of overcoat for night and mountains.
Post & Telephone : The main towns have post offices as there are direct telephone links with most countries. all islands are provided with telephone boxes.

Diving
Diving around Sal offers the pleasure of discovering a rich and varied marine fauna in waters offering entrancingly clear visibility.
For starters Santa Maria clubs offer lessons with monitors holding international diplomas.

Windsurfing
Santa Maria beach is considered to be among the world's top five windsurfing locations. Water temperature ias pleasant all the year around. Some world champions comes to Sal to train.
The clubs beside the beach have equipment to meet all requirements.
Fishing
Sal Island ia an ideal place for fishing enthusiasts. Its waters contain a considrable number and variety of fish.

With its sea rich in delightful marine species, Cape Verde can offer fish and seafood lovers a real treat.
In restaurant and bars, it is common to eat bafas, a type of sea food, presented as appetisers.
Meat dishes, usually accompanied by greens, also form part of the Cape Verdean's varied cusine.
Confections made from tropical fruits take first place for dessert.
The typical Cape Verdean dish is cachupa, a maize soup with beans, vegetables and meat or fish.
Ceris is the national beer. It is light and of high quality. Grogue is a typical local alcohol drink.
The full range of alcoholic drinks is available in bars and restaurants.

The specific species of plants of Cape Verde, nearly ninety in all, are not to be found in any otherpart of the world.
A programme is being carried out to make the inhabitants more awareof the need to protect and nurture the native plant species.
Cape Verde has no ferocious or poisonous animals. The island of Santiago has a community of monkeys.All the islands have small indigenous reptiles, beetles and insects which do not carry any tropical diseases.
Birds are the most numerous representatives of fauna on the islands.
The marine fauna of Cape Verde is rich. Tuna, dolphines, whales, giant turtles, lobsters and molluscs are present.

With its European and African heritage, Cape Verdean music is the purest expression of the feelings of a people who sing of love and nostaliga with as much cheerfulness as melancholy.
Good music is a symbol of Cape Verdean identity.
Special mention should be made of the country's most international singer of mornas and coladeiras, the sublime Cesaria Evora. This queen of Cape Verdean music seduces the world with the traditional acoustic music of Cape Verde.

Cape Verdean craftwork is new but not short on imagination and sensivity.
Decorative objects such as ceramic pieces, craft-dyed batiks, coconut-shell sculptures, cosume jewellerry and shell ornaments are among the craft articles that can be purchased at the hotels.
The National Craft Centre on Sao Vicente has magnificent tapestries.