Is it time to plan for some winter warmth?
Why not consider a walking holiday on Cape Verde! Summer time in the UK can often be a meagre offering, with brief bouts of sunshine dispersed throughout a largely wet few weeks. Then that creeping Autumn chill is often the nudge we need to plan for some winter sun! Cape Verde has you covered, with temperatures generally in the high twenties during the English winter months.
African and Portuguese Influences
Cape Verde offers so much more than sunny days, it has a relaxed atmosphere that is particular to many island countries. Though it was colonised by the Portuguese for over five centuries, the people here are a mix of both African and European descent. This rich cultural history weaves itself into the landscape, from the dilapidated colonial architecture, to its canon fortified coastline and colourful fishing villages. The food, the music, the buildings, and the language are a visceral timeline of the people who have left their mark on this wonderful archipelago.
Coastal Paths and Mountain Trails
The landscape of Cape Verde lends itself to some fantastic walking trails. It’s a melting pot of diverse islands, which makes for a veritable offering of walking routes. The walks vary from challenging paths snaking through steep valleys, to short rambles through quaint villages and the surrounding countryside. Depending on how remote the walk is, we might suggest lunch in a local cafe, or can arrange for you to be given a picnic box at the start of the walk. These picnics cater for all dietary requirements and vary from delicious pasta salads, to sandwiches, and a slice of cake and some fresh fruit.
We have done most of the walks ourselves and can offer advice on which options might be best for you. If you’re looking for some inspiration, check out Jakes top five walks on Cape Verde. He’s been travelling to this archipelago for over 20 years and has enjoyed many of the trails.
Guided Walking on Cape Verde
The walks on Cape Verde are not waymarked, nor are the maps detailed enough to guarantee that you’ll navigate from point A to B without error. For this reason, we often recommend going with a local guide and we can arrange this for you. It’s nice to walk the trails with someone who has grown up on Cape Verde, who can chat to you along the way about the landscape, and their culture and lifestyle. Why not enjoy some amazing experiences with our English speaking guide, on our Best of Cape Verde Walking Holiday . You’ll scramble up the highest peak on Santiago, Pico d’Antonia (1392m). You’ll also standing on top of Cape Verde’s highest point and, on its tallest volcano, Pico de Fogo (2829m). This ascent is made all the more exciting by an exhilarating scree run down!
Sao Vicente’s highest spot, Monte Verde (744m), offers amazing views of the neigbouring islands. For something completely different, hike through alpine hills scattered with wildflowers to get to the top of Tope de Coroa (1979m), on Santo Antao.
Self Guided Walking on Cape Verde
Though the walks aren’t waymarked, some of the paths are well established enough that you can walk them independently. Take a look at our Cape Verde Self-Guided Walking Holiday. Two of the suggested walks in Jake’s Top Five list can be done independently. And there are more that he can recommend if you call him for a chat.
Holidays hand-picked for you
For all of our holidays, we hand pick the right accommodation for you. Enjoy the smaller establishments with scenic views and local charm.
Guided by your preferences, we’ll talk you through the options before planning your trip. It’s your holiday, so if you want more walking days we can arrange it. We’ll also make sure your walks take in a range of different scenery. If you want to combine walking with other activities, we can make that happen too. And it’s always good to consider at least one day of relaxation at the end. We know where those really stunning beaches are, the more secluded ones that only the locals know about!
Jake and Max have travelled extensively throughout Cape Verde and will happily chat you through the details:
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