Places to visit in Cape Verde

Ruins of the first cathedral built in West Africa. This huge building dominates CidadeVelha and affords a very lovely view of the beach below.

Pico do Fogo, Cabo Verde Safari and Santa Isabel are some of the popular landmarks here.

During September shows and theatre take to the streets of Mindelo in the form of Mindelact Fastival.

A beautiful city 10km outside Praia, it was the original settlement in Cape Verde and also the first capital before it was move to Praia. The city still holds a resemblance to its past.

Still an active volcano, the conical, cinder clad Mt.Fogo is Cape Verde’s highest peak. Rising on an ancient crater Chã das Caldeiras, it has coffee and wine grapes being grown on its black slopes.

Has long served the purpose of art gallery and café in addition to the other roles that it plays. A trip down to Dja'rFogo is worthwhile for many reasons. While exposure to local art, history and culture, is the most obvious reason, It's also the best place to taste artesanalFogo coffee along with tradition corn based dishes on the owners estate (provided the owner is on Fogo).

Is a colonial mansion whose two floors have been dedicated to exhibiting old photographs, traditional music instruments, sewing machines and sundry items. One can go around the souvenir shop and see the funco- a traditional circular abode made of volcanic rock.

Built in the late 1400s and this church is significant as the oldest colonial church in the world. Holding a lot of historical value this church is located in the old city of Praia.

A small little in Santiago, not only has beautiful surroundings but also the way to it via banana road is reminiscent of old times.

Being made up islands there are a lot many beaches to where the younger members can spend hours playing in the sand and sea. One unique beach which though is a little far and risky is the SharkBay.

The best time to visit SharkBay is in the months of May and June when one can spot lemon sharks and other species swimming in the shallow waters. It is advisable to have suitable footwear as the sea bed can be slippery with sea urchins and one is required to wade into the water for a better view of the sea life.

One of the few attraction of Mindelo, it is a version of the real BelemTower in Lisbon. The top floor of the tower has a great view and the exposed sides face strong winds.