As if forgotten by the world, they rise out of the depths of the Old Atlantic: the Cape Verde Islands. Lonely beaches, bizarre mountains, small villages where people live in seclusion. The Cape Verde Islands are known for their rugged charm, barren volcanic landscapes and a population that has retained its own character. The Republic of Cape Verde, or "Cabo Verde" as its inhabitants call it, is an African island state consisting of nine inhabited and six uninhabited Cape Verde islands.
As if thrown into the sea by chance by a giant, the nine inhabited main islands are spread out in the central Atlantic, around 460 kilometres from the west coast of Africa. The still unknown part of Cape Verde reveals itself to the visitor on the southern islands, which inspire with impressive volcanic scenery and cultural specialities. The mystical-looking caldera and the 2,829 metre-high Pico de Fogo volcano are a true paradise for hikers. The huge volcanic cone is enthroned in a huge crater of the Chã das Caldeiras, on a plateau of around 6,700 hectares. Maio, the easternmost of the "Windward Islands", attracts visitors with its shallow and unspoilt sandy beaches, which are particularly popular with nature lovers.
To the west, the most populous and largest island in Cape Verde welcomes you: Santiago with its capital Praia. With around 140,000 inhabitants, it is the largest city in the country. Praia is the economic centre of the islands - coffee, sugar cane and tropical fruit are shipped from here. A special attraction is the volcanic crater Pedra de Lume, which is located in the centre of a former salt mining area. The cultural centre of the Cape Verde Islands is the town of Mindelo on the island of São Vicente, whose colourful hustle and bustle will captivate you.
