Cape Verde

A jewel in the Cape Verde archipelago, Santa Antão is rich with stunning vistas of both mountains and sea, and the city of Porto Novo is the island’s gatekeeper.

A volcanic archipelago off the western coast of Africa, Cape Verde was once a Portuguese colony before achieving its independence in 1975. Today, it’s home to a blend of both European and West African cultures that can be experienced through both its cuisine and music. Praia, which translates to beach in Portuguese, is the capital of Cape Verde and presides over the southern coast of Santiago where black and golden sand beaches encircle the harbor.

A lively port city on Cape Verde’s São Vicente, Mindelo is characterized by its colorful colonial architecture and soulful Morna music, a bluesy blend of African, Portuguese and Brazilian influences. Situated off West Africa’s coast, the volcanic archipelago of Cape Verde was once a Portuguese colony. As such, the Portuguese Brazilian tradition of Carnival is embraced through the annual festival and a year-round jubilant nightlife scene.