Cape Verde's 10 Islands

Santo Antão steals hearts at first glance.

The contrast between the magnitude of the extensive rocky landscapes, the vastness of the sea and the green valleys is unexpected and overwhelming.

On this island, untouched and raw, are some of the most impressive trails in the world. Ribeira Grande, Vale do Paúl, Topo da Coroa (1979 m), the trail from Ponta do Sol to Cruzinha da Graça and the route of the old road between Porto Novo and Ribeira Grande, are unmissable challenges to feel the island.

Here, it is produced one of the best grogues (a rum-like drink) in the archipelago, which deserves tasting after a delicious lamb stew with beans.

São Nicolau ran the world in the voice of Cesária Évora, pictured as the island of those who followed the "far way road" to São Tomé.

It is a mystical land, given to the mysteries, beliefs and legends that accompany the days.

The grandeur of the black mountain contrasts with the color of the colonial houses and the sweetness of the people.

The visit to Tarrafal is essential to enjoy the medicinal properties of the sandy beaches, rich in titanium and iodine, indicated for the relief of diseases of the bones and joints.

Monte Gordo, Porto da Preguiça and Juncalinho are mandatory places to visit, as well as savoring the modje de São Nicolau (goatling stew).

Germano Almeida, a writer born in Boa Vista, wrote about his fantastic island, remembering the "beaches of thick and white sand, where the sea is deep, gentle and clear; beaches of light gravel and strong waves and also beaches so quiet as if they were lakes or simple puddles".

It is because of these beaches, and the warm days moved by the wind, that the island is perfect for the ones looking for a few days in paradise between rest and water sports.

There is always fresh fish on the table, a sincere morabeza and the morna sound in the back, reminding families that left by emigration.

A perfect day ends on a full moon night in the Viana Desert.

Santiago, the largest island in Cape Verde, is home to the capital, Praia, and stands out for its rich cultural diversity and for some of the most important events in the country.

Here you live restlessness, fun, new experiences, with endless plans to make each day different and unforgettable.

Cidade Velha - formerly Ribeira Grande - is the oldest city created in the tropics by Europeans. It is in the North of this island where the Former Concentration Camp of Tarrafal is located.

The island is rich in contrasts: there are dizzying mountains, barren landscapes and green valleys after a few drops of rain.

Colonial marks, from pirate attacks to the slave trade, are very present, although some are in ruins.

The markets are vibrant, bastions of African culture, to the sound of traditional music, agricultural products, handicrafts and unmissable flavors.

Brava is the most remote, the greenest and the most flowery in the Cabo Verde archipelago, also known as Flowers' Island.

Those who visit swear that they have fallen in love for the island, such are the charms, delicious aromas and idyllic scenery.

Between deep valleys and elevated peaks, there are natural pools of crystal clear water, beautiful trails, roads covered with flowers, Krioula moray and unmissable flavors.

Getting lost in the colonial city of Nova Sintra, stopping at each viewpoint, going down to Fajã da Água bay for a dip in the natural pools, walking the Eugénio Tavares Trail and enjoying goat cheese is a must-do.