Yachting on the islands of Cape Verde
Denis Korablev
  • 23.04.2021
  • 610

Yachting on the islands of Cape Verde

Cape Verde (or Cape Verde) is a state in the Atlantic, located 600 km west of Africa and 1600 km southwest of the Canary Islands. It includes 15 islands, some of which are uninhabited. Yachtsmen love the Cape Verde destination for its combination of unspoiled nature and high-class service. Many people visit the islands for a relaxing holiday and exploring the rich and unique underwater world. Locals and tourists alike appreciate the nature, lush vegetation and endless white beaches of Cape Verde. In addition, there are active and extinct volcanoes, and the landscapes of the mountains resemble lunar landscapes.

The main reason to rent a yacht here is for a relaxing holiday surrounded by virtually unspoilt nature and tranquil coastal villages. Sailing along the coast of Cape Verde, from the yacht you can easily watch whales swimming very close. And on deserted beaches, you can hide from civilization and from time to time swim surrounded by turtles in the azure waters of the ocean, as well as enjoy the views of the picturesque coastal cliffs. There are underwater caves, coral reefs and wrecks - all that attract divers from different regions of the world.

Note that recently tourism in this country has developed rapidly, and the prices for yacht rental in Cape Verde are much lower than in other areas popular with yachting connoisseurs.

Sights

The Cape Verde archipelago never ceases to amaze tourists with its contrasts. The list of the best attractions of the islands:

  • Wide and clean Praia de Chaves beach;
  • Salt lakes Pedra Lume Salt Crater;
  • The very wide Praia de Santa Maria beach on the southern coast of Fr. Sal;
  • Conservation Area Project Biodiversity Turtle Conservation Hatchery;
  • Estadio Nacional de Cabo Verde Stadium;
  • Сад Viveiro, Botanical Garden & Zoo di Terra;
  • A sparse beach with clear water - Quebra Canela Beach;
  • Sao Vicente Quad Center off-road track;
  • Museum with Anthropological Collections - Museu dos Naufragos;
  • African market Mercado de Sucupira;
  • Farol de D. Maria Pia lighthouse located next to the Prainha beach;
  • The deserted Praia Santa Monica beach.

It amazes with a variety of attractions about. Santiago, where the remains of the medieval city of Praia are preserved and you can see the architectural monuments of antiquity, take a walk in the old park with centuries-old baobabs. Also here you can visit Fortress 16 in São Filipe, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Brava is the smallest of the islands of the archipelago, nicknamed "the island of flowers" for the wide variety of wild flowering plants growing here. Among the activities available to travelers on Brava are walking around the island (in particular, the path to the mountain village of Baleya from Mato Grande with mesmerizing landscapes and natural beauty that opens up to tourists along the way) and a visit to the beach in the vicinity of the port of Fajã d'Água.

São Nicolau is a little-known island with beautiful nature and typical agricultural appearance, on which the trend, which has become fashionable in recent years, is developing - agritourism. Two attractions on this island are ranked among the 7 wonders of Cape Verde: Monte Gordo Natural Park and Carbeirinho Beach.

São Nicolau Island invites the traveler to appreciate the stunning Atlantic landscapes and countless scenic hiking trails through the mountainous regions. Most of the territory of São Nicolau is represented by mountains. Many routes pass through rugged (sometimes even black volcanic deposits) landscapes. An interesting option for the traveler is to climb the highest peak of São Nicolau, Monte Gordo (1312 m above sea level), and hike through the beautiful green Faian Valley.

Monte Gordo Park is considered one of Cape Verde's most notable areas and one of the few places where you can still see what the natural vegetation of the islands looked like before widespread deforestation and degradation of natural areas. Majestic mountains, forests, streams, deep calderas and unique lava cones seem to highlight the island's origins. Here you can find many different species of birds and endemic plants.

A wide variety of landscapes, combining the Atlantic coastline and mountainous areas, intertwine with historical and cultural richness in São Nicolau. Cape Verde is home to many outstanding musicians. It was here, in music clubs, that they developed their abilities, performing in public (including P. Vieira, T. Vieira, N. Vadada, M. Soares, N. Freitas, D. Fonseca, D. Ramos and U. Arauju).

Founded in 1731, the charming town of Ribeira Brava invites you to take a delightful walk through a maze of narrow, winding streets, steep alleys, hills, parks and gardens. Ribeira Brava has many historic houses that showcase their colonial heritage and are distinguished by their original architecture. In 2010, the city was declared a national treasure of Cape Verde.

Unfortunately, São Nicolau also has a dark side to history - the ruins of the first concentration camp in Cape Verde can be seen on the island. And this is an important moment in the history of this colonial country. Overall, São Nicolau is a charming island and there are many reasons to come here to discover the hidden corners of this beautiful place.

Leisure

Cape Verde has all the conditions for windsurfing and fishing is organized at the world level. Over time, diving becomes the main type of active recreation in this island state. In the process of diving, those who wish can observe the life of numerous fish, crabs, octopuses and other inhabitants of the seas. The best diving spots are around the islands of Santiago, Sal (considered a world-class surfing and diving center) and Boavishita. Keep in mind that divers need to have insurance on hand, as well as a medical certificate, which entitles them to dive.

Surfing centers operate on the islands of Santiago, São Nicolau, Boavista, Maio and São Vicente. You can rent a yacht and visit the largest city - Mindelo on the island of Santo Vincente, with an eye-catching architecture and numerous clubs, shops and entertainment venues. Every year a colorful festival is held here, something very similar to the Brazilian carnivals - do not forget to take your camera with you, because where else can you be able to capture the participants of the bright procession walking along the stone streets in elaborate costumes?

Features of yachting

Yachting in this country is distinguished by a high level of difficulty and is recommended for experienced sailors. The reasons for this are the presence of ocean swell, intertidal waters and the absence of natural harbors. The most developed yachting infrastructure on the Sal islands, the popular marina is located on the island. San Vicente. On other islands, there are only anchorages.

The season lasts all year round, this is possible due to the mild tropical climate with an average temperature of +25 degrees Celsius. The best time to visit the islands is from mid November to early March. From October to August, the prevailing winds are northeastern trade winds, and monsoons blow from August to October. In the summer, the heat and sand from the Sahara is brought by the harmattan wind.

If you are interested in buying, selling or renting a yacht in the selected region - call the specialists of the 2yachts company and get the most complete advice on the available offers and prices on the yacht market.