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The tourism industry is one of the strongest potentialities of the economic development of the country which internal connections are guaranteed via air and sea. It is also easy to have connections with the rest of the world through different airline companies that use the international airport of Sal Island. There are various forms of communication, which allow at any time and place communication between the islands and the rest of the world. The standard modes of communication are all there, from the telephone, faxing, up to the Internet. But you will probably never use the phone because you will be so immersed in expressive richness of the people and beauty of the country that you forget that there exist outside worlds. Cabo Verde Islands, land of beaches, dunes, morna, landu, cola, and many others. Islands to discover and comtemplate, to revisit and an ideal place to find peace and relaxation in this ever changing world. The warmth of the Islands makes sure that a visitor feels at home. The beaches and dunes par excellence.

Cabo Verde has some of the best beaches in the world. There are tourist’s facilities throughout all the islands to accommodate all. While in Cabo Verde, one has a chance to visit many historical sites such as Cidade Velha, which help to redefine western world. Besides the historical aspects of the country and the beautiful crystal-like water of the islands with its tropical weather or the musical pallet enriched with hot rhythms of African savor like the coladeira or funana, there are numerous activities that will keep anyone happy and feeling good to be there.

The seas around the islands are some of the best for wind surfing, and its deep sea diving are some of the many water sports that you can enjoy. To top off a typical night in Cabo Verde, one should not pass up on are the food and the serenade. A typical Cape Verdean dish is rich, varied and appetizing, the LAGOSTADAS, a lobster dish, of which there are a thousand different types, are well known. There are other dishes such as crabs, limpets, and caldo de peixe, to name a few. One of the most natural ways for Cape Verdeans to get together is with a picnic and TOCATINA, an impromptu music making session. It would be hard pressed not to join them between dunes dotted with coconut and date palms, on the beaches, the islets, or at other exotic locales around the country. Visitors are always honored with a picnic and a tocatina.

Cabo Verde is like music. When music and love enter the heart, never again do they leave. Like music, it is given and shared freely with any visitors who arrives on the islands. The serenade sung by moonlight beneath the window of a loved one or lamenting the parting of a friend is one of the greatest expressions of Cape Verdean culture. Cabo Verde has beautiful beaches on the islands of Boavista, Maio and Sal that are excellent for relaxation. Plans are under way to develop attraction travel for example “eco-tourism” on the islands of Fogo and Brava and rural tourism on islands such as Santiago, Santo Antao and S. Nicolau. For investors, CaboVerde tourism development offers an excellent opportunity and a high return on investment.

Cabo Verde: Useful Information
Practical Tips: Only drink bottled water. All the food should be well cooked, including vegetables, and fruit should be peeled before eaten. Milk should be boiled and all its by – products should be avoided. Pack light cotton and linen clothing, and some warm clothing if you travel during the winter (November to February).

Sports and Leisure: Birdwatching, bodyboard, cruises, golf, horse-riding, diving, motorbike racing, mountain bikes, fishing, surf, tennis, trekking, sailing, windsurf to name a few. 

Gastronomy
National Food: catchupa (corn, beans, pork, manioc, sweet potato and cabbage) Other specialties: coal grilled meat, fish and shellfish, “djagacida”, “botchada”, “modje de capode”, xerem, cuscus, etc.

Shellfish: shrimp, percebes (a kind of barnacle), lobster, octopus, music shell.

Tropical Fruits: papaya, banana, mango, coconut and others. Drinks: grouge (kind of firewater, rum), punch, liquors, wine (from Fogo Volcano) and other common drinks.

Telecommunications: It is possible to establish an international communication, by phone, fax, telex or Internet from any part of the country. The national mobile network has a pretty good coverage, even in some remote areas of the country.

Useful phone numbers: “102” (general info); “111” (international calls with operator assistance)

Music: Widely known “morna”, “coladeira”, “funana”, “mazurka”, “batuko” and “contradanca” are some of its most important genres. African and Brazilian music is also very much appreciated.

Handicraft: Due to European, African and American influences, its most expressive forms are “batik”, weaving, tapestry, and several artifacts made of clay, coconut and bone. The largest handicraft – product center is the city of Mindelo, followed by the islands of Boavista, Sal, Santiago and Santo Antao.

National Holidays:
1st of January – New Year’s Day
20th of January – Heroes Day
1st of May – Labor Day
5th of July – Independence Day
15th of August – Our Lady of Grace Day
1st of November – All Saint’s Day
25th of December – Christmas
Mardi Gras and Good Friday are also national holidays.

Average Prices
Water: 100 CVE
Coffee: 50 CVE
Telephone Card: 750 CVE
CD’s: 1500 CVE
Beer: 100 CVE (national), 150 CVE (imported)
Haircut: (Ladies) 150 CVE, (Gentlemen) 220 CVE
Pack of cigarettes: 220 CVE