Touchdown and First Impressions
There’s nothing quite like stepping off a plane and being smacked in the face with warm Atlantic air and a hint of salt. Welcome to Cape Verde. First things first, forget the rush. This is island time, and things move at their own delightful pace. After breezing through arrivals, grab a taxi and head straight to your accommodation—preferably somewhere with a sea view, because if you’re only here for two days, you might as well make every second count.
Morning Bliss on Santa Maria Beach
Start the day with your toes in the sand and a coffee in hand. Santa Maria Beach on Sal Island is a ridiculously beautiful stretch of golden sand and turquoise water, and let’s be honest—you didn’t come all this way to skip the beach. The early morning calm is the perfect time for a swim before the beach starts filling up. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, book a paddleboarding session or just take a lazy stroll along the pier, where fishermen casually gut their morning catch like it’s no big deal.
A Date with Sharks
Now that you’re fully awake, it’s time for something a little more exhilarating. Hop on a quick drive to Shark Bay, where you can wade into the shallows and come face to face with lemon sharks. Don’t worry, they’re not interested in snacking on tourists—just mind your toes. The water is crystal clear, making it easy to spot these graceful creatures gliding past. Just remember to bring water shoes unless you enjoy walking on jagged volcanic rock.
Local Flavours for Lunch
Shark encounters work up an appetite, so it’s off to one of the many beachside restaurants for a feast. Try a steaming plate of catchupa, Cape Verde’s national dish, a hearty mix of slow-cooked beans, corn, and whatever meat or fish happens to be in the pot that day. It’s simple, it’s delicious, and it’s exactly what you need before the afternoon adventures begin. Wash it down with a Strela beer—because hydration is key, obviously.
Exploring the Blue Eye
After lunch, it’s time to chase some natural wonders. Head to Buracona, home to the famous Blue Eye. This natural rock pool, set in the middle of a rugged volcanic landscape, is stunning when the sun hits just right, turning the water into an electric shade of blue. If conditions allow, take a dip in the larger pool nearby, because how often do you get the chance to swim in a volcanic cave?
Sunset Vibes in Palmeira
As the day winds down, make your way to Palmeira, a small fishing town with colourful houses, friendly locals, and a laid-back atmosphere. Grab a seat at a waterfront bar, order a grogue (Cape Verde’s take on rum), and watch the sun melt into the horizon. There’s something about the light here—it’s golden, it’s cinematic, and it makes everything feel like a scene from a travel documentary you wish you were starring in.
Dancing the Night Away
Cape Verde has a rhythm of its own, and there’s no better way to experience it than hitting up a local bar with live morna or funaná music. Morna is the soulful, melancholic sound made famous by Cesária Évora, while funaná is all fast-paced accordion and wild dancing. Either way, you’re in for a good time. Don’t worry if you have two left feet—after a couple of grogues, everyone’s a dancer.
A Slow Start and a Salinas Soak
Waking up in Cape Verde is best done slowly. Enjoy a relaxed breakfast—fresh tropical fruit, local cheese, strong coffee—before heading to Pedra de Lume. This old salt mine sits inside a volcanic crater, and the saltwater is so dense you’ll float without trying. Think of it as nature’s way of forcing you to relax. Bonus: the salt does wonders for the skin, so you’ll leave feeling both rejuvenated and slightly like a human pretzel.
One Last Dip Before Goodbye
No one likes to say goodbye, especially to a place this beautiful. If time allows, squeeze in one last swim or a lazy beachside lunch before heading to the airport. Maybe another plate of fresh grilled fish, maybe just a final cocktail while watching the waves. Either way, you’ll be plotting your return before you even take off. Cape Verde has that effect on people.
Post Comment