Cape Verde is an archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, located off the coast of Senegal. It consists of ten volcanic islands, nine of which are inhabited, covering about 4,033 km² with a population of around 560,000. The islands are divided into two groups: the northern Barlavento islands (Sal, Boa Vista, São Vicente, Santo Antão, São Nicolau, Santa Luzia) and the southern Sotavento islands (Santiago, Fogo, Brava, Maio). Each island has its own unique landscape, climate, and rhythm, allowing for a wide range of experiences depending on a traveler's interests and preferences. Cape Verde is a parliamentary democracy since 1991 and is considered one of the most stable countries in Africa. The destination is accessible all year round, with the dry season from November to June being ideal for beach activities and hiking. From January to March, the trade winds make it a great time for aquatic sports. The shoulder seasons, from March to July and from mid-September to mid-October, are particularly good to visit, as there are fewer tourists, more hotel availability, and the tropical rains bring greenery to the mountains of Santo Antão, Fogo, and Brava. Sal and Boa Vista are the primary entry points from Europe, with the highest air and hotel capacity. Sal is centered around Santa Maria, where the main beach and a variety of hotels are located. The island offers activities such as floating in the salt pans of Pedra de Lume, observing lemon sharks in Baía da Parda, and taking kiteboarding or windsurfing lessons on internationally recognized spots. Boa Vista is larger and more wild, with the Viana desert and Santa Monica beach as its main attractions. From June to October, it hosts one of the largest turtle nesting areas in the world, with guided tours available. Santo Antão, in the northwest of the archipelago, is known for its hiking opportunities. It is accessible by a one-hour ferry from Mindelo on São Vicente. Popular hiking routes such as the Paul valley and the coastal path of Cruzinha to the village of Fontainhas can be completed in a day and are suitable for various skill levels. Accommodation is mainly in small structures and family-run pensions, ideal for small group tours with local guides. Fogo offers a unique experience with the Pico do Fogo, an active volcano reaching 2,829 meters. For more experienced hikers, São Nicolau offers steep terrain and the Monte Gordo forest, on an island that remains relatively unvisited. Cape Verdean culture is primarily expressed through music, especially the morna, a slow Creole song that speaks of exile, departure, and longing. Cesária Évora popularized this genre worldwide, and it was inscribed in the UNESCO intangible cultural heritage list in 2019. The concept of morabeza, a welcoming tradition of kindness and simplicity, is often experienced around the table with the national dish, cachupa, or with a glass of grogue, the local rum produced on several islands. São Vicente is the preferred stop for experiencing this culture. Mindelo, the birthplace of Cesária Évora, retains its colorful colonial facades and a vibrant music scene. The February carnival attracts many visitors, so early reservations are advisable. Combined with a trip to Santo Antão over 7 to 8 days, São Vicente allows travelers to enjoy both music and hiking in the same itinerary. Santiago, the largest island, offers the most variety. Cidade Velha, founded by the Portuguese in the 15th century, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Praia, the capital, hosts the Atlantic Music Expo and the Kriol Jazz Festival in April. The Assomada market and the natural park of Serra Malagueta provide insight into rural life and hiking. In the north, the Tarrafal bay offers two beaches for relaxation. Santiago is ideal for first-time visitors or combined with Fogo for a mix of history and volcanic landscapes. Some islands remain off the main tourist routes and are ideal for curious travelers. Santa Luzia, the only uninhabited island, is a fully protected nature reserve with access strictly controlled and requiring authorization. Brava, the smallest inhabited island, is reached by ferry from Fogo and offers a green, flowered landscape to explore on foot. Maio, accessible by a short flight from Santiago, has few accommodations, long stretches of deserted beaches, and traditional fishing villages like Morro and Calheta. Combining the islands is the best way to experience the full diversity of Cape Verde. In a few days, travelers can move from the green peaks of Santo Antão to the musical streets of Mindelo or from the caldera of Fogo to the beaches of Sal. Each island offers a different scenery, rhythm, and atmosphere, giving the impression of having multiple trips in one. Links between the islands are mainly by air, with CVsky offering many flights within the archipelago for durations ranging from 15 minutes to an hour. Ferries are also available, especially between São Vicente and Santo Antão, and between Fogo and Brava, with the company CV Interilhas. French and other European Union citizens do not need a visa for stays under 30 days in Cape Verde. Passports must be valid for six months after the return date. Travelers must pre-register on the government platform EASE at least five days before departure and pay an airport tax of around 3,400 escudos (a few dozen euros). No vaccines are required. The time zone is -2 hours in winter and -3 hours in summer. The local currency is the Cape Verdean escudo (about 110 CVE to 1 €), with the euro accepted in tourist areas. Portuguese is the official language, and Creole is the common language, though French is often understood and spoken. Cabo Verde Airlines connects Paris CDG to São Vicente and Praia weekly on Mondays, with return flights on Sundays. The company has also resumed direct flights between Paris-CDG and Sal once a week. Since September 20, 2026, the company is accessible again in the GDS and via the BSP. For the winter 2026-2027 season, Transavia serves four islands (Sal, Boa Vista, Praia, and São Vicente) from Paris, Nantes, Bordeaux, Lyon, and Marseille. Other access points are available via Portugal, notably with TAP Air Portugal and easyJet.