Many surfers are crazy for the Portuguese coast. Those who like river surfing prefer Munich's Eisbach (a small man-made river with big waves). Near Sardinia, the strong winds create waves up to five meters high, which are also suitable for Hawaiian surfing, but no matter how cool and different the preferences are, there is one place that all surf, kite and windsurfing geeks from everywhere will fall in love with.

This is Cape Verde. An island nation located in the Atlantic Ocean, 570 km west of mainland Africa.

The archipelago consists of 10 main islands (9 of them inhabited) and 8 islets, spread over an area of 4033 sq. km, scattered off the coast of Senegal. They are divided into 2 main groups - Windward Islands (Barlaventu) and Leeward Islands (Sotaventu). The first group, the northernmost, includes Santo Antao, São Vicente, Santa Lucia, São Nicolau, Sal and Boa Vista. The second group, the southernmost of the archipelago, consists of Mayo, Santiago (São Tiago), Fogo and Brava.

The oldest town in Cape Verde - Cidade Velha - is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is located on the island of Santiago, not far from the capital Praia. The city was founded in 1462 under the name of Ribeira Grande. It is curious to know that until 1445, when they were discovered by the pro-Portuguese Antonio Fernandes, the islands were uninhabited. Hop on an ATV and discover the white sand dunes of the Viana Desert in the interior of Boa Vista Island. In the town of Sal, once famous for its salt mining, to this day you can melt in the salt pools, carelessly floating on the surface of the water as if you were in the Dead Sea.

Cape Verde is still among the best destinations for extreme sports because there are far fewer tourists, fewer crowds and way more peace. It will also offer you a different experience at good prices compared to other similar islands. The country was a Portuguese colony for centuries, so the official language is still Portuguese today, and you will find yourself in a country where European and African cultural heritages go hand in hand.

In its relatively small territory (a total of 4,000 sq km), Cape Verde has gathered a surprising variety of unforgettable sights, as well as opportunities for surfing, diving, whale and turtle watching. From divine beaches on the main island of Sal, through the Martian landscapes and rocky mountains of the interior of Sal and the tropical valleys of Santo Antao, to the active volcano Picu do Fogu (2829 m).

Extreme sports enthusiasts are more interested in the conditions that this heavenly place has for them. And the most ideal conditions for windsurfing are in January and February, although the rest of the year is also pretty good. Divers have the best underwater visibility from June to December. The islands with mountains are most enticing during and after the period from July to December. If you still want to see the nesting turtles in your spare time - the season is from June to October. The turtles are born in mid-August to November and then head out to sea.

The variety for all fans of extreme experiences is not small here at all.

Often referred to as a paradise for kitesurfers and windsurfers due to its strong winds, Cape Verde has some decent surf spots to please anyone who isn't exactly into windsports.

Windsurfers, attracted by the warm water and year-round winds, were the first to set up camp here, but surfers soon discovered incredible settings as well. Most of them are on the largest and most populated island of Sal. Cape Verde is increasingly becoming a chic European winter haven, but for surfers it remains an underrated and unexplored destination unlike any other.

Cape Verde is truly a paradise for windsurfers, so expect to find a lot of wind!

Note that surfing in windy conditions may require different equipment. Strong offshore winds will prevent you from paddling into the wave. We recommend using a board with more volume and a faster paddling speed to ensure a smooth takeoff.

Sal Island has the largest concentration of quality waves and the best accommodation options. Most resorts are a five to 15 minute drive from the centre of stunning Santa Maria Bay. The other islands also have waves, some well known, others yet to be discovered, but will require a boat transfer and a real sense of adventure.

It's always a good idea to check the forecast about a week before your trip. It is important to know what the waves will be and what gear to pack.

However, there are many other surf spots scattered around the other island of the archipelago. Here are the most famous surf spots in Cape Verde:

Ponta Preta: this is Cape Verde's most popular wave. It is located on the island of Sal, west of the city of Santa Maria. This wave is more suitable for experienced surfers and works better in NW swells and ebb tides.

Monte Leão: located on the west coast of Sal Island, near the airport. This is a long right arm that works better with N and NW swells.

 

Alibaba: north of Ponta Preta you'll find more exposed surf. Waves break on the bottom of the lava reef and work best in a NE wind and NW swell.

 

Ponta do Sino: this is one of the most permanent surfing spots on Sal Island. The wave breaks on a sand-covered reef bottom and is suitable for all types of surfers.

 

Fragata: this place is just a few minutes from Santa Maria, on the southeast coast of Sal Island. Works best with an E or NE wind.

Santa Maria: located on a very long sandy beach at the southern end of Sal Island. The beach is very exposed to the wind, making it very popular with kitesurfers. Works better with SW and NE waves in summer or the big NW waves that come in winter.

Palmeira: when this wave works, it is probably one of the best waves in Cape Verde and probably in all of Africa. More suitable for experienced surfers because it breaks on top of a shallow lava reef. It works with all tides and can withstand up to 12 feet. Located half an hour from Santa Maria, it's usually not crowded.

You will find several board rental shops near the main surf spots. So no worries.

A piece of advice: do not confuse the beauty of this place with a safety one. Don't underestimate the need to carry a basic first aid kit for your convenience: ear drops, eye drops, bandages, rehydration medication, ear plugs to avoid ear infections, rubbing alcohol, mosquito repellent and broad-spectrum antibiotic ointment.

Cape Verde also has a high chance of experiencing prolonged droughts, volcanic activity as well as earthquakes.So safety first.

 

And while you're there with a board, don't miss out and check the most populous city of Cape Verde - Praia. The political, economic and cultural centre of the country. The main attraction of Praia is its central square, Albuquerque. Around it are collected monuments of the era of colonisation, namely-the Presidential Palace, the Ethnographic Museum, the City Hall. You will also find very lively nightlife in Praia.Bars and nightclubs are waiting for everyone.

Last but not least you must try the delicacies of the local oceans, prepared by the skilled chefs of Cape Verde – sawfish, tuna and sea bass. Lobsters, barnacles and octopuses are very popular too. The main delicacies, in addition to fish dishes – "jagasida", stewed pork with corn flour, sausage "bochada" from the stomach of lambs, as well as a lot of tropical fruit desserts on the islands.

See you there? 😉