Cape Verde Travel Forum

We are considering having a chill out holiday in Cape Verde Islands, possibly in either February or March next year. Can anyone please help with the following information?

1). Any hotel recommendations would be welcomed?
2). Is it best to stay on a B&B or AI basis?
3). What is the average cost of a meal when eating out?
4). What is the average cost of drinks?
5). Any restaurants and/or bars recommendations?
5). What will the weather be like at this time of year?
6). Any other information would also be most welcomed.

Many thanks

I have a Cyprus-based friend whose company is developing a significant tourist resort in Cabo Verde. She's more in marketing, but maybe she's done some site visits & might have some insight as to your other questions; dunno for sure. I can inquire if you want, though it's been some months since I've been in touch. CV is still "undiscovered," to a large extent.

Meanwhile, consult these sources for objective "what's the weather like" information. In fact, check reputable weather sites a day or two before you depart, obtain local (objective) forecasts, pack & plan accordingly.

http://www.capeverdeexperience.com/docs/about_the_islands/about_the_cv/weather.aspx
http://weather.noaa.gov/weather/CV_cc.html
http://www.wunderground.com/global/CV.html
http://www.capeverdeinfo.org.uk/cape_verde_weather.htm
http://weather.msn.com/region.aspx?wealocations=Cape+Verde

Etc...

How long do you plan to stay? Do you consider just one or more islands? Just beach holiday or some discovery?
1) The Oasis Atlantico chain have a good average price/service. But expect to pay in CV in a 4star what you'd pay for a 5 star in Phuket, for example.
Probably the best hotel in Sal is Riu (Garoupa and Funana, both AI, with minimum 4 nights stays. Quite expensive during high season.
2)You can also choose from HB which is what most people do, if they want to get to know a bit of the island and some more local food. In Sal I'd recommend Restaurante Barracuda, near the pier (left, when you face the sea. Try the fish carpaccio of "serra" (it's on the menu as a starter, but with some bread and lemon it will make a great main course), otherwise the grilled fish or fillets are fresh and tasty. Avoid raw salads anywhere as a precaution.
3)Expect well over Eur12, depending on the drinks.
4) Drinks are expensive as most are imported. A coffee can cost 2 euros in some places. 2-4 euros for beers, soft drinks, juices.
5)Weather will be fine. It hardly ever rains in Sal, that's why it's desert like. It rains a few times a year in Sao Vicente and Santo Antao. Expect clear blue skies.

February is Carnival time and Sao Vicente is the place to be. Book in advance. If you go in March, Easter will be pretty booked all over and prices of flights get higher, as well as hotels. Now is the time to plan. Sal is the most demanded island, with the most flights out of Europe.

Hi there. Me and my partner did DIY cape verde. You want to stay at the Hotel Odjo D' Agua hotel on sal. Amazing place, fantstic beach and beautiful snorkelling and diving. Cost of a good meal will be about £10 per head. Try an eat at the less touristy places-food as good but cheaper. We stayed Half board but you can stay b an b on sal as lots of places to eat. Weather will be between 27 an 30 degrees will no rain and not to much wind. Very under-developed and very poor so can be an eye opener but the islands are stunning-good for your chill out as well as an adventure.

Many thanks to everyone for their kind help in answering ssome of my questions.