Cape Verde Atlas
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The ten islands

Two crescents in the trade winds: the Barlavento (windward) islands to the north, the Sotavento (leeward) islands to the south. No two are alike; most travellers say no two even feel related.

Barlavento · the windward crescent

Where the trade winds land first

Santo Antão island landscape 01

Santo Antão

The green cathedral of the north 36,600 people · 779 km² São Vicente island landscape 02

São Vicente

The cultural heartbeat 74,000 people · 227 km² Santa Luzia island landscape 03

Santa Luzia

The wild, uninhabited one Uninhabited · 35 km² São Nicolau island landscape 04

São Nicolau

The quiet scholar 12,400 people · 343 km² Sal island landscape 05

Sal

Sun, salt and turquoise water 33,300 people · 216 km² Boa Vista island landscape 06

Boa Vista

Dunes, turtles and slow time 12,000 people · 620 km²

Sotavento · the leeward crescent

The sheltered south

Maio island landscape 07

Maio

The gentle secret 7,000 people · 269 km² Santiago island landscape 08

Santiago

Where the nation began 269,000 people · 991 km² Fogo island landscape 09

Fogo

The living volcano 33,500 people · 476 km² Brava island landscape 10

Brava

The island of flowers 5,700 people · 67 km²

Which island is yours?

Beach weeks belong to Sal and Boa Vista. Hikers head for Santo Antão, the volcano for Fogo, culture and cafes for São Vicente, history for Santiago. Quiet souls choose Maio or Brava. Purists charter a boat and watch Santa Luzia from a respectful distance.

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