Cape Verde

Just west of Senegal lies a cluster of volcanic islands. This is Cape Verde, a Creole Portuguese-African nation known for its throbbing dance music, endless sandy beaches, and vibrant traditional culture. Breathtaking, surreal volcanic landscapes rise jaggedly from sparkling blue waters and quiet seaside villages. There’s plenty to explore here – the only limit is your time.

The largest island in Cape Verde is Santiago, home to the country’s capital Praia. Here, the city’s picturesque Old Town is set on a plateau overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The country’s most cosmopolitan city is Mindelo, set on the island of São Vicente and a hotspot for bars and throbbing dance clubs. Santo Antão is the island best for hiking, and showcases the country’s dramatic craggy mountains at their best, shot through with bright flower meadows and fields of sugar cane. Canyons and gorges add drama, and the island’s northeast side is full of thick pine forests and lush tropical plants, which thrive in its humid valleys. The country’s old capital, Cidade Velha, is also set on Santiago and is known for the rugged Forte Real de São Felipe, a fortress dramatically perched at the top of a rocky cliff.