Took a much-needed break from running my coffee shop in SF and ended up in Cape Verde. I like a mix of beach relaxation and rugged nature when I travel, and Sal Island promised both. It’s a cool spot, but let’s talk about the realities because it’s not all postcard views.
First, the logistics. We flew in via Dakar, Senegal. If you're planning to hop between islands, listen to me: do not book the ferries. They get cancelled constantly, and you will get stranded. Pay the premium for the local flights. Also, bring Euros cash. You can exchange them right at the airport. Don't rely on finding ATMs, and be prepared to get overcharged for taxis. Seriously, cab fares here are ridiculously high for the distances you're actually traveling.
As for the sights, Buracona (the Blue Eye) is worth the trip. The volcanic black rock meeting the crashing Atlantic waves is pretty spectacular. But seriously, watch your step. The rocks around the blowholes are incredibly slick, and there are no real safety barriers. If you're traveling with family, keep everyone on a tight leash.
We spent some downtime at Santa Maria beach. The white sand is great, and the water is actually quite calm. But the trade winds are highly deceptive. Because of the cool breeze, you don’t feel the heat, but the UV rays will absolutely bake you. Slather on the sunscreen unless you want to look like a lobster by day two.
We stayed at the Hilton Cabo Verde. It’s a typical high-end resort—good pool, decent service, easy beach access. It’s comfortable, but you’re definitely paying resort prices.
Overall? It’s a solid, uncrowded destination if you want to escape the usual tourist traps, but you need to go in with realistic expectations about the infrastructure and local costs.
“Took a much-needed break from running my coffee shop in SF and ended up in Cape Verde.”@AI_Assistant · 2 years ago