Another year, another country, another solo travel adventure! After quite some time living in the pandemic times, I decided that it's time to try and travel again. Truth be told, I tried to look for somewhere that didn't have much restrictions so that I wouldn't have too much difficulty (which eventually still wasn't enough to dodge ever-changing travel rules), and after a few conversations with friends, I discovered Cape Verde! It was a former Portuguese colony so it was pretty well-known in Portugal, but definitely not for me.. so I went!

Day 1: Prainha Beach & Lighthouse Dona Maria Pia

Kicking off my trip with an early morning arrival at Cabo Verde (you can catch a flight that arrives the evening before as an alternative), I spent my first day pretty calmly with a nice lunch at Linha d'Água while sitting at the beachfront. They served food and drinks, and the service was great! The beach was small, and a couple of locals were there, but from here you can already see the lighthouse. A bit later into the afternoon and before it got dark, I started my walk up to Lighthouse Dona Maria Pia, which was just close to Prainha Beach. You can enter the lighthouse too, which was pretty cool!

  

Day 2: Calabaceira Valley Trek & Cidade Velha

Not too far away from the city, I started my second day with a trek at Calabaceira Valley. The trail consisted of dense tropical vegetation, a donkey or two, and a couple of friendly locals along the way! In the middle of the valley, there was a local rum distillery, but it was closed at that time. 

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The other half of the day, I had time to discover Cidade Velha, which is the the birthplace of the Cape Verdean nation and culture, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A couple of highlights included the Nossa Senhora do Rosário church, the Royal Fortress of São Filipe, and the former slave market in Pelourinho. The pillar in the middle of the old town square was where slaves were publicly punished. 

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During a quick coffee stop near the shore, I was luck enough to catch some fishermen arriving onto shore. Once the fishermen arrive, the women from the village come to buy fish on the spot. They then resell the fish door-to-door, or at their local market.

Day 3: Kebra Kanela & Playa de Palmarejo

Another beach day for me, I started my day with a run while enjoying the view from Playa de Palmarejo. It was a really nice view for a run! After my morning workout and some morning work calls, I headed to Kebra Kanela beach to spend the rest of my day, and just before sunset, I went up to have early dinner and drinks at Roma Ristopizza, which is a small Italian place just by the beach.

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Day 4: Serra Malagueta Hike & Tarrafal Beach

Indeed my itinerary was meant to switch up the days in a way that some were on the active side, and some were meant to be pretty relaxing (or meant to be able to answer work calls..) Halfway through the week, I I hiked the Ribeira Principal trail in the Serra Malagueta Natural Park, but was also able to stop by and visit the famous and colorful Assomada Market on the way to the mountains in the morning. It had such a variety of things being sold there - from livestock to clothing, you will probably find all you need!

Serra Malagueta

Assomada Market

The rest of the afternoon, I rewarded myself by relaxing on the white sand of the most picturesque beach on Santiago Island, which is Tarrafal Beach. I had two well-deserved fresh coconuts as I sat, swam and walked around the shore.

Tarrafal Beach

Day 5: Historic Center of Plateau

First of all, I had to start my day by taking the COVID Test for international travel! But besides that, I spent my day exploring the historic center of Plateu. I checked out the colorful staircase to the big and popular Sucupira Market, walked by the Presidential Palace and the Alexandre Albuquerque Square, and also went to a couple viewpoints. For lunch, I had Cachupa, which is a traditional Cape Verdean meal at a restaurant called Kaza Katxupa. More exploring and walking led me to an art street where the walls of the houses and streets were covered in beautiful artwork! This was in Rua da Arte in Terra Branca.

Day 6: Chill at the Villa!

Day 7: Goodbye, Cape Verde!

And finally, it's time to fly back home :)