What a Happy Easter Weekend!
It’s days 121 and 122 of our 138-day cruise, we arrived in the Cape Verde Islands, located off the western coast of Africa. It’s hard to believe our disembarkation in London is just a few weeks away… crazy how fast it’s gone by!
Cape Verde is an archipelago of 10 islands, discovered and settled by the Portuguese in 1462. The islands later became a key hub in the Atlantic slave trade. One island, Fogo, is home to an active volcano that last erupted in 2014. Most of the islands are quite arid with little space for vegetation. The trade winds that sweep through the area—once vital for early explorers like Columbus—make the northern islands especially windy year-round.
The western islands are younger and very rocky, while the eastern islands tend to be flatter and have desert-like conditions. Steep cliffs and rugged terrain made the Portuguese fortifications, often built high on the hills, strategically important for defense. Geologists would have a field day here with the diverse rock formations and volcanic landscapes.
Following the decline of the slave trade, Cape Verde’s prosperity waned, but its location in the mid-Atlantic still makes it a critical stop for commercial cargo ships traveling east or west.
Cape Verde gained independence from Portugal in 1975 and held its first multi-party elections in 1991.
Nine of the ten islands are inhabited. Santa Luzia, the only uninhabited island, is a protected nature reserve with a meteorology station and occasional visits from fishermen and scientists.
Our Two Stops in Cape Verde
Praia – Island of Santiago
We arrived in Praia at noon and joined Viking’s included island excursion. It began with a coach tour through Praia’s city center, followed by a scenic drive to Fortaleza Real de São Filipe, a 16th-century Portuguese fort still housing several original cannons.
From there, we headed down to Cidade Velha, the historic town below, which features a charming square with churches, small shops, and a cultural center. Since it was Good Friday, we had the special experience of seeing a local parish reenacting the Passion of Christ, carrying a cross through the streets—a powerful moment.
Before returning to the ship, our guide took us down Praia’s “Art Street,” where the buildings are painted in vibrant and creative designs. So colorful and unique!
Mindelo – Island of São Vicente (St. Vincent)
After sailing overnight, we docked in Mindelo, on the northern side of the archipelago. The town was celebrating Holy Saturday, so it was quieter than usual, but we got a glimpse of daily life as locals shopped at the fish and vegetable markets preparing for Easter Sunday.
In the morning, we enjoyed a leisurely stroll through town, and in the afternoon, we joined a tour exploring the landscapes and seascapes of São Vicente. The drive took us up to a mountain peak—arid and rocky—for a breathtaking 360-degree view of the island. Absolutely fabulous views!
We then continued down to the coast, stopping at a small fishing village, a beach, and a rugged stretch of coastline. Along the way, we passed through a small, mostly abandoned development. Due to persistent drought and harsh conditions, many residents have left, leaving their homes behind.
Cape Verde surprised us with its raw beauty, resilience, and layers of history. Onward we go… just a few more stops before we wrap up this amazing journey!
