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Mercado Municipal São Filipe, Cape Verde

© Creative Commons / davetrainer's

Getting around in Cape Verde

Air: 

TACV - Cabo Verde Airlines (www.tacv.cv) is the main domestic carrier. There are internal flights available to all inhabited islands except Brava and San Antao. Private charters are available from the Cape Verde Express air-taxi service (www.capeverdeexpress.com).

Air passes: 

Cape Verde Airpass: available from TACV to passengers booking their long-distance tickets through the airline or their agents, offering discounted flights within Cape Verde. A minimum of two internal flights must be booked and the pass is valid for 21 days.

Side of road: 
Right
Road quality: 

There are over 2,250km (1,400 miles) of roads on the islands, of which one-third are cobbled.

There is a road improvement programme underway to convert cobblestone roads into asphalt.

Road conditions and driving standards are generally of a reasonable quality, although paved roads are mostly narrow and winding.

Car hire: 

Available on the main islands; book in advance when possible.

Taxi: 

Taxi fares should be agreed in advance, although some prefer to use the taximeter.

Drivers can be hired to see the main sights on the islands.

Regulations: 

Seat belts must be worn. Children under 12 should sit in the back seat.

Documentation: 

An International Driving Permit is legally required and proof of insurance should be displayed on the car windscreen.

By water: 

There is a daily ferry service operating between the port of Mindelo, São Vincente and Santo Antao. Cargo ships may also accept passengers and regular services connect Santiago, Fogo and Brava; however, these are primaily for cargo supply and demand and so are inconsistent. Sea conditions around Cape Verde are sometimes treacherous, due to many submerged rocks. Travel by sea to the southern islands of Brava and Fogo can be particularly disrupted.

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