Weather lowdown
Spring comes and in March temperatures rise as winter loses its grasp and Cape Verde becomes even more attractive. Average daytime temperatures stay steadily at 23 degrees Celsius while daytime high peaks climb up to 25 degrees. Night time temperature can drop as low as 18 degrees Celsius, but barring extraordinary climatic phenomena, it never drops any lower.
Sea temperature also stays at 23 degrees (same as in previous months) thanks to the conflicting sea currents; cold currents rush from North Atlantic while warm currents from western Africa regulate the sea temperature around Cape Verde's archipelago.
Cape Verde enjoys 8 hours of daily sunshine in March and this is yet another relatively dry month. Even though the islands see rain during 4 days of the month, that rain amounts only to a measly 1 mm of total precipitation. In March, strong north-western winds are frequent on many Barlavento islands. These winds also affect the Sotavento islands, but to a much smaller extent. These winds are known to reach a force of 4, 5 and sometimes 6.
Dates for the diary
Towards the end of February and early March, the liveliest carnival on Cape Verde takes place. The Sao Vicente Creole Carnival is a unique mélange of cultures and traditions that strongly reminds of Brazilian carnivals but also of African feasts. The blend is unique and the parties truly unforgettable. The whole theme is a mix of Brazilian with Portuguese and African flavours with street parades and huge, island-wide celebrations.
Every March the 8th, Cape Verde celebrated woman's day as a true democratic nation. The archipelago of islands is considered a leading example on women's rights and this is celebrated each year with talks, parades and political debates that promote Cape Verdian freedom and culture.
Things to do
The island of Santo Antao is described as a cross between Morocco and the Himalayas, with a dry, desert-like climate to the south of the island and a wet, humid climate in the mountainous region to the north. The northerly mountains of Ponta do Sol make for excellent hiking and the hour long trek from Ponta do Sol to the steep cliffs of Fontainhas is a popular route amongst seasoned hikers. The colourful village perched on the cliff makes for a spectacular view and a great photo opportunity.
The Eduatours adventure company, located in Ponta do Sol, arranges guided walks across the island, as well as scuba diving, rock climbing, canyoning, sport fishing and tours across the arid desert to the south of Santo Antao in jeeps, on bikes or quads. The tours can get you to see the secluded and rarely explored side of this diverse island in an intimate fashion.
Hit the beach
The beach at Farol de fiura is a secluded windy beach on the northernmost tip of Sal. Overlooked by a scenic lighthouse and boasting the finest white sand, the Farol de fiura beach attracts naturists for the tranquillity and water sports enthusiasts for the healthy surfs.
The beach at Faja de aqua is another secluded beach on the small island of Brava. Tourists can see impressive flora and fauna specimens that are unique only to the Cape Verdean Archipelago. You will need to rent a car, a bike or some other forms of transport to get to the beach as it is fairly remote and devoid of any tourist accommodations.
Where to eat & drink
Located literally in the middle of nowhere on the island of Maio, the TuttiFrutti is a surprisingly amazing Italian restaurant waiting to be discovered by hungry tourists in Cape Verde. The restaurant serves refreshingly new renditions of Italian classics with a definite Cape Verdian spin.
The O Cantinho Escondido serves authentic dishes in a true Cape Verdian atmosphere. The restaurant is one of the highest rated eateries in Santo Antao and while it maintains relatively low prices, the food there is just astounding. The restaurant focuses mostly on seafood dishes and local specialities.
The Wakan Bar is a bustling beach bar in Boa Vista's Avenida dos Pescadores. There are frequent beach parties that become more and more common as summer draws close and during the evenings, live Morna performances are often held right on the beach by local artists.
The Blu Bar is a popular beach bar in Santa Maria, Sal. The bar boasts and outdoors disco as well as a seaside dance floor where patrons can dip for a swim right after a vigorous dance. Drinks are plentiful and cheap here, and the Blu Bar attracts lots of beautiful locals and tourists alike.
Where to stay
The Vivenda Oleander offers villa-style accommodation that includes self-catering and half-board options to suit every budget. The resort is conveniently close to the local beach and its hotel bar (open to non-tourists) is also worthy of mention for its delicious drinks and attractive atmosphere.
The Odjo d'Agua Hotel in Santa Maria boasts excellent view over the popular bay of Santa Maria along with clean rooms and amazing services. The hotel's restaurant, Farolin serves a variety of fresh and unusual fish in a definite romantic setting that surrounds the whole hotel. All large rooms come with their own private balconies and the décor is enchanting and locally-inspired.
The Pensao Nha Terra is a family friendly hotel in Sal. The hotel is homely and offers basic amenities but captures the hearts of visitors thanks to its polite staff and great hotel services. The pool is small but clean and the room prices are inviting you to return for your next vacations.
The Hotel Avenida is one of the very few hotels in Assomada and offers clean rooms with basic accommodation at very low prices. This is the ideal hotel to explore the least-travelled areas on the island of Santiago.
The Limeira Hotel Resort is a beautiful seaside hotel in Santiago with a fully equipped spa, a beautiful pool and great view over the Atlantic. The hotel is located over a secluded bay that has almost zero waves and is perfect for young children. The staff is polite and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming. The hotel's restaurant is inexpensive and serves mostly local delicacies and fish caught the very same day from a nearby coast.
