What to take on vacation in Cape Verde: the complete guide (bonus: checklist)

I think we can all agree that packing properly is the start of a good trip. For some, this is the stage where the fun begins. For others, like me, it's the boring part that's always left to the last minute. 

Whatever your profile, this post lists what you should pack for a peaceful vacation in Cape Verde. Although your final luggage will depend on where you're staying and what you plan to do, this list will help you not to leave anything important out, and not to take more than you need. 

This guide is the result of my personal experience after traveling around all the islands of Cape Verde and seeing what shouldn't be left out of your suitcase (some hard-learned lessons). I've also included inputs from foreign tourists I've spoken to in order to get different views and the experience of outsiders. 

Bonus: at the end of the article there's also a section of frequently asked questions and a checklist of what to pack for a vacation in Cape Verde, so that nothing essential is left behind. Without further ado, let's start packing!

1. Documentation

• Passport and copy of passport and airline tickets, of course. 
• Cash/credit card.
• Documentation relating to COVID-19 (currently, the full vaccination certificate).
• Travel insurance. It's not required to enter the country, but having had experience serving tourists in a resort, I recommend it! Seemingly simple problems often result in expensive bills. In addition, Cape Verde still has technological limitations in the health area. If something happens on your trip and you need to be evacuated, having insurance to cover your expenses is vital!
• Booking documents (accommodation, tours, etc.),
• Driving license (preferably international, if you have one).
• Medical documentation if you have a condition that requires specific care. 

2. Vacation clothing in Cape Verde 

The climate in Cape Verde is hot and sunny practically all year round. That's why I suggest bringing cooler clothes, preferably made of natural fibers. A few items of clothing that you can't miss on vacation in Cape Verde:

• Comfortable pants. Consider models with removable legs that are versatile.
• T-shirts made of natural fibers such as cotton to avoid the heat. If you're planning any activity that involves prolonged exposure to the sun, such as hiking, garments with UV protection are good options. 
• Shorts, for those who want a little color. 
• A few casual-chic pieces to go to a restaurant or exhibition, for example. 
• A light jacket or cardigan. For the cooler months (December to February) or even for going out at night, when it can get a bit windy. If you plan to visit Brava, inland Santo Antão, inland Santiago and Fogo (Chã das Caldeiras), you may need a warmer jacket, especially in the winter months. 
• Light dresses, preferably with covered shoulders (to avoid sunburn).
• A light scarf, but no more than one. It's best to bring it for the less warm months (December to February), but it can also be useful during the rest of the year because sometimes it gets a bit windy, especially at night and in the more mountainous areas. 
• Beach towels. Some hotels provide a card with which you can pick up beach towels. It's a good idea to make sure it's available where you're staying, otherwise bring your own.
• Swimwear, of course! Cape Verde has beautiful beaches and natural pools, and the water temperature is very pleasant most of the year. You won't want to miss out! 

Topless is common in hotels and occasional on some beaches. Nudism, however, is not a Cape Verdean practice and we don't have a specific beach for it.

Bikinis or one-pieces like swimsuits are perfectly suitable, depending on your preference. A good complement to either option is a pareo beach cover-up. 

Swimming trunks or sungas for men are the most common on Cape Verdean beaches. 

Tip: Cape Verde has some beautiful black sand beaches, such as Praia de Tarrafal de Montrigo. If you're planning to swim at one of them, avoid swimwear that is light-colored or that you like very much. The black sand gets embedded in the fibers and is difficult to get out afterwards. 

3. Vacation shoes in Cape Verde 

• Slippers, a must! Some hotels offer slippers to their guests, but they are thin-soled models with fabric straps. Although they can be used for lounging by the pool, they're terrible for beaches. 
•  Comfortable sneakers, especially if long walks are on the agenda.
• Comfortable, low-heeled sandals. In Cape Verde, especially outside the cities, most of the roads are cobbled and uneven. High-heeled shoes may not be the best option for hiking. 
• Hiking boots. If you're planning on hiking longer, steeper trails, don't forget your hiking boots. 

4. Sun protection items

• Sunscreen is certainly an essential item! 

Here in Cape Verde, sunscreen tends to be expensive, especially if you buy it at a kiosk in or around your hotel. So pack one in your suitcase. 

For my face I use La Roche-Posay 50+. It looks slightly pale as soon as you apply it, but it absorbs immediately and controls oiliness considerably. Most importantly, I don't get sunburned at the end of the day, even when I'm climbing a volcano, for example.

For the rest of your body, choose one with a high sun protection factor (SPF), at least 30, especially if you have fair skin.

• Sunglasses with UV protection to protect your eyes and the delicate skin around them. 

• Lip moisturizer with sun protection. This will prevent your lips from drying out or peeling. 

• Sun hatpreferably with a wide brim to protect the scalp, the rest of the head and the neck.

5. Health kit

This list is a little biased due to my background in health (as a doctor). Some items may not be necessary for everyone, so assess what would apply to your context.  

TipYou don't need to take a whole box of medication. Tablets, for example, you can take just a few cartridges, enough for any needs.

• Any medicine you use regularly. You may not be able to buy it in pharmacies here, or you may need to get a local doctor's prescription in order to buy it. 
• Antidiarrheals, such as Imodium. Traveler's diarrhea is a problem that can occur when the traveler ingests water or food contaminated by bacteria endemic to a place, to which the visitor's intestinal flora is not accustomed. To prevent this, avoid drinking water that isn't bottled, or eating certain raw foods. Imodium helps a lot, but in severe cases you should seek medical attention.
• Tablets or pills for indigestion, for those times when we eat more than we need to! 
• Insect repellent (Tabard). Malaria is not currently a public health problem in Cape Verde. However, depending on the time of year and the place you visit, mosquitoes are a reality, so it's best to prevent unwanted bites.
• Medicines for nausea. Some islands (Santo Antão and Brava) can only be reached by boat. If, like me, you're a terrible sailor, having some nausea tablets will be extremely useful. 
• A sunburn cream (Deoderm or biafine). If you wear sunscreen and the right clothes, it's unlikely that you'll get sunburn. I used to see patients in a hotel and scalds were one of the things I got the most. If you're the kind of person who stays out in the sun like there's no tomorrow, a scald cream will be indispensable!

A councilUnless Armageddon happens, Cape Verde will remain here for the next vacation. You can always come back and sunbathe some more; there's no point in getting sunburnt all at once! 

• Thermometer. Always good to have, especially after living through the COVID-19 pandemic.
• An anti-inflammatory/antipyretic, such as Ibuprofen or Paracetamol. You can buy these in Cape Verde without a prescription, but it doesn't hurt to have a pack in your kit just in case.
• Ge insolesl. If you suffer from plantar fasciitis, calcaneal spurs or occasional foot pain, these insoles are a life (or vacation) saver. They are also useful for those who enjoy walking or hiking. 
• Bandaids and bandages for blisters on the feet or minor injuries.
• Antiseptic for minor injuries.
• Analgesic gelThis is useful if you're going away for long hours or plan to do some exhausting activity. You don't want to waste vacation days because of muscle pain. 

Preventive use of malaria medication is not required to enter Cape Verde, because the incidence of the disease in the country is very low, as shown by this article. In the meantime, check with your local health service to see if they require any specific surveillance rules for Cape Verde.

6. Electronics

In Cape Verde, the voltage is 220, the frequency is 50 Hz and the sockets are type C and F. Take this into account for the electronics you want to bring. Don't forget:

• Your portable phone and charger, of course! There are two telephone companies here (CVTelecom and T+) in case you need a national card. The prices are relatively similar and both have several retail outlets around the cities.
• Headphones 
• Power bank. It will be vital when the phone's battery runs out, which happens to me a lot because I take a lot of photos. 
• Socket adapter. I have the Travel Smart Conair for years, which I use both when I travel abroad and here in Cape Verde for the equipment I bring from abroad. 

If the voltage of your electronics is different, the aadapter with converter is the best option. In the meantime, you should avoid bringing high-powered electronics such as some hairdryers and curling irons because even with a converter, they can cause a short circuit. 

• Location app that works offline like Osmandespecially for adventurers. 
• SD memory card, if like me you like to take lots of photos. 
• Scales digital handheld. It's not essential, but I always take it on plane journeys so I can keep track of my limits. I always end up buying a few things along the way.

For those who like to take memorable photos without having to carry heavy camera equipment, I suggest the following items: 

• Action camera. It's a non-essential item, but well worth having to capture some incredible landscapes here and record experiences such as water activities.

I recommend Osmo Action that we use to take many of the photos for our pages. It's very compact, has an image stabilizer, films in 4k, is waterproof to a depth of 11 metres, has a dual screen (very useful for those who like to make vlogs), among many other specific features. And the price is very affordable!

• Dji cell phone gimbal. Definitely not essential, but I love mine! The gimbal works as an image stabilizer perfect for videos, which also allows you to capture different formats such as hyperlapses. Simply dock your phone and synchronize with the Dji app to create images that will amaze you. With a little practice, you can record almost cinematic content with just your phone's camera. 

7. Other useful items

• Cushion especially if you have an itinerary with long flights. 
• Belt bag to store money and documents. Like anywhere else in the world, theft is a possibility, especially in crowded places. This bag allows you to store money, phones, etc. discreetly under your clothes.  
• Plastic zip-lock bags, especially for liquid items that need to be checked.
• Water canteen with filter. You should avoid drinking non-bottled water. A canteen avoids buying lots of small plastic bottles, which end up being more expensive and generate more waste. You should buy a large bottle and fill it with water.  
• Beach shoes. They prevent burns to the soles of the feet, especially on black sand beaches, and stings from sea urchins. In addition, some beaches tend to have pebbles that hurt your feet. For example, at Shark Bay on the island of Sal, where you can swim with lemon sharks, the sea has a lot of pebbles, so it's useful to have shoes to avoid hurting the soles of your feet. However, you can rent them on this beach for this specific activity. 
• Umbrella: in the months of August to October, the rainy season in Cape Verde, it's a good idea to have one on hand. Even in these months it's sunny, so the umbrella will come in handy to protect you from the sun too.
• Waterproof bags. For some specific activities it can be useful to save phones and cameras. For example, to get to Monte Trigo, the westernmost village in Africa, you go by dinghy and a lot of water splashes into the small boat, especially on rough days.
• Lightweight waterproof jacket if you plan to go hiking in the rainy season. 
• For travelers with children, inflatable arms for water activities.
• Snorkeling set, if you want to snorkel.
• Small sewing kit, literally a needle and thread, for any eventuality. 
• Notepads and pens, things that are never missing from my luggage. But I write about my travels, so it may not be useful for everyone. Even so, I highly suggest that you record the sensations and details that strike you during your trip, both positive and negative. I love taking my notes and recalling the details of an adventure. Sometimes it's like being there all over again. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, Cape Verde is a beautiful destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you're looking to relax on the beach, explore the mountains or try new activities, you'll find something for everyone. To get the most out of your trip, don't forget to take sunscreen, beachwear, light and breathable clothing, insect repellent, essential medicines and symptoms, cash and credit cards, travel documents, a backpack and a good pair of walking shoes. Other useful items can be found in the checklist of what to take on vacation in Cape Verde below. By including the right items, you'll be prepared for any adventure that comes your way.

Frequently asked questions: 

• What kind of clothes should I wear on vacation in Cape Verde?

There are no strict dress codes in Cape Verde, so people dress freely and according to the occasion.

The climate here is hot practically all year round, so people visiting Cape Verde should focus on bringing light clothing as mentioned in this article. 

However, some parts of the country are cooler (mainly in the interior of the mountainous islands). If you plan to visit any of these areas, namely the island of Brava, inland Santo Antão, inland Santiago and Fogo (Chã das Caldeiras), it's a good idea to check the weather forecast for these locations and include some warmer items if necessary.

If you plan to go hiking in the mountains, such as the Cova-Paul trail, you definitely need to bring some warm clothes. The weather in the mountains is usually cold in the early morning. 

• How do locals dress in Cape Verde?

Because there are no strict clothing rules in Cape Verde, people dress freely. The style of dress of Cape Verdeans is very relaxed, influenced mainly by Western style. 

On a day-to-day basis, women often wear light blouses and jeans. Skirts and dresses are also common, especially among adult women.

On the beaches, Cape Verdean men mostly wear swimming trunks, but some opt for bathing suits. 

Cape Verdean women usually wear bikinis on the beaches. Some tend to prefer one-pieces such as swimsuits.

• Where can I wash my clothes in Cape Verde?

Some islands have laundry services, usually in urban areas.

Hotels usually offer a laundry service, with an associated cost. In other independent accommodations, you should check with the owner. 

Some AirBnBs have washing machines. Clothes dryers are not common here, as due to the sunny climate, clothes are dried outside on clotheslines. 

• What is the baggage allowance for Cape Verde?

You should check with the airline about your baggage allowance on the international flight so that you don't have any problems when boarding.

For domestic flights, the airline that currently operates the national route (BestFly Cabo Verde) has a baggage allowance of 23-30 kg. per passenger, depending on the rate. 

The company that makes the sea connections (Interilhas) does not have a set weight limit and is more permissive in this respect. However, very bulky luggage may require payment of a small fee (called a boarding order), which varies according to the volume of the cargo. Single pieces of luggage usually don't require any extra payment beyond the ticket. 

• What to take hiking in Cape Verde?

Cape Verde has wonderful trails such as Ponta de Sol - Chã de Igreja, Cova - Ribeira do Paúl, Serra Malagueta - Barragem Principal, Pico do Fogo, Monte Gordo, among many others. 

I seriously recommend that you consider doing one of these routes, even partially by car if your physical condition doesn't allow it. 

For those planning to go hiking in Cape Verde, I suggest including the following items in your suitcase:

• Suitable hiking boots. If you're planning to climb the peak of Fogo, I suggest a boot with a shaft that prevents the entry of jorra (volcanic gravel), as they are a bit painful on the feet when they get into the shoe. 
•  Hiking poles. They're a tremendous help on long hikes, especially in the mountains like Santo Antão. 
• Water canteen with filter, larger capacity. As I've already mentioned, it's cheaper and more eco-friendly to buy bottled water in larger containers (5l) and fill up the canteen(s). Remember to avoid leaving garbage on the trails.
• Hiking jacketspreferably with sleeves if you want to avoid too much exposure to the sun.
• Hiking pantsThey are light and comfortable. Those with removable legs are a versatile option. 
• Hat with sun protection removable.
• Hiking backpack light and comfortable.
• Basic first-aid kit, with material for hygiene and dressing wounds and bandages to immobilize joints in case of unforeseen circumstances along the way. 

Final tip: Although this list of what to take on vacation in Cape Verde is quite comprehensive, avoid buying things that you know you definitely won't need for the activities you're planning or that you won't have much use for beyond the trip. Choose only what is essential for you and try to travel as light as possible. O the most important thing is that you bring an open heart to get to know the country and its people. 

Cape Verde travel checklist (short checklist) 

Documentation:

Passport and copy of passport 

Flight tickets

Cash/credit card

COVID-19 documentation

Travel insurance

Booking documents (accommodation, tours, etc.)

Driving license

Medical documentation (if you have a condition that requires specific care) 

Hygiene items and cosmetics:

Shampoo/Conditioner

Comb/hairbrush

Hair cream

Shower gel/soap

Shaving blades

Deodorant

Toothpaste

Toothbrush and floss

Moisturizing cream

Sunscreen

Lip moisturizer with SPF

Clothing and accessories:

What to wear on the plane

Light pants

Jeans

Shorts

Casual blouses or shirts

More casual-chic or formal blouses or shirts for dinners or events

Swimwear

Jacket or cardigan

Pajamas/something to sleep in

Bath towel and pareo beach towel

Socks

Scarf 

Underwear

Sun hat

Belt

Sunglasses 

Shoes:

Slippers

Comfortable sneakers

Comfortable hiking sandals

Hiking shoes (for hikers)

Casual-chic shoes for parties or events

Electronics:

Portable phone and charger

Headphones 

Power bank

Socket adapter and/or voltage converter

Camera

Batteries/chargers

Memory cards

Portable digital scale

Cell phone gimbal 

Health kit:

Regular medication

Antidiarrheal

Insect repellent

Medication for nausea

Sunburn cream

Thermometer

Anti-inflammatory/antipyretic

Gel insoles

Bandaids and bandages

Liquid antiseptic

Analgesic gel

Other useful items: 

Travel pillow

Belt bag 

Zip-lock plastic bags

Water canteen with filter. 

Beach shoes

Umbrella

Waterproof bags

Inflatable arms for children

Snorkeling set

Small sewing kit

Notepad and pens

Items for hiking:

Hiking boots 

Walking poles. 

Water canteen with filter

Hiking jackets

Hiking pants, 

Hat with sun protection removable

Hiking backpack light and comfortable

Lightweight waterproof jackets (mountain hiking in the rainy season)