Cape verde praia on the map. A small historical sketch. Shopping and shops in Cape Verde
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Republic of Cape Verde- state located on the islands Green Cape, V Atlantic Ocean 620 km from west coast Africa. The Cape Verde Islands are a cluster of 10 large and 8 small islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, west of Senegal, divided into the Leeward and Windward groups.
The relief is mountainous with big amount extinct and active volcanoes. Rocky shores are difficult to access. There are very few natural harbors, the largest of which is Mindelo (it is a flooded crater extinct volcano). Highest point countries - Mount Fogu (2840 m).
Airports in Cape Verde
Praia International Airport
Sal Amilcar Cabral International Airport
Hotels Cape Verde 1 - 5 stars
Cape Verde weather
The climate is dry tropical. Water temperature in the ocean: February-March +21…+22 °C, August-October +25…+26 °C. The wind constantly blows on the islands, which helps to endure the summer heat well. There is little precipitation during the year - 100-300 mm. Sometimes there are heavy downpours in the mountains, which can “pour out” up to 500 mm of moisture in one day, which destroys the fertile topsoil. The rainy season falls on August-October, when the southwest monsoons blow. The rest of the time, the northeast trade winds dominate. Eastern wind the Harmattan, blowing from the Sahara between October and June, has a drying effect and brings fine dust.
Language of Cape Verde
Official language: Portuguese and Creole
Creole is a mixture of Old Portuguese and African languages. In the tourist environment, Spanish and English are used.
Currency of Cape Verde
International name: CVE
The Cape Verdean escudo is equal to 100 centavos. IN money circulation there are banknotes in denominations of 100, 200, 500, 1000 and 2500 escudos. Coins come in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 escudos.
Foreign currency and traveler's checks are exchanged at banks and hotels. There is no reverse exchange. Usage credit cards and traveler's checks is possible only in large restaurants and hotels of the capital.
Customs restrictions
The transit of currencies is not limited; upon entry and exit, it is not required to fill out a declaration on the import and export of national or foreign currency.
The import, export, storage and distribution of drugs and psychotropic drugs, weapons without special permission is prohibited. The import of plants is subject to mandatory control. Duty-free import and export of fresh fruits and vegetables (not more than 5 kg.), As well as other products and things in quantities intended for personal consumption, is allowed.
Mains voltage: 220V
Tips
Tipping in the best restaurants make up 10%, in private establishments - at the discretion of the client or are added to the bill as a separate item.
Code of the country: +238
Geographic Domain name first level:.cv
Cape Verde - small (only 4 times larger than Moscow) Island state in the Atlantic Ocean, 600 km from Africa at the latitude of Senegal, famous for Secretary General Amilcar Cabral, singer Cesaria Evora and the fact that the adventures of the Arctic Sea timber carrier ended near it. Previously, Cape Verde in Russian was called the Cape Verde Islands.
Santiago Island: the city of Praia
Praia is the capital of Cape Verde and is located on the island of Santiago. Few tourists get to Praia: the main stream travels by charter to the "ollinkus" on the island of Sal (Sal), independent travelers aiming mainly at the islands of Fogo (Fogo) with a two-kilometer volcano, the historical San Vicente (São Vicente), the green Santo Antão (Santo Antão) and the surfer islands of Boavista (Boavista) and again Sal.
But Praya is cool. It stands on compact mesas, has a colonial center without any frills and sleeping areas built up with indistinct 2-3-story private houses made of unplastered foam blocks. The area of the plateau with the city center is called Plateau.
Praia and Cape Verde are immediately striking in that the digital divide is defeated there. The Internet does not work humanly anywhere except for the international airports of Praia and the island of Sal, and before that everyone is equal: a white man who paid 6 euros for an hour of Internet in a hotel, and a free user on the "digital square" in the center of Praia. However, the farther from Praia, the worse the Internet.
I don’t understand how these wonderful people have whole laptops: I would have smashed mine on the second day of such an Internet.
I think the president banana republic it is very comfortable to be in such a palace, especially since with such an Internet, the orange revolution does not threaten.
I would say that the city is melting from the heat, but this is clearly not the case. In Cape Verde all year round +19-29°С. Well, +30°C in the sun. Although soldiers in uniform are feigning misfortune.
In the city, many young people (and not so much) wear rastaman colors, but no one offers anything like that. And thank God, otherwise in Lisbon he was tired of fighting back.
On the occasion of Saturday, the capital of the republic is not crowded.
Gamboa Beach is such sand beach in the heart of the city, between the Plateau and the Prainha area.
The Cape Verde Islands (or the state called Cape Verde) are located a little in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. This is an amazing combination of wild, almost untouched nature with a modern service that gives a person here everything you need.
Geographical position
Each on the map is located along the strip tropical climate. Since there are land areas in close proximity to the African continent, but at the same time in the Northern Hemisphere, dry winds and monsoons often occur here. From the eternal drought, which is observed in the Sahara, only the ocean saves, which slightly fills the air with moisture. The archipelago itself consists of ten major islands and five (other sources say eight) smaller ones. All of them are divided into two groups: Barlaventa (Windward) and Sotaventa (Leeward). The first includes the islands of San Vicente, Santo Antan, Santa Luzia, San Nicolau, Boavista and Sal. The second includes Fogo, Mayu, Brava, Santiago, as well as small islands: Razo, Branco, Grande, Santa Maria, Luis Carneiro, Sima, Salado and Du Rei. On the last of the listed main port Cape Verde.
Climate
As mentioned above, the Cape Verde Islands lie in a tropical natural area. A dry climate prevails here, which is helped by the ever-blowing monsoons from Africa. It is always windy on the islands, so the sport of windsurfing is very well developed here. The water temperature in the ocean in summer is 26 degrees, and in winter it drops to 22. Thus, you can relax at this resort at any time of the year. It is also worth noting that from August the rainy season begins here, which lasts until October. True, the amount of precipitation is minimal, and most often showers take place in the mountains.
Geological data
If we consider separately each island of Cape Verde on the map, we will find that this archipelago is not of continental origin, as might be assumed (due to its proximity to Africa), but of volcanic origin. This zone is seismically stable, located only on Fugu Island. Danger lies in a completely different direction. The islands of Boavista and Sal are subject to erosion due to strong ocean waves and constant monsoons, which bring with them not only heat, but also sand. Nevertheless, so far their underwater structure retains its original appearance.
A small historical sketch
Historians have discovered the first mention of the Cape Verde Islands in the on-board diaries of the Arab navigator Idrisi, who lived in the 12th century. The official date of discovery of these lands is considered to be 1460, when the Portuguese landed on the shores of the island of Sal. They declared these lands their colony and new possessions and founded the first settlements here. For centuries, until the 20th century, more and more people arrived here from all over Europe and even from Russia. They were followed by immigrants from Africa. In 1956, the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde was founded here. In 1974, it achieved full independence from Portugal, and today it exists autonomously.
Ethnic composition
The Cape Verde Islands were uninhabited until they were discovered by the people of Portugal. Since then, the flow of immigrants here has been huge, while people came not only from Europe, but also from Africa. Thus, its own racial type was formed here, which is generically called "Creoles". They make up 70% of the total population of the country. 28% are Africans, but there are only 1% of white people here. Half of the population lives in cities. The largest ports in the country are Mindelo and Sao Filipe. The capital is the city of Praia. 44% of Cape Verdeans are below the poverty line.
Attractions
Where is the island of Cape Verde, which is definitely worth a visit? It is difficult to single out any specific region, because each unit of the archipelago will be able to attract your attention with something special.
- Sal is the most popular island. There are always a lot of tourists, great road junction and beautiful beaches suitable for relaxation and surfing.
- Santo Antao is endless natural beauty. Can be viewed for days high mountains and enjoy their greatness.
- Fogo Island has active volcano, to the mouth of which you can go with an excursion group.
- On the banks of the Brava, flower beds and shrubs of incredible beauty are grown.
Conclusion
A unique natural creation and at the same time perfect place For summer holiday- Cape Verde Islands. Photo of this geographical feature is in the article, and looking at them, you can roughly understand how beautiful and good it is. These are not typical resort islands with an azure calm sea, turning into pink sand. This interesting place for lovers active rest and new impressions!
Republic of Cape Verde is located on the islands of the same name in the Atlantic Ocean, 620 km. off the west coast of Africa and consists of 10 large and 5 small islands. The territory of the country is elevated and rather dry, up to 16% of the country is occupied by dry gravelly highlands - the so-called. "lunar landscape". The highest point of the country is the city of Fogu (2840 m.). total area 4 thousand sq. km.
Capital of Cape Verde - Praia
The population is 400 thousand people, mostly mulattos - 71%, Africans (fulbe, balante, manja) - 28% and European settlers.
Political status: Republican form of government. The head of state is the president. The head of government is the prime minister. Legislative power is vested in the unicameral National People's Assembly.
The language in Cape Verde is Portuguese, in communication with foreigners - Spanish, French and Creole dialect.
Religion in Cape Verde: Catholics (according to some sources - up to 80%) and adherents of local beliefs.
I must say that Cape Verde is a classic desert. Of the ten islands, only one can be called green (or rather, half of one). On north side Santo Antana it rains at any time of the year. That's why there are streams pine forests, sugarcane plantations - in general, landscapes that do not amaze with their gloomy grandeur. Southern half Santo Antana is the same as all the other Cape Verde Islands.
The islands themselves are separated from each other by 100-150 kilometers of undulating ocean surface. By virtue of geographical features Cape Verde foreign visitors usually arrive in the country by plane and move around in the same way national territory. Small (but modern) planes of the national airline TACV carry them from island to island in an hour.
There are, however, two large ocean ferries: "Sotaventu" ("Lee") and "Barlaventu" ("Windward"). They go around the archipelago in a circle: the first - clockwise, and the second - against. But these are long hours and even days of sailing. It's not something to like on Cape Verde the average vacationer.
The archipelago owes its birth to volcanoes that popped their heads out of the ocean millions of years ago. One of the volcanoes is still smoking on the island Fogo(that's why the island is called "fogu" - "fire").
The rest faded away. But appearance Cape Verde they decided once and for all. Wherever you stand with your back to the sea in the archipelago, your eyes will be more or less the same. A sandy or rocky plain (where there is), and behind it (in some places right in front of the nose) - mountains of lava steeply leaving into the sky-high layers of the atmosphere. Flag of the Republic Cape Verde white-blue-red, almost like in Russia. In fact, the characteristic colors of the country are red, brown and black.
These colors change only once a year. At the end of August, seasonal rains come. There is a lot (even more than ever) of wind, thunder, lightning and similar dramatic effects. The desert responds to them with all its life-affirming power. Grass suddenly emerges from the bare stone. Until October, it feeds on the energy of hurricanes, and then completely dries up to reappear from nothing the next year.
If the spectacle of the scorched desert does not make a beneficial impression on you, you must urgently turn around 180 degrees. The sea is there, the colors play there all year round. But a walk in volcanic mountains also worth doing. The sharpest effect gives a car walk. You will receive it without any effort, wherever and on what business you have to go to Cape Verde.
On the way from south to northern part Santo Antana there is a place called Delgadinho("skinny"). Oncoming cars give way to each other. Because the highway is just the width of a heavy truck, and there are no ditches. Instead, there are almost perfectly even cliffs on the right and left. 1 km high. In not very clear weather, the view from this stone spine is spoiled by clouds. They hang somewhere in the middle between the soles of your feet and the bottom of the valley.
Roads to Cape Verde they do not cover with asphalt, as we do, but cut through the lava and pave with paving stones from the same lava. Laying out, where necessary, terraces of lava blocks. At the same time, side rails are somehow not considered very necessary. When cornering, an unprepared passenger's soul goes into the heels. But local, and not only local, drivers maneuver there quite coolly.
Cape Verde- these are, first of all, natural attractions: a stunning contrast of the azure blue ocean and yellow, sun-dried rocks create a peculiar charm of this country. The main "treasures" of the islands are under water - the ocean in the area of the archipelago is saturated with life, so for aquatic species sports and scuba divers is one of the the best places in the world.
The underwater foothills of the islands go down very steeply and abound as coral reefs with countless marine life, and underwater caves with a labyrinth of tunnels and caverns.
During the migration period, off the coast of the archipelago, they often appear as herds of whales, allowing enough close quarters, and shoals of oceanic fish that serve as an object of sport fishing. Suffice it to say that in 2000, 6 world records were registered off the coast of these islands in terms of the size and weight of fish caught.
The capital of the country - Praia, located on a mountain plateau, which is called the Plateau, is not rich in any architectural delights and sights, but it has two beautiful beaches to the west of the center - Praia Mar And Cuebra Canela.
10 km. west of the capital is Ciudad Velha (Old city) is the first settlement of Europeans in the archipelago, famous for its picturesque Portuguese fort Real da Santo Felipe, hanging over the waters of the ocean. And north of the capital lies Tarrafal - favorite place recreation for citizens and guests of the country, known for its beautiful beaches.
deserted island Sal on which is located international Airport country, almost entirely placed at the disposal of tourists. While waiting for a flight to the capital or to the islands, you will be offered to take a boat trip to various islands of the archipelago, visit good restaurants with local and Portuguese cuisine or spend time on the small but cozy beaches of the island.
Mindelo on about. Santo Vincente is the most Big City countries and the archipelago's only deep-water port. Unlike the capital, it is full of bars, nightclubs and restaurants. Built up mainly with buildings of colonial architecture with carved balconies and shady courtyards, it is tourist capital islands.
Santo Antan, lying north of Santo Vincente - the greenest and most picturesque of the islands of the archipelago. He is the most popular with fans hiking, here you can also take a mini-safari on jeeps or bicycles on green hills islands and admire its bizarre landscape, and then relax on the beaches of the east coast.
The archipelago has volcanic origin, but only the Fogu volcano (2829 m) on the island of the same name is active (29 eruptions have occurred since the middle of the 16th century, the last in 1995). mountainous terrain they also have the islands of Santiago, Sao Vicente and Sao Nicola. The islands of the eastern group - Mayu, Boavista and Sal - are distinguished by low heights. As a rule, natural vegetation is better preserved in the valleys in the interior of the islands.
Culturally, Praia is somewhat different from other cities in the Cape Verde Islands. There is a more open and cosmopolitan atmosphere here, in Praia there is a touch of "Europeanism" - this also applies appearance city, and the mentality of the locals.
Climate and weather
Praia is located in a subtropical dry climate zone with a short rainy season followed by a long dry period. In fact, there is almost no rainfall from November to July. On average, about 260 mm of precipitation falls per year.
It rarely gets really hot here because of the proximity to the ocean. As a rule, the weather is warm all year round, the air temperature is characterized by the absence of sudden changes and averages +27 °C in summer and +22 °C in winter. Thanks to the warm Guinean Current, the water temperature in summer reaches +24…+28 °C.
When planning a trip to Praia, keep in mind that best time the rainy season is considered to be a visit: August, September and October. During these months, there are no dry winds from the Sahara that bring heat and dust, the air becomes cleaner and cooler, and the weather is generally more comfortable to stay.
Nature
Geographically, Praia is a series of hills (plateaus) and picturesque valleys framing them. Plateaus have the general designation achada (for example, Achada de Santo António, Achada Grande, and so on). In the suburbs of Praia, you can observe the typical nature of Cape Verde: the famous "lunar landscape" on the one hand, and the bright tropical flora on the other. On the island of Santiago there are acacias, pines, eucalyptus and cypresses, in the valleys you can see baobabs, date and coconut palms.
Attractions
The main attraction of Praia is its central square Albuquerque. Around it are architectural monuments of the colonial era: this and Presidential palace, And Ethnographical museum, and the City Hall, although it is not so ancient - the building was built in 1920.
From a historical point of view, the monument to Diogo Gomes, the discoverer of the island of Santiago, deserves attention.
Be sure to arrange a walk along the most beautiful and wide street of Praia - the alley named after Amilcar Cabral. If you're lucky, you will get to one of the many colorful processions, demonstrations or carnivals that are always held here. If you can’t see the celebration, you can just enjoy the cityscape.
Be sure to include in your excursion route the vicinity of Praia, namely the town of Cidade Velha. It was once the capital of Santiago Island. To this day, the incredibly beautiful Portuguese fortress of St. Philip, as well as the first church in Africa, has been preserved there.
Nutrition
In Praia, travelers have a great opportunity to appreciate Cape Verdian cuisine in all its colors. Special attention should pay attention to seafood dishes. Restaurants in the capital usually offer lobster, octopus, sea bass, tuna and barnacles as local delicacies. For example, it is believed that the most delicious octopus with sauce is served at the Mediterrâneo restaurant at Rua da Prainha, 35. An additional incentive to visit this institution is the stunning ocean view.
try a traditional dish Cape Verdians - kachupu - are a must, because almost every region of the country can boast of its recipe for its preparation. Moreover, we advise you to include this dish in the gastronomic top list in Praia. Also don't forget pinchu - grilled meat. And finally, visit the oldest cafe in the city - Cachito Café, located on Albuquerque Square, and order churrasco - chicken marinated in herbs.
Accommodation
As far as location is concerned, convenient option considered the Rosymar Inn hotel: it is a five-minute drive from the airport, close to the beach and not far from the city center. In addition, this is a fairly budget place: the price for a double room is from $40 to $70, depending on the season. Breakfast is included in the price.
If your soul wants luxury and your wallet doesn't mind, you can stay at the Oásis Atlântico Praiamar, which is located right on the ocean, or at the Pestana Trópico, which also offers stunning ocean views. Accommodation prices here start at $180 for a standard double room.
Entertainment and recreation
As everywhere in Cape Verde, in the capital of the country you can have a great time doing active species recreation. For example, diving - if you come to Praia between April and November. Few could resist the charm underwater world around Santiago Island. Even beginners will feel at home here like a fish in water, as there are several diving centers in Praia where they carry out competent preparation for diving.
The mountains surrounding Praya provide excellent conditions for mountaineering, the year-round Atlantic breeze creates waves and attracts surfers. In addition, available bicycle rides, trekking, hang gliding.
In the end, you can just relax on beautiful beaches that stretch along the coast of Praia. The most popular of them are Praia Beach, Cuebra Canela and Gamboa Beach.
People who can sing simply come to a place where there is live music, perform a couple of songs and go to the next music bar. And so all night. If you want to hear the sounds of African batuka, finason and tabanca, be sure to visit Praia's nightlife.
Purchases
Shopping in Praia is mainly about buying original local souvenirs. Travelers are tempted by African masks, bone and clay figurines, tortoise shell products and paintings depicting Cape Verdian nature and life. CDs with local music are also very popular.
Shops in Praia are small, the only supermarket is called Calú e Angela and is located on Bairro Claveiro Lopes street.
The trading life of the city boils in open markets. In the center, be sure to visit Mercado Municipal, where they sell the freshest vegetables and fruits. In the Fazenda quarter, there is the most interesting market in Praia - Sucupira, where you can buy clothes, shoes, chorizo sausages, sweets and delicious coffee brought from the island of Fogo. And remember: you do not need to immediately agree to the declared price: a good bargain allows you to reduce it by half!
Transport
Praia has a lot of bus stops. The city is served by two main bus companies- Moura Company and Sol Atlantico. The routes cover all the main sights, but it is quite difficult to figure out which bus goes where. But the fare does not exceed $ 0.5.
Be careful with taxi drivers: many of them are illegal and may demand from the tourist a clearly inflated amount for their services. The normal cost of traveling through the city from one end to the other cannot exceed $20 during the day and $25 at night. In Praia, it is customary to tip taxi drivers in the amount of $1–1.5. However, make sure that there is a meter in the passenger compartment of the car.
In general, it is quite difficult for a visitor to navigate the city, since official map no, and many streets and houses do not have names and numbers. But the locals are friendly and will always show you the way. We do not recommend planning to travel on foot, as the distances between tourist places very noticeable, and the sidewalks are paved with large cobblestones, which creates additional inconvenience when walking.
Connection
Internet access service is available in all large hotels Praia, as well as in public places such as the Palacio da Cultura. There are also many Internet cafes in the city.
WITH cellular communication you will also not have problems if your phone supports the GSM 900 standard. Roaming service is available for Russian tourist subscribers of Megafon and MTS operators. If you wish, you can buy a SIM card from the local operator Cabo Verde Telecom.
Calls within the city can theoretically be made from pay phones. But here's the problem: they are not very common, you can use them only at the airport or post offices.
Safety
Since Praia is the capital of Cape Verde and the most big city country, the crime rate here is slightly higher than in other regions of the republic. True, most crimes are petty theft, which is more often directed against local residents and does not affect tourists.
It is useful to know that many of Praia's streets are poorly lit at night, so be careful.
Drinking tap water is strictly not recommended. Meat and fish must be cooked before consumption.
Business climate
Opening a business in Praia is a very promising undertaking in terms of business conditions. Praia - business center countries, so it is here that more and more companies open every year. Currently, it is especially profitable to work in such areas as transport, tourism, and fishing.
An obvious plus for the investor is the simplicity of the very process of founding a new company. In terms of time, it takes 24 days, and the amount that needs to be spent on processing all required documents, will not exceed $ 500, not counting the authorized fund. A separate "bonus" is the possibility of obtaining citizenship of Cape Verde, if the amount of investment in a newly minted company crosses the barrier of $ 30,000.
Real estate
Acquisition of real estate in Praia is considered a profitable investment. Tourism is developing rapidly here, many residential and commercial real estate, and the policy of the authorities promotes foreign investors. On the side of investors from abroad are local laws that equalize the rights of foreigners with citizens of the country.
Of course, when buying real estate in Praia, you will have to pay additional taxes and fees: 3% of the cost of an apartment or house and the same amount for the transaction.
Travel Tips
It is customary to leave a tip in expensive restaurants (10% of the bill), in small cafes encouragement to waiters is usually immediately included in the bill.
For easy communication with local residents we advise you to learn a few typical Creole words like oi (“hello”) or tudu bon (“okay”).
