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Cabo Verde Facts & Figures for digital nomads

Before you pack your bags for the "islands of morabeza," here is the essential data you need to know to navigate the archipelago.

Geography

  • Location: Cabo Verde is an archipelago located in the central Atlantic Ocean, approximately 500 to 600 kilometers (about 350 miles) off the west coast of Africa (specifically Senegal).
  • The Islands: The country consists of 10 volcanic islands (nine inhabited) and several islets, with a total land area of 4,033 km².
  • Divisions: The islands are divided into two groups based on the trade winds:
    • Barlavento (Windward - North): Santo Antão, São Vicente, Santa Luzia (uninhabited), São Nicolau, Sal, and Boa Vista.
    • Sotavento (Leeward - South): Maio, Santiago (home to the capital, Praia), Fogo, and Brava.

Climate

  • Type: Tropical arid and semi-arid. It is often described as a "temperate climate with warm, dry summers".
  • Temperatures: It is a year-round destination with average temperatures ranging between 22°C and 30°C (72°F–86°F).
  • Seasons:
    • Dry Season: October to June/July. This period is often windy, particularly on Sal and Boa Vista.
    • Rainy Season: August to October. Rainfall is generally meager and erratic, but brief heavy downpours can occur.
  • Sunshine: The islands are famous for having up to 350 days of sunshine per year.

Population & Demographics

  • Total Population: Approximately 595,800 to 601,600 (2023/2024 estimates).
  • Distribution: The population is unevenly distributed, with over half living on Santiago island. Praia (the capital) and Mindelo (São Vicente) are the largest urban centers.
  • Urbanization: About 68% of the population lives in urban centers.
  • Age: It is a young nation, with a median age of approximately 27.7 years.
  • Diaspora: There are more Cabo Verdeans living abroad (nearly one million, largely in the US and Europe) than in the country itself.

Language

  • Official Language: Portuguese. It is used in government, administration, education, and written communication.
  • Spoken Language: Cabo Verdean Creole (Kriolu). This Portuguese-based creole is the mother tongue of virtually all Cabo Verdeans and is used in everyday conversation, music, and social life.
  • English: English is taught in schools and is increasingly understood, particularly by younger generations and in tourist hubs like Sal and Boa Vista. However, learning a few words of Portuguese or Kriolu is highly recommended for daily life.

Key Data for Digital Nomads

  • Currency: Cabo Verdean Escudo (CVE).
    • It operates on a fixed exchange rate pegged to the Euro: 1 EUR ≈ 110.265 CVE.
    • Euros are widely accepted in tourist areas, though receiving change in CVE is common.
  • Time Zone: UTC-1 (Cape Verde Time).
    • This places it 1 hour behind London/Lisbon and 4–5 hours ahead of New York (EST), making it convenient for working with both Europe and the Americas.
  • Internet:
    • Speed: Fixed broadband speeds have improved, averaging around 37 Mbps (as of late 2025 data), with mobile speeds averaging lower.
    • Connectivity: The country is connected via the EllaLink submarine cable to Europe and South America. Starlink is also available as of late 2024.
  • Safety: Cabo Verde is ranked as one of the most stable democracies in Africa, with a low incidence of violent crime, though petty theft can occur in main cities and tourist areas.

Cost of Living

Cabo Verde offers a moderate cost of living that is significantly lower than Western Europe or the United States, though generally higher than Southeast Asia due to the island nation's reliance on imports,. For a comfortable digital nomad lifestyle, you should budget between €800 and €1,500 per month, depending heavily on which island you choose and your personal spending habits,.

Accommodation

  • Tourist Hubs (Sal & Boa Vista): Expect higher prices here, where a one-bedroom apartment typically ranges from €500 to €800 per month. In popular areas like Santa Maria, short-term rentals can command European-level prices during high season.
  • Local Hubs (Santiago & São Vicente): Housing is more affordable in cities like Praia and Mindelo, where a furnished one-bedroom apartment costs between €300 and €600 per month,.
  • Utilities: Be aware that electricity and water are expensive commodities in Cabo Verde; you should budget approximately $50 to $100 per month for basic utilities, and costs can spike if you use air conditioning frequently,.

Food & Daily Expenses

  • Dining Out: A meal at an inexpensive local restaurant costs between €5 and €10, while a mid-range dinner for two can range from €20 to €40,.
  • Groceries: Due to importation costs, groceries can be pricey, with a monthly bill for one person averaging $150 to $250,.
  • Coworking: Dedicated desk spaces generally cost between €100 and €200 per month.

Getting Around: Island Hopping and Local Transport

Navigating the archipelago requires a mix of air and sea travel, while getting around your home base is usually affordable and culturally immersive.

Inter-Island Travel

  • By Air: This is the fastest and most reliable way to travel between islands, with one-way tickets typically costing between €50 and €100. Domestic flights are operated by BestFly (TICV), and it is advisable to book early as seats can sell out,.
  • By Sea: Ferries operated by CV Interilhas are a cheaper alternative, costing around €30 to €60, but they take longer and schedules can be unreliable due to weather conditions,. Routes between São Vicente and Santo Antão are daily and reliable (about one hour), but longer routes can be prone to delays,.

Local Transport

  • Alugueres (Collectivos): These shared minibuses are the most popular and cost-effective way to get around, with fares ranging from €0.50 to €5.00 depending on the distance,. They follow set routes and offer a great way to experience local life.
  • Taxis: Taxis are widely available in towns and cities; a short ride within town typically costs €2 to €5, while airport transfers generally range from €10 to €20,.
  • Car Rental: While possible, renting a car can be expensive (around €50 per day) and is often unnecessary in major towns like Praia where public transport is robust,.

overview of the islands with direct international air connections

1. Sal Island: The International Hub

Airport: Amílcar Cabral International Airport (SID) Role: This is the country's busiest airport and the only one with a runway long enough to accommodate international wide-body aircraft, making it the primary entry point for long-haul flights,.

  • Direct Connections: It has the highest volume of connections, including flights from the UK (London Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow), Portugal (Lisbon, Porto), Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and France,,. It also serves routes to Senegal.
  • Key Airlines: TAP Air Portugal, TUI Airways, Cabo Verde Airlines, and recently EasyJet (from Gatwick),,.

2. Santiago Island: The Capital Hub

Airport: Nelson Mandela International Airport (RAI) Role: Serving the capital city, Praia, this is the second busiest airport. It is the political and business entry point but has a shorter runway than Sal, which limits some aircraft types.

  • Direct Connections: It offers strong connectivity to Lisbon (daily) and Paris, as well as routes to the United States (Boston/Providence—often via Azores Airlines), Brazil (Fortaleza), and West African cities like Dakar (Senegal) and Bissau (Guinea-Bissau),,.
  • Key Airlines: TAP Air Portugal, Royal Air Maroc, and Azores Airlines (SATA).

3. São Vicente: The Cultural Gateway

Airport: Cesária Évora Airport (VXE) Role: Located near the city of Mindelo, this airport is crucial for nomads heading to the cultural capital or taking the ferry to the neighboring island of Santo Antão (which has no airport).

  • Direct Connections: It has direct flights from Lisbon, Amsterdam, Paris, and Luxembourg,.
  • Key Airlines: TAP Air Portugal, TUI Fly Netherlands, and Luxair.

4. Boa Vista: The Leisure Hub

Airport: Aristides Pereira International Airport (BVC) Role: This airport primarily serves the tourism sector. Traffic here is heavily dominated by charter flights and package holiday carriers,.

  • Direct Connections: Connections are predominantly from Europe (UK, Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, Italy),.
  • Key Airlines: TUI Airways is a major operator here.

Practical Notes for Nomads

  • Airport Management: All seven airports in the country (including domestic ones) are now managed by Vinci Airports under a 40-year concession aimed at modernizing infrastructure,.
  • Arrival Fees: Upon arrival at any of these international airports, you will be required to pay the Airport Security Tax (TSA), which is approximately €34, alongside your visa fee (approx. €20) if applicable.
  • Inter-Island Travel: If your final destination is a smaller island (like Fogo, Maio, or São Nicolau), you will likely need to connect through Sal or Santiago. If you are heading to Santo Antão or Brava, you must fly to São Vicente or Fogo, respectively, and then take a ferry,.

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