Travel tips for Santiago & Fogo

International flights land at Praia (RAI) on Santiago. From there it is about 71 km to Tarrafal — roughly 1 h 15 min by car. For comfort and reliability, especially after a late flight, book a private transfer with us: fixed price, driver with a sign at the arrivals exit.

Shared minibuses (aluguers) leave from Sucupira market in Praia during the day. They depart when full and can take up to three hours; make sure the bus goes all the way to Tarrafal and not only to Assomada. Inter-island ferries are run by CV Interilhas; domestic flights to Fogo take about 30 minutes.

Most visitors register online before departure via ease.gov.cv (EASE) and pay the airport security fee (TSA) in the same step. Do it a few days before you fly, print or save the confirmation and keep your passport valid for at least six months. Rules depend on your passport — check them before you travel, and ask us if you are unsure.

Cabo Verde has around 340 days of sunshine a year — you can swim, hike and enjoy the sun almost any time. The trade wind keeps the north coast pleasant; the mountains of Serra Malagueta are cooler and greener.

The currency is the Cabo Verdean escudo (CVE), pegged to the euro (1 € ≈ 110 CVE). Euros are accepted as cash almost everywhere; US dollars can be exchanged at banks. ATMs that take Visa and Mastercard are in the larger towns and villages. Our houses and restaurants take cards; smaller places are cash only.

Cabo Verde is generally a safe destination. As in any capital, stay aware of your surroundings in Praia and Mindelo — watch for pickpockets, take taxis at night and avoid empty or poorly lit streets. Keep passport and money at your accommodation. Tarrafal is a peaceful town; if you walk through quiet areas at night, go in a group.

For hikes, always go with a certified guide — for your safety and for the stories. Drink bottled or filtered water (all our houses have filtered water for guests) and bring sun protection. Emergency numbers: police 112 or 132.

Portuguese is the official language; Cabo Verdean Creole (Kriolu) is what people speak at home. In Tarrafal you get by with English, and our team also speaks German, Italian and French. Life runs at island pace — "no stress" is a way of living. Music is everywhere: funaná, batuku and morna, and on Fridays and Saturdays a live band in our grill restaurant.