Cape Verde, sometimes written as Cabo Verde, is a beautiful group of islands off the northwest coast of Africa. With its raw beauty, peaceful scenery, and unique ecosystems, it has quickly become one of the most popular places for nature lovers to visit. This island country is made up of ten mountain islands, and each one has its own unique natural beauty. Cape Verde is a paradise ready to be discovered, whether you like lush green mountains, volcanic craters, beautiful beaches, or lots of sea life.
Here is a list of the ten best places in Cape Verde for nature lovers to visit in 2025. These places show off the best of the islands’ natural beauty. From the dramatic peaks of Santo Antao to the peaceful salt flats of Sal, these places offer experiences that will stay with you forever that are rooted in the culture and scenery of the island. There are also places to watch birds, hike, and discover hidden gems where nature still lives without being touched. This list shows the most beautiful places in Cape Verde that continue to amaze tourists with their natural beauty. They are great for ecotourism and outdoor travel. Find the best natural sights in Cape Verde with this book. It will help you plan your next trip and have the best time on your trip in 2025.
Top Ten Places To Go In Cape Verde For Nature Lovers
10. Porto Inglês Salt Flats, Maio
Located on the island of Maio, the Porto Inglês Salt Flats offer a serene natural escape. Once a hub for traditional salt production, this area now serves as a peaceful spot for birdwatching and photography. The shallow pools reflect beautiful colors at dawn and dusk, creating a dreamlike setting.
This site supports a variety of bird species, including migratory ones that rely on the habitat for breeding and feeding. The surrounding land is calm, uncrowded, and ideal for nature walks. Local conservation efforts are also helping to preserve this wetland ecosystem.
For travelers seeking a quiet environment surrounded by wildlife and natural beauty, this spot offers a deep sense of peace and connection to Cape Verde’s coastal landscapes.
9. Carbeirinho, São Nicolau
Carbeirinho is a coastal rock formation on São Nicolau that looks like a sculpture crafted by nature. Sea and wind have carved colorful cliffs and caves into breathtaking shapes over time. This secluded area is best visited during low tide when the dramatic stone formations are fully visible.
The natural beauty of Carbeirinho is perfect for exploration and quiet reflection. You can climb around the rocks, photograph the crystal-clear waters, and enjoy panoramic views of the coastline.
It is a raw and untouched corner of the island, ideal for nature lovers looking for solitude. The combination of sea breeze, geological beauty, and tranquility makes it one of the most impressive natural sites in Cape Verde.
8. Monte Gordo Natural Park, São Nicolau
Monte Gordo Natural Park is the green heart of São Nicolau. With its high peak reaching over 1,300 meters, the area is rich in vegetation, walking trails, and native trees. The mountain climate is cooler, providing a refreshing contrast to Cape Verde’s typical dry surroundings.
Nature lovers can enjoy hiking paths through pine and eucalyptus forests. Along the way, you’ll find native bird species and a diverse plant ecosystem. The views from the top stretch across the island and the Atlantic Ocean.
This natural park is perfect for those who enjoy active adventures and want to experience Cape Verde’s wilder, greener side. Its peaceful trails and lush scenery offer an ideal retreat.
7. Salamansa Dunes, São Vicente
Just outside the fishing village of Salamansa, golden sand dunes roll down to a quiet beach. The area is known for its calm, open landscapes and soft winds, making it popular with walkers and kite surfers alike.
Nature lovers can explore the dunes on foot, capturing stunning photos as the sun casts long shadows across the sand. The contrast between desert and ocean creates a striking backdrop. With fewer crowds than other beaches, Salamansa offers a quiet connection to nature.
It’s also an excellent place to watch seabirds and enjoy the peaceful rhythm of the waves. Whether for a walk, a picnic, or a moment of calm, this spot invites visitors to slow down and breathe.
6. Monte Verde, São Vicente
Monte Verde is the highest point on São Vicente, offering panoramic views of Mindelo, surrounding hills, and even the island of Santo Antão on clear days. Though only 774 meters high, it feels much taller due to the sweeping landscapes.
Nature lovers can walk or drive up the winding road to the summit. Along the way, they will pass patches of endemic plants and enjoy cooler temperatures. At the top, a viewpoint and small café welcome hikers and visitors.
Monte Verde is great for birdwatching, photography, and enjoying Cape Verde’s quiet mountain side. It gives a different perspective of the island and connects visitors with its natural rhythms.
5. Cova-Paul-Ribeira da Torre Natural Park, Santo Antão
This park is a true paradise for hikers and eco-tourists. It includes the volcanic crater of Cova, the green Paul Valley, and the Ribeira da Torre gorge. Together, they form one of Cape Verde’s most dramatic landscapes.
Trails lead through banana plantations, sugarcane fields, and steep mountain paths. The air is fresh, and the views are breathtaking at every turn. Local farmers still use traditional methods to work the land, adding cultural charm to the journey.
It’s ideal for adventurous nature lovers who want to experience both wild terrain and village life. The park is a showcase of Cape Verde’s natural richness and beauty.
4. Ribeira Grande & Paul Valley, Santo Antão
This lush valley on Santo Antão is filled with rivers, green hills, and tropical plants. It’s one of the most fertile areas in Cape Verde, making it perfect for eco-tourism and agricultural tours.
Walking through the valley, visitors pass fruit trees, farms, and mountain springs. The scenery is peaceful and alive with birds and butterflies. You can even visit local distilleries that make grogue from sugarcane.
The mix of nature and traditional life creates a memorable experience. For those who want a deep connection with land and people, this valley is one of Cape Verde’s best nature escapes.
3. Chã das Caldeiras & Pico do Fogo, Fogo
Pico do Fogo is the tallest volcano in Cape Verde, rising over 2,800 meters. At its base lies Chã das Caldeiras, a village surrounded by black lava and fertile soil. This area is perfect for hiking, photography, and exploring volcanic landscapes.
Climbing the volcano is a popular challenge for nature lovers. The views from the top stretch far across the ocean. The surrounding terrain is full of contrasts—cool mornings, rocky trails, and green vines growing in volcanic ash.
Chã is also known for producing wine and coffee. This mix of natural force and human adaptation makes the region both powerful and inspiring.
2. Deserto de Viana & Turtle Reserve, Boa Vista
The Deserto de Viana looks like a slice of the Sahara, with golden sand dunes shaped by the wind. This inland desert area on Boa Vista is peaceful and surreal, especially at sunrise or sunset. You can walk, ride camels, or take eco-buggies through the dunes.
Nearby, the beaches of Boa Vista serve as nesting grounds for endangered loggerhead turtles. During nesting season, guided night tours offer the chance to watch these gentle creatures lay their eggs under the stars.
The mix of desert silence and marine life makes this one of Cape Verde’s most diverse nature experiences.
1. Santa Luzia Island
Santa Luzia is the only uninhabited island in Cape Verde. It’s a protected area with wild beaches, untouched hills, and rare seabirds. Getting there requires a private boat from São Vicente, but the trip is worth it for those who love pure nature.
The island is quiet and remote. You can hike along its rocky coast, swim in clear waters, and observe native wildlife in their natural habitat. There are no roads, no buildings, and no noise—just the sound of waves and wind.
Santa Luzia offers a rare experience: Cape Verde as it was before people arrived. It is a true treasure for nature lovers.