Cape Verde is an archipelago of ten volcanic islands in the Atlantic Ocean, approximately 570 kilometres off the coast of West Africa — closer to Brazil than to mainland Europe, and endowed with a specific combination of Saharan African and Portuguese colonial heritage that gives it a cultural character unlike any other Atlantic island destination. The islands divide into two groups: the Barlavento (Windward) islands in the north, where the rugged volcanic landscapes and the windsurfing and kitesurfing culture of Sal and Boa Vista are concentrated, and the Sotavento (Leeward) islands in the south, where the most culturally distinctive island — Santiago, with its historic capital Praia and the UNESCO World Heritage city of Cidade Velha — anchors the southern group.

For Sal and Boa Vista. The resort islands — Santa Maria on Sal with its long white sand beach, the Riu resorts of Boa Vista, the all-inclusive resort culture that has made these two islands the primary entry point for European visitors. White PP linen over natural swim shorts, leather sandals. The windsurfing and kitesurfing culture of Santa Maria is the most active outdoor context; the same combination for the beach and the natural swim shorts for the water activities.

For Santiago and Cidade Velha. The UNESCO World Heritage city — the oldest European colonial city in the tropics, built by the Portuguese in the 15th century. A PP linen shirt in a warm natural or earth tone with linen trousers and leather shoes for the cultural visit. The hot, dusty landscape of the interior rewards natural fabric in earth tones.

For Mindelo on São Vicente. The most culturally sophisticated town in Cape Verde — the morna music tradition (a form of melancholic Portuguese-African song), the colonial architecture, the festival culture of the Mindelo Carnival. A PP linen shirt in white or a warm natural with linen trousers and leather shoes for the evening cultural occasion.

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