Cape Verde: Getting there & around

Flying is the only realistic option for getting to and from Cape Verde. There are infrequent sea services, but they'll probably end up costing as much as a plane ticket. There are regular flights from Lisbon and less frequent flights from other European centres, including Amsterdam, Madrid, Munich and Paris.

Most flights land on Sal, although traffic through Praia is increasing. TACV, Air Sénégal and South African Airways run services from African and North American destinations, including Boston, New York, Atlanta, Johannesburg and Dakar.

There's a network of expensive internal flights between all inhabited islands except Brava; between Praia, Mindelo and Sal there are flights at least once daily. Cash is the only certain method of payment at TACV offices. There are also regular ferry services between islands, though schedules can be unpredictable. Polar (tel: 2615 223) runs most of these.

It's only really worth hiring a car on Santiago, Boa Vista and Fogo; Alucar (Praia tel: 2615 801; São Vicente tel: 2325 194) is the largest local operator. You'll need an international licence and should ask for a 4WD. Public transport on the islands is by aluguers , minibuses or trucks that collect passengers at unmarked stops (ask a local) and drop them wherever they like along the route. Taxis are generally cheap and plentiful in major towns, but expeditions further afield will cost you.