7 Natural Wonders of Cape Verde, from Salt Lakes to Vast Deserts

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TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The country known as Cape Verde has recently captured the world's attention by qualifying for the World Cup for the first time in history. This small nation has made a remarkable achievement on the international football stage. However, before it became the center of attention for its football success, the country was renowned for its natural beauty.

Cabo Verde, its international name, is an archipelago off the west coast of Africa. From its white and black sand beaches, hidden bays, majestic mountains, and beautiful villages, each of its islands offers a different charm.

To protect and preserve its natural heritage, the government of Cape Verde has conducted assessments of several important locations. As a result, seven sites have been selected as the Seven Natural Wonders of Cape Verde, scattered across various islands, as reported by capeverdeislands.org.

1. Monte Cara Mountain on Sao Vicente Island

Monte Cara is an icon of Sao Vicente Island and one of the most famous natural landmarks in Cape Verde. This mountain was even immortalized in a song by the legendary singer Cesaria Evora. From a distance, its peak forms a silhouette resembling a human face lying and gazing at the sky. Due to this resemblance, Monte Cara is also known as Mount Nelson or Mount Washington, named after historical figures such as British Admiral Nelson and the first President of the United States, George Washington.

This natural rock formation was shaped by erosion processes millions of years ago, around 3 to 4.5 million years ago. With a height of 489 meters and cliffs directly facing the Atlantic Ocean on the northern side, Monte Cara has become a favorite destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts to enjoy the unique panorama of Sao Vicente.

2. Fogo Volcano on Fogo Island

Pico do Fogo is an active volcano that dominates Fogo Island in Cape Verde. The name Fogo, meaning fire, reflects the character of this island. The last eruption occurred in 2014, and its crater still emits thin smoke to this day. The mountain steeply rises from the sea to a height of 2,829 meters, making it the highest peak in the entire Cape Verde archipelago.

The area surrounding its crater is dramatically beautiful, filled with solidified lava flows from centuries of eruptions. These lava flows even reached the east coast of the island. Though the mountain itself is barren, the surrounding land is fertile and covered with eucalyptus forests, coffee and fruit orchards, and vineyards that produce world-famous coffee and wine.

Fogo Island was almost entirely formed by a volcano. It is round and about 25 kilometers in diameter. A large, bowl-shaped caldera is located in the northeastern part. A new volcanic cone has formed at its peak.

3. Carbeirinho Cliffs on Sao Nicolau

Carbeirinho is one of the most beautiful coastal landscapes in the Cape Verde Islands. Located in the northwest of Sao Nicolau Island, this area features limestone formations that have been naturally carved by the wind and waves of the sea, creating a lunar landscape with diverse and stunning colors.

Nearby, there is a bay with glistening black sandy beaches, which is a favorite spot for locals to visit on weekends. The sand in this area is believed to have certain healing properties. This beach is also a habitat for turtles and an ideal location for observing dolphins in the surrounding waters.

Carbeirinho is approximately 16 kilometers from the main road that connects the town of Tarrafal de Sao Nicolau with Praia Branca. Tourists can reach the location via a dirt road to the beach, accessible by a ten-minute drive or a twenty-minute walk. The rock formations can be safely accessed through stairs leading to the beach area.

4. Pedra de Lume Salt Lake on Sal Island

On the east coast of Sal Island lies the famous salt mine called Pedra de Lume. Inside this ancient volcanic crater resembling the surface of the moon, seawater evaporates and turns into crystal salt. The view in this area is stunning, with fields of white and pink salt ponds contrasting against the snowy white piles of salt and the bright blue sky above. Visitors can also experience the unique sensation of floating in mineral-rich saltwater or indulge in relaxation treatments such as body scrubs and mud masks. It is no wonder that Salinas Pedra de Lume has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Cape Verde.

The crater housing these salt ponds has a radius of about 900 meters and is a remnant of an extinct volcano. The edge of the crater reaches 39 meters above sea level, while its bottom lies far below, making it the lowest point in the entire Cape Verde archipelago. Seawater naturally seeps into the crater, forming saltwater ponds that are then divided into evaporation plots to dry under the sun's rays. Due to this unique natural condition, the salt concentration in the water is 27 times higher than in the sea, allowing anyone to float easily in it.

5. Santa Maria Beach on Sal Island

Staying on Sal Island, there is another beach whose beauty is unparalleled. Santa Maria Beach, with its turquoise blue seawater, soft golden-white sand, and complete beach facilities, is an ideal location for relaxation and vacation.

Santa Maria Beach is located within a wide bay that stretches three to four kilometers. Its smooth sandy expanse, free from rocks, allows visitors to stroll or play in the water comfortably. The waves at this beach are usually calm with gentle currents, although during windy seasons, suitable waves for water activities or light surfing may emerge. The seawater temperature at Santa Maria remains pleasant year-round, ranging from 26 to 28 degrees Celsius in late September to 21 to 24 degrees Celsius in February.

6. Viana Desert on Boa Vista Island

A vast desert landscape with expanses of white sand, adorned with small oases where acacia shrubs, coconut, date palms, and palm trees grow. Viana Desert (Deserto de Viana), with its still untouched natural beauty, makes it one of the most captivating landscapes in Cape Verde. This desert is an extension of the legendary Sahara Desert, yet it is located on an island in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. This unique location blends desert and sea.

The Viana Desert is approximately 20 kilometers long and 4 to 5 kilometers wide. Its western part is covered with thickets and trees, while the eastern side is dominated by stretches of white sand hills covering an area of about 2 by 5 kilometers. The highest sand plain even reaches 50 meters. The abrupt appearance of these sand hills in the tranquil landscape presents a breathtaking view.

7. Monte Gordo National Park on Sao Nicolau Island

On Sao Nicolau Island, there is the Monte Gordo National Park covering an area of about 952 hectares. Monte Gordo Mountain is part of this park, being an inactive volcano with a height of over 1,300 meters. This area boasts a rich and diverse ecosystem with beautiful flora and fauna, as well as serene natural landscapes. It is home to 32 endemic plant species, most of which are rare and endangered, including the rare Dragon Blood Tree. The park is also equipped with several hiking trails passing through the beautiful surrounding villages.

Monte Gordo has become a favorite destination for nature lovers and hikers seeking tranquility. Its unique landscape is formed due to varying climates in each park region, with the northern and northwest parts being relatively dry, while the southern and southeastern sides are more humid and filled with pine forests and moss. The most popular hiking trail to the peak of Monte Gordo begins in the village of Cachaco, which sits at an elevation of about 600 meters. From there, the trail ascends gradually to the summit, where visitors can enjoy the breathtaking panorama of Sao Nicolau Island. On clear days, neighboring islands such as Sao Vicente, Santo Antao, and Santa Luzia can be seen clearly. Hikers can return via the same route or descend to Praia Branca village. Despite its name meaning "white beach," this village is not actually located on the beach.