Cabo Verde: A Solo Female Traveler's Dream Destination

Praia Tarrafal

The first journey I want to share is my trip to Cabo Verde, a magnificent archipelago just off the coast of Senegal. When I choose a destination, I consider the beauty of the beaches, the weather, and the richness of the culture and history. Cabo Verde ticked all those boxes and then some! It’s an affordable and very safe destination for solo female travelers—I never felt unsafe during my time there.

The archipelago consists of 10 islands, and I managed to visit 4 of them in two weeks. It was a bit ambitious, but totally worth it! Now, I'm excited to share my best memories and essential tips to help you prepare for your Cabo adventure. Vamos!

Santiago Island: The Heartbeat of Cabo Verde

I started my journey in Praia, the vibrant capital city of Cabo Verde. In the morning, head to the main plaza to buy a local SIM card for affordable internet access. While some people use eSIM cards, my phone doesn't support them, so I usually get a physical SIM card when I travel.

Enjoy a typical Cabo Verdean breakfast at Natura Coffee Shop. They serve delicious morning Katchupa, along with coffee and other treats.

Cuscus and morning katchupa

After breakfast, explore the Mercado Central. It’s a bustling market where you can find everything from souvenirs to clothes and food. I even got my hair braided there—just come with clean hair, and you can buy the hair and get it braided on the spot!

When the sun was at its zenith, it was time for me to hit the beach! For a local experience, visit the public Quebra Canela Beach. It's a small, unspoiled beach frequented by locals, offering an authentic Cabo Verdean vibe.

If you're in the mood for something a bit more upscale, head to Linha d’Agua restaurant, which has access to a more private beach called Prainha. Here, you can enjoy long beach chairs, umbrellas, and food and drink service right on the sand. Just a heads-up: while everyone can access Prainha, the restaurant's amenities are reserved for their guests.

A note on Cabo Verde beaches: the currents can be quite strong, making swimming challenging. But with Praia's hot climate, a dip in the ocean is always refreshing—just be careful on the hot sand!

End your day at S7ven, a chic restaurant and bar with two floors and stunning ocean views—perfect for Instagram! They often have live music, and their cocktails are fantastic; I recommend trying the Bissap cocktail. Because S7ven is a popular spot, it can get crowded quickly, so arrive early to get a good seat and order before you get too hungry.