Things To Do
in São Filipe
São Filipe is the dramatic coastal capital of Fogo Island, set above the Atlantic with volcanic silhouettes lining the horizon. The town blends colorful colonial-era architecture with a rugged, windswept landscape and a laid-back island vibe. It serves as the gateway to Pico do Fogo and the caldera, while still offering a lively market and waterfront culture.
Expect fresh seafood, warm hospitality, and photogenic views around every bend.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at the airport and take a scenic drive to your accommodations in São Filipe. After settling in, enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café, sampling traditional Cabo Verdean dishes. Spend some time wandering through the charming streets, soaking in the vibrant colors and local culture.
Visit the historic colonial architecture in the town, including the Church of Our Lady of Conception. Stop by local artisan shops to pick up unique crafts and souvenirs. Make sure to capture the stunning views of the surrounding landscape from various viewpoints.
Enjoy dinner at a beachfront restaurant, savoring fresh seafood while watching the breathtaking sunset over the ocean. Join locals for live music or a dance in one of the town squares, immersing yourself in the jovial atmosphere. Conclude your day with a leisurely stroll along the beach.
Start your day early with a guided hike up Pico do Fogo, the highest volcano in Cabo Verde. The trail offers breathtaking views of the island and the surrounding ocean, making it a photographer's paradise. Take breaks to learn about the unique flora and fauna that thrive in this volcanic landscape.
Reach the summit and celebrate your achievement with a packed lunch while enjoying panoramic vistas. As you descend, explore the fascinating lava fields and learn about the geology and history of the volcano. Visit the nearby village of Chã das Caldeiras, where you can interact with locals.
Return to São Filipe and relax at your accommodation, reflecting on the day's adventures. Treat yourself to a hearty dinner to replenish your energy, perhaps trying local specialties like cachupa. Spend the evening unwinding at a bar with live music, enjoying the warm hospitality.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| 🍺Local beer / soft drink | $1-2 |
| ☕Coffee or pastry | $1-3 |
| 🚖Taxi ride (short distance) | $3-8 |
| 🛏️Guesthouse or budget hotel per night | $20-60 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning volcanic landscapes and cliffside views
- Warm, welcoming locals and a relaxed pace
- Very affordable with strong value for money
- Excellent base for Pico do Fogo crater hikes and caldera visits
- Limited nightlife and fewer luxury amenities
- Transport between islands can be time-consuming
- Rugged roads in some rural areas
- Internet speed can be variable in remote spots
- "Bom dia" - Good morning
- "Boa tarde" - Good afternoon
- "Obrigado/Obrigada" - Thank you
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Onde fica o banheiro?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Você fala inglês?" - Do you speak English?
- "Eu não entendi" - I didn’t understand
- "Ajuda, por favor" - Help, please
- "Saúde!" - Cheers!
Places to Visit in São Filipe
Visit one of these nice places.
Colorful colonial facades, narrow streets, and market scenes offer rich street photography and portraits.
Clifftop vistas and dramatic sea spray provide dramatic seascapes, especially at sunrise and sunset.
Vibrant daily life, textiles, fruit stalls, and local characters ideal for candid shots.
Industrial-contrast volcanic landscapes with lunar-like terrain create otherworldly photography opportunities.
Food in São Filipe
São Filipe Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
The national dish: a slow-cooked stew of corn, beans, potatoes, and meat or fish. Variations include cachupa rica (with meat and fish) and cachupa pobre (vegetarian or lighter). Find it in many local eateries.
Must-Try!
A flavorful fish soup with tomatoes, peppers, and herbs, often served with bread or fried dough called farofa.
Cape Verde’s traditional sugarcane spirit; typically enjoyed neat or used in cocktails. Try it in small quantities and always with proper hospitality etiquette.
Fried pastry stuffed with seasoned fish or vegetables, a popular street snack near markets and along the seafront.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling market where you can taste fresh fruit, vegetables, bread, and local snacks; great for seasonal produce and observing daily life.
Casual stalls offering fried pastries, fish skewers, and simple sandwiches; ideal for a quick, authentic bite.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a friendly 'bom dia' (good morning) or 'boa tarde' (good afternoon). Portuguese is widely understood; Crioulo is commonly spoken among locals.
Ask for permission before photographing people, especially children; a polite request is appreciated.
Safety
Tipping in São Filipe
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not always expected. In restaurants, a small tip (around 5–10% if service is good) is common when a service charge is not included. Guides and drivers may appreciate a modest tip for a full-day trip.
Cash (local currency CVE) is widely used, especially in markets and smaller eateries. Cards are increasingly accepted in larger establishments and hotels, but carrying some cash is advisable. Some locals use mobile payments where available.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Dry and warm with strong coastal winds; expect sunny days (often 25–30°C). Pack sunscreen, a hat, and light layers for evenings. Excellent for outdoor photography and crater hikes, but stay hydrated.
Continued dry conditions with comfortable daytime temperatures; nights begin to cool. Great for hiking and market visits; keep layers handy for cooler evenings.
Milder days but cooler nights; brief occasional showers possible. Light rain gear and a warm layer are useful, especially on higher ground.
Warming trend with gradually longer days; vegetation appears greener following any rain. Still dry overall, favorable for outdoor activities and exploring the coast.
São Filipe at Night
Hiking in São Filipe
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A challenging, scenic hike into the crater with lunar landscapes and high-altitude views; best with a local guide and proper acclimatization.
Airports
How to reach São Filipe by plane.
Small island airport serving domestic flights and occasional regional charters; quick access to the town and surrounding countryside.
Main international gateway to Cabo Verde; broad flight connections, typically the first stop for international travelers.
Large hub with European and African connections; most travelers connect here to domestic flights to Fogo.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A friendly, close-knit community with strong family ties and a culture of hospitality. Crioulos blend African and Portuguese influences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The dominant sport; local teams play and fans gather on weekends; widely watched across the islands.
Popular on island communities with informal courts in town centers.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting São Filipe.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist in most places, but cachupa and fish dishes are staples. Ask for vegetable cachupa or simple vegetable stews, and request fresh fruit or salads as sides.