The national airline is TACV (website: www.tacv.cv) which offers flights to several European cities, including Amsterdam, Lisbon, Madrid, Milan, Paris and Porto, as well as to Las Palmas (Canary Islands). Information on international and internal flights, and flight tickets may be obtained from Cape Verde Travel, TACV’s agent in the UK (tel: (01964) 536 191; website: www.capeverdetravel.com). Astraeus (www.flyastraeus.com) plans to operate direct charter flights from the UK beginning November 2006.

From London to Lisbon (Portugal) is two hours and from Lisbon to Sal is four hours; from Boston to Sal is seven hours; from Paris to Sal is six hours. Note that the stopover in Lisbon will sometimes be overnight if flying by TAP Air Portugal. The most convenient routes from London are via Paris and Amsterdam, where there are direct connections with no stopover time.

Amílcar Cabral (SID) on Sal, is 2km (1 mile) south of Espargos. To/from the airport: Taxis are available to the city centre and to resort areas. Facilities: Several banks, duty free shops, refreshments, tourist information, car hire and left luggage facilities.
Praia International Airport, Santiago, opened at the end of 2005, taking flights from Paris, Amsterdam and Lisbon.
International airports are under construction on the islands of St Vincent and Boa Vista, due to open 2007-2008.

None.

Main ports: Mindelo and Praia are the principal ports. São Vicente is served by passenger and cargo ships, but sea services are not frequent and may be costly.

TACV – Cabo Verde Airlines (website: www.tacv.cv) is the main domestic carrier. There are internal flights available to all inhabited islands except Brava and San Antao.
Passes: The Cape Verde Airpass, available from TACV to passengers booking their long-distance tickets through the airline or their agents, offers discounted flights within Cape Verde. A minimum of two internal flights must be booked and the pass is valid for 21 days. These must be purchased with transatlantic tickets. Private charters are available from the Cape Verde Express (website: www.capeverdeexpress.com) air-taxi service.

There is a daily ferry service operating between the port of Mindelo, São Vincente and Santo Antao. Cargo ships may also accept passengers and regular services connect Santiago, Fogo and Brava; however, these are primaily for cargo supply and demand and so are inconsistent. Sea conditions around Cape Verde are sometimes treacherous, due to many submerged rocks. Travel by sea to the southern islands of Brava and Fogo can be particularly disrupted.

There are over 2250km (1400 miles) of roads on the islands, of which one-third are cobbled. There is a road improvement programme underway to convert cobblestone roads into asphalt. Road conditions and driving standards are generally of a reasonable quality, although paved roads are mostly narrow and winding. Traffic drives on the right and seat belts must be worn at all times. Children under 12 years old should sit in the back seat. Local transport is usually provided by an Aluguer (minibus or pick-up truck); they are used by locals and visitors. Taxi fares should be agreed in advance, although some prefer to use the taximeter. Drivers can be hired to see the main sights on the islands. Buses are satisfactory. Car hire: Available on the main islands, book in advance when possible. Documentation: An International Driving Permit is legally required and proof of insurance should be displayed on the car windscreen.

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