Transportation in Cape Verde

Inter-island travel is the backbone of Cape Verde transport. The ferry network links the nine inhabited islands, with the Praia, Fogo, Brava triangle and the Sal, Boa Vista corridor offering the most reliable sailings. On the larger islands, shared aluguer minibuses (recognizable by their destination boards) run fixed loops between towns for a fraction of taxi cost, while taxis and small rental cars give you freedom once the buses stop around dusk. First-timers should know that schedules shift with weather and demand, so build in buffer days between islands. On Sal and Boa Vista, the tourist coasts are served by hotel shuttles and a growing fleet of ride-hailing cars booked via the local TaxiTour app. Everywhere else, cash-only aluguers rule. Skip the airport "helpful" fixers offering private transfers, walk to the official taxi rank or the clearly marked shuttle desk inside arrivals. Touchdown tip: every international airport has a prepaid taxi counter before baggage claim. Grab the voucher there to avoid haggling outside. If you're headed straight to the ferry docks, the shared shuttle vans leave when full and cost about half a private ride, look for the "Aluguer" sign near the rental-car kiosks.