Why is it called Cape Verde?

Have you ever wondered why the small country for the western coast of Africa is called Cape Verde?

Answer is easy of course, the ten islands in the Atlantic Ocean offer everything your looking for. Blue waves for surfing, empty beaches and lush green mountains if you like walking. The photo above is taken on Sao Nicolau high on the mountain ridge surrounding Ribera Brava.

Oh and I lied...

you have to share the empty beaches with beach loving cattle.

The day after we arrived at Sao Nicolau we wanted to start with a relaxing day with just a easy walk around the town Ribeira Brava. Only problem we walked the wrong way. While enjoying a short stop at a small shop along the road we talked with the friendly shop owner. To our surprise he told us we shouldn't continue along this road. It would not lead us back to Ribeira Brava. Instead he pointed us to a steep track up the mountain ridge. It ended our relaxing day, climbing several hundreds of metres up the mountain. Turn out to be a great start to a perfect holiday.

The Island of Santo Antao is even more amazing. Its east coast is completely dry but still beautiful. But the cliffs on the west coast are breath taking.