Praia, Cape Verde

A volcanic archipelago off the western coast of Africa, Cape Verde was once a Portuguese colony before achieving its independence in 1975. Today, it’s home to a blend of both European and West African cultures that can be experienced through both its cuisine and music. Praia, which translates to beach in Portuguese, is the capital of Cape Verde and presides over the southern coast of Santiago where black and golden sand beaches encircle the harbor. The small museums and galleries of the historic Plateau district, such as the Ethnographic Museum, are a great way to learn about Cape Verde’s history and culture. For an adventurous hike along the island’s dramatic, tumbling ridges, a daytrip to Parque Natural Serra da Malagueta is well worth the trek.