What to see & do with your IDP in Cape Verde?
With an International Driving Permit in hand, Cape Verde becomes your open-air playground. Renting a car gives you the freedom to chart your own course across this diverse island chain. Here are some of the best road trip experiences to enjoy with your IDP:
1. Santiago Island – History and Highland Adventures
Start in Praia and cruise to Cidade Velha, the first European colonial outpost in the tropics. Then, head north through the rugged Serra Malagueta mountains, where twisting roads offer breathtaking views and access to remote villages like Rui Vaz. An IDP ensures no hiccups if you’re pulled over in rural zones where documentation is checked more frequently.
2. Fogo Island – Volcano Roads and Wine Country
Drive into the caldera of Pico do Fogo, Cape Verde’s active volcano. The paved road into Chã das Caldeiras is one of the most surreal drives in the country, winding through black lava fields. Local wine tastings and small inns await adventurous travelers. A 4×4 rental, typically available to IDP holders, is highly recommended here.
3. Sal Island – Salt Craters and Coastlines
Explore the lunar landscapes of Pedra de Lume’s salt mines, then head south to Santa Maria for Cape Verde’s liveliest beach scene. With limited public transport on Sal, a rental car allows you to bounce between beach clubs, kite surfing spots, and hidden coves at your own pace.
4. Santo Antão – The Ultimate Scenic Drive
Hop on a short ferry from São Vicente, then drive the Estrada da Corda—the famous “Thread Road” that snakes through misty mountains and green valleys. It’s a driver’s dream, but local law enforcement may stop vehicles for safety checks. Having an IDP gives you one less thing to worry about on these cliffside curves.
5. Boa Vista – Dunes, Beaches, and Desert Trails
Navigate the Viana Desert’s red dunes, discover the abandoned village of Curral Velho, and end the day at Praia de Santa Mónica—one of Africa’s most beautiful beaches. With few road signs and long stretches of empty terrain, an IDP supports your independence while giving rental agencies peace of mind.
Whether you’re island-hopping or deep-diving into one destination, an IDP lets you drive with confidence throughout Cape Verde.