Shopping in Cape Verde

Shopping in Cape Verde for day to day items can be expensive as most produce is imported, but if browsing colourful markets and bartering for unique local wares such as jewellery, clothing and fresh produce is your idea of great shopping, Cape Verde is the destination for you.

Cape Verdean handicrafts are a reflection of the constraints caused by the drought and the limited natural resources they have on the islands.  Basketweaving plays a very important role in the archipelago and together with cloth weaving, characterise the islands’ handicraft heritage. Clay is an important material resource for the local artisans who often create typical Cape Verdean figures depicting everyday routines, which together with pots and kitchen utensils, are a common sight in shops and markets.

The Cape Verdean alcoholic drink ‘Grogue’, Fogo wine, coffee beans and the abundantly available local sweet make excellent souvenirs, and in Mindelo, Santiago, where the live music is said to be the best, CDs of local music can be bought to take back home with you.

For essential everyday shopping for things like toiletries, the island capitals are usually well stocked but outside of these towns it’s almost non existent.