Cape Verde is not a shopping destination in the mall sense, and much of what you see in resort shops is imported. The good news is that the genuinely local products are excellent, affordable and easy to carry home — and buying them puts money directly into island communities.
Grogue, ponche and Fogo wine
The classic buy is grogue, the sugar-cane rum distilled in the valleys of Santo Antão, along with its sweeter, honeyed cousin ponche. From Fogo come the volcanic wines — the dry reds and the amber Manecom — and outstanding coffee grown on the high slopes. Buying at the distillery or cooperative gets you the best product and the fairest price.
Crafts and textiles
Panu di terra is the traditional narrow-strip woven cloth of Santiago, historically used as clothing and even currency, and now made into scarves, bags and wall hangings. Look also for ceramics, carved coconut, basketry and jewellery made from lava stone and shell. Quality varies enormously, so buy from craft cooperatives and markets rather than resort gift shops where you can.
Food, salt and music
Sea salt from the salt pans of Pedra de Lume and Maio is a light, cheap and genuinely local souvenir. So is a bag of Fogo coffee, or a bottle of hot pepper sauce. And do not overlook music — buying a CD from a musician after a set in Mindelo is the best souvenir there is.
Where to shop, and what to avoid
The best markets are the Mercado Municipal in Mindelo, the sprawling Sucupira market in Praia, and the small craft markets in Santa Maria and Sal Rei. Haggling is mild and good-natured; carry cash in escudos.
- Never buy turtle shell, coral or any wildlife product — illegal and harmful.
- Check that 'local' crafts are not mass-produced imports.
- Pack bottles in hold luggage with plenty of padding.
- Buy coffee and wine on Fogo, grogue on Santo Antão, for the best quality.
Frequently asked questions
What should you buy in Cape Verde?
Grogue and ponche, Fogo wine and coffee, panu di terra woven textiles, sea salt, ceramics and Cape Verdean music.
Where is the best shopping in Cape Verde?
The municipal market in Mindelo and Sucupira market in Praia for local goods, plus craft markets in Santa Maria and Sal Rei.
Can you take grogue home in your luggage?
Yes, in hold luggage within your airline and destination allowances. Pack bottles carefully — it is strong stuff and a broken bottle ruins a suitcase.