Sotavento Islands

The Sotavento Islands are the southern, leeward subgroup of the Cape Verde archipelago and include the islands of Santiago, Fogo, Maio and Brava. They contrast with the northern Barlavento islands in climate, geography and human settlement patterns.

Santiago hosts the national capital and largest population centre, while Fogo is dominated by an active volcanic summit, Pico do Fogo, which reaches about 2,829 metres and shapes the island’s agriculture and settlement. Maio and Brava offer flatter coastal landscapes and small traditional communities.

These islands are inhabited and form the political, cultural and agricultural heart of Cape Verde, with tourism focused on volcanic landscapes, historic towns and beaches.

• Composition: The Sotavento (leeward) group comprises the southern islands of Cape Verde and includes the country's capital island and the volcanic peak Pico do Fogo.

What to See #

• Santiago: Santiago is the largest island in the group and contains the national capital, as well as diverse interior landscapes and population centres.
• Fogo: Fogo is a volcanic island dominated by an active volcano whose summit, Pico do Fogo, rises to 2,829 metres and forms a dramatic central caldera.
• Maio: Maio is known for long sandy beaches and relatively flat terrain, historically less populated and offering coastal habitat and small settlements.
• Brava: Brava is a smaller, greener island with a compact topography and historic settlements, often noted for its coastal cliffs and maritime culture.