Cidade Velha, Cape Verde

Capital City

With a population of just 2,148, Cidade Velha is a sleepy coastal outpost, hardly the vibrant metropolis some might expect from Cape Verde's oldest settlement. The once-thriving port has long fallen from its glory days, and today the crumbling colonial buildings and pillaged cathedral ruins are a stark reminder of its turbulent past. While the picturesque town square and centuries-old fortress hold historical appeal, the oppressive heat and persistent bureaucratic headaches make this place a poor fit for all but the most dedicated history buffs.