7 Natural Wonders of Cape Verde, from Salt Lakes to Vast Deserts

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The country known as Cape Verde has recently captured the world's attention by qualifying for the World Cup for the first time in history. This small nation has made a remarkable achievement on the international football stage. However, before it became the center of attention for its football success, the country was renowned for its natural beauty.

Cabo Verde, its international name, is an archipelago off the west coast of Africa. From its white and black sand beaches, hidden bays, majestic mountains, and beautiful villages, each of its islands offers a different charm.

To protect and preserve its natural heritage, the government of Cape Verde has conducted assessments of several important locations. As a result, seven sites have been selected as the Seven Natural Wonders of Cape Verde, scattered across various islands, as reported by capeverdeislands.org.

1. Monte Cara Mountain on Sao Vicente Island

Monte Cara is an icon of Sao Vicente Island and one of the most famous natural landmarks in Cape Verde. This mountain was even immortalized in a song by the legendary singer Cesaria Evora. From a distance, its peak forms a silhouette resembling a human face lying and gazing at the sky. Due to this resemblance, Monte Cara is also known as Mount Nelson or Mount Washington, named after historical figures such as British Admiral Nelson and the first President of the United States, George Washington.

This natural rock formation was shaped by erosion processes millions of years ago, around 3 to 4.5 million years ago. With a height of 489 meters and cliffs directly facing the Atlantic Ocean on the northern side, Monte Cara has become a favorite destination for hikers and nature en...