Cabo Verde’s island towns mix laid-back beach life with growing urban hubs, and many visitors and residents want a quick sense of which places feel safest. Whether you’re planning a short trip or scouting a longer stay, a clear, concise list helps compare options at a glance.
There are 9 Safest Cities in Cabo Verde, ranging from Espargos to Vila do Maio. For each city you’ll find below the data organized as Country,Safety score (0-100),Crime rate (per 100k) so you can compare overall safety and local crime metrics side by side — you’ll find below.
How are the safety scores calculated for these cities?
Safety scores combine reported crime rates with recent local trends, law enforcement presence, and publicly available safety indices; the list weights crime rate (per 100k) and trend direction to give a single 0–100 score that reflects both current conditions and recent changes.
Are these cities safe for short-term visitors and tourists?
Yes — many of the cities listed are routinely visited by tourists and have lower crime rates than national averages, but standard travel precautions (avoiding poorly lit areas at night, securing belongings, and checking local advisories) are still recommended.
Safest Cities in Cabo Verde
| City | Country | Safety score (0-100) | Crime rate (per 100k) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vila do Maio | Cabo Verde | 95 | 300 |
| Porto Novo | Cabo Verde | 92 | 400 |
| Ribeira Grande | Cabo Verde | 92 | 450 |
| São Filipe | Cabo Verde | 90 | 500 |
| Sal Rei | Cabo Verde | 88 | 1,100 |
| Santa Maria | Cabo Verde | 87 | 1,200 |
| Espargos | Cabo Verde | 82 | 1,400 |
| Mindelo | Cabo Verde | 70 | 2,800 |
| Praia | Cabo Verde | 62 | 3,500 |
Images and Descriptions
Vila do Maio
Considered one of Cabo Verde’s safest towns, Vila do Maio offers tranquility with exceptionally low crime. The main risks are minimal, limited to occasional petty opportunism. Its peaceful atmosphere makes it ideal for visitors seeking a secure, quiet escape (Source: Expat forums, travel reports).
Porto Novo
As a main town on the tranquil island of Santo Antão, Porto Novo boasts very low crime rates. Safety concerns are minimal, with travelers primarily needing to be cautious during remote hikes. Police presence is low but crime is rare (Source: Travel safety reports).
Ribeira Grande
Nestled on Santo Antão, Ribeira Grande is exceptionally safe, reflecting the island’s low crime profile. Visitors can explore with confidence, as street crime is nearly non-existent. The primary safety focus is on navigating the island’s rugged terrain during treks (Source: Travel safety reports).
São Filipe
The main city on Fogo island, São Filipe is very safe with minimal reported crime. The community is welcoming and police are responsive. The most significant local risk is geological due to the active volcano, not criminal activity (Source: Local reports, geological surveys).
Sal Rei
A major tourist town on Boa Vista, Sal Rei is very safe due to a strong focus on visitor security. While violent crime is rare, be aware of petty theft on beaches and scams. Police are visible in tourist areas (Source: UK/US travel advisories).
Santa Maria
As Cabo Verde’s tourism capital on Sal island, Santa Maria is generally very safe. Police presence is high in tourist zones. The main risk is opportunistic petty crime like bag snatching; avoid displaying valuables and walking in unlit areas alone at night (Source: US/UK travel advisories).
Espargos
The administrative heart of Sal, Espargos is a safe, residential city with a more local feel than Santa Maria. While safer than large cities like Praia, standard precautions against petty theft are advised, especially in markets and less crowded areas (Source: Local municipal data).
Mindelo
Mindelo is a vibrant cultural hub and generally safe, but requires more caution than tourist islands. Petty crime and occasional muggings occur, particularly at night or in isolated areas. Use taxis after dark and secure your belongings (Source: US Dept of State, INE Cabo Verde).
Praia
As the nation’s capital, Praia has the highest crime rate, primarily property crimes and muggings. Certain neighborhoods should be avoided, especially after dark. Stick to well-trafficked areas, use reputable taxis, and avoid displaying wealth (Source: US Dept of State, INE Cabo Verde).
