From the salt pans of Sal and the wind-sculpted dunes of Boa Vista to the smoky vineyards clinging to Fogo’s volcano, Cabo Verde is an island tapestry of scent, sound and handcraft. The air carries the tang of sea salt, the sweet funk of grogue, and the slow ache of morna music — every island stamps its own personality on the goods you’ll find.

Whether it’s small-batch grogue, Fogo coffee, or woven palha baskets, every port city and mountain village has a story to take home. Here’s what to buy in Cabo Verde — a practical guide to the best Cabo Verde souvenirs to seek out.

1. Grogue (Cape Verde Sugarcane Spirit)

Why pick this up: Grogue is the island spirit of celebration and daily life — sharp, grassy and often made in small pot stills on Santo Antão and Santiago. It’s a liquid snapshot of cane fields, smoky distillation and local conviviality.
What to look for: Seek labeled artisanal bottles or ones sealed by a local cooperative; clearer, well-aged grogue will be smoother. Beware of unnamed homemade bottles if you want something consistent.
Price bracket (2025): CVE 700–3,000 per bottle (375–700 ml), depending on age and producer.
Where to find it: Markets in Mindelo and Praia, distilleries on Santo Antão and Santiago, and specialty shops in São Filipe (Fogo).

2. Fogo Coffee

Why pick this up: Coffee grown on the volcanic slopes of Fogo has concentrated flavors — dark, fruity and mineral-laced from volcanic soil. It’s a true island terroir you won’t find elsewhere.
What to look for: Whole-bean roasts labeled from São Filipe or Chã das Caldeiras; recent roast dates and single-origin labels are best.
Price bracket (2025): CVE 800–2,200 per 250–500 g bag.
Where to find it: Coffee stalls in São Filipe, farm-direct purchases in Chã das Caldeiras, and specialty cafés in Mindelo and Praia.

3. Vinho do Fogo (Volcanic Wine)

Why pick this up: Vines planted amid volcanic ash produce rustic, aromatic wines unique to Fogo — a rare taste of high-altitude island viticulture.
What to look for: Bottles from small producers on Fogo with vintage years; fortified or red blends are common.
Price bracket (2025): CVE 1,500–4,000 per bottle.
Where to find it: Wineries and cooperatives in São Filipe, select wine shops in Praia and Mindelo, and tourist outlets on Fogo.

4. Morna & Coladeira Records (Music of Cesária Évora and More)

Why pick this up: Music is Cabo Verde’s soul. A CD or vinyl by Cesária Évora or local artists brings home the island’s saudade and rhythms for evenings that transport you back.
What to look for: Original pressings or authorized reissues; liner notes that mention recording locations like Mindelo or the Baía das Gatas festival.
Price bracket (2025): CVE 300–1,500 per CD/vinyl.
Where to find it: Music shops and kiosks in Mindelo, the Casa da Cultura in Praia, and stalls near festival sites.

5. Cavaquinho & Ferrinho (Traditional Instruments)

Why pick this up: Small stringed cavaquinhos or rhythmic ferrinhos capture the island’s musical craft — perfect for anyone who wants to try playing morna or coladeira at home.
What to look for: Handcrafted instruments built by local luthiers (good tone wood and neat fretting) or solidly made ferrinhos (metal bars) with a scraping stick.
Price bracket (2025): CVE 1,500–20,000 depending on instrument size and workmanship.
Where to find it: Luthiers and music workshops in Mindelo, street craftsmen in Praia, and cultural centers on São Vicente.

6. Woven Palha Baskets, Hats and Mats

Why pick this up: Straw weaving — palha — is practical island craft: airy hats, market baskets and decorative mats that show regional patterns and natural dyes.
What to look for: Tight, even weave and sturdy handles; fair-trade or cooperative labels mean proceeds support local artisans.
Price bracket (2025): CVE 300–2,000 depending on size and complexity.
Where to find it: Artisanal markets in Santa Maria (Sal), Mindelo’s craft stalls, and villages on Santo Antão and Boa Vista.

7. Filigree and Silver Jewelry

Why pick this up: Jewelry reflects Portuguese and African influences — delicate filigree earrings, necklaces and crosses make elegant reminders of Cabo Verde’s mixed heritage.
What to look for: Sterling markings or weighty pieces with fine filigree; local motifs like ocean waves or island silhouettes add authenticity.
Price bracket (2025): CVE 1,200–6,000 for handcrafted pieces.
Where to find it: Jewelry shops in Praia, boutiques in Mindelo, and artisan fairs on Fogo.

8. Hand-painted Ceramics and Terracotta

Why pick this up: Earthenware suggests the islands’ warmth — hand-painted bowls, jugs and decorative tiles with bright blues and sunset hues.
What to look for: Glaze stability (no hairline cracks), clear hand-painted motifs, and pottery signed by local makers.
Price bracket (2025): CVE 400–3,000 depending on size and detail.
Where to find it: Pottery stalls in markets across Santiago, studios in São Filipe, and craft shops in Mindelo.

9. Sea Salt from Sal (Flor de Sal)

Why pick this up: The salt pans of Sal produce drying-pink sunsets and delicate flor de sal that elevates cooking — a true gustatory souvenir with island provenance.
What to look for: Coarse or flaky textures labeled “Sal” or “Pedra de Lume”; packaged in airtight jars for travel.
Price bracket (2025): CVE 200–800 per jar (100–500 g).
Where to find it: Salt shops at Pedra de Lume, markets in Santa Maria, and specialty food stores in Praia.

10. Embroidered Linens and Traditional Textiles

Why pick this up: Brightly embroidered tablecloths, headscarves and shawls carry island patterns and the handiwork of women’s cooperatives — perfect for a table or as wearable art.
What to look for: Tight, colorful embroidery, natural fibers (cotton or linen) and tags indicating community production.
Price bracket (2025): CVE 800–4,000 for quality pieces.
Where to find it: Mercado de Sucupira in Praia, artisan cooperatives in rural Santiago, and craft shops in Mindelo.

Tip: Pack fragile ceramics and bottles with bubble wrap or clothing, ask about customs rules for alcohol and food, and favor cooperative stalls to ensure your Cabo Verde souvenirs support local makers 🌴

Let me know in the comments if you have any other top ‘what to buy’ ideas!

About the Author 

Colin is the founder of SouvenirsIdeas.com and a passionate traveller with a soft spot for ceramics, markets, and food tours. He writes practical, first-hand guides to help you bring home souvenirs that actually mean something — not just more clutter!