According to forum posts, transport on Santo Antão can be managed via aluguer (shared minibus), which is readily available at ferry ports like Porto Novo. Taxis are also an option, especially for reaching starting points for hikes.

Some travelers recommended hiking as the primary activity, with routes like Cruzinha to Ponta do Sol offering spectacular coastal views. Another popular hike is the descent from Cova into Vale de Paul and Vila das Pombas, providing deep valley experiences.

For a short stay, forum users suggested accommodations in Ribeira Grande or Ponta do Sol for their better access to transport and local amenities. Places like Porto Novo were advised against due to their distance from key attractions.

Travelers have called out Santo Antão as a safe destination, emphasizing its small, community-oriented villages that offer homestays, enhancing the local experience during a short visit.

Some travelers mentioned various hotels in proximity to Santa Maria, Sal. The Hilton hotel was recommended for its modern amenities and a close 20-minute walk to Santa Maria. Another option, Cabo Verde, is about a 30-minute walk from Santa Maria.

According to forum posts, the Riu Palace and Tui Robinson are discussed as close accommodations, with the Riu Palace being newer and closely located to the town. Hotel Pontao was also suggested for its convenience, being just a 2-minute walk to the beach, market, and main street of Santa Maria.

Travelers have called out specific features of these hotels, such as the Hilton's fantastic beach and breakfast, and the beautiful pool at the Riu Palace. However, it was noted that while the service at the Hilton might not be the best, the front desk was very helpful.

The local currency in Cape Verde is the Cape Verdean Escudo (CVE). According to forum posts, the Escudo is pegged to the Euro at a fixed exchange rate of 110 CVE per 1 EUR.

Travelers have noted that the Escudo is a closed currency, meaning it can only be obtained within Cape Verde and cannot legally be taken out of the country. This makes Euros a convenient alternative for many visitors.

When exchanging money, Euros are preferred as they can be exchanged at a fixed rate with a typical commission charge, whereas exchanging U.S. dollars involves a spread and additional transaction costs.

According to recent posts on the TripAdvisor forum, Cabo Verde Airlines is currently the only operator for flights within Cape Verde, as Best Fly has ceased operations in the region.

Travelers have noted that internal flights are not very reliable and should ideally be booked well in advance. For instance, flights between Santiago and Sao Vicente are now bookable for September, and there is an option for a flexible tariff which allows changes to the flight date. However, it's suggested to keep checking as schedules may not be published far ahead.

There's a mention of significant price variations for internal flights. A traveler highlighted that one return flight between Sal and Sao Vicente was priced at £250, although previously, similar flights were around £100. This indicates a substantial increase in prices or variable pricing depending on the time or source of booking.

According to forum posts, Sal is considered more developed and busier, offering more activities and amenities compared to Boa Vista. Travelers have noted that Sal has a wider range of hotels, restaurants, and bars, which might cater better to visitors looking for variety and entertainment.

Some travelers said that Boa Vista is much quieter and less developed, which might appeal to those seeking a more tranquil and laid-back vacation experience. The island has been described as having a moon-like landscape with beautiful, long beach walks available.

For many users, the Riu Palace in Boa Vista came highly recommended for its quality service and facilities. In contrast, Sal offers a range of accommodations closer to urban areas, suitable for visitors who prefer easy access to town conveniences.

Travelers have called out that while Boa Vista suits those looking for peace and minimalism, Sal provides a more vibrant atmosphere and is better suited for those who prefer a mix of relaxation and activity during their stay.

According to forum posts, Cape Verde generally experiences a warm climate throughout the year. Travelers have noted that days are typically hot, especially conducive to sunbathing, while evenings can be cooler, necessitating a light cover-up.

Some travelers mentioned that Cape Verde is windy year-round, which can be refreshing but also a risk for sunburn due to the deceptive coolness of the breeze. Additionally, dust storms from the Sahara are possible in January and may disrupt flights and last a few days.

For many users, Cape Verde's weather remains largely dry, with September being noted as the wettest month, though rain is still infrequent. This makes Cape Verde a viable destination for travel most months of the year, with consistent sunbathing opportunities.

According to forum posts, Riu Karamboa offers a range of dining options including Asian, Italian, and gourmet restaurants, and it operates on an all-inclusive basis that covers most costs beyond the accommodation and hotel tax. On the other hand, specific amenities or dining options of Riu Funana were not detailed in the posts.

Travelers have called out that Riu Karamboa has recently undergone refurbishment, which suggests updated facilities and possibly enhanced guest experiences. There were no similar mentions of recent upgrades or refurbishments at Riu Funana.

Some travelers expressed concerns about their bookings at Riu Karamboa due to mixed reviews, although others reassured that recent refurbishments have improved the hotel's standards. No such concerns or reassurances were found regarding Riu Funana in the posts reviewed.

For Riu Funana guests, access to nearby Riu Palace facilities is restricted, with only the small aquapark being available. This contrasts with past policies where broader access was allowed. There is no mention of similar access restrictions or permissions for Riu Karamboa guests in the forum posts.

According to forum posts, travelers fully vaccinated against COVID-19 do not need a PCR test to enter Cape Verde. However, those who are not fully vaccinated require a PCR test.

Some travelers mentioned that to enter Cape Verde, a passport must have at least six months of validity beyond the planned stay. No specific brand of LFT (lateral flow test) is required for entry.

For British citizens, visas are not required for stays up to 30 days as per forum discussions. Non-resident foreign nationals must possess valid travel documents for longer than the duration of their stay.