Holidays to Cape Verde

Cape Verde, an archipelago off the west coast of Africa, offers a unique blend of African, Portuguese, and Brazilian influences. This stunning destination features pristine beaches, volcanic landscapes, and vibrant cultural experiences. With year-round sunshine and average temperatures between 24-30°C, Cape Verde is perfect for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure. The islands provide diverse experiences - from the cultural richness of São Vicente to the beachfront luxury of Boa Vista and Sal.

1. Tour of Cape Verde - São Vicente

The Tour of Cape Verde through São Vicente presents an extraordinary opportunity to explore this unique archipelago nestled off the Senegalese coast. This carefully crafted itinerary takes visitors through São Vicente, Santo Antão, and for longer tours, the island of Sal.

Beginning in Mindelo, travelers discover the cultural heart of Cape Verde - birthplace of renowned singer Cesaria Evora. The journey includes guided tours of volcanic landscapes, magnificent beaches, and traditional villages. Highlights feature climbing Monte Verde for panoramic views, exploring Baía das Gatas with its natural pools, and visiting the extinct volcanoes of Calhau.

On Santo Antão island, guests experience the dramatic contrast between arid southern regions and lush northern forests along the famous road of Corda. Optional excursions include snorkeling with turtles, hiking through the Paul Valley (considered Cape Verde's greenest region), or exploring the Calhau volcano crater. Accommodations include stays at Don Paco Hotel in São Vicente, Hotel Paul Mar in Santo Antão, and for extended tours, Hotel Sobrado on Sal Island.

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2. Riu Touareg 5* - Cabo Verde

Located on the immense Lacaçao beach in southern Boa Vista island, the five-star Riu Touareg resort creates the perfect holiday environment with its blend of luxury and natural beauty. This all-inclusive property features thoughtfully designed accommodations with warm tones creating a cozy atmosphere conducive to relaxation.

The culinary experience is exceptional, with multiple dining options including the African-styled main restaurant Santo Antão, the Bereber grill restaurant, and specialty venues like Kabuki for Asian cuisine and Da Marcello for Italian delights. Active travelers appreciate the wealth of recreational opportunities - tennis courts, beach volleyball, windsurfing, and supervised fitness activities in the RiuFit area.

For relaxation, the resort boasts five swimming pools, including a freshwater pool heated in winter with whirlpool bath and aquatic bar, plus four seawater pools. Families benefit from the RiuLand kids' club for children aged 4-12, while adults seeking tranquility can retreat to the exclusive adults-only section featuring a private swimming pool, the à la carte Kulinarium restaurant, and additional premium services. With an impressive 8.8/10 rating from 128 customer reviews, this resort consistently delivers exceptional Cape Verdean hospitality.

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3. Hilton Cabo Verde Sal Resort 5*

The luxurious Hilton Cabo Verde Sal Resort 5* stands as a tropical haven on the spectacular sands of Santa Maria Beach, one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline on Sal Island. This elegant resort offers spacious 37m² Standard Rooms that serve as peaceful retreats within this paradise setting.

Culinary experiences abound with multiple dining venues including the Magellan Restaurant serving international dishes with live cooking stations, the elegant La Victoria offering exclusive tasting menus, and the Bounty Beach Restaurant providing authentic local cuisine.

After a day of sunshine, guests can unwind at Cize Bar, inspired by renowned Cape Verdean singer Cesária Évora, while enjoying chilled wine and live performances from local artists. The resort's excellent facilities include an inviting outdoor pool, a luxury spa for pampering treatments, a well-equipped fitness center, and even an onsite casino for evening entertainment.

With the Buracona Lagoon and Viveiro Botanical Garden just a short distance away, visitors can easily explore the natural wonders of this captivating island. Sal itself is Cape Verde's most popular destination, known for its pristine beaches, vibrant nightlife in Santa Maria town with its colorful buildings and lively music scene, historical salt flats at Pedra de Lume, and opportunities for catamaran trips to spot dolphins and whales in the beautiful blue Atlantic waters.

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Top Islands to Explore in Cape Verde

Sal Island: The Beach Lover's Paradise

Sal Island stands as the most developed tourist destination in Cape Verde, drawing visitors primarily for its spectacular coastline. The island features expansive stretches of powdery white sand beaches that meet crystal-clear turquoise waters, creating postcard-perfect scenery at every turn.

Santa Maria Beach, located on the southern tip of the island, remains the most popular spot for sunbathers and swimmers. This 8km stretch of golden sand offers ideal conditions for relaxation with comfortable loungers, beach bars, and restaurants dotting the shoreline. The gentle slope into the ocean makes it suitable for families with children.

A truly unique experience awaits visitors at Pedra de Lume Salt Crater, an extinct volcano crater filled with salt water. The high salt concentration allows people to float effortlessly, similar to the Dead Sea. The site includes changing facilities and mud baths, providing a therapeutic experience amid surreal surroundings.

Water sports enthusiasts find Sal particularly appealing due to consistent wind conditions. Kite Beach, located near Santa Maria, attracts kitesurfers from around the world. The steady trade winds create perfect conditions for both beginners and advanced practitioners. For those interested in underwater exploration, diving centers operate throughout the island, offering excursions to vibrant coral reefs, underwater caves, and shipwrecks. The waters around Sal host diverse marine life including tropical fish, rays, and occasional shark sightings.

Boa Vista: Tranquility and Natural Beauty

Boa Vista, the easternmost island of Cape Verde, remains less developed than Sal while offering equally stunning natural beauty. The island boasts an impressive 55 kilometers of uninterrupted beaches, making it a haven for those seeking tranquility away from crowds.

Praia de Chaves stands out among the many beaches, with its 5km stretch of golden sand and dramatic sand dunes creating a desert-like landscape. The powerful waves make this beach less suitable for swimming but perfect for contemplative walks and photography. Another notable beach, Santa Monica, extends for 18km along the southern coast, offering solitude even during peak tourist seasons.

The island serves as an important nesting ground for loggerhead turtles. Between June and October, female turtles come ashore at night to lay their eggs in the sand. Local conservation projects organize guided turtle watching excursions, allowing visitors to witness this remarkable natural phenomenon while ensuring minimal disturbance to the animals.

From March to May, the waters surrounding Boa Vista become a playground for humpback whales that migrate to these warm waters for breeding. Whale watching tours operate during this period, providing opportunities to observe these magnificent creatures breaching and playing. The experienced guides share information about whale behavior and conservation efforts during these excursions.

Santiago: Cultural and Historical Hub

Santiago, the largest island in the archipelago, serves as the cultural and historical center of Cape Verde. The island offers a deeper understanding of Cape Verdean history, culture, and daily life beyond the beach experience.

Cidade Velha, located on the southern coast, holds the distinction of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Established in 1462, it stands as the first European colonial settlement in the tropics. Visitors can explore well-preserved historical structures including the Royal Fortress of São Filipe, which provides panoramic views of the town and ocean. The Pillory Square (Pelourinho) stands as a somber reminder of the slave trade that once operated here.

Praia, the capital city of Cape Verde, buzzes with energy and authenticity. The Sucupira Market offers a sensory feast where locals sell everything from fresh produce and spices to handcrafted souvenirs and traditional fabrics. The colonial architecture in the Plateau district features colorful buildings with wrought-iron balconies reminiscent of Portuguese influence. The Presidential Palace and City Hall exemplify the distinctive architectural style preserved from the colonial era.

Santiago also provides opportunities to experience rural Cape Verdean life by visiting interior villages like Assomada, where weekly markets showcase local agriculture and craftsmanship. The lush valleys of Serra Malagueta Natural Park contrast with the arid landscapes found elsewhere in the archipelago.

São Vicente: Music and Nightlife

São Vicente has earned a reputation as the cultural soul of Cape Verde, primarily through its vibrant music scene and artistic expression. The island pulses with creative energy year-round but truly comes alive during festivals and celebrations.

The Baía das Gatas Music Festival, held annually in August, attracts performers and visitors from across Cape Verde and beyond. This three-day beach festival showcases traditional Cape Verdean music alongside international acts, creating an atmosphere of celebration that encompasses the entire bay area. Attendees dance to various musical styles including morna, coladeira, and funaná while enjoying local food and drinks.

Mindelo, the main city, boasts colorful colonial buildings and a lively harbor area. The birthplace of renowned singer Cesária Évora, known as the "Barefoot Diva," Mindelo honors its musical heritage through numerous live music venues. Visitors can enjoy authentic performances in intimate settings ranging from sophisticated piano bars to rustic taverns where locals and tourists mingle.

The art scene flourishes in Mindelo with galleries displaying works by local artists who draw inspiration from the island's landscapes and cultural traditions. The Centro Cultural do Mindelo hosts regular exhibitions and cultural events. Street art adorns many buildings, adding to the city's bohemian character.

Santo Antão: Hiker's Dream

Santo Antão presents the most dramatic landscapes in Cape Verde, with rugged mountains, deep ravines, and lush valleys creating a paradise for hikers and nature enthusiasts. The stark contrast between the arid eastern side and the verdant west demonstrates the island's remarkable diversity.

The Paul Valley showcases some of the most breathtaking scenery on the island. Terraced fields cling to steep mountainsides while palm trees and sugar cane plantations fill the valley floor. Hiking trails wind through this lush environment, passing small villages where traditional farming methods remain unchanged for generations. The route from Cova crater to Ribeira Grande offers spectacular views and diverse vegetation zones within a single day's hike.

The northern coastal path between Ponta do Sol and Cruzinha provides dramatic vistas of volcanic cliffs plunging into the Atlantic Ocean. This moderately challenging trail passes through remote villages accessible only by foot, offering glimpses into rural life and warm encounters with local residents.

Eco-tourism initiatives have developed throughout Santo Antão, with family-run guesthouses offering authentic accommodations and home-cooked meals. Local guides lead specialized excursions focusing on botanical diversity, agricultural practices, and cultural heritage. Many tours incorporate visits to grogue (local rum) distilleries where traditional production methods continue.

Activities and Experiences

Water Sports and Beach Activities

The consistent trade winds that blow across Cape Verde create ideal conditions for wind-powered water sports. Sal and Boa Vista islands attract kitesurfers and windsurfers from around the world, particularly from November through March when wind conditions reach their peak. Kite Beach on Sal and Estoril Beach on Boa Vista feature professional schools offering equipment rental and lessons for all skill levels.

Surfing grows increasingly popular on several islands, with Santa Maria (Sal) and Ponta Preta (Sal) providing excellent breaks for experienced surfers. Wave conditions vary throughout the year, with the largest swells typically arriving between December and February.

The clear waters surrounding the archipelago offer exceptional visibility for underwater activities. Diving centers operate on most islands, with Sal and São Vicente featuring the most developed infrastructure. Popular dive sites include the Tchuklassa reef near Santa Maria, where divers regularly encounter turtles, rays, and schools of tropical fish. The Sargo shipwreck near São Pedro (São Vicente) provides an atmospheric dive among artificial reef structures now teeming with marine life.

For less experienced water enthusiasts, snorkeling equipment rentals are widely available at major beaches. Laginha Beach in Mindelo and Tarrafal Beach on Santiago offer accessible snorkeling opportunities directly from shore.

Nature and Wildlife

The natural environments of Cape Verde support unique wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the year. The turtle nesting season attracts nature enthusiasts to Boa Vista, Sal, and Maio islands between June and October. Conservation projects organize nighttime excursions allowing visitors to witness female loggerhead turtles nesting or hatchlings making their way to the sea. These activities follow strict guidelines to minimize impact on the endangered species.

Whale watching excursions operate primarily from Boa Vista and Sal from March through May when humpback whales arrive in Cape Verdean waters. These tours provide opportunities to observe breaching, tail slapping, and other natural behaviors from a respectful distance. Occasionally, dolphins accompany boats, adding to the marine wildlife experience.

Birdwatchers find Santiago and São Nicolau particularly rewarding with endemic species including the Cape Verde warbler and the Raso lark. The salt pans at Pedra de Lume on Sal attract flamingos and wading birds during migration seasons.

The diverse landscapes of Santo Antão and São Nicolau offer numerous hiking trails suitable for various ability levels. The Serra Malagueta Natural Park on Santiago features well-marked paths through cloud forest environments with panoramic viewpoints. Many hotels and tourism offices provide trail maps and can arrange guides for longer or more challenging routes.

Travel Tips for UK Visitors

Entry Requirements

UK citizens enjoy visa-free entry to Cape Verde for stays up to 30 days. However, all visitors must complete pre-registration through the EASE system (Electronic Airport Security Entry) before departure. This online registration requires passport information and travel details, generating a security tax payment of approximately €31 per person. The confirmation should be printed and presented upon arrival.

Passport validity requirements specify at least six months beyond the planned departure date from Cape Verde. Immigration officials may request proof of accommodation bookings and sufficient funds for the duration of stay. Return or onward tickets typically satisfy exit plan requirements.

For stays extending beyond 30 days, visitors must apply for extensions through local police stations. This process requires additional documentation and fees.

Currency and Language

The Cape Verdean Escudo (CVE) serves as the official currency, with limited exchange options outside the islands. Most UK travelers find it practical to carry euros, widely accepted at tourist establishments, and exchange small amounts for local currency upon arrival. ATMs operate in larger towns and tourist areas, generally offering reasonable exchange rates, though international withdrawal fees may apply.

Credit cards gain increasing acceptance at hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, particularly on Sal and Boa Vista. However, smaller establishments and remote areas operate primarily with cash transactions. Travelers should notify their banks before departure to prevent security blocks on overseas transactions.

Portuguese functions as the official language in government and education settings. Cape Verdean Creole (Kriolu) dominates everyday conversation among locals, with distinct dialects varying between islands. English proficiency continues to grow in tourist areas, especially among younger Cape Verdeans working in hospitality. Basic Portuguese phrases demonstrate cultural respect, though communication barriers rarely pose significant problems for English-speaking visitors.

Best Time to Visit Cape Verde

The Cape Verdean climate offers year-round sunshine with minimal rainfall, making it an attractive destination in all seasons. However, certain periods provide optimal conditions for specific activities and interests.

November through June presents the most comfortable weather conditions for general tourism. Temperatures typically range from 24-30°C with cooling trade winds moderating the heat. The period from July to October brings slightly higher temperatures and humidity, though still pleasant compared to many tropical destinations.

Water sports enthusiasts should consider seasonal variations in wind and wave conditions. Kitesurfing and windsurfing conditions peak from November through March when trade winds blow most consistently. Surfers seeking the best waves should visit between April and June when ground swells arrive from the North Atlantic.

Wildlife viewing follows natural cycles, with turtle nesting occurring from June through October (peaking in August). Humpback whale watching proves most rewarding between March and May during their annual migration. Bird watching remains productive year-round, with migratory species adding diversity during spring and fall passages.

The cultural calendar influences timing decisions for visitors interested in Cape Verdean traditions. February brings vibrant Carnival celebrations to Mindelo and Praia. The music festival season peaks during summer months, with the Baía das Gatas Festival in August serving as a highlight.

Budget-conscious travelers might consider shoulder seasons (May-June and October-November) when accommodations offer lower rates while weather conditions remain favorable. The December-January period sees higher prices and advance booking requirements as European visitors seek winter sunshine.

The Voyage Privé travel expert's opinion on Cape Verde

Cape Verde is full of contrast, with each island offering a unique experience. The weather is pleasantly tropical, offering sun-filled Cape Verde holidays at any time of the year. Given the musical influences on the archipelago, it's not surprising that the festival calendar revolves around carnivals. Visit Mindelo island in February to enjoy the Creole Festival, a riot of colour and sound influenced by the carnivals of Brazil, or travel to Baia das Gatas at the end of August to enjoy the Full Moon Festival.