Cape Verde Holidays

An archipelago of ten volcanic islands in the Atlantic Ocean, holidays in Cape Verde offer something a little different. Located around 350 miles off the coast of West Africa, this destination blends African and Portuguese influences to create a unique Creole culture. You can reach these sun-drenched shores in around six hours from the UK, and with only a one-hour time difference, holidays come without the worry of jet lag. With year-round temperatures averaging between 24°C and 30°C, Cape Verde’s a reliable choice for sunshine any time you choose to go.

Cape Verde's islands: Sal or Boa Vista?

While the archipelago has ten distinct islands, most package holidays centre on the two main beach-focused islands: Sal and Boa Vista. Each offers a different kind of island escape, from lively resort towns to vast, peaceful dunes.

Sal – beaches, watersports and Santa Maria

Sal is the most popular island, known for its long stretches of golden sand and clear, turquoise waters. The main resort town, Santa Maria, is a vibrant hub located on the southern tip. Its streets are filled with surf shops, al fresco restaurants and bars where you can often hear the sounds of local music. The famous Santa Maria pier is the centre of activity, where you can watch fishermen bring in their daily catch.

Boa Vista – dunes, turtles and barefoot beaches

Boa Vista, which translates to good view, lives up to its name with spectacular landscapes. It’s quieter than Sal and is defined by rolling sand dunes and seemingly endless, untouched beaches, such as the famous Praia de Chaves. The main town is the small port of Sal Rei. Boa Vista is also one of the world’s most important nesting sites for loggerhead turtles, and between June and October, you may have the chance to see them nesting on the beaches at night.

Beyond the beach islands: Fogo, Santiago and Santo Antão

If you’re feeling adventurous, the other islands offer a different perspective on Cape Verde. Fogo is dominated by its active volcano, Pico do Fogo, which you can hike for impressive views. Santiago is the largest and most populated island, home to the nation's capital, Praia, and the historic UNESCO World Heritage site of Cidade Velha. For keen walkers, Santo Antão presents a dramatic contrast with its green, mountainous interior and striking coastal paths, while the neighbouring island of São Vicente is home to Mindelo, the country's cultural capital.

Things to do in Cape Verde

Beyond the beaches, Cape Verde offers plenty of unique sights and activities. Some popular things to do include:

• Floating in the salty water of the Pedra de Lume salt crater on Sal
• Seeing the Blue Eye at the Buracona natural lava pool, where sunlight creates a vivid blue patch in the water
• Visiting the shipwreck of the M/S Cabo Santa Maria on the shores of Boa Vista
• Taking a guided tour to watch loggerhead turtles during the nesting season

Food, music and culture in Cape Verde

Cape Verdean culture is a rich tapestry of influences. The national dish is Cachupa, a hearty, slow-cooked stew made with corn, beans, and often fish or meat. Fresh seafood is a staple, with tuna and lobster featuring on many menus. The islands are also famous for Morna, a soulful, melancholic style of music made world-famous by the singer Cesária Évora. You can hear it performed in bars across the islands, especially in Mindelo. Don’t leave without trying grogue, a strong local spirit made from sugar cane.

All inclusive holidays in Cape Verde

An all inclusive holiday is a popular and practical choice in Cape Verde. As many of the main attractions are the resorts themselves and their beautiful beachfront settings, it allows you to relax and have everything taken care of. This is especially true on the quieter island of Boa Vista, where dining options outside the major hotels can be more limited. Many hotels on both Sal and Boa Vista are located directly on the sand, giving you direct access to the best beaches.

When is the best time to visit Cape Verde?

Cape Verde is a true year-round destination. The long dry season runs from November to July, providing month after month of uninterrupted sunshine. The rainy season is short, typically from mid-August to mid-October, but this usually only involves brief showers, and temperatures remain warm. In fact, Cape Verde is generally hotter than the Canary Islands throughout the year due to its location closer to the equator. For a great balance, visit in October or November when the landscape is greener after the rains and the turtle season is coming to an end.

Whether you’re searching for volcanic hikes, unique and delicious cuisine, or total beachfront bliss, Cape Verde offers an unforgettable island escape that should be on every traveller’s radar.