Cape Verde holidays: which island, when to go and what to expect
Winter sun a short hop from Europe, a trade wind that takes the edge off the heat, and ten islands that have surprisingly little in common. Cape Verde is more than an all-inclusive on Sal.
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Santa Maria, Sal
Photo: Dielemans Photos / Unsplash
Cape Verde at a glance
By early afternoon the trade wind arrives from the north-east, and the kitesurfers off Santa Maria have been waiting for it all morning. Cape Verde is an island nation in the Atlantic off the coast of West Africa. From most of Europe it is one of the closest places with real warmth in midwinter, with little or no jet lag.
A Portuguese colony until 1975, it still sounds and tastes Portuguese, with Creole music and fish stews of its own. The currency is the Cape Verdean escudo, and many hotels accept euros. For more of the continent, see our Africa travel guide.
Which island suits you?
Sal, for an easy beach holiday
The island with the most hotels and the main international airport. Santa Maria, in the south, has the long beach and most of the restaurants. Right if you want sun, sea and very little planning. Wrong if you want green mountains.
Boa Vista, for dunes and space
The coast has grown fast, yet the beaches are still vast and empty in places, and the interior is pure desert. Sea turtles nest on the beaches in summer.
Santiago, for the capital and its history
The largest island, home to the capital Praia and to Cidade Velha, the first colonial settlement in the tropics and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Santo Antão and São Vicente, for walking and music
Santo Antão has steep green valleys and footpaths between villages. The ferry leaves from Mindelo on São Vicente, the hometown of the singer Cesária Évora and the liveliest town in the islands.
Boa Vista
Photo: Nick Fewings / Unsplash
When to go
The sun shines for most of the year, which is why Cape Verde fills up in winter.
November to April: dry, breezy and comfortable. High season, especially at Christmas and February half-term.
May and June: quieter, often with better rates.
August to October: hotter and more humid, with a chance of heavy showers. This is also when turtle hatchlings reach the sea.
For other options, compare where is hot in January.
Good to know
The wind is part of the deal, especially in winter. It keeps the heat pleasant but can whip up sand on the beach, so a hotel with sheltered pools is worth having.
Check current entry rules and any airport security fee before you travel.
Domestic flights and ferries link the islands, but schedules change. Leave slack when island-hopping.
There is little natural shade. Pack serious sun protection.
Hilton Cabo Verde Sal Resort
Photo: Hotels.com
Where to stay
Most hotels are on Sal and Boa Vista, and many are all-inclusive. Our Cape Verde hotel guide picks the best.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Hilton Cabo Verde Sal Resort
Frequently asked questions about Cape Verde
Which Cape Verde island is best for a holiday?
Sal for a simple beach break, Boa Vista for huge beaches and quiet, Santo Antão for hiking. Many visitors pair a beach island with a few days elsewhere.
What is the best month to visit Cape Verde?
November to April brings dry weather and reliable sunshine. It is also peak season, so book early for Christmas and half-term.
Is Cape Verde hot in winter?
Yes, it stays warm all winter. The trade wind makes it feel fresher than the thermometer suggests, especially in the evening.
How long is the flight to Cape Verde?
From the UK, direct flights to Sal or Boa Vista take around six hours. From much of continental Europe it is a little shorter.
What currency is used in Cape Verde?
The Cape Verdean escudo. Euros are widely accepted at hotels and restaurants, though you usually get a better rate paying in escudos.