Cape Verde holidays suit UK travellers who want reliable winter and year-round sun without an enormous flight. The two islands most visitors choose are Sal and Boa Vista, both known for long sandy beaches, steady warm weather and a big choice of all inclusive resorts. This guide covers which resorts and islands to consider, when to go, how long the journey takes, what a week might cost and what to check before you travel.
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Which resorts are best in Cape Verde?
Cape Verde is a group of volcanic islands off the coast of West Africa, and the islands feel very different from one another. For a classic beach holiday, most UK visitors look at Sal and Boa Vista. Other islands such as Sao Vicente, Santiago and Santo Antao suit people who want culture, music or hiking.
Sal
Sal is the island most package holidays use. The main resort area is Santa Maria on the south coast, with a long beach, a pier, restaurants, bars and shops within walking distance of many hotels. It is a good choice if you like having things to do in the evening without needing transport. Sal is also known for watersports, and you will usually find kitesurfing, windsurfing, diving and boat trips on offer. The wind can be strong at times, which many visitors enjoy and others find tiring on the sand.
Boa Vista
Boa Vista is generally quieter and more spread out than Sal. Many of its large resorts sit on or near wide beaches away from the main town of Sal Rei, so guests often stay within the resort and use transfers or excursions to explore. If you want space, big hotel grounds and a long, empty beach, Boa Vista is worth a look. If you prefer to walk to cafes and shops, check how far your chosen hotel is from the nearest village before you book.
Other islands
Sao Vicente is known for its music scene and the town of Mindelo. Santiago is the largest island and home to the capital, Praia. Santo Antao is a popular choice for walkers who want mountain scenery. These islands usually involve more independent travel, internal flights or ferries, so they work best as a second week or as a separate trip.
How to choose a resort
- Decide whether you want a lively resort town (Sal) or a quiet, resort-based stay (Boa Vista).
- Check which board basis is included. Many hotels offer all inclusive, but the detail varies, so read what is covered at each restaurant and bar. Our all inclusive holidays guide explains what to look for.
- Look at beach access. Some hotels are directly on the sand, others need a short walk or shuttle.
- Think about wind and swell if you plan to swim. Sea conditions can change, so look for lifeguards and follow local flag warnings.
- Read recent guest reviews for food, cleanliness and noise.
When is the best time to go to Cape Verde?
Cape Verde has a warm, mostly dry climate that works for much of the year, which is why it is popular for winter sun. Temperatures tend to be pleasant through the cooler months, and there is usually more wind between late autumn and spring, which suits watersports. The brief wet season tends to fall in late summer and early autumn, but rainfall is typically limited compared with a European summer. Dust from the Sahara, sometimes called harmattan, can reduce visibility and make the air hazy at certain times of year. Climate and sea temperatures vary by island and year, so check a current forecast and the weather history for the island you choose before you book.
If you are comparing dates, think about what you want from the trip. Beach days and calm swimming are usually easier in the less windy months, while kitesurfers and windsurfers often prefer the breezier ones. School holiday weeks cost more in most destinations, so our cheap holidays guide and last minute holidays guide explain how to compare prices around those dates.
How long is the flight from the UK to Cape Verde?
Direct flights from UK airports to Sal and Boa Vista are common on package holidays, and the journey is usually in the region of six hours, depending on your departure airport and the day. Flight times, routes and operators change from season to season, so check with your tour operator or airline for the current schedule. If you live in Sussex, Gatwick is often a convenient choice. Our holidays from Gatwick guide covers parking, transport and what to expect at the airport.
Because the flight is longer than a typical Spanish trip, comfort matters. Choose a seat you are happy with, take snacks and a refillable bottle if the airline allows, and keep important items in your hand luggage. Check the baggage rules for your ticket before you pack.
How much does a week in Cape Verde cost?
The cost of a week in Cape Verde depends on the island, the resort, the board basis, the time of year and how far ahead you book, so it is hard to give a single figure without it going out of date. Package holidays that include flights, transfers and an all inclusive stay tend to make costs easier to predict, while booking flights and a hotel separately can sometimes be cheaper if you are flexible. A few things move the price more than anything else.
- Dates. School holidays and Christmas week are usually the most expensive.
- Board basis. All inclusive can be good value if you would otherwise eat and drink a lot at the hotel. Self-catering or bed and breakfast can suit independent travellers.
- Extras. Excursions, watersports, spa treatments and transfers for island trips usually cost extra.
- Baggage and seats. Add-ons can raise the final price on some tickets.
Always compare the total price, not the headline price. If you want to see current package options, a travel comparison site or tour operator is the best place to check live prices.
Do you need a visa or passport extras for Cape Verde?
Entry rules for Cape Verde can change, and they depend on your nationality. UK passport holders have in the past been asked to complete an online registration before travel, and your passport needs to have enough validity for your trip. Do not rely on a general guide for this. Check the current advice for British travellers on the GOV.UK foreign travel advice page for Cape Verde and on the official Cape Verde government site, and confirm the requirements with your airline or tour operator before you travel. Our travel insurance guide is also worth reading before you book.
What to do on a Cape Verde holiday
- Spend time on the beach. The long stretches of sand are the main attraction.
- Try watersports such as windsurfing, kitesurfing, snorkelling or diving, with a licensed operator.
- Take an island tour or a boat trip to see more of the coast.
- Visit local markets and try Cape Verdean food, which often features fish, rice and stews.
- If you stay on Boa Vista, look into wildlife experiences. Turtles nest on some Cape Verde beaches at certain times of year, and only responsible, licensed tours should be used.
Getting around
Many people use resort transfers, taxis and organised excursions. Hiring a car can be useful on some islands, but road conditions and rules differ from the UK, so read our car hire guide and check your provider’s terms and licence requirements before you decide.
Money, health and safety
The local currency is the Cape Verdean escudo. Resorts often accept euros or cards, but it is sensible to carry a little local cash for markets and taxis. Check the current NHS and travel health advice for vaccinations and bring any regular medicines in your hand luggage. As with any destination, keep valuables safe, follow beach and sea safety guidance and take sensible precautions after dark.
Frequently asked questions
Is Cape Verde good for families?
Many resorts on Sal and Boa Vista offer family rooms, pools and kids clubs, and the beaches are a draw. Check each hotel’s facilities and age policies, and be aware of wind and sea conditions when children are swimming.
Is Cape Verde good for couples?
Yes, there are adults-only and quieter resorts as well as lively beach areas. Compare resorts by atmosphere and read recent reviews.
Is it hot all year round?
Cape Verde is generally warm throughout the year, but wind, sea temperature and occasional dust can vary. Check the forecast close to your travel dates.
Can I drink the tap water?
Follow current local advice and your hotel’s guidance. Many visitors use bottled or filtered water, so check with your accommodation.
Do I need travel insurance?
It is strongly recommended for any overseas trip, especially for medical cover and cancellation. Read the policy details and make sure activities such as watersports are covered.
What is the best island for a first visit?
Sal is a common first choice because of the resort town, flights and range of hotels. Boa Vista suits people who prefer a quieter resort stay.
Planning your trip
Cape Verde holidays are a strong choice if you want dependable sunshine and a long beach without a huge journey. Compare resorts, check current entry requirements and book flights and insurance sensibly. For more ideas, browse our all inclusive holidays, UK holidays and city breaks guides.