Compare Cape Verde holidays

Things to do in Cape Verde

Mighty volcanoes, wicked surf and wonderful wildlife await in Cape Verde. Here are some of the islands’ best bits.

Climb Pico do Fogo

Mount Fogo on Fogo island is the highest peak in the Cape Verde archipelago and is the region's only active volcano. It takes around four hours to climb, but the views from the top are incredible, stretching across all the islands. You can book a guided hike from your hotel.

Walk with sharks at Shark Bay

On the far side of Sal, Shark Bay has a school of lemon sharks that swims in the warm, shallow waters just off the coast. Named for their yellow skin, the native sharks can grow up to 3m (10ft) long and are generally harmless to humans – they prefer plankton and small fish. There are many snorkelling tours to see the sharks from the beaches of Pedra de Lume, or you can wade out and watch them from the water.

Visit the Blue Eye Cave

On the northwest shores of Sal is Buracona, the Blue Eye Cave. Eroded by millennia of waves, the lava tube is now a large rock pool, which when hit by sunlight turns a dazzling turquoise blue. The way to the caves can be a little rocky, so you’d be wise to join a guided excursion. Arrange one via your Sal resort.

Go dune bashing in Deserto de Viana

Sands once part of the Sahara Desert now gather as dunes on Deserto de Viana on Boa Vista island. Try sandboarding down the dunes, go on an ATV bike adventure or book a dune bashing tour by 4x4 jeep across the empty desert. To stay nearby, Praia de Chaves has a good collection of beachfront hotels and resorts.

Visit Cidade Velha

Founded in 1462 by the Portuguese, the UNESCO World Heritage Site Cidade Velha in Santiago is the earliest European colonist settlement in Africa. Much of the old city is still intact: its royal fortress, cathedral and the 16th-century town square with its handful of bars and restaurants. It's an easy half-day trip from the capital, Praia, where beach resorts offer excursions.

Go surfing on Sal

For windsurfing, kitesurfing and wave surfing, the south coast of Sal has some top-notch waves. World-class surfers enjoy the pumping swells into Ponta Preta Beach. For consistent waves that work for the majority, Ponta do Sinó is your best bet. To be nearby, stay in one of the laidback hotels and beach resorts in Santa Maria.

Which Cape Verde island is best for you?

For a relaxing beach holiday, the resorts on Sal and Boa Vista are a good start and attract the lion's share of visitors. For culture, São Vicente and Santiago reach through the ages with a melting pot of influences, while Fogo is ideal for hiking and backpacking.

For cheap holidays

As a rule, the lesser-visited islands such as Fogo and Santo Antão – which you get to by short connecting flights or ferry – are more affordable, with cheap hotels and guesthouses set up for a hiking holiday. You’ll find budget hotels and hostels on Sal and Santiago islands, too.

For couples

If you're looking for a romantic holiday, Sal has a good collection of adults-only luxury resorts. Those around Santa Maria put you within walking distance of the town and seafront for a romantic after-dinner stroll and cocktail.

Boa Vista is more of the same, with lots of adults-only hotels to choose from. If you’re a couple who like a DIY holiday, São Vicente is a lively island, while Fogo is brilliant for hiking.

For history and culture

São Vicente is the cultural capital of Cape Verde – and for good reason. It's the former home of singer Cesária Évora, known as the Barefoot Diva. The exhibition at candy-coloured Palácio do Povo tells the story of Cesária Évora’s life, and the Museu do Mar, a short walk away, displays shipwreck finds, from a 200-year-old bottle of port to giant elephant tusks. Stay near the main city of Mindelo for boutique hotels and local guesthouses.

For all-inclusive holidays

The all-inclusive resorts by Praia de Chaves on Boa Vista have great packages for all budgets. If you’re looking for an affordable family holiday, consider the four-star Iberostar Club Boa Vista on Praia de Chaves with its many pools, evening entertainment, and kids' clubs. Staying on Sal? The coastal town of Santa Maria has a number of all-inclusive resorts, too. The VOI Vila do Farol Resort with its large pool on the beachfront is great if you’re travelling with children, or just want to be close to town.

When to go to Cape Verde

With its tropical climate, Cape Verde is the king of winter sun. Although it’s a year-round destination – temperatures rarely drop below 20C – peak season is June and July. The rainy season falls between late July and October, but even then, showers are warm and brief.

When is the cheapest time to visit Cape Verde?

November generally has the cheapest flights to Cape Verde, but anytime between October and February is easy on the pocket – apart from the festive season, of course. Expect temperatures between 23C and 26C.

When should I go for the best weather?

Visit in December through to April for a glorious sun-drenched holiday with temperatures in the mid-to-high 20s and very little rain. If you like it hot and don’t mind a little rain, visit from August to October.