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Paradise beaches, year-round sunshine and adrenaline-pumping adventures: there’s a reason more and more Brits are heading to Cape Verde for a holiday.
Relatively new to the package holiday scene, Cape Verde – a ten-island nation floating off the coast of Senegal – is fast becoming a popular option for its reliable weather, white-sand beaches, and epic wildlife experiences.
Most people head to Sal or Boa Vista, both of which are just a six-hour direct flight from the UK. For beach lovers looking for an all-inclusive holiday, it’s hard to go wrong with either island.
Besides beautiful beaches (of which there are plenty), both islands combine a mix of culture, adventure and wildlife. Windswept Sal is popular with windsurfers and surfers, while Boa Vista is a prime spot for whale watching. When you fancy a break from your hotel, Santa Maria (Sal) and Sal Rei (Boa Vista) offer local nightlife and dining.
After an off-the-beaten-track experience? The islands of Fogo, Brava and Santo Antão are harder to get to (you’ll need to fly from Sal or Boa Vista) but well worth the effort. Much lusher, you’ll find volcanic peaks and black-sand beaches, ideal for hiking, adventuring and even biking.
The island of São Vicente has great nightlife and hosts Baía das Gatas, a three-day festival held each August when the town of Mindelo turns into one big party. Outside festival season, Mindelo has lively bars, nightclubs and restaurants where you can try cachupa, a slow-cooked stew, and grogue, the local firewater.
Hotel da Luz
3.9
Good
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LIVVO Budha Beach
4.1
Very Good
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Ouril Hotel Pontao
4.1
Very Good
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Sal is a good choice for a fly-and-flop holiday. It has Cape Verde’s main airport, so it's relatively easy to reach. It also has some of the archipelago's best beach resorts, such as the five-star Hilton Cabo Verde Sal. Boa Vista is another popular spot for a relaxing beach holiday. There are many resorts and hotels around Santa Maria Beach, which is near Deserto de Viana and the nesting loggerhead turtles.
Robinson Cabo Verde
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Hotel Riu Palace Boavista
4.7
Excellent
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Hilton Cabo Verde Sal Resort
4.3
Excellent
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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.
1 / 2
6 hrs
(from London)
Cape Verdean escudo (CVE)
Portuguese
Cape Verde is a safe and peaceful destination, but like most popular holiday destinations, there is some petty crime – be aware of pickpockets when in a crowd. For the most up-to-date travel advice for Cape Verde, check the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.
Travellers with a full British passport can visit Cape Verde for up to 30 days without a visa.
The Hepatitis A jab is a good idea for holidays to Cape Verde. Find out more on the NHS website before you travel.
Like most places, politeness and respect go a long way. The country is predominantly Catholic, so dress conservatively when entering churches and holy places.
The easiest way to island hop in the Cape Verde archipelago is to fly. There's a ferry service between the islands, but it can be unreliable. On the islands, larger towns are connected by bus, while small minibuses and taxis are also used to get around. Car hire is available in Sal and Boa Vista with some local companies, but many people stick to taxis or take excursions arranged by their hotels.