The Cape Verde archipelago is made up of nine volcanic islands and offers a sun-soaked escape all year round. With its laid back island vibes and colourful fishing towns, its the perfect place to have some fun in the sun, with a great range of island tours and excursions on offer across all of the islands. Its also the perfect destination for a walking holiday, because there are some fantastic walking trails within Cape Verde’s fertile valleys, high rocky mountains, and natural parks. And you will often be the only one on the trail.
The most well known island in Cape Verde is Sal, famous for its golden beaches and all-inclusive resorts. Sal is particularly popular amongst water sports enthusiasts, who come here to ride the waves and the stable winds. Its a great place to be if you like a lively atmosphere, nice resorts, beach cocktails, and lots of group activities. Boavista offers a very similar kind of landscape but is quieter and has characterful guesthouses, rather than large resorts. Maio is another island known for its fantastic beaches but it gets very few visitors, so is perfect for those who like solitary walks along white sand beaches.
When you explore beyond the beaches of Sal and Boavista, you’ll feel like you’re experiencing the real Cape Verde. You’ll walk through fishing villages, barter in the local markets, explore hidden coves, and walk along dunes and black-sand beaches . Sao Vicente is often considered to be the most culturally vibrant and is one of the best places to enjoy Cape Verdes music scene, in the harbour town of Mindelo.
To find rural tranquillity and fertile green valleys, head to Santo Antao and Santiago. Both have a scenic network of walking trails to explore, some that can be done independently and others that must be explored with a walking guide. You’ll follow high mountain trails and coastal paths, and can stay in cosy mountain huts surrounded by rural scenes. A full-day driver-guided island tour by jeep is also a great way to get a feel for the islands. Sao Nicolau is also and ideal island for those who like walking and is much quieter than Santo Antao and Santiago.
Fogo is the most starkly volcanic island, in terms of it’s landscape. The giant looming form of Fogo Volcano can be seen from all corners of the island, and the landscape is covered in lava fields and volcanic cones, with a rock coastline and black sand beaches. There are some lovely towns to explore too, and a walk into the Caldeira will help you grasp the magnitude of the volcanic eruption that formed Fogo, some 5 million years ago. If you’re feeling fit, enjoy a guided hike to the top of the Fogo Volcano.
Brava is less accessible than the other islands, similarly to Maio, but there are advantages that come with this. For those with an exploratory nature and a little more time on their hands, these islands are worth the effort! You will encounter less holiday makers and can enjoy the flow of island life. Brava is the greenest and quietest of all the islands, and has some fantastic walking trails.
Cape Verde is genuinely one of the best winter-sun destinations you’ll find. And it’s perfect for those who like exploring lesser-known destinations, with each island presenting a different kind of adventure.
Cape Verde’s climate is fantastic year-round, and the islands are really popular for those looking for some sunshine during the winter months. The peak period tends to be between November and March, when the weather is warm and dry and you can enjoy those glorious golden beaches.
The walking trails in Cape Verde are one of the key highlights. Walkers often favour the months of January, February, and March, because it’s dry and sunny but a little cooler than other times of year.
Turtle nesting season runs from July to October, with August generally being the peak month in terms of turtle numbers. For those looking to enjoy windsurfing, sailing, and kite-surfing, the winds are the most consistent between April and November.
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Our emergency 24-hour UK helpline connects you directly to a member of our team for immediate support and advice. We offer complete flexibility and can arrange multi-leg flights, internal flights, and stopovers with city-packages.
Cape Verde has four international airports: on Santiago, Sao Vicente, Sal, and Boavista. Direct flights are possible from Manchester, Birmingham, Gatwick, Bristol, Newcastle and Glasgow to Sal and Boavista.
From Lisbon it is possible to fly directly to Santiago, Sao Vicente, Sal and Boavista, enabling connections via Portugal from various UK airports.
Regular connections are possible from the USA and Canada to Cape Verde, via Lisbon and the Azores.
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Cape Verde (Cabo Verde) is an island nation in the Atlantic Ocean, located around 570 km off the west coast of Africa. The archipelago is made up of 10 volcanic islands, each offering distinct landscapes, cultures, and attractions. Known for its year-round sunshine and warm climate, Cape Verde combines African and Portuguese influences, creating a unique destination for travellers seeking beaches, adventure, and authentic cultural experiences.
The best island depends on the type of holiday you’re looking for. Sal and Boa Vista are famous for long sandy beaches and watersports, while Santo Antão is renowned for dramatic mountain landscapes and hiking trails. São Vicente offers a lively cultural scene and music heritage, and Fogo is home to an active volcano and unique volcanic vineyards. Many travellers combine several islands for a varied experience.
Cape Verde enjoys warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine throughout the year, making it an excellent destination in every season. The driest months are generally from November to July, offering ideal conditions for beach holidays, hiking, and sightseeing. Water temperatures remain pleasant year-round, while the winter months are particularly popular with travellers looking to escape colder climates in Europe.
Yes, Cape Verde is one of the best destinations for island-hopping holidays. Each island has its own character, landscapes, and attractions, from volcanic mountains and lush valleys to golden beaches and vibrant cultural centres. Regular domestic flights and ferry services make it possible to explore multiple islands during one trip, allowing visitors to experience the full diversity of the archipelago.
Cape Verde is home to diverse marine and birdlife, making it a rewarding destination for nature lovers. Depending on the season and island, visitors may see sea turtles nesting on beaches, humpback whales, dolphins, seabirds, and a variety of tropical fish. Marine conservation projects across the islands help protect important habitats, creating excellent opportunities for responsible wildlife encounters and eco-tourism experiences.
Cape Verde is widely regarded as one of the safer destinations in Africa and is popular with both independent travellers and organised tour groups. Visitors generally enjoy a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere across the islands. As with any destination, sensible precautions are recommended, such as keeping valuables secure and staying aware of your surroundings, particularly in busy tourist areas.
Yes, Cape Verde is one of the most popular winter sun destinations for travellers seeking warm weather and sunshine. Temperatures remain comfortably warm throughout the winter months, while rainfall is generally low. With beautiful beaches, outdoor activities, and direct flights from many European countries, Cape Verde provides an appealing escape from colder climates without requiring long-haul travel.
Cape Verde offers a wide variety of activities for all types of travellers. Popular options include relaxing on sandy beaches, hiking through volcanic landscapes, kitesurfing, scuba diving, snorkelling, whale watching, fishing, and exploring local towns and villages. Visitors can also enjoy traditional music, sample local cuisine, and discover the rich cultural heritage that makes each island unique.
An Archipelago Choice tailor-made Cape Verde holiday allows you to create an itinerary that matches your interests, travel style, and pace. Whether you want to combine beach relaxation, island hopping, hiking, wildlife experiences, or cultural exploration, a personalised itinerary ensures you make the most of your time.
As a rule, yes. There have been issues with some of the larger resorts in recent years. However, eating out tends to be good value and instances of food poisoning are relatively rare. To be on the safe side stick to food that’s cooked to order rather than buffet-style offerings, remember to wash your hands regularly and carry some hand gel.
Certain beaches on Sal and Boavista have lifeguards during the day. On the lesser visited islands like Santiago, Fogo, Maio, Sao Vicente and Santo Antao it’s rare. The sea in Cape Verde can be quite rough at times with strong underwater currents. Care should always be taken before entering the water as people are often surprised by the energy the waves can have.
Soak up the laid-back beach vibes of Boavista, unwind at beachside bars and restaurants, and enjoy a great range of water sports activities.
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Brava, the island of flowers, has some of the finest walking trails in the whole of Cape Verde and is truly off the beaten track.
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The starkly volcanic landscape of Fogo makes this one of Cape Verde's most captivating islands to explore.
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Quiet Maio is all about kicking back and relaxing, offering deserted beaches, turquoise seas, nesting turtles, and abundant birdlife.
Discover Maio
The white sands and turquoise waters of Sal offer sun-lovers a good range of luxury resorts guided water sports activities.
Discover Sal
Santiago has it all: lively towns with bustling markets, green mountain trails, secluded bays, and the oldest settlement in Cape Verde
Discover Santiago
Santo Antão offers superb mountain trails and hillside guesthouses that are the picture of rural tranquillity
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Laid back São Nicolau has an unspoilt landscape of lush green valleys, wind sculpted rock formations, and pretty colonial towns
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São Vicente's capital city is the musical and cultural heart of Cape Verde, with colourful colonial buildings and a beautiful bay
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Discover the best of Cape Verde in one unforgettable journey, visiting five unique islands
From £3,950 per person
Stay in Santiago's bustling city, in the mountain town of Assomada, and the beautiful beach at Tarrafal. Enjoy wonderful walks spread across the island.
From £2,500 per person
From the hustle and bustle of the markets on Santiago, to the starkly volcanic landscape of Fogo, and the quiet beaches of Maio.
From £2,850 per person
A wonderful series of challenging mountain hikes spanning four islands, each offering unique terrain and stunning views.
From £3,775 per person
An exciting family week exploring the bustling streets, markets, and historic settlements in and around Santiago's capital, and some relaxation time on Tarrafal's idyllic beach
From £2,450 per person
Enjoy Cape Verde's biggest event of the year, explore two islands, relax on secluded beaches, and swim with sea turtles!
From £2,995 per person
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