Boavista

Discover Boavista

The island of Boavista offers an ideal escape if you’re a fan of relaxing on fabulous beaches and like to get out on the water. It has a laid-back vibe, with rustic beach shacks, small beachside bars and cafes, and characterful guesthouses. Though neighbouring Sal has more frequent connections, Boavista is a great choice for those who prefer a quieter, more relaxed scene. And the beaches are every bit as good as those on Sal.

Things to do on Boavista

You can’t talk about Boavista without mentioning the incredible beaches. Sal Rei is the premier spot and offers a range of water sports. Stand-up paddle boarding is probably the most accessible way to get out onto the water. During the more breezy months of November through to May you can enjoy surfing, kite-surfing-wind-surfing, and (for the experienced) wing-foiling .

Estoril beach is also a popular spot because of it’s sheltered aspect and white sands. When the weather is calm, you can swim and snorkel in the shallow bay. You can also rent a range of water sports equipment here, or book yourself in for a lesson.

Praia de Santa Mónica is favoured by those who like a stroll along the beach. Though you shouldn’t swim here, due the currents. There is a rather haunting shipwreck on the beach, the Cabo Santa Maria, which is right on the shoreline. Varandina is a lovely beach for walk too, with big waves and some interesting cave formations.

Top places to stay on Boavista

The accommodation options on Boavista are a complete contrast to the large, luxury resorts on Sal. Here you will find cosy, locally owned guesthouses, and small, low-key apartments. The accommodation tends to feel more authentic and characterful, and is often right on the beach.

Sal Rei is a good place to base yourself. This fishing town has colourful buildings, a relaxed atmosphere, and stunning beaches. Praia do Estoril is just a short walk from the town centre, offering watersports activities and a good choice of beachside bars and restaurants. The Migrante Guesthouse is incredibly charming and is right in the heart of the old quarter of Sal Rei. Understandably, it fills up fast, so book well in advance if you want to stay here. Orquidea Guesthouse is a quaint little place and is close to the stunning white sands and turquoise seas of Sal Rei. Aparthotel Ca’Nicola is close to Sal Rei’s main square and is similarly lovely.

If you want to really get away from it all, head to Spinguera Ecolodge. They offer a variety of rooming options in a collection of sandstone buildings, including self-catering apartments and villas. This is a proper little getaway. It’s simple but really peaceful and charming.

Getting to Boavista

If you’re travelling to Cape Verde form the UK, getting to Boavista is really easy because you can fly there directly. The flight is about 6 to 6.5 hours. From the USA, you would generally go via Lisbon. If you are visiting several of Cape Verde’s islands, there are regular internal flights to Boavista, mostly from Sal and Santiago.

And remember, all of our holidays are tailor made for you and we can chat to you about which islands pair well with Boavista. We’ve put together a few holiday suggestions, but all of them can be amended to include the parts of Cape Verde that you most want to explore.