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Are you looking for a destination that combines the serene beauty of island life with the modern convenience of city living?
If so, traveling Cape Verde is the perfect spot to plan your next getaway.
With its stunning beaches, vibrant markets, and diverse culture, this small African nation offers something for everyone. Let me show you where to stay in Cape Verde!
From luxury resorts to tranquil homestays and eco-lodges tucked away in lush nature reserves – there are plenty of amazing places to stay in Cape Verde that will guarantee a memorable trip.
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Table of Contents
Top Resources to Travel Cape Verde
⚘ Don’t leave without a travel guide. Be prepared and get the Ultimate Cape Verde Travel Guide Book
✈ Book cheap flights to Cape Verde with Skyscanner
✔ Book the best tours in Cape Verde with GetYourGuide
➳ Find the best hotel deals in Cape Verde with Trivago
❖ Get the best car rental deals with DiscoverCars
☘ Get the best discounted outdoor gear (outlet) at REI.com
✎ Never leave without travel insurance. I get mine at HeyMondo. It’s easy to set up, cheap, and reliable.✔ Skip the queue at the airport and get your Cape Verde visa in advance with iVisa
$ Withdraw money without hidden fees and avoid rubbish exchange rates with Wise (You’ll get a card for free!)
Overview: The best places in Cape Verde for holidays
- Sal: Odjo d’Agua Hotel – Hilton Cabo Verde Sal Resort – LIVVO Budha Beach
- Boa Vista: Royal Horizons Boa Vista – Terra Kriola – VOI Praia de Chaves Resort
- Sao Vicente & Mindelo: Oasis Porto Grande – Georgette – Terra Lodge
- Maio: Casa Evora – Casa Djarmai
- Santo Antao: Tiduca Hotel – Biosfera Amor do Dia – Tienne del Mar
- Brava: Djabraba’s Eco-Lodge – Hotel 3M Tours
- Fogo: Casa Alcindo – The Colonial Guest House – Fogo Boutique Hotel
- Sao Nicolau: Casa Patio – Pensao Natur
- Praia, Santiago: OASIS Praiamar – Kama Ku Kafé – Pestana Tropico
Since my first visit to Cape Verde in 2017, I have frequently returned to the Cabo Verde islands. I’ve been staying in Cabo Verde for more than one year.
This allowed me to create much content on traveling to Cape Verde and develop my love for the kriol culture.
To make the most of your time, check out the Ultimate Cape Verde Travel Guide Book filled with local, hidden gems.
Where to Stay in Cape Verde for Beach Holidays
If you are looking for beach holidays and do some excursions on an occasional basis, the islands of Sal and Boa Vista would be the best choice.
They have warm temperatures all year round, especially during the winter months, when the climate is comfortably warm to escape grey Europe. On top of that, they’re home to some of the best beaches in Cape Verde.
Sal and Boa Vista each have an international airport serviced by major European airlines.
1. Sal
Sal is known for its crystal clear, azure water and golden sand beaches.
The central hub is Santa Maria, in the Southern part of the island, where you’ll find all the resorts and tourist commodities you’re looking for.
Sal has a large variety of shops, restaurants, and bars. However, Sal also holds some natural gems that I totally recommend visiting. The salt mines of Pedro Luma are remains of the island’s former booming salt trade and are one of the best things to do in Sal.
The inland, the capital Espargos, uncovers a vast, barren landscape that will impress you.
Sal is relatively small (35 x 12km) and is made for those who want to relax at the pool or the beach. Bar hopping is the main activity to do at night.
However, I seriously missed genuine opportunities to interact and learn more about the Cape Verdean culture, as Santa María is about large hotel resorts, African dance shows, and Italian gelato.
I hardly doubt that this form of tourism is sustainable as Sal Island is deserted, and the local population often gets their water cut off, so the tourists in the south may take long, hot showers.
I don’t want to be a poor sport, but these facts should be considered when booking your holidays in Sal.
However, this doesn’t change the fact that Sal has some of the most gorgeous beaches of the archipelago and is a hub for beach-goers and kitesurfers alike. – Check activities in Sal
Let’s dive into where to stay in Sal, Cape Verde!
Best Places To Stay in Sal
Budget
Ouril Pontao Hotel
Hotel MiraBela (Les Alizés)
Sakaroule B&B
Aparthotel Santa Maria Beach
Mid Range
Hotel LIVVO Budha Beach
Odjo d’Agua Hotel
Agua Hotels Sal Vila Verde
Hotel Morabeza
Family-Friendly
Branco Suites
Sobrado Boutique Hotel
Angulo House
Something Special
Luxury
Hilton Cabo Verde Sal Resort
Oasis Salinas Sea
Melia Dunas Beach Resort & Spa
Hotel LIVVO Budha Beach
Melia Llana Beach Resort & Spa
Melia Tortuga Beach Resort & Spa
2. Boa Vista
Like its neighbor island, Sal, Boa Vista is mainly known for having some of the best beaches in Cape Verde. Boa Vista has 55 km of them, all with blue tides and pristine.
Some are very remote and famous for being nesting sites of loggerhead turtles. The island is flat and covered with dunes.
Apart from relaxing beach days, you can do sailing activities, quad biking through the dunes or observe the turtles during nesting season, which are some of the best things to do in Boa Vista.
The Turtle Foundation is present in Boa Vista; just email them to get information about the turtles.
As on Sal Island, most products must be imported from Europe or other Cape Verdean islands. However, the island is famous for its pottery.
There are many great options for hotels in Boa Vista, Cape Verde, no matter your budget or travel type. – Check prices on tours in Boa Vista
Best Places To Stay in Boa Vista
Budget
Casa Sara Boavista
Ca Madeira Deluxe
B&B Salinas Boa Vista
Mid Range
Hotel Dunas Ilha da Boavista
B&B Sereia Azul Boa Vista
Cala Da Lua Apartments
Nos Kasa
Terra Kriola
Family-Friendly
Hotel Riu Karamboa
Cala da Lua apartments
Ouril Hotel Agueda
Something Different
Luxury
VOI Praia de Chaves Resort
Hotel Riu Karamboa
Hotel Riu Palace Boavista
Hotel Riu Touareg
Where to Stay in Cape Verde for Hiking & Trekking Holidays
Did you ever consider Cape Verde as a hiking destination?
Not only does its name (Verde = green in Portuguese) suggest lush natural landscapes, but the archipelago also holds some of the most surprising and impressive hiking trails.
Not only does its name (Verde = green in Portuguese) suggest lush natural landscapes, but the archipelago also holds some of the most surprising and impressive hiking trails.
Whereas hiking can be done in most of the islands (I wouldn’t recommend Sal or Boa Vista though), Santo Antao, Brava, and Sao Nicolau are getting more and more popular among trekkers.
All three islands are known for their lush greenery and scenic views over the Atlantic.
1. Santo Antao
Santo Antao is a hiking island of excellence.
I don’t have enough words to express the impressive mountainous landscapes, the breathtaking lush green valleys, the craters, the rough Atlantic coast, and its warm-hearted people.
The ground of Santo Antao is so fertile that it’s also known as the “garden of Cape Verde“ as it’s exporting mangos, potatoes, bananas, papayas and much more to all the other Capeverdean islands.
Santo Antao doesn’t have an airport. You can only reach the second-largest island by ferry from Mindelo, Sao Vicente.
The island is diverse, with a rough, mountainous landscape in the East and beaches in the West.
However be careful not to swim in the Eastern part, as the tides can be extremely dangerous! I recommend spending at least 2 days in Santo Antao.
I stayed more than 2 months on Cape Verde’s “green lung” but it wasn’t even timed enough to do all Santo Antao’s hiking trails in the Eastern part. – Check activities in Santo Antao here
Best Places To Stay in Santo Antão
Budget
Black Mamba
Chez Sandro
Oasis Paul Residencial
Mid Range
Casa Cavoquinho
B&B Coração Ponta do Sol
Aldeia Jerome (Paul Valley)
Family-Friendly
Pousada Green
Ribeira Grande Country House
Palmeira Da Cruz EcoLodge
Something Special
Biosfera Amor do Dia
casa xoxo
Questel BronQ
Luxury
Tiduca Hotel
Casa Santa Barbara Deluxe
Tienne del Mar
2. Brava
Brava is the smallest inhabited island and is located next to Fogo. It’s the greenest island of the Sotovento island group.
Like Santo Antao, the economy is primarily agricultural, and Brava doesn’t have an airport.
As it’s pretty remote and doesn’t have a lot of tourist activity, it’s an excellent opportunity to mingle with the locals and learn more about Capeverdean culture.
In my humble opinion, that’s one of the best things to do in Cape Verde: interact and learn from the locals about creole culture.
The terrain is highly varied and lush green valleys contrast with high peaks. Brava is also called the “Island of Flowers” as its climate is much more humid and not as hot.
Main towns are Vila Nova Sintra and Furnas, located in a volcanic crater and the busiest town of Brava.
Faja d’Agua is located in a gorgeous bay surrounded by fruit trees and one of the best things to do in Brava. Hiking trails mostly start at the main towns.
Best Places To Stay in Brava
Budget
Hotel Pousada Nova Sintra-Brava
Djabraba’s Eco-Lodge
Hotel 3M Tours
Luxury
Hotel Cruz Grande Brava
Hotel Pousada Nova Sintra-Brava
Residensia Ka Denxu
3. Sao Nicolau
Sao Nicolau is next to Santo Antao the other green island of the “Barlovento” island group.
However, it’s much less inhabited and less visited by tourists. However, it has the advantage of some gorgeous remote beaches.
You can reach Sao Nicolau by ferry or plane.
As Sao Nicolau has fertile ground, you’ll be constantly surrounded by coffee and sugar cane plantations, banana and papaya trees, and much more.
Monte Gordo is the island’s highest point (1300 m), only about 45 x 20 km.
Most hiking trails are in the natural park of Monte Gordo. You shouldn’t miss the Carbeirinho, a giant rock with caves shaped by the wind.
The cliffs are of different colors and are close to black sandy beaches.
Best Places To Stay in Sao Nicolau
Budget
bed & breakfast Regina
Los Cuartos Man Pretinha
Mid Range
Family-Friendly
Luxury
Santo Antao – Best Place to Stay in Cape Verde for Secludedness
The northeastern part of Santo Antao is probably one of the most beautiful areas of the entire Cape Verdean archipelago.
As large hotels and resorts are relatively rare, you’ll find the calm and secludedness you seek.
Be prepared to be mostly surrounded by fruit trees, coffee plants, and breathtaking views.
The sharp mountainous profile created the unique profile of the island.
The villages located in the mountains are more remote and thus rugged to reach. The main villages in the valley with paved access are Ribeira Grande, Ponta do Sol, Cidade das Pombas, etc.
Some villages don’t even have asphalted road access; tourists are uncommon.
However, that will be the main reason you’ll immerse in the beautiful Cape Verdean culture and enjoy the “no stress” vibe at its best (and Cape Verdean food!)
Best Places To Stay in Northern Santo Antão
Budget
Sissi’s B&B (my home for 2 months)
Black Mamba
Misurino
Mid Range
Casa Cavoquinho
B&B Coração Ponta do Sol
Family-Friendly
Casa Santa Barbara Deluxe
Ribeira Grande Country House
For Hikers
Casa das Ilhas
Biosfera Amor do Dia
Casa D’Mar
Casa xoxo
Luxury
Tiduca Hotel
Casa Santa Barbara Deluxe
Tienne del Mar
Fogo – Where to Stay in Cabo Verde for Volcanoes
The archipelago of Cape Verde is located on a volcanic hotspot on the West African coast.
Even if most islands have a volcano and some boast several spectacular craters, only Fogo erupted after the fifteenth century when the first settlers arrived.
Fogo has the most active and prominent volcano in the Cape Verdean archipelago, Pico do Fogo (2829m). The almost circular island mainly consists of a single massive stratovolcano.
The volcano had its last eruption in 2014.
São Felipe and Mosteiros are the island’s two main cities and great bases for exploring Fogo island by hiking or bike. For me, it was one of the best things to do in Fogo island, Cape Verde.
The terraced hillsides filled with Arabica coffee plants are, along with Pico de Fogo volcano, one of Fogo’s natural tourist sites.
The wine of Fogo is one of the most prominent wines of the Capeverdean archipelago and a great souvenir from Cabo Verde.
The volcano can only be visited with a guide.
Staying at Fogo island isn’t complete without visiting the 1000 inhabitants’ village of Chã das Caldeiras. The village is located inside the crater and is famous for the excellent quality of its grapes.
Above Mosteiros, the weather can become chilly in the northeast, especially at night. La Salina is the only safe place to swim in the island’s north.
Best Places To Stay in Fogo
Budget
Som do Mar
Hotel Residencial Savana
Chez Albino
Inside the volcano crater (!)
casa alcindo
Ciza e Rose
EcoFundo
Casa Marisa 2.0
Mid Range
Cruzheiro Guest House
La Fora Ecolodge
Hotel Ocean View
Family-Friendly
Luxury
The Colonial Guest House
Casa Colonial Koenig
Fogo Boutique Hotel
Best place to stay in Cape Verde for Water Sports
Cape Verde is a beautiful destination for active travelers.
Not only will hikers enjoy the breathtaking landscapes of Santo Antao or Fogo, but also watersport lovers will fall in love with the excellent conditions for all types of surfing or sailing.
From November to March wind conditions are the best for surfing in Cape Verde.
1. Sal
Sal is especially famous among the international kite surfing community for its legendary “Kite Beach” which is located a 5-minute drive from the tourist hub of Santa Maria.
Some of the most famous kitesurfers in the world are training here for upcoming championships. You’ll find specialized surfers hostels that will arrange your lesson, no matter if you are a beginner or an intermediate surfer.
The months between November and March are the best for kitesurfing in Sal as the winds increase.
Even if you’re not into water sports, I recommend visiting “Kite Beach” for its laid-back vibe and watching the artistic kite moves.
Sal is also the perfect place to take your first sailing lessons. Several operators offer services in Santa Maria, south of Sal, and the central tourist hub. – Check activities in Sal
Best Places To Stay in Santa María, Sal for Water Sports
Budget
Pontao Hotel
Hotel MiraBela (Les Alizés)
Sakaroule B&B
Aparthotel Santa Maria Beach
Mid Range
Hotel LIVVO Budha Beach
Odjo d’Agua Hotel
Hotel Morabeza
Family-Friendly
Branco Suites
Sobrado Boutique Hotel
Angulo House
Something Special
Luxury
Hilton Cabo Verde Sal Resort
Oasis Salinas Sea
Melia Dunas Beach Resort & Spa
Hotel LIVVO Budha Beach
Melia Llana Beach Resort & Spa
Melia Tortuga Beach Resort & Spa
2. Maio
Maio is one of the less-visited islands of the Capeverdean archipelago, but that’s why you can still enjoy the authentic Cape Verdean lifestyle and pristine beaches with excellent conditions for water sports lovers.
The intact ocean fauna will be a paradise for divers and windsurfers will appreciate the perfect breeze on Maio’s beaches.
The island is home to some of the most untouched and best beaches in Cape Verde.
Beaches are mostly desert, and hotels are limited.
For me personally, Maio is the next top beach destination to be and there are numerous things to do in Maio, regardless of its size. The beaches are huge and there’s just nobody!
Best Places To Stay in Maio
Budget
BarracudaMaio
Pensaò Big Game Maio
Maio Relax
Mid Range
Villa Maris Ecolodge (recommended for conscious travelers, private beach)
Wave Maze
Hotel AH Maio
Family-Friendly
Kaza Tropikal
Villa Maris Ecolodge
Casa Djarmai
Luxury
Torre Sabina
Maio Vacanze
Casa Evora (my home for 8 months)
3. Sao Vicente
Sao Vicente, home to the famous Morna singer Cesaria Evora, is not only the cultural hub of Cape Verde but also a heaven for windsurfers.
The main beach for water sports is in Sao Pedro, a stone’s throw from the airport of Sao Vicente. But don’t be mistaken; the beach is wide and mostly desert.
However, this beach is recommended only to proficient surfers as currents and tides are very strong. In the twinkling of an eye, it will take you to Brazil.
Also, wind conditions can be mind-blowing in Sao Pedro bay, where more than 40 knots of speed records have been recorded.
The time I visited, there was a shop near the Hotel Foya Branca **** which would rent suits and boards.
Other surf spots on Sao Vicente are Praia Grande, Salamansa and Praia Branca which are some of the best things to see in Sao Vicente.
Best Places To Stay in São Vicente for Water Sports
Budget
Solar Windelo
Arla Residential
Residencial Monte Cara
Mid Range
Pousada B&B Le Gourmet
Kira’s Boutique Hotel
Casa Café Mindelo
Family-Friendly
Georgette
Morabeza Deluxe Sea View
Something Special
Aquiles Eco Hotel
Pont’Agua Hotel
Luxury
Flag Hotel Foya Branca
Oasis Porto Grande
Blue Marlin Hotel
Casa Branca
Terra Lodge
Mindelo & Praia – Best places to stay in Cape Verde for City Life
City life and urban vibes in Cape Verde may be much more frequent than you’d initially think.
Music, art, and dance are omnipresent in the streets of any Cape Verdean island.
However, the most emblematic towns for their cultural offer are Mindelo on Sao Vicente and the capital Praia, on Santiago.
One of my favorite things in Cape Verdean towns is that you’re never far from nature, whether it’s a gorgeous beach, an impressive mountainous landscape or lush vegetation.
1. Mindelo, Sao Vicente
Mindelo on Sao Vicente island is also known as the cultural capital of Cape Verde.
Indeed, Mindelo is not only the hometown of the most famous Cape Verdean singer of all times, Cesaria Evora, but is also home to legendary artists such as Tito Paris, Bau, and Fantcha.
Music in general and especially the “queen’s” songs, Cesaria Evora, is omnipresent in the streets of Mindelo during night and day.
Many bars along Avenida 5 de Julho and Rua de Lisboa offer special music dinners where you can listen to traditional Cape Verdean music like Morna and Coladeira.
My favorite bar was a bit further away, but a very cozy place to listen to Cape Verdean music among locals: Livraria Nho Djunga. Be prepared to see some of the best Mindel artists who sometimes show up very spontaneously.
Art galleries and local craft shops are sprouting up…The bright blue Praia Laginha beach is the perfect place to spend lazy beach days.
Hence, Sao Vicente is an excellent idea for the undecided on where to stay in Cape Verde.
The market at Praca d’Estrela and the old fish market is the most vibrant hot spots in town.
Best Places To Stay in Mindelo, São Vicente
Budget
Laginha Beach Guest House
Residencial Monte Cara
Simabo’s Backpacker’s Hostel
Mid Range
Laginha Beach Guest House
The Don Paco Hotel
Casa Café Mindelo
Family-Friendly
Eco-Friendly
Terra Lodge
Solar Windelo
Kira’s Boutique Hotel
Luxury
Ouril Mindelo
Pombas Brancas Resort
Mansa Marina Hotel
Oasis Porto Grande
Terra Lodge
2. Praia, Santiago Island
Praia, on Santiago island, is Cape Verde’s capital and the busiest city of the archipelago.
Many cities don’t have house numbers or names yet, but they do in the city center.
The “plateau” in the city center of Praia is the perfect location to have coffee in its numerous bars, stroll around in town, and visit the local markets.
The town hall of Praia, the Supreme Court, the cathedral, Praça Alexandre Albuquerque, and Palácio da Assembleia are exciting places to visit.
Gamboa (unsuitable for swimming), Praia Negra, and Quebra Canela are the town’s main beaches. Praia is known for its festive mood and events are taking place all year round.
Please be aware that being the biggest city of Cape Verde, Praia has a higher crime rate than any other island.
You shouldn’t go far from the city center at night, flaunting expensive gadgets and jewelry.
The stairs at the edge of Achada Santo Antonio towards Plateau are unsafe. Avoid that neighborhood, also during the day!
Best Places To Stay in Praia, Santiago
Budget
LT Aparthotel
Aparthotel Praiano
Casa Sodadi
Mid Range
Hotel Cesaria
Casa Privada Plateau
Sol Hotel
Kazarao di Mavete
Family-Friendly
Pestana Tropico (amazing staff, pet-friendly and great location)
OASIS Praiamar
Beach-time
King Fisher Village – Tarrafal
Kama Ku Kafé – Pousada and B&B – Cidade Velha
Luxury
Pestana Tropico (amazing staff, pet-friendly and great location)
Hotel Peróla
Hotel Vip Praia
Oasis Praiamar
Sal & Boavista – Best place to stay for All-Inclusive Holidays in Cape Verde
Many people visit Cape Verde to have a stress-free holiday. Often, the preferred option is going for an “all-inclusive” hotel where you don’t need to worry about anything.
Even though this type of traveling will not bring you in touch with the local community, Cape Verde resorts are still a great way to unwind completely.
All-inclusive hotels in Cape Verde can only be found on two islands: Sal and Boa Vista.
Both islands are famous for their beautiful beaches and are the best area to stay in Cape Verde for beach holidays.
The laid-back lifestyle is perfect for those who want to spend a carefree holiday in Cape Verde.
If you are planning to stay in a Cape Verde All-Inclusive Hotel, don’t forget to the local community to increase the sustainability of your Cape Verdean holiday.
Visit local shops, do tours with local companies and support local associations (for example, turtle protection associations in Sal or Boa Vista). It will make your holiday so much more enriching!
The Best Cape Verde All Inclusive Hotels in Sal
Meliá Tortuga Beach Resort & Spa
Oasis Belorizonte
Hotel Riu Funana
Meliá Llana Beach Resort & Spa
Sol Dunas
The Best Cape Verde All Inclusive Hotels in Boa Vista
VOI Praia de Chaves Resort
Hotel Riu Cabo Verde
Royal Horizons Boa Vista
Hotel Riu Touareg
I hope this article helps you find the best place to stay in Cape Verde and decide the best island to stay in Cape Verde for your holiday.
Do you still have doubts?
Please do not hesitate to contact me, I am sure there will be a place on Cape Verde that perfectly meets your needs. Just remember that Cape Verde’s got it all!
Have you already been to Cape Verde? I would love to hear about your favorite places to stay.
Quick FAQ about Cabo Verde travel
Why travel to Cape Verde?
Because Cape Verde has so much to offer you’ll wonder why you didn’t consider visiting earlier!
From stunning mountains and hiking trails in Santo Antao, to the vibrant music scene in Mindelo, Sao Vicente, pristine sandy beaches in Sal or wine culture in Fogo: there are 1001 reasons to visit Cape Verde as soon as possible.
1. Safety
On top, the country boasts a very stable democratic regime and you are generally safe when visiting as a foreigner. However, you should avoid certain parts of Santiago, the capital of Cape Verde.
2. Affordable
Apart from islands like Sal or Boa Vista, Cape Verde is a relatively cheap holiday destination where you get excellent quality & quantity for your money.
3. Culture
Another reason why I loved Cape Verde so much and would go back, like tomorrow, is the vibrant cultural mix and the Cape Verdean people. They are just the sweetest and most generous people I met in a long time.
Of course, you always need to be careful and can’t trust anybody blindly, but I only had extremely positive experiences (except in Mindelo, where I was a bit scared to walk alone in the streets in the beginning).
The cultural creole mix is breathtaking and the multifaceted music culture is just everywhere. I can’t remember a day in Mindelo where I didn’t hear music in the streets.
4. Pristine Beaches
Cape Verde is still not very well known as a tourist destination. However, the “beach holiday islands” like Sal or Boa Vista are becoming increasingly popular thus I recommend visiting as soon as possible.
Maio is the island with probably the highest potential to become the next top beach destination.
5. Spectacular hikes
Who’d think that Cape Verde is a paradise for hikes? Especially such gems as Santo Antao, San Nicolau, and Fogo will leave nature lovers in awe!
The “hiking islands” of Cape Verde are a particularly great destination for winter holidays in Cape Verde.
Where is Cape Verde and how many islands are there?
Cabo Verde, also called Cape Verde, comprises a group of 10 islands that lie 385 miles (620 km) off the west coast of Africa. Praia, on Santiago, is the capital.
I got a profound knowledge about Sal, Sao Vicente and Santo Antao, but also learned about the best that islands like Fogo, Sao Nicolau or Santiago have to offer.
Even if I got to visit only 3 of them for a longer period, I learned a lot about the other islands by talking to locals, sailors, and other travelers.
Later on, I visited Fogo, Maio and Brava for an immersion tour. That’s how this travel guide of Cape Verde came to be.
Choosing the “best” island to stay in Cape Verde, heavily depends on your expectations and plans for your holiday.
First of all you have to distinguish between the “barlavento” (windward) islands, referring to Santo Antão, São Vicente, Santa Luzia, São Nicolau, Sal and Boa Vista; and “sotavento” (leeward) islands, including Maio, Santiago, Fogo and Brava.
A Hard Choice: What is the best island of Cape Verde for your holiday?
If you are looking for crystal-clear beaches and a relaxing time on the beach, then the islands of Sal and Boa Vista are made for your holiday. However, in my opinion, those islands were not very interesting from a cultural point of view.
Large hotel complexes and resorts prevent a genuine exchange between locals and tourists.
If you are a hiking and outdoor activity lover, you’ll be the happiest on Santo Antao or Fogo, boasting the highest mountain of the archipelago. Culturally interested people will fall in love with Mindelo, Sao Vicente, the hometown of Cesaria Evora.
So before you head to Cape Verde, decide if you want party holidays, quieter locations, fantastic hiking trails, nature, city life or remote beaches.
What is the Best Time to Visit Cape Verde?
…is all year round!
A pleasantly tropical destination, the Cape Verde islands benefit from average annual temperatures of between 26°C and 30°C. January is the coldest month which is perfect to experience the mountainous islands of Fogo, Santo Antao, and Sao Nicolau.
This makes Cape Verde a perfect winter holiday destination, and I can only recommend making a trip to Cape Verde at Christmas.
Mindelo on Sao Vicente as it hosts one of the most essential carnivals after Rio de Janeiro. There are daily events during carnival season and percussion and dance groups start rehearsing in early December.
However, you can expect over 180mm spread during the summer months (August – October). Autumn and spring are dry with very little rainfall, making them the best time to go to Cape Verde for sunny and dry weather.
I created a list of the best things to do in Cape Verde.
Where are the best places to stay in Cape Verde?
The best place to stay in Cape Verde largely depends on your holiday plans.
For hiking: Santo Antao, Sao Vicente, Fogo and Brava.
For beaches: Maio, Boa Vista and Sal
For volcanoes: Fogo
For city life: Sao Vicente and Santiago island
Cabo Verde Accommodation Map
Before You Go: Top Tips for your Trip
- You’ll snap tons of photos and I love to take my GoPro in order to shoot even in extreme situations.
- Make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and hiking sandals when traveling to warm countries. Consider trying some of these eco-friendly vegan hiking boots.
- Sunscreen is key! I always take with me my eco-friendly sunscreen by Thinksport.
- I always carry a light rain jacket, just in case. Pack smart with these organic cotton clothing companies.
- Be environmentally friendly and get one of these awesome backpacks made from recycled materials.
- Get in the mindset with these amazing wilderness survival books.
- Travel insurance is essential! If you haven’t already obtained travel insurance for your trip, travel is protected against all odds with HeyMondo.
Hola! I’m Paulina, a seasoned travelette who crossed the Atlantic Ocean by Boat HitchHiking. On my blog, find expert insights for an extraordinary holiday through outdoor and sustainable travel like hiking, cycling, and sailing. Let’s embark on unforgettable journeys together! 🌍🚀
Coffee in Cape Verde
Sunday 26th of May 2019
Arabica plants grow in the north of the islands at 1,000; 1,600 m altitude near volcanoes on black basalt rocks called lapilli. In doing so, one makes use of the principle of planting vine.