Cape Verde is the UK’s secret weapon for winter sun: ten volcanic islands in the Atlantic, warm and dry all year, about six hours from many UK airports. Most visitors head for the long beaches and all-inclusive resorts of Sal and Boa Vista — but the other islands, with their mountain trails, volcano wines and music, are just as rewarding.
This guide helps you choose the right island, explains entry rules and local taxes, and suggests how to add a second island. For our trips, see our Cape Verde holidays page.
The quick answer
- For restaurants, nightlife and kitesurfing, choose Sal (Santa Maria).
- For huge empty beaches and dunes, pick Boa Vista.
- For hiking, add Santo Antão; for music, São Vicente (Mindelo).
- It is warm and dry all year; December to April is the windiest season.
- Pre-register online and pay the airport security fee before you fly.
Which island?
| Island | Best for | What it feels like |
|---|---|---|
| Sal | Beach plus nightlife, watersports | Santa Maria’s beach and pier, salt-lake floating at Pedra de Lume |
| Boa Vista | Quiet beaches, families | Dunes, empty sand, turtle nesting in summer |
| Santiago | History, culture | Praia, Cidade Velha (UNESCO) and Tarrafal’s bay |
| São Vicente | Music, carnival | Mindelo’s colonial streets and live morna |
| Santo Antão | Hiking | Green valleys and mountain trails |
| Fogo | Adventure, wine | An active volcano with vineyards in its crater |
Sal and Boa Vista both have direct UK flights and plenty of all-inclusive choice. To see a different side of Cape Verde, add three nights on Santo Antão and São Vicente, linked by a short ferry, with an inter-island flight back.
Things to do
- Float in the salt lake at Pedra de Lume on Sal, inside an old volcanic crater.
- Kitesurf or windsurf — Sal and Boa Vista are world-class in the windy season.
- Turtle watching — loggerhead turtles nest on Boa Vista and Sal in summer.
- Hike Santo Antão — dramatic valleys such as Paul and Ribeira Grande.
- Climb Fogo — and taste the wine grown inside the crater.
- Live music in Mindelo — the home of morna, made famous by Cesária Évora.
When to go
Cape Verde is warm and dry all year, around 25–30°C, which makes it ideal winter sun from October to May. December to April is the windiest season — great for kitesurfing but breezy on the beach. August to October can be humid, with occasional showers.
Getting there and entry
Direct flights from many UK airports to Sal and Boa Vista take about 6 hours, and Cape Verde is one hour behind the UK in winter. UK passport holders can stay up to 30 days without a visa but must pre-register online and pay the airport security fee before travelling. Check the FCDO travel advice for Cape Verde.
Money and local charges
The Cape Verdean escudo is pegged to the euro, and euros are widely accepted. A tourist tax is charged per person per night and paid locally at the hotel; we show it in your quote.
Food and drink
Try cachupa, the slow-cooked national stew of corn, beans and meat or fish, fresh tuna and wahoo, and goat’s cheese with papaya jam. Finish with a glass of grogue, the local sugar-cane rum, or a crater wine from Fogo.
Ask us which island suits you →
Frequently asked questions
Sal or Boa Vista?
Sal has more restaurants, nightlife and the best kitesurfing; Boa Vista has bigger, emptier beaches and is quieter.
When is the best time to visit Cape Verde?
Any time — it is warm and dry all year. October to May is perfect winter sun; December to April is the windiest season.
How long is the flight to Cape Verde?
About 6 hours direct from many UK airports to Sal and Boa Vista.
Do I need a visa for Cape Verde?
No visa for stays up to 30 days, but you must pre-register online and pay the airport security fee before you travel.
Is there a tourist tax in Cape Verde?
Yes, charged per person per night and paid locally at the hotel.
Planning a Cape Verde holiday?
Tell us whether you want a beach week or an island-hopping adventure, and we will build it around you.
