Luxury Holidays
in Cape Verde

A paradise on earth

Cape Verde

About Cape Verde

Cape Verde is a sun drenched island destination off the coast of West Africa, known for its year round warmth, golden beaches and relaxed island lifestyle. Combining African, Portuguese and Creole influences, Cape Verde offers a unique blend of culture, coastal beauty and effortless winter sun, making it a favourite for couples and travellers seeking laid back luxury.

Scattered across the Atlantic, the islands of Cape Verde are best known for their wide sandy beaches, clear waters and peaceful pace of life. Whether you choose the resort focused shores of Sal and Boa Vista or the more cultural islands rich in music, history and scenery, Cape Verde is all about switching off and embracing island time.

With reliable sunshine, calm seas and welcoming hospitality, Cape Verde is perfect for beach holidays, winter escapes and relaxing breaks where doing very little feels like a pleasure. It’s a destination that invites you to slow down, unwind and enjoy simple moments under endless blue skies.

More About Cape Verde

Many travellers have been visiting Cape Verde for some time now, and it‘s easy to see why when you witness its beautiful beaches and unique landscapes. Cape Verde is made up of 10 islands located off the west coast of Africa in the Atlantic Ocean. It takes approximately six hours to fly from the UK to Cape Verde, and because of the sunny weather throughout the year, there are various options for when to go. Despite being relatively new to the travel scene, Cape Verde is quickly gaining popularity as a destination off the beaten track. With its long sandy beaches, active surf scene, and modern hotels, it is becoming a go-to destination for tourists.

Sal is the most popular island in Cape Verde, renowned for its striking moon-like terrain. It features colourful cobbled towns like Santa Maria in the southern shores, where you can find surf shops, traditional restaurants and a beautiful square filled with al fresco cafes. The most significant attraction, however, is the beach, which stretches along the coast for eight kilometres. Watersports are a major draw, but if the sea is a little choppy, sunbathing is a popular alternative. The hotels are like little villages in themselves, and RIU has several properties near the seafront, such as the Riu Palace Cabo Verde, which offers tons of activities and all-inclusive deals that run 24 hours a day.

Boa Vista, which translates to "beautiful view," has a lot more beaches to offer. In fact, the sugar-coloured sands here outline the coastline for 55 uninterrupted kilometres. Praia Chave is particularly noteworthy due to its creamy swathes and shape-shifting dunes.

If you select any of the resorts, you should expect a cultural melting pot. The Portuguese discovered Cape Verde initially, so there is a blend of African, Brazilian, and Portuguese influences. You can see this mix in the island's music, fashion, and, most explicitly, the food.

Best Time to Visit

Best time to visit: November to June

Cape Verde enjoys warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine year round, but the months from November to June offer the best overall conditions. This period is ideal for beach holidays, watersports and relaxed sightseeing, with low rainfall and comfortable heat.

July to October is warmer and more humid, with a short rainy season, though showers are usually brief and sunshine still dominates.

Highlights / Things To Do

Markets of Santa Maria

In Santa Maria, you'll find a melting pot of cultures that come together to offer a truly unforgettable experience. The resort's colourful open-air market is a treasure trove of unique souvenirs, and the town's cobbled streets are alive with the energy of trendy surf shops and traditional artisans. Let the vibrant spirit of Santa Maria inspire you to discover something new and exciting around every corner.

Destination Information

Capital

Praia

Key Highlights

Key highlights and things to see and do in Cape Verde

Relax on golden sandy beaches

Cape Verde is best known for its long stretches of golden sand and crystal clear waters. Sal and Boa Vista offer some of the most beautiful beaches in the Atlantic, ideal for sunbathing, swimming and unwinding in a peaceful setting.

Enjoy watersports and ocean experiences

The islands are a paradise for water lovers. Popular activities include snorkelling, diving, sailing, kite surfing and windsurfing, with consistent breezes and warm seas creating excellent conditions year round.

Explore desert landscapes and coastal scenery

Take a quad bike or 4x4 excursion across sand dunes, salt flats and dramatic coastlines. These guided experiences reveal Cape Verde’s wild beauty and offer a different perspective beyond the beaches.

Discover local culture and island life

Cape Verde has a strong cultural identity influenced by African, Portuguese and Creole heritage. Visit local villages, markets and fishing ports to experience daily island life, friendly locals and traditional music scenes.

Enjoy boat trips and marine life encounters

Catamaran cruises, fishing trips and dolphin spotting tours are popular across the islands. In season, visitors may also witness turtle nesting along protected beaches.

Embrace the slow pace of island living

One of Cape Verde’s greatest highlights is its relaxed atmosphere. Long lunches, sunset walks, live music evenings and unhurried days define the experience, making it ideal for switching off and recharging.

Island hopping for deeper discovery

For travellers looking to explore more, island hopping allows you to combine beach resorts with cultural islands like São Vicente or Santiago, adding music, history and scenery to your stay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cape Verde is ideal for relaxed beach holidays with a touch of culture. It’s perfect for couples, winter sun seekers and those looking for laid-back resort stays, with some islands also offering music, history and nature experiences.
Sal and Boa Vista are the most popular islands for beach and resort holidays, known for golden sands and year-round sunshine. São Vicente and Santiago offer more culture, local life and authentic experiences for travellers wanting something deeper.
Yes. Cape Verde is one of the best winter sun destinations, with warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine from November to April, making it an attractive alternative to long-haul Caribbean breaks.
Cape Verde is generally considered safe and welcoming for tourists, especially in resort areas. Normal travel precautions apply, but visitors typically enjoy a relaxed and comfortable stay.
Yes, but Cape Verde is more about laid-back exploration than fast-paced sightseeing. Visitors can enjoy beautiful beaches, coastal walks, water sports and boat trips alongside local culture, music and island life. On islands like Sal and Boa Vista, activities focus on relaxation, sea excursions, quad biking, turtle watching and watersports. Other islands such as São Vicente and Santiago offer more cultural depth, historic towns, hiking, live music and traditional markets. Cape Verde is ideal for travellers who want sunshine, scenery and a slower rhythm, with the option to explore when they choose rather than a packed sightseeing schedule.

Map Location

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Quick Facts

Flight Time
Approx 6.5 Hours hours
Currency
CVE
Population
516,000
Languages
PORTUGUESE & CREOLE
Haul
Short-Haul

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