Holidays In Cape Verde

Relax At Cape Verde’s Beachfront Hotels

If you love mild, year-round beach weather, are enchanted by long sandy beaches with crystal-clear water, and appreciate breathtaking natural panoramas with volcanic mountains and lush greenery, then Cape Verde is the destination for you.

Cape Verde: Africa’s West Coast Paradise

Cape Verde is a true paradise. Its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and diverse natural landscapes create the perfect setting for an extraordinary holiday experience. Particularly impressive is the black sand beach at Ponte Preta on Sal. The salt flats in Pedra de Lume are also unique; you can even swim in these former salt mines. For a great overview of Cape Verde’s flora and fauna, visit the Viveiro Zoo and Botanical Gardens, home to monkeys, parrots, and reptiles. 

Cape Verde also has a rich cultural heritage. For example, you can visit Cidade Velha on Santiago, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Alternative destinations within the same dates

The Most Popular Islands In Cape Verde

Cape Verde is not just one island but an entire archipelago of volcanic islands off the west coast of Africa.

Sal

Sal is one of the most popular islands in Cabo Verde, known for its beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters. It’s especially loved by kite and windsurfers as well as beachgoers. 

Boa Vista

On the second-largest island of Cabo Verde, you can immerse yourself in stunning natural beauty. Here, you’ll find untouched beaches, vast dunes, and, with a bit of luck, you can spot sea turtles. 

São Antão

São Antão offers a different view of Cabo Verde. With many mountains and a more rugged landscape, it’s perfect for hiking tours that offer breathtaking views of the island.

Santiago

The largest island of Cabo Verde, Santiago, is home to the capital city, Praia, and is the cultural centre of the archipelago. It also offers great conditions for a perfect beach holiday. 

Best Time To Visit Cape Verde

Cape Verde offers a fantastic holiday climate year-round, with temperatures ranging from 22 to 28 degrees Celsius. For a perfect beach holiday, the dry season from November to June is recommended for its pleasant temperatures. Surfers will enjoy the waves from July to October, and diving and snorkelling are possible all year round.   

Tip: If you visit in February or March, you might be lucky enough to see Cape Verde's popular Carnival celebrations.

Things To Do In Cape Verde

Two windsurfers gliding across turquoise ocean waters with waves breaking along a sandy beach.

Cape Verde’s stunning beaches make surfing, swimming, and sunbathing essential experiences for any visitor. Beyond the coastline, the islands offer countless opportunities to immerse yourself in their natural beauty and vibrant culture.

Go on a tour of Boa Vista

At the heart of Boa Vista, Praça de Santa Isabel buzzes with life and energy. Here, market vendors display an array of vibrant arts, crafts, and fresh local produce. It's the perfect place to sip a coffee or a refreshing drink while soaking in the lively atmosphere and colorful charm of the square.

Explore a World Heritage Site on Santiago island

The former capital of Cabo Verde, Cidade de Ribeira Grande de Santiago, has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2009. A visit here should be on your Cabo Verde travel itinerary. The small houses in Portuguese style have been lovingly restored and are a delight to explore. 

Kite on São Vicente 

São Vicente is a haven for beachgoers who love windsurfing and kiteboarding. The beaches around Baia das Gatas and Praia do Norte offer optimal conditions. After an active day on the water, relax in one of the many small restaurants in the harbour or the old town of Mindelo. 

Hike on São Nicolau 

If you enjoy mountain hiking, a tour on São Nicolau is a must. Here, you’ll find breathtaking panoramas with rugged cliffs, exotic plants, and untouched nature. As you hike, you’ll pass through small, authentic villages where you can stop for a refreshing drink. 

Cape Verde’s Top Beaches

Beach holidays and Cape Verde go hand in hand. Nowhere else will you find such a high density of exceptional beaches.

Praia Santa Monica, Boa Vista

At 22 kilometres long, Santa Monica Beach is the longest and, for many, the most beautiful beach in Cabo Verde. It offers everything you need from sun, fine sand, and deep blue water—perfect for swimming, walking, relaxing, and whale watching in the spring. 

Praia Santa Maria on Sal

Though only three kilometres long, Praia Santa Maria is wide and ideal for family swimming with its gently sloping waters. Depending on the weather, it’s also great for surfing or kiteboarding. 

Tarrafal Beach on Santiago

Tarrafal Beach, near the town of Tarrafal on Santiago, is the epitome of a dream beach. Lined with tropical palm trees, you’ll find fine white sand merging into the azure Atlantic. The nearby harbour has inviting restaurants and bars, perfect for ending a fantastic beach day. 

FAQs

This May Interest You

Tropical island with green mountains, white beaches and turquoise waters surrounded by the ocean.

Destinations worldwide

Discover TUI Hotels in destinations around the world, carefully curated to help you find the place that feels right. More▶

Infinity pool lined with palm trees overlooking the ocean, with overwater villas in the background.

The world of TUI Hotels

Curious about our hotel brands? Dive into a world of inspiration and holiday joy! More▶

Aerial view of a tropical island resort with white sandy beaches, turquoise waters and overwater villas.

Hotel of the month

Riu Palace Maldivas – 24h All Inclusive, overwater suites, spa, and world-class dining. White sands, turquoise waters, and unforgettable adventures await in the Dhaalu Atoll. More▶