Cape Verde holidays

Things to do in Cape Verde

From dazzling white sandy beaches, to tousled jungles and vast volcanic landscapes, the Cape Verde islands are a unique collection of islands found off the coast of Africa. Offering a vibrant blend of cultures, with influences from Portugal, Africa and Brazil, the islands give visitors the chance to experience a holiday with a real difference.

Enjoy one of the 10 islands with unique attractions, whether you are looking for a family holiday or a couples getaway Cape verde has it all.

Horseback riding

Visit Santa Maria, the most famous beach in Sal. Sal Cape Verde holidays are not all about playing in the water. Most of the horseriding tours happen here.

Kite Surfing

Back above the waves, kitesurfing is one of the most popular water sports in the Cape Verde Islands. Beginners can learn the ropes at surfing schools, while experts can hire all the kit they need, and show off their balance and poise. 

Nightlife

Cape Verde nightlife entails traditional dances and live music (especially Creole music). Don't let your cheap holidays to Cape Verde end without enjoying the native African sounds combined with Latin and European instruments in the liveliest islands- Santa Maria, São Vicente and Mindelo.

Experience Scuba diving in Sal 

The island of Sal is one of the finest diving destinations in the Atlantic, offering the chance to see hammerhead sharks, sting rays, sailfish and tuna. Suit up, join a dive boat, and head to hotspots like Farol Baiox or Choclasse for an underwater treat. 

Hike to the Volcanic Peaks of Fogo 

The island of Fogo is dominated by the soaring Pico de Fogo, a volcano which can be climbed with expert guides over day-long excursions. But anyone can visit Cha das Caldeiras, a town that has constantly lived in the shadow of eruptions - probably because the farmland around the town produces some of the islands' finest wine. 

Learn About Sea Turtles 

Both Sal and Boa Vista are great places to get to know Caretta Caretta turtles, who nest on the islands' beaches. The beaches are protected, but expert guides can show visitors how the animals nest, and provide a glimpse of these fascinating creatures.

Things to see in Cape Verde

Volcanic Landscape

Your Cape Verde holidays in December, or all year round wouldn't be the same without checking out Fogo, (meaning fire in Portuguese), a fiery island. Its active volcano summit is 2,829M above sea level. It will take you 6 hours to climb the Pico de Fogo.

Harbour town - Palmeira

A busy harbour town, Palmeira, attracts a lot of tourists with its appealing architecture, lively bars and delicious restaurants. For the more adventurous, go and explore underwater reefs and caves. Our Cape Verde holidays review is just a tip of the iceberg so you have to visit the harbour town and see for yourself.

Top 5 attractions in Cape Verde

Cape Verde’s destinations range from deserted, uninhabited beaches to colourful towns. You can spend your time exploring the diverse landscapes or lazing under the sun on an untouched sandy stretch.

• The second biggest of the islands, Santo Antao is home to a stunning blend of landscapes, from rich pine forests to a towering volcano. This island is great for active visitors, as it offers phenomenal hiking, rock climbing and scuba diving.
• Sao Vincente is a unique island and home to Mindelo, an exciting city bursting with music, art and culture. Mindelo’s streets are filled with striking architecture and some lively restaurants and bars with live music. The beach is also a popular place for windsurfing.
• If you really feel like getting away from it all, Brava is the ideal destination. The smallest inhabited island in Cape Verde, it can only be reached by boat, but it boasts a dazzling landscape of gorges, mountains, and flower filled hillsides and gardens.
• Beach lovers will fall for Sal, an island that meets the bright turquoise sea with white sands. Santa Maria is the main tourist area, and offers visitors a lively array of water sports, as well as an infectiously friendly nightlife.
• Sightseeing is offered on Santiago, an island rich with culture and history, and home to Cape Verde’s capital, Praia.

How to get there?

How long is the Flight to Cape Verde? The African archipelago is highly accessible. From London, the capital city (Praia) is a 2,837-mile journey. Direct flights  to Sal and Boa Vista are available from Manchester, Gatwick, Bristol, Birmingham etc. These flights take about 6 hours.

Public transportation

Buses are the cheapest way to get around. They provide a clean and regular service. A taxi is a good alternative. To go between islands, take a watercraft, fly in a propeller plane, or hop on a ferry. Your Cape Verde holidays in November would still be exciting however you travel.

Typical food and gastronomy

After spotting the best place to stay in Cape Verde, sit back and feast on traditional Cape Verdean cuisines spiced up with flavours of your origin. Meals and drinks in the 10 beguiling isles are inspired by African, Creole, Brazilian, and Portuguese gastronomies. Do not leave Cape Verde before tasting Cachupa, a slow-cooked national dish made of corn kernels, beans, fish/beef and vegetables. Also try Buzio, Bafas, Carpachio, Morreia and Tuna Tartar.

What is the Best time of the year to visit Cape Verde?

Finding the best island to stay in Cape Verde is awesome. Knowing the right season to visit the African Caribbean is equally important. If you are keen on kitesurfing and windsurfing, take a vacation during November when the winds and waves are building up. December is a festive month and the climate is warm and dry. How about celebrating Christmas on the beach?

Weather & Climate

Cape Verde is a pleasantly tropical place with average temperatures ranging from 26°C to 30°C. This tells you that Cape Verde holiday deals apply year-round. The coldest month is January with an average of 8 hours of sunshine per day and maximum temperature of 24°C. If you prefer basking in the sun after swimming in the Atlantic ocean, visit the destination in August when temperatures are at their peak.

Visas and other essential information

Visitors from countries other than Europe need a visa to enter Cape Verde. Your passport should have a validity of no less than 6 months from the travel date.

What language is spoken in Cape Verde?

Cape Verde residents speak half-African and half-European. They speak Portuguese (official language), Creole (a mix of African dialects and Portuguese) and French. English is spoken by former Cape Verdeans who come back to do business.

Cape Verde travel information

• Average time flight: 6 - 10 hours
• Currency: Cape Verdean Escudo

Accommodation in Cape Verde

Choose from hundreds of best hotels in Cape Verde all inclusive and save with lastminute.com. 
Rest assured of ATOL protection for your airfare-hotel package. Book your accommodation in advance so you have enough time to figure out the best deal.

Which resort is right for you?

Which resort is right for you? Whether you wish to find a beachside haven or a hideaway in the middle of the mountains, the perfect resort is waiting on your holiday to Cape Verde.

• With over 50 kilometres of shimmering beaches, Boa Vista is the sparkling jewel in Cape Verde’s crown. This island is all about vast, deserted white sands, dazzling turquoise seas, and the magical sight of humpback whales and sea turtles. It’s the ideal holiday haven for a romantic break.
• Gripping to the southern shores of Sal is Santa Maria, a captivating beach town of cobbled streets, colourful houses and pure white sands. From dining in the vibrant cafes to water sports on the beach, this resort is a friendly concoction of fun and charm; perfect for a family holiday in the sun.

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