Cape Verde Holidays

Enjoy our lowest-priced travel months!

Cape Verde is all about dreamy beaches, mouth-watering food, and bars so good they practically shout, “Stay for one more!”

Holidays to Cape Verde

10 islands to choose from
A tropical climate to die for
Bundles of white-sand beaches
The third-largest nesting site for loggerhead turtles

Good to know

🤩 Fun fact: Cape Verde is basically sunshine’s favourite spot – it gets 350 days of sun a year! That’s practically a guarantee for a proper good tan.
🏖️ Best beach: Santa Maria Beach in Sal – soft golden sands, crystal-clear waters, and a beach bar or two for when you fancy a cocktail. Absolute paradise.
🍺 Price of a pint: Around 200 CVE (Cape Verdean Escudo), which is about £1.50 – sunshine and cheap drinks? We’ll cheers to that.

🗣️ Local Lingo – Talk Like a Cape Verde Legend

Cape Verde might look laid-back, but the local lingo? It’s got personality for days. While Portuguese is the official language, most locals speak Cape Verdean Creole (Kriolu) – and throwing in a few phrases will earn you instant respect (and probably a bigger smile at the bar). Here are five to get you started:

👋 “Olá” (oh-lah) – the classic hello. Simple, friendly, and works every time. Pair it with a smile and you’re already winning.

🙏 “Obrigado / Obrigada” (oh-bree-gah-doo / -dah) – thank you! Use obrigado if you’re male, obrigada if you’re female. Either way, manners = top tier.

🍻 “Um cerveja, por favor” (oom ser-veh-zha por fah-vor) – one beer, please. Arguably the most important phrase you’ll learn. You’re welcome.

😎 “Tudo fixe?” (too-doo feesh?) – literally “all good?” but really it’s more like “you alright?” A chilled, everyday greeting you’ll hear everywhere.

🌴 “Morabeza” (mor-ah-beh-zah) – this one’s special. It’s not just a word, it’s a whole vibe. It means warmth, hospitality, and that easy-going Cape Verde energy you’ll feel from day one.

Where is the best area to stay on your holidays to Cape Verde 2026?

Cape Verde might not be massive, but choosing where to stay can still be a proper head-scratcher. Don't stress – we’ve got the lowdown on the best spots for every type of jolly, whether you're after an all-inclusive escape, a budget-friendly break, or a last-minute dash to the sunshine.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family holidays - if you're bringing the kiddos, Sal is the place to be. Think all-inclusive resorts, kid-friendly pools, and miles of sandy beaches for endless sandcastle competitions. Santa Maria is a top pick – calm waters, water sports, and even the odd turtle spotting. What more could you want?
👯 Squad goals - if you've got the whole gang in tow, then Boa Vista is the place to be. It’s got beach bars galore, live music, and enough quad biking and dune bashing to keep the adrenaline pumping from noon til night. Speaking of, nights here are all about cocktails by the ocean and laid-back beach parties – it's a vibe.
💑 Coupling up - romantic getaway? Boa Vista or Sal are 10/10 for couples. Think secluded beaches, candlelit dinners, and sunset catamaran cruises that’ll have you feeling all kinds of boujee. Fancy a splash of adventure? Go island-hopping or try horse riding along the beach for that true rom-com-movie-moment feel.

🏝️ What are the best beaches to visit on your Cape Verde holidays?

Cape Verde’s got all the right ingredients for a top-tier getaway – beaches that look like screensavers, laid-back locals, and nightlife that turns up the heat just when you’re ready for it. Whether you're after serious R&R or a bit of island hopping and cocktail popping, these volcanic isles are ready to rock your flip-flops off.

Santa Maria Beach - this is probs one of the most popular beaches in Cape Verde, ideal for water sports fans and beach bar lovers wanting buzzing energy and golden sands. It's what beach holiday dreams are made of.
Prainha Beach - great for families seeking calm waters, easy paddling and local vendors for snacks.
Ponta Preta Beach - a quiet escape for chilled-out sunbathers wanting soft sands away from the crowds of Sal.
Tarrafal Beach - wanna feel like you’ve stepped straight into a postcard? Then this is your bag. A stunning Santiago gem for snorkellers and scenery lovers.
Praia de Santa Monica - these are the kinda bragging rights you wanna aim for, not often you can say you've topped up your tan on the most beautiful beach in Cape Verde - it's packing gorge white sands and calm waters perfect for a swim or an Insta-spam.
Praia de Chaves - on the island of Boa Vista, this stunning beach is a paradise waiting to be stepped on. The lush sand is the perf place to plonk your towel down and get your tan on - it can get pretty windy here sometimes, so windsurfing and kitesurfing are a must!

🏨 What are the top hotels to stay at in Cape Verde?

From loud-and-proud beachfront resorts to charming apartment complexes that are perfect for a cheap holiday in an exotic location, narrowing down the best hotels in Cape Verde is no easy task - but we tried!

Hilton Cabo Verde Sal Resort - a boujee five-star stay is on the cards with all you can need for a jam-packed family jolly, we're talking water sports, a pool, kid's clubs and tasty dining spots.
Vila Do Farol - the swanky swimming pool at this hotel is dying to be photographed, but maybe even more so is the gorge Santa Maria beach complete with beach bar that the hotel is sat along.
Morabeza - another four-star corker along Santa Maria beach, with a tonne of sports activities on offer, three swimming pools, tennis courts, bars and restaurants galore, you name it, it's probably here.
Agua Hotels Sal Vila Verde - this ones got the family in mind with glistening swimming pools, a playground for the little ones, buffet-style or a la carte dining options and even a handy dandy shuttle service to Ponta Preta beach and the town of Santa Maria - how's that for swanky.
Hotel LIVVO Budha Beach - a top-tier stay in the sun with a boutique feel from the small number of rooms to the experimental fusion dining, to the live music at sunset, sports and leisure activities and swimming pools to die for.

Cape Verde holidays 2026 travel guide

🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒 Things to do in Cape Verde for Families

Cape Verde is packed with kid-friendly adventures, adorable animals, and nature encounters that’ll turn the dial on your family holiday all the way up to 11.

Feed donkeys, guinea pigs, and monkeys at Viveiro Garden Centre & Animal Sanctuary in Sal.
Spot Loggerhead turtles nesting at Ervatao Beach (Boa Vista) between July and October.
Enjoy calm, safe beaches perfect for paddling and sandcastle supremacy.

👩🏼‍❤️‍👨🏾 Things to do in Cape Verde for Couples

Romance is in the air - and on the sand, sea, and stars - on a couple’s getaway to Cape Verde.

Stargaze in the Boa Vista desert with dinner under the Milky Way.
Sip cocktails aboard an adults-only catamaran along Sal’s west coast.
Sneak away to secluded coves for some serious sunset snogging.
Enjoy a couples’ spa day with ocean views and fresh coconut scrubs.

🥾 Things to do in Cape Verde for Adventurers

If you're the thrill-chasing type, Cape Verde serves up heart-pounding activities with a tropical twist.

Brave the shallows with lemon sharks at Shark’s Bay.
Learn to surf or sharpen your skills with local beach pros.
Explore the volcanic landscapes of Fogo on a guided trek.
Go quad biking across the dunes and volcanic flats.

🌋 Things to do in Cape Verde for Nature Lovers

From epic peaks to whale tail splashes, Cape Verde’s natural scenes are the real main character.

Hike the Serra da Malagueta range to the island’s second-highest peak.
Spot rare birds, flora and wildlife in lush hidden valleys.
Go whale watching off Boa Vista between March and May.
Take a boat tour around uninhabited islets for untouched scenery.

🍽️ Things to do in Cape Verde for Foodies

From spicy street eats to fresh fish feasts, your taste buds are in for a party. Check out these top foodie adventures.

Shop local at Mercado Municipal in Mindelo for exotic spices and snacks.
Cook traditional dishes like Cachupa in a Cape Verdean cooking class.
Catch your own fish and grill it beachside like a true legend.
Sip grogue at a distillery or go wine tasting on Fogo Island.
Hop between beachfront bars for tropical cocktails with sunset views.

🌍 More Destinations

🏖️ Morocco – golden beaches, buzzing souks and desert adventures with a side of mint tea and rooftop sunsets

🌴 Gambia – small but mighty, with river cruises, friendly locals and easy-going beach resorts perfect for a chilled jolly

🐠 Egypt – Red Sea reefs, year-round sun and all-inclusive resorts that are basically built for doing nothing (in the best way)

🏝️ Mauritius – luxury meets laid-back, with coral reefs, waterfalls and beaches that don’t even look real

🌅 South Africa – from Cape Town’s beaches to vineyard hopping and coastal road trips, it’s giving “bit of everything” energy

☀️ Tunisia – budget-friendly sun, sandy beaches and a mix of culture, history and all-inclusive ease

Popular Cape Verde hotels

More Cape Verde hotels

Stunning Cape Verde resorts

Weather in Cape Verde

JAN

22^°C

FEB

22^°C

MAR

24^°C

APR

25^°C

MAY

25^°C

JUN

27^°C

JUL

28^°C

AUG

28^°C

SEP

27^°C

OCT

25^°C

NOV

23^°C

DEC

23^°C

This island paradise has sunshine on speed dial, serving up a beachy blend of blue skies and balmy nights all year long. Cape Verde doesn’t just do good weather - it nails it, every single season of your holiday.

Let’s talk summer in Cape Verde. Picture this: temperatures lounging between 23°C and 31°C, skies so blue they look Photoshopped, and that gentle sea breeze keeping things juuust right. It’s basically Mother Nature showing off. Whether you're splashing in the surf or catching Zs under a palm tree, you’re living the postcard dream.

But don’t go stashing those flip-flops just yet! Winter here is a total dark horse. Sure, it cools down a touch, but we're still talking a toasty low to mid-20s°C. Perfect for those sunset strolls, lazy lunches outdoors, and topping up your tan without breaking a sweat.

Come spring and autumn, and it’s like Cape Verde found the perfect setting and stuck with it. Think of it as Goldilocks weather - not too hot, not too cool, just right. Ideal for everything from sightseeing to serious sunbathing. Honestly, it’s like the weather forgot how to be bad.

FAQs

It takes about 6 hours to fly from the UK/Ireland to Cape Verde - not as long as you were thinking? Good, so time to sink a few inflight tipples!

The local currency in Cape Verde is the Cape Verdean Escudo.

The time in Cape Verde is one hour behind the UK/Ireland - you're flying 6 hours only for jet lag not to be an excuse to take an extra day off work when you get home. Devastating.

The official language spoken in Cape Verde is Portuguese.

Spot the turtles

Sal Island is home to Project Biodiversity, a conservation project that protects the loggerhead turtles right in their natural nesting sites. It's a top-notch chance to get the kids clued up on nature—and let’s be honest, watching baby turtles waddle to the sea? Adorable and educational.

Visit the salt mines

Pedra de Lume’s salt mines are a proper eye-popper, with pastel pinks and snowy whites painting the mountain. But the real magic? Floating in the salty pools while soaking up the views and the minerals. It’s like Mother Nature made her own spa - two-for-one style.

Head to the Blue Eye

Tucked away on Sal, Buracona (aka the Blue Eye) is a lava-formed wonder that glows with an unreal turquoise shimmer when the sunlight hits just right. Fancy a dip? Go for it—on calm days you can take a swim. Otherwise, just stroll the walkway and soak up the otherworldly vibes.

Grab your snorkel

Cape Verde’s coast is practically begging you to dive in. Murdeira village is a hotspot for snorkelling, with clear waters and coral-rich zones that’ll have you swimming with colourful fish in no time. Don’t forget your underwater camera - you’re gonna want to remember this.

Take a ride along the sand dunes

Boa Vista’s dunes look like they’ve been nicked from a movie set - wide, wavy, and totally surreal. If you’re feeling bold, hop on a quad bike and tear it up like Lara Croft on holiday. Bonus points for matching goggles.

Hike to Monte Verde

Fancy a challenge? Monte Verde is São Vicente’s highest peak, and it’s no walk in the park. Expect a proper leg day, but the views at the top are unreal—we’re talking epic panoramas that’ll make the sweat 100% worth it. Trust us.

Go dolphin spotting

If you're into smiles and squeaks, Cape Verde’s got just the thing. Join a boat trip off the coast of Sal or Boa Vista, where pods of dolphins often put on show-stopping acrobatic displays. It’s like nature’s version of a dance-off, and yes - it’s just as cute as it sounds.

Catch live Cape Verdean music

The soul of the islands is in its music, and nowhere does it better than Mindelo on São Vicente. Settle in at a local bar, sip something cold, and sway to the sounds of morna and coladeira - Cape Verde’s traditional tunes. It’s pure holiday magic for your ears.

What are the best events in Cape Verde?
It's not just about island hopping and beach bumming at this holiday hotspot, oh no, there's plenty of events and festivals taking place throughout the Archipelagos that are gonna have you feeling like a local and living like one too. Check out some of the events we wanna shout about below:
- Sao Vicente Carnival (February) - it's a party so iconic that half the world has got its own spin on it, even Cape Verde, Carnivale is a colourful, boisterous celebration featuring music, parades and eye-candy costumes.
- Kriol Jazz Festival (April) - a celebration of all things jazz and Creole that attracts artists from the world over for a day of music and joy - not one to be missed guys, especially if you're a music lover
- Gamboa Festival (May) - Santiago Island is bouncing when this music festival rolls into Praia with a host of local and international artists spanning multiple genres.
- Sao Joao Festival (June) - a more traditional festival with music, dancing, bonfires and a tonne of delish food, a Cape Verde holiday can only get better when this is on the agenda.
- Santa Isabel (July) - a celebration of the patron saint of Boa Vista, this event is brought to life with concerts, processions, crafts stalls, plenty of food and drink pop-ups and even a beauty pageant!
- Sao Vicente Baia das Gatas Festival (August) - this festival takes place over the August full moon and is beckoned along by artists and bands to thrum the great rock around the planet... kinda a big deal if you're all about astrology and partying.
- Santa Maria Festival (September) - a music festival to level up your holidays to Cape Verde with live music and a side of nibbles and tipples from the stalls that spring up along Santa Maria.
- National Culture Day (October) - something that'll get you feeling like a local, this celebration honours Cape Verdeam culture in all its facets and form with events, exhibitions and performances that scream Cape Verde.
- Mindelact (November) - calling all theatre lovers, this ones definitely for you! An international festival featuring performances from local and international theatre groups - keep it on your radar if you love live shows and the thrill of the stage.
- Christmas and NYE Celebrations (December) - the festive season is a time to be together, and where else but on a holiday to Cape Verde? You can expect decorations, and religious services, and when the clock strikes midnight on NYE, then let the fireworks crack and the parties get into their groove.
Where’s the best nightlife in Cape Verde?
Cape Verde is quite a laidback place, so most of its nightlife is centred around traditional dancing and live music. As the sun starts to set, you’ll hear plenty of local venues playing Morna music - traditional Cape Verdean music with guitars, violins, piano and native lyrics. There are, however, still plenty of clubs that will play more modern pop music for you to dance the night away:
- Morabeza Beach Club, Sal Rei - if you're after a beach party to plaster on your Insta-story, then this is your place, it's got stun views and even more stun food to sink your teeth into while you enjoy the live music.
- Mansa Floating Hub, Mindelo - one of the more unique spots on this list, this bar and club floats in Mindelo Bay where you can dance to pulse pumping DJ sets and enjoy live music.
- Quintal da Musica, Praia - a drink menu that will not quit, plenty of shows and live performances and the vibrant tones of traditional Camp Verdean music that'll have you shaking, rattling and rolling.
- Livraria Nho Djunga, Mindelo - A hidden gem in São Vicente, this cosy cultural café-meets-bar is ideal for music lovers. You’ll catch everything from impromptu jam sessions to poetry readings, often with a cheeky glass of grogue in hand. The vibe? Pure cool and totally local.
- Buddy Bar, Santa Maria - One for the night owls! Buddy Bar offers live DJs, themed nights, and open-air seating, right in the heart of Santa Maria. It blends chilled sunset drinks with full-blown party mode, making it a firm favourite with tourists and locals alike.
What's the food like in Cape Verde?
Seafood features heavily on the menu in Cape Verde, and thanks to its island status with plenty of surrounding water, it’s always as fresh as it comes. But, why stop there? There's so much tasty food to sample and add to the palate, in fact, we're such big advocates for trying new, local food that we've made you a lil' list of things to try while you're in Cape Verde:
- Cachupa - a slow-cooked stew made with vegetables, beans and either meat or fish.
- Pastel - a fried parcel filled with shredded tuna, chicken or beans and seasoned with paprika
- Ressois, which is essentially a Cape Verdean croquette, with mashed potato, shredded fish (usually mackerel), garlic and onions stuffed into a thin dough and rolled in breadcrumbs, before being deep-fried for a deliciously crispy coating.
- Cuscuz, which is across between a cake and a cornbread, often served with breakfast foods or topped with butter
- Queijo de cabra com doce de papaia - this one might sound confusing, but it’s essentially just goat’s cheese topped with papaya jam for a lil' sweet treat.
- Grogue - if you're feeling brave and fancy a tradish tipple, then try this Cape Verdean sugar cane rum.
What is food on your Cape Verde holidays without somewhere to settle down and tuck into it though? Like these recommendations for instance:
- Odjo d'Agua Hotel Restaurant, Santa Maria -if you're looking for local Cape Verdean flavour (like that Chacupa we mentioned), then don't look anywhere but here for freshness so good you'll be coming back for seconds.
- Taverna, Mindelo - we thought we'd chuck a lil' Italian offering into the mix, sometimes you crave your home comforts, so let this spot whisk you away to pizza and pasta central all made with fresh ingredients and a whole lotta love.
- Kebra Cabana, Praia - a beachfront location is just what the doctor ordered for dinner time, and this spot serves up local and international dishes in peaceful ambience by the crashing waves.
- Barracuda Restaurant, Santa Maria - This spot blends local flair with international flavours—think grilled lobster, zesty salads, and fish so fresh it practically swam to your plate. Grab a seat on the terrace and soak up that golden hour glow.
- Casa Café Mindelo, São Vicente - A true local fave with a creative twist. From tapas-style plates to Creole-inspired seafood, this cosy café offers big flavours, live music, and a welcoming buzz that turns dinner into a proper night out.

Places to visit

Cidade Velha
If you're a bit of a history buff and you're all about exploring places of time gone by, then make sure you get this at the top of your Cape Ver-do list. It's all about soaking up the sights, like the old churches, the markets, the cobbled streets, the fortress, all of it harkening back to Portugal's past when they discovered and settled on the islands. Over time the capital of Cape Verde was practically forced to move elsewhere, leaving this gorge town to the passing of time. It has since been rebuilt in an attempt to capture its once great essence and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Basically, when it comes to history with a view, this is your place, think of all the snaps of you on the fortress walls with the sea in the background, the cobbled streets making it onto your phone background... the possibilities are endless if you make a stop off here on your holidays to Cape Verde.
Fogo Island
Have you ever fancied climbing to the summit of an active volcano? A bit of thrillseeking with a dash of getting some of the ole fresh air in the lungs and a drizzle of getting them legs working overtime on this Cape Verde holiday. It's giving nature stroll with a vacay twist, a nature stroll that we reckon is ten times better with a guided tour to keep you feeling safe while you get up close and personal with some hot hot lava. Better yet, most excursions to this gorge island which holds the highest peak in Cape Verde atop it's back, is that private transfer is usually included, so one less thing to stress about, and hey, think about the killer views on the way up and at the top, that ought to settle any nerves you might have.
The Shipwreck of the M/S Cabo Santa Maria
This is one of those rare touristy spectacles that you really have to see before its gone, there's something morbidly fascinating about shipwrecks, which is probably why so many of them that end up on shorelines become sightseeing hot spots, and the Cabo Santa Maria is definitely no exception. After becoming stranded on a sandbar off the coast of Boa Vista, this ship has slowly deteriorated over the last 50 years, almost fully being claimed by the waves. So, what better time than the present to get yourself booked on a swanky excursion to go and marvel at this relic before it's gone, it might not be everyones cup of tea, but we reckon it's a pretty cool way to spend a day on your Cape Verde holidays.

Please check with your healthcare provider for all up to date vaccination advice before booking your holiday.

Yes, a tourist tax of €2 per person, per night for up to 10 nights (to a maximum of €20 for each guest) is payable for all visitors staying in hotels, apartments, villas, and bed & breakfast establishments in Cape Verde.

Also, be aware that you must fill in a traveller entry form at least five days before you arrive. This includes an airport security fee which must be paid before you arrive. Children aged 1 and under don't need a traveller entry form.

Cape Verde Holidays

Enjoy our lowest-priced travel months!

Holidays to Cape Verde

Good to know

🗣️ Local Lingo – Talk Like a Cape Verde Legend

Where is the best area to stay on your holidays to Cape Verde 2026?

🏝️ What are the best beaches to visit on your Cape Verde holidays?

🏨 What are the top hotels to stay at in Cape Verde?

Cape Verde holidays 2026 travel guide

🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒 Things to do in Cape Verde for Families

👩🏼‍❤️‍👨🏾 Things to do in Cape Verde for Couples

🥾 Things to do in Cape Verde for Adventurers

🌋 Things to do in Cape Verde for Nature Lovers

🍽️ Things to do in Cape Verde for Foodies

🌍 More Destinations

Popular Cape Verde hotels

Stunning Cape Verde resorts

Weather in Cape Verde

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

NOV

DEC

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FAQs

How long does it take to fly to Cape Verde?

What currency do they use in Cape Verde?

What's the time difference between the UK/Ireland and Cape Verde?

What language do they speak in Cape Verde?

Spot the turtles

Visit the salt mines

Head to the Blue Eye

Grab your snorkel

Take a ride along the sand dunes

Hike to Monte Verde

Go dolphin spotting

Catch live Cape Verdean music

What are the best events in Cape Verde?

Where’s the best nightlife in Cape Verde?

What's the food like in Cape Verde?

Places to visit

Cidade Velha

Fogo Island

The Shipwreck of the M/S Cabo Santa Maria

Key facts about Cape Verde

Flight time

6 hrs

Time Difference

BST: -2 Hrs GMT: -1 Hr

Currency

Cape Verdean Escudo

Language

Portuguese

Do I need any vaccinations to visit Cape Verde?

Do I need to pay tax on my holiday to Cape Verde?