Cape Verde, which island to choose for your vacation?
The Cape Verde archipelago, also known as Cabo Verde, bathed by the Atlantic Ocean, offers a mosaic of islands with varied landscapes and atmospheres. From white sandy beaches to green mountains and volcanic landscapes, each island has its own identity. Choosing the right island in this country is essential for a successful vacation, as is understanding the transportation options available. To find out more about how to get around between the islands and locally during your trip to Cape Verde, read our comprehensive guide to help you prepare for your trip to Cape Verde.
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Dream beaches and water sports: Sal and Boa Vista
These two islands, the most easterly in the archipelago, are renowned for their white sandy beaches and turquoise waters. They’re ideal for lovers of idleness and water sports.
Sal’s most beautiful beaches for lounging and kitesurfing
The island of Sal is Cape Verde’s most popular seaside resort for a pleasant stay. It attracts lovers of water sports, idleness and nightlife.
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Beaches and water sports | White sand and golden sand beaches, turquoise waters, ideal for swimming, relaxation and water sports. Ponta Preta (kitesurf/windsurf), Santa Maria (diving). |
| Nightlife | Santa Maria has a relaxed, festive atmosphere, with bars, restaurants and discos. |
| Accommodation and budget | Wide range of accommodation (luxury hotels to rentals). Budget generally higher. |
| Places not to be missed | Pedra Lume salt flats, Buracona blue hole, Santa Maria beach. |
Relaxation and turtle-watching on the beaches of Boa Vista
The island of Boa Vista, nicknamed the Island of the Dunes, is a magnificent haven for lovers of wild nature and vast stretches of desert sand.
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Beaches and activities | Some of the most beautiful beaches in Cape Verde (miles of white sand, crystal-clear waters). Sea turtle and humpback whale watching. |
| Ambiance and atmosphere | charging your batteries away from the hustle and bustle. |
| Accommodation and budget | Mainly hotel complexes and a few rentals. Budget similar to Sal. |
| Places not to be missed | Santa Monica beach, Viana desert, turtle-watching. |
Culture, music and festivities: São Vicente and Santiago
These two islands offer an immersion in Cape Verdean culture, with a lively nightlife and a rich historical heritage.
Cultural and musical vibrancy from Mindelo to São Vicente
The island of São Vicente, located between San Antao and Santa Luzia, is the cultural center of Cape Verde. It is renowned for its Cape Verdean music, its festivals and its famous lively town, Mindelo.
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Culture and life | Mindelo (capital city): bustling port, meeting place for artists and musicians. Mindelo Carnival (major event).vénement majeur). |
| Activities and entertainment | Discover the local culture, hiking, water sports, relaxing on the beaches. |
| Accommodation and budget | Wide range of accommodation (hotels, guesthouses, rentals). More affordable than Sal and Boa Vista. |
| Places not to be missed | Mindelo harbor, Monte Verde, Laginha beach. |
History, culture and the capital Praia in Santiago
Santiago is the largest island in Cape Verde. It is home to the capital, Praia. The island offers a blend of history, culture and nature.
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| History and culture | Praia (capital city of Cape Verde): lively city with a rich historical heritage. Cidade Velha (former colonial capital): UNESCO World Heritage Site. |
| Activities and discoveries | Hiking, discovering local culture, relaxing on the beaches. |
| Accommodation and budget | Wide range of accommodation. Budget-friendly overall. Places not to be missed |
| Places not to be missed | Cidade Velha, Praia market and Assomada market, Tarrafal beaches. |
Adventure and hiking: Santo Antão and Fogo
These two islands are perfect for active travelers and nature lovers. They offer spectacular scenery and hiking opportunities for all levels.
Breathtaking hiking and mountain scenery on Santo Antão
Santo Antão is Cape Verde’s most mountainous island. Here you can discover spectacular scenery and hiking trails for all levels.
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Hiking and nature | Green valleys, steep ridges, picturesque villages. A hiker’s paradise. |
| Ambiance and authenticity | Authentic, natural and peaceful, far from mass tourism. |
| Accommodation and budget | PrinciMainly guesthouses and hostels. More affordable budget. |
| Places not to be missed | Paul Valley, Ponta do Sol village, hiking along the ridges. |
Volcano climbing and lunar landscapes in Fogo
The island of Fogo is dominated by the active Pico do Fogo volcano, with a large crater 10 km in diameter and a summit 2,829 m high. It offers a panorama of spectacular scenery and a unique experience.
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Volcanism and hiking | Climb to the top of Pico do Fogo (experienced hikers). Spectacular volcanic scenery. |
| Ambiance and atmosphere | Unique atmosphere: villages located inside the volcano’s caldera. |
| Accommodation and budget | Simple accommodation in caldera villages. Affordable budget. |
| Places not to be missed | Pico do Fogo excursion, caldera tour, Chã das Caldeiras vineyards. |
Tranquility and authenticity: Brava, Maio and São Nicolau
These three less crowded islands offer a more authentic and peaceful experience, ideal for recharging your batteries away from the hustle and bustle of tourism.
Lush nature and authentic charm on Brava
Brava Island, the smallest inhabited island and the southernmost of the archipelago, is a beautiful little haven of peace with lush green landscapes and a peaceful atmosphere.
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Nature and tranquillity | Ideal for a quiet break to recharge your batteries and enjoy nature. Green landscapes and pictures |
| Ambiance and authenticity | Authentic, warm and welcoming. |
| Accommodation and budget | Simple, authentic accommodation. Affordable budget. |
| Places not to be missed | Village of Vila Nova Sintra, hikes across the island, panoramic views. |
Deserted beaches and serenity on Maio
The little-visited island of Maio is a magnificent island still untouched by mass tourism. It offers long white sandy beaches and a peaceful atmosphere.
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Beaches and nature | Ideal for nature lovers and those seeking peace and quiet. White sandy beaches and dunes. |
| Atmosphere and tranquillity | Calm and relaxing, perfect for getting away from it all. |
| Accommodation and budget | Limited range of accommodation. Affordable budget. |
| Places not to be missed | Bitxe Rotxa and Ponta Preta beaches, salt flats, Cagarra forest. |
Hiking, stargazing and unspoilt authenticity in São Nicolau
The island of São Nicolau is known for offering a unique experience with its mountainous landscapes, stargazing opportunities and unspoilt authenticity.
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Landscapes and walks | Mountainous island with hiking trails, spectacular views of deep valleys and steep ridges, varied landscapes from arid to lush vegetation. |
| Ambiance and authenticity | Authenticity, peacefulness and relaxation. Ideal for travelers looking to get off the beaten track and discover authentic Cape Verdean culture. |
| Accommodation and budget | Limited range of accommodation, mainly guesthouses and hostels. Affordable budget. |
| Places not to be missed | The town of Ribeira Brava, Monte Gordo (the island’s highest peak), the black sand beaches of Preguiça and Tarrafal, hiking in the mountains, stargazing. |
Which Cape Verde island is right for you?
Cape Verde offers a variety of experiences for all types of travelers.
- Beach and water sports enthusiasts: Sal and Boa Vista are the ideal destinations.
- Culture and nightlife enthusiasts: São Vicente and Santiago will delight you.
- RHikers and nature lovers: Santo Antão and Fogo are a must.
- If you’re looking for tranquillity and authenticity: Brava, Maio and São Nicolau will let you enjoy a more intimate experience.
Whatever you choose, you’ll be seduced by the beauty of the landscapes, the richness of the culture and the hospitality of the inhabitants of the ten islands of Cape Verde. Don’t hesitate to visit several islands for an even more complete and memorable trip, with ferry or plane connections between the islands. Plan your itinerary according to your wishes and the climate for a successful trip to Cape Verde.