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Sunshine and Serenity: Your Guide to Cape Verde Holidays

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We all know the feeling when summer comes to an end: temperatures start to drop, sunny days become scarce, and dark evenings stretch on. Autumn brings a particularly gloomy outlook, with months of cold ahead and no immediate relief in sight. When candles, cosy blankets, and endless cups of tea fail to chase away the winter blues, thoughts of travel to warmer destinations often emerge.

However, the high price tags associated with exotic getaways can deter many from dreaming of lounging on a beach beneath the sun and clear blue skies. That’s where Cape Verde holidays come into play—a fantastic option for those seeking blissful relaxation during the cold, dark months. This beautiful archipelago is just a mid-haul flight from Europe, with a minimal time zone difference and guaranteed sunshine.

With an impressive array of all-inclusive resorts offering luxury at affordable prices, Cape Verde is an a great option for a winter escape. Could this tropical paradise be the perfect getaway for you? Read on to find out!

What is Cape Verde? Discovering the Island Nation

Cape Verde is a small African nation consisting of ten volcanic islands and several smaller islets, as shown on this map.

Cape Verde, also known as Cabo Verde, is a small African nation made up of ten volcanic islands and several smaller islets. It is situated 570 km off the west coast of Africa and approximately 1,600 km south of the Canary Islands. As a former Portuguese colony, Cape Verdean people speak Portuguese as the official language, but most of the population widely uses Creole.

The geography of Cape Verde is diverse, featuring both mountainous and desert landscapes. The eastern islands are predominantly flat with dessert regions, which draw many tourists to their beautiful, unspoiled beaches. In contrast, rugged coastlines and jagged peaks define the western islands.

Cape Verde tourism

Cape Verde holidays have seen a surge in popularity in recent years, with tourist numbers surpassing 1 million in 2023. This is particularly impressive given the country’s population of just over half a million. The majority of visitors come from the UK, followed by tourists from Germany, France, the Netherlands, and Belgium.

Cape Verde consists of nine inhabited islands. However, most tourists flock to the eastern islands of Sal and Boa Vista. These islands boast the most extensive tourist facilities and numerous direct international flights, primarily from Europe.

Understanding Cape Verde’s Climate: Best Travel Times

Cape Verde’s climate is perfect for sun-seeking travellers, with warm temperatures year-round and minimal rainfall. The brief rainy season lasts from August to early October, while the rest of the year is dry and windy. Summer temperatures average around 30 degrees Celsius, and in winter rarely dip below 25 degrees.

The beaches of Cape Verde offer a wonderful escape from Europe’s late autumn gloom.

Many tourists avoid the rainy season due to potential tropical showers and prefer to visit during the dry months. However, travellers on a smaller budget can benefit from lower prices during the rainy season, which typically brings light rainfall. Early autumn can be a cost-effective option for those willing to endure a few cloudy days.

November is one of the best months to visit, as it offers little rain and temperatures near 30 degrees. This weather provides a great escape from Europe’s late autumn gloom. The winter months are also attractive, with temperatures above 25 degrees.

While spring brings warmer temperatures, many travellers steer clear of Cape Verde in late spring and summer. Although the islands boast beautiful beaches, the limited activities, restaurants, and bars make it difficult to compete with closer destinations favoured by European tourists.

In my opinion, the best time for Cape Verde holidays is from late autumn to winter. With high temperatures and low chances of rain, it’s the perfect getaway from winter’s chill. For those seeking heat, November is ideal, while winter offers a milder alternative.

Getting to Cape Verde: Your Travel Options

Reaching Cape Verde is easy, thanks to several international airports and direct flights from Europe.

You can reach Cape Verde via direct flights from several major European cities. Sal is the most common destination for these routes. Direct flights to Sal are currently available from the UK, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Portugal, the Czech Republic, Poland, and Spain (Canary Islands). Outside of Europe, Senegal and Brazil also offer direct connections to Cape Verde. For travellers from the UK and Portugal, there are also direct flights to Boa Vista. Other islands are mainly accessible via flights from Portugal.

Flight times to Cape Verde are generally around six hours. However, flights from eastern Europe may take slightly longer, up to seven hours, while flights from Lisbon are only about four hours. If a direct flight isn’t available, indirect flights are an option, though they may make the journey longer and more exhausting.

For travellers from most European countries, a visa is not required for stays of up to 30 days. However, you will need to complete a pre-registration form up to five days before your arrival and pay the Airport Security Fee (TSA). If you’re traveling on a package holiday, the TSA is often covered by the tour operator, so it’s worth confirming before your trip. For more information on entry requirements for Cape Verde, visit the frequently asked questions section on the Cape Verde Portal Consular website.

Most Popular Islands for a Cape Verde Holiday

Sal

Sal is Cape Verde’s most popular island for holidaymakers, known for its golden sandy beaches and clear, azure waters. The island is perfect for both relaxing and enjoying water sports like windsurfing, kitesurfing or snorkelling. Santa Maria, the busiest town, is filled with shops, craft stores, and restaurants serving local dishes. Many of the island’s hotels are located along the beach there. Espargos, the capital, is less touristy and offers a more authentic atmosphere. Sal also has a rich history in the salt trade, from which it gets its name. Visitors can explore the old salt mines and ponds. Another must-see is Buracona, a natural swimming pool known as the “Blue Eye,” famous for its striking turquoise waters.

One of the must-try activities in Boa Vista is a quad safari on the dunes.

Boa Vista

Boa Vista is a tranquil island, renowned for its vast, untouched beaches and crystal-clear waters. It’s a great destination for those seeking relaxation or adventure, with activities like windsurfing, kitesurfing, and quad biking through its sandy dunes. The island’s capital Sal Rei is a quiet town with local markets, small shops, and restaurants serving fresh seafood and Cape Verdean cuisine. Boa Vista’s desert-like landscapes and shifting dunes give it a remote, untouched feel. The island is also known as a nesting site for loggerhead turtles, which mainly come ashore between July and October. Additionally, Boa Vista is a great spot for whale-watching, with the best time to see migrating whales being from March to May.

Santiago

Santiago is the largest and most culturally diverse island in Cape Verde. It also serves as a hub for inter-island transport across the country. It offers a mix of natural beauty and vibrant local life. Unlike Sal and Boa Vista, the island is known for its lush mountains, green valleys, and black-sand beaches, making it ideal for both relaxation and adventure. Praia, the capital city of Cape Verde, has a range of hotels, restaurants, and modern amenities, serving as a lively hub for visitors. While the island’s tourism facilities are expanding, Santiago remains more authentic and less commercialized compared to other islands. This allows visitors to enjoy a genuine Cape Verdean experience, complete with vibrant local festivals, music, and traditional markets.

How Long Should You Stay in Cape Verde?

Given the distance from Europe to Cape Verde, it’s worth staying for about a week to make the travel time and flight costs worthwhile during your Cape Verde holidays. However, I wouldn’t recommend extending your stay much beyond that, as Cape Verde is primarily a destination for relaxation. Apart from unwinding by the beach or pool, you can spend some time exploring the island and trying activities like a quad tour. That said, compared to other beach destinations, there isn’t as much to do during a longer stay. However, if you’re simply looking for a peaceful retreat, you can unwind without a packed itinerary.

How Much Should You Budget?

Cape Verde is a popular destination among tour operators. In many cases, such as with TUI, these operators are the sole providers of flights on this route. This means it’s usually more expensive to book flights and accommodation separately unless you’re opting for budget, self-catering accommodations that tour operators don’t typically offer. If, like most travelers, you plan to stay at a resort, booking a package holiday will likely save you money on your Cape Verde holidays. The price of a package, including flights, accommodation, and airport transfers, depends mainly on factors like the season (high vs. low), day of departure (weekdays are cheaper), hotel choice, and current promotions. For more insight into your options, check out my post on the Pros and Cons of Package Holidays vs. Independent Travel.

At the time of writing, an all-inclusive 8-day package from the UK starts at around £900 and can reach up to £1,500 per person. For a complete budget estimate, you’ll also need to factor in travel insurance and any activities you plan to do while in Cape Verde. Given that return flights alone can cost between £500 and £600, the overall cost of an all-inclusive stay provides relatively good value. This is especially true when compared to other popular winter sun destinations.

Why Cape Verde Should Be Your Next Travel Destination

Why Cape Verde is a Great Choice

If you’re looking for a warm, sunny destination with beautiful sandy beaches, Cape Verde is a great option for European travellers. There are no visa requirements for short stays, and the country is generally safe with low crime rates. It offers pleasant weather year-round, with only a short, mild wet season. The minimal time zone difference means no jet lag, which is ideal for a week-long trip. With mid-haul flights and short airport transfers, travel is convenient. Cape Verde also has many all-inclusive resorts that offer a relaxing, stress-free holiday at a reasonable price. These resorts are perfect for those looking to unwind by the beach or pool.

Why Cape Verde Might Not Be for You

Cape Verde features stunning, expansive sandy beaches.

That said, there are a couple of reasons why Cape Verde holidays might not be for everyone. If you’re seeking an adventure-packed holiday, you may find this island nation a bit underwhelming. While there are some activities available, you won’t find bustling cities filled with bars and restaurants. Additionally, the ocean can be quite rough, and red flags are common on many beaches. Although the powerful waves are beautiful to watch, they can be dangerous, especially for weak swimmers. On days when swimming in the ocean isn’t an option, you can relax by the hotel pools, though it can feel like a missed opportunity given how beautiful the beaches are.

Final thoughts

Overall, Cape Verde is a great destination for a relaxing all-inclusive holiday during the cold winter months. If you’re not deterred by the limited activity options, it’s definitely worth considering this accessible and picturesque island nation.