Posted on Monday, 4 June 2018

Located several hundred miles off the West African coast, Cabo Verde is a beautiful volcanic island chain that attracts thousands of tourists each year. From glorious hikes on the green and vertiginous Santo Antão, to the vibrant music scene in Mindelo, to sun-worshipping on the sandy white beaches on Sal - there's something for everyone on this unique archipelago.

And for couples in particular, Cabo Verde offers a plethora of activities to enjoy together, while delivering the mainstays of a romantic tropical island escape: gas-blue seas, stunning sunsets and fantastic seafood restaurants - not to mention a wide range of comfy accommodation options.

Best time to visit

It's always sunny in Cabo Verde - a fact which becomes more impressive during the UK's winter; these islands are just six hours' flight from London. January temperatures are a very decent 24 degrees, rising to 30 in September. Flooding can take place during the rainy season, which lasts from July to the end of October, so if hiking is one of your chief motivations for visiting, you might want to avoid this period.

Package break or independent?

There has been an increase in travellers heading to Cabo Verde independently, but island-hopping with your partner is unlikely to be as easy as on, say, the Greek islands. Transport is not terribly reliable, with ferries liable to delays, breakdowns and even sinkings. However, taking the ferry between Sao Vicente and Santo Antao is fast (one hour) and reliable - as is catching a fishing boat between Fogo and Brava.

A package holiday is probably the better option for couples - assuming comfort and relaxation are top priorities.

Santo Antão

The physical pleasure of hiking augments the joy of Santo Antão's stunning vistas. And what could be better than to enjoy it all with your favourite person?

Santo Antão is home to the majority of Cabo Verde's greenery and is often one of the main reasons people visit the archipelago. There are a range of hiking trails, from beginner to advanced - so you're sure to find the ideal hike. Expect volcanic, cloud-shrouded peaks, mighty canyons and lots of dizzying drops.

You may wish to hire a guide (costing around CVE4000) or, if you prefer to find your own way, you can get hold of the Goldstadt Wanderkarte hiking map. Most start and end points are on the trans-island road, which you can reach by catching a local minibus (aluguer). Taxis will also be happy to take you out there and return to pick you up.

Valé do Paúl

The flagship hike is from Cova crater (1170m), surrounded by a charming patchwork of agricultural land. This somewhat slippery downhill route goes through Valé do Paúl and concludes by the sea at Vila das Pombas. Expect sugar cane, banana plantations and dramatic green mountainsides.

Ponta do Sol to Fontainhas

For a less strenuous walk, take the coastal trail from Ponta do Sol to Fontainhas. The path has been hewn out of the cliff-side, making for some truly vertigo-inducing moments. It takes about an hour to complete.

São Vicente

The vibrant Mediterranean-style town of Mindelo is by far the main attraction on São Vicente, which is otherwise fairly unremarkable. The town is perfect for one or two romantic evenings, boasting as it does a raft of cosy cafés and superb seafood eateries. For more cerebral engagement, explore the Museu do Mar, which details Cabo Verde's role in the slave trade and the whaling industry. Mindelo is imbued with a British colonial charm.

For an amorous sunset drink, head to Kalimba Beach Club, a 15-minute stroll from the centre of Mindelo.

In the unlikely event that you tire of the delicious fresh seafood which abounds in São Vicente, why not book a table at Bella Napoli, offering what is arguably the best pizza on the island - and run by a real Italian!

Chã das Caldeiras

Caked in black cinder, the conical Pico do Fogo volcano soars to a dizzying 2829m and last erupted in 2014-15. 'Romantic' might not accurately describe this menacing volcano, but driving up the cobbled hairpin roads to its edge is sure to be memorable. Astonishingly, hundreds of locals still live in the crater. You can stay overnight in one of the rather simple accommodation options, made more pleasant with a glass or two of decent local wine.

Sao Tiago

More African in nature than any of the other islands, the ‘capital island' of Sao Tiago boasts some great hiking trails in its verdant interior. The island's centrepiece is Cidade Velha, a World Heritage Site built by the Portuguese to administer the triangle trade.

Sal

Crystal blue seas and an abundance of sandy beaches make Sal an ideal spot for sun-worshippers. But the island also boasts some wild, rocky coastline and a rather barren, wind-blown interior. It takes its name from the once-vast salt industry, the remnants of which include haunting skeletons of old wooden buildings and the hulks of rusting ships.

Boa Vista

If walking hand-in-hand on the beach with your lover is a key ambition, then Boa Vista could be perfect. Wild, remote beaches, undulating white dunes - and plenty of luxury accommodation make this perfect for a romantic beach break.

Activities

Aside from beachcombing, Cabo Verde is not a typical couples' destination. But if you enjoy outdoor activities, you'll be well-rewarded for your time and money.

Turtle walk from Santa Maria

See loggerhead turtles in their natural habitat. Visitors may also see turtles laying their eggs.

Desert buggy adventure

Again, not typically romantic, but if you both love to get your adrenaline pumping, book a buggy tour across the desert.

Horse riding on the beach

Thunder over the soft white sand as waves crash against the shoreline.

Hidden gems

Morro Beach, Maio

Kite Beach on Sal has its charms, but it can all get a bit much - especially when you're trying to create a sense of romance. Escape the throngs by heading over to the sleepy island of Maio, where the secluded Morro Beach is sure to delight.

Desert Viana, Boa Vista

While it may seem a little barren, Desert Viana is seldom crowded, and you may well develop a taste for the white sandy dunes, on which you can enjoy sand skiing and quad biking.

Where to stay

You can find a variety of luxury and mid-range accommodation across Sal, Boavista, Sao Tiago, Sao Vicente, Santo Antao and Fogo.

Santo Antao

The Paul district is home to a number of comfortable guest houses, including the Casa das Ilhas (00 238 223 1832; casadasilhas@yahoo.fr).

Fogo

For beautiful and rather romantic views, consider the impressively positioned Hotel Xaguate (00 238 281 5000; hotelxaguate.com).

Sal

For assured luxury, the Hilton Cabo Verde Sal Resort is a safe bet - sure to delight your other half.

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