Posted on Monday, 27 November 2023

Located just over 300 miles from Africa's westernmost tip, Cape Verde (Cabo Verde) is an idyllic island chain known for its stunning beaches, epic volcanic mountains, and tranquil seaside towns.

Read our guide to the resort towns and activities that make Cape Verde all-inclusive holidays - and DIY trips - so popular.

A guide to Cape Verde resorts

The sun-kissed sandy fringes of Cape Verde’s islands are the main attraction, where you can kiteboard, surf and snorkel, as well as top up your tan. But visitors also love the volcanoes and the vibrant cities, such as Mindelo on Sao Vicente.

Cape Verde is a former Portuguese colony, so expect to see some elegant colonial-era mansions and an overall European feel. However, in recent years the island chain has embraced Brazilian culture, most clearly evidenced in the dazzling carnivals (more on this below). 

And of course, due to its location, there's a distinctive African influence on the people and the culture, too.

These diverse influences give Cape Verde a flavour all of its own - somewhere quite unlike anywhere else.

How to get to Cape Verde?

Regular flights depart to Cape Verde from London, Birmingham and other UK airports. Non-stop services take under six hours.

Is Cape Verde good for a winter holiday?

December temperatures range from 21 to 27 C, which, combined with the relatively short flight time, could make it the perfect winter sun destination. 

Are Cape Verde hotels affordable?

Cape Verde is relatively affordable - certainly more so than the UK, and probably Spain, too. 

At time of writing (November 2023), it's possible to book an Economy Single Room in the Académico do Sal (Sal island) for just £15 per night (rated 7/10), while the Blue Eagle (Sal) is available for £29 (rated 8.5/10). 

At the other end of the spectrum, the Hilton Cabo Verde Sal Resort costs £245 (8.6 rated), at time of writing. For DIY holidaymakers, there are some purse-pleasing Cape Verde hotels on offer - if you hunt around.

Can I book Cape Verde holidays - all inclusive?

Yes. Most Cape Verde all-inclusive packages are offered by TUI, the Anglo-German holiday giant. But it’s perfectly possible to book your own flights and hotels.

However, when you include the separate costs of flights, accommodation, food, and drink, the cost might be comparable - unless you book the cheapest Cape Verde hotels (see above).

How do I get between the islands of Cape Verde?

Numerous ferry services connect Cape Verde's islands. The most frequent run between São Vicente and Santo Antão, and between Fogo and Brava.

Flying is also possible, and while it is much quicker than the ferry, it is considerably more costly.

What’s the food like on Cape Verde?

As you might expect, fish and seafood are key offerings in Cape Verde restaurants, with tuna, swordfish, and lobster, among the specialties.

But there’s much more: chicken, grilled pork and eggs are key components of the largely Creole cuisine.

Staples include corn, beans, rice, cassava, and fried potatoes.

There’s also plenty of international food on offer.

Cape Verde’s main islands and resort towns

Here’s a rundown of the most popular islands in the Cape Verde chain, including top activities.

Sal

Key resort town: Espargos 

Espargos is centrally located, and much loved by visitors for its idyllic and very long Santa Maria beach.

More about Sal

The island of Sal is by far the chain's most popular, thanks to the gorgeous beaches and wide choice of watersports. Santa Maria Beach, for example, forms a long crescent of soft golden sand lapped by gas-blue waters - and is ideal for swimming.

A great many Cape Verde all-inclusive deals are available on Sal. 

Santo Antão

Key resort town: Porto Novo 

This is your starting point for island tours, trekking adventures, and diving experiences (such as with the Green Turtle Diving Center).

More about Santo Antão

Jagged, vegetation-clad mountains typify a trip to Santo Antão – so it’s little wonder hikers love the island so much.

What's more, most Cabo Verde visitors remain on resort-focussed islands like Sal, and never venture here - which means you can enjoy many beauty spots without another soul around.

Glimpse cliffside towns and verdant craters as you wend your way along the mountain roads. 

Fogo

Key resort town: São Filipe 

This is Cape Verde's second oldest town after Cidade Velha.

Most island treks and tours begin here.

More on Fogo

The mighty Mt Fogo (2829m/9382ft), rising from the Chã das Caldeiras, dominates the landscape of Fogo.

Tiny villages built with volcanic rock dot the island, a vulnerable counterpoint to the active volcano - which last erupted in early 2015.

Undeterred, local farmers continue to grow fruit, grapes and coffee on the ash-clad slopes of Mt Fogo. 

As you might expect, the chief activity on Fogo is ascending this cinder cone - although you'll need durable footwear and a knowledgeable guide.

Set aside at least four hours to reach the summit.

 

Boa Vista

Key resort town: Sal Rei

From this pretty town you can begin 4WD tours, snorkelling trips, and shipwreck hunting days.

More on Boa Vista

The windswept sand dunes of Boa Vista appear to be a continuation of the Sahara Desert on mainland Africa, to the west.

It's this wild, unpeopled interior that will capture the imagination. Expect rough roads as you venture away from the resorts.

When you're not trekking in this captivating wilderness, you can try your hand at windsurfing, or explore charming Sal Rei.

São Vicente

Key resort town: Mindelo

Mindelo is São Vicente's largest town, and is where you'll find the most enthralling cultural experiences in Cape Verde.

Mindelo is well known for its vibrant carnivals, originally influenced by the Portuguese, later by the more animated Brazilian culture.

If you're not here during a carnival, fear not, the town invariably buzzes of an evening, with live music issuing from numerous distinctive eateries and watering holes.

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