There’s a lot more than just beautiful beaches when it comes to Cape Verde. From volcanic islands to quaint fishing villages, this cluster of islands situated in the Atlantic Ocean offers much more than meets the eye.
That said, if you only venture to the most well-known areas, you will never be able to see all the genuine and authentic beauty these islands have to offer.
If you are debating whether or not to spend your holidays in Cape Verde, you have come to the right place. In this guide, I’ll be walking you through some of the most popular Cape Verde islands so you can plan your very own dreamy tropical escape.
Traveling to Cape Verde: What to Know Before You Go
Cape Verde, also known as Cabo Verde, is an archipelago of 10 volcanic islands located off of West Africa’s coast. The islands are known for their beautiful beaches, clear waters, and diverse wildlife. While visitors can enjoy a range of activities such as hiking, surfing, and exploring the local culture, many tourists come just to soak up the sun and lounge on the beach with a cold drink in hand.
While Sal and Boa Vista are known as popular vacation destinations for travelers from areas both near and far, there are still several more uninhabited or underpopulated islands that provide a stark contrast for those willing to get off the beaten path.
Which is the Best Island to Visit in Cape Verde?
Below, I’ll dive into some of the most popular, unique, and underrated islands to visit in Cabo Verde.
Boa Vista Island
Boa Vista, known for its picturesque beaches, sand dunes, and clear waters, is one of the best islands to visit if you’re craving a mix of relaxation and adventure. Whether you’re swimming, snorkeling, diving, or kite surfing, the warm waters of Boa Vista serve as the perfect playground for water-loving travelers.
Some of the biggest draws to visiting Boa Vista are its sand dunes, deserts, and deserted beaches. The vast, flat island is completely covered in sand, giving it a unique scenery unlike any other island in the area. If you decide to travel to Boa Vista during your time in Capo Verde, I highly suggest taking a pickup truck excursion to the remote Cabo Santa Maria Beach or doing a quad tour through the desert. These guided tours are really the only way to access some of the more remote locations around the island and are well worth the price.
Santo Antao Island
One of the biggest regrets I had when visiting Cabo Verde was not making it to Santo Antao. While this island may be more difficult to get to compared to Sal or Boa Vista, it apparently is well worth the extra effort. With dramatic mountain ranges, black sand beaches, and stunning valleys, Santo Antao offers some of the most breathtaking landscapes in all of Cape Verde.
If you plan on going to Santo Antao, you will have to fly to Sao Vicente and then take a ferry from the town of Mindelo. While you will definitely have to plan and book your airfare through BestFly at least a few weeks in advance, I still think it is well worth it if you enjoy hiking and nature.
Santiago Island
One of my favorite spots in Cape Verde was Santiago Island. Not only is this spot way less touristy compared to its more famous neighbors, but it also offers a very local and laid-back experience.
The northern town of Tarrafal is the perfect home base for exploring the area. With a dive school, charming town center, and a few sleepy beach bars situated on the town’s main stretch of sand, this area is comfortable and vibrant for a couple-day stay.
If you’re craving the outdoors, plan a hiking tour through Ribiera Principal. This stunning mountain range has several trails that meander from the peaks to the valleys. When going with a guide, you can also learn about the indigenous plants, villages, and people that occupy the area.
Fogo Island
Fogo Island is a unique destination in Cape Verde, known for its volcanic landscape and rich history. The island is home to Pico do Fogo, a towering volcano that dominates the island’s skyline. Visitors can hike up to the volcano’s crater for stunning views of the island and its surroundings. It’s also known for its coffee plantations, which produce some of the best coffee in the world. If you decide to spend a day or two on Fogo, plan well in advance, as ferries can book up quickly and their schedules can be unpredictable.
Maio Island
Another island I wish I had time to visit is Maio. While this island might be on the quieter side, its pristine beaches and relaxed atmosphere make it well worth a visit. The island is home to several secluded beaches, including the popular Praia de Morro, which is a great spot for swimming and sunbathing.
Travelers who venture to Maio are rewarded with empty beaches, turquoise waters, and a level of Cape Verdean authenticity unmatched by any other island.
Sal Island
Last (and maybe the least) is Sal. Personally, I was disappointed by how touristy the island was, but I feel like I have to include it on this list as it’s the most popular. The town of Santa Maria is lined with towering hotels and tourist souvenir shops. While the beaches are nice, the heaps of tourism made me feel as though I could be anywhere in the world that has all-inclusive beachfront hotels along the beachfront.
If you personally enjoy staying at your hotel pool and only venturing into town to buy a few souvenirs, then Sal might be nice for you. The island itself is comfortable and caters to tourism by offering a variety of restaurants and shopping areas. However, if you want to do fun excursions, hiking, or any other type of local experience, I would suggest going to any of the other islands above. If you do decide to come, just know what you’re signing up for and adjust your expectations accordingly.
Planning a Trip to Cape Verde
In conclusion, Cape Verde has several stunning islands to choose from, each with its own unique attractions and activities. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation, a cultural experience, or an adventure in nature, Cape Verde has something to offer for everyone.
Now that you’ve learned everything there is to know about Cape Verde, it’s time to start planning!
No Comments