
Boa Vista - Cape Verde Guide
Boa Vista: everything in one place
Saharan dunes, endless white beaches, turtles and whales. From planning your trip to the best beaches and wildlife tours, here are all our guides to Boa Vista.
Plan your trip
- First-timer's guide: essential tips
- The island's regions at a glance
- Weather and wind
- Where to stay: areas & resorts
- Getting around: taxis & 4x4 rentals
- Costs & money: prices and budget tips
Beaches
- Best beaches: full coast guide
- Praia de Santa Mónica
- Praia de Chaves
- Praia de Estoril & Sal Rei beaches
Towns, sights & nightlife
- Sightseeing: what to see
- Sal Rei, the capital
- Food & nightlife
- Rabil: the pottery village
- Povoação Velha: the oldest village
- Viana Desert: Saharan dunes
- Cabo Santa Maria shipwreck
Activities & wildlife

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Welcome to Boa Vista, the enchanting island in Cabo Verde that captures your heart at first sight. With its breathtaking views of the turquoise blue sea stretching endlessly before you and the vast sandy desert that feels like the Sahara, Boa Vista draws you in with its unique charm and tranquility.
Boa Vista remains a somewhat undiscovered paradise, where tourism is growing yet the island maintains its authenticity and untouched beauty. You can still stroll along the endless stretches of pristine beaches, feeling like you're the first to ever set foot on the soft white sand. The island's heritage reflects a certain leisurely pace, where the motto of "why do today what can be done tomorrow" fits perfectly. The relaxed rhythm of life on Boa Vista invites you to unwind and recharge amidst the serene surroundings.
As the closest island to the African continent, Boa Vista is only 500 km away, covering approximately 600 km², making it the third largest island in the Cape Verde archipelago. Known for its flat terrain similar to Sal Island, Boa Vista boasts some of the largest and arguably the best beaches in all of Cape Verde. The highest point on the island is Pico da Estância, standing at 300 meters high and offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Boa Vista's origins lie in volcanic activity, making it one of the oldest islands in the archipelago. Its flat landscape is a result of thousands of years of erosion, creating a unique desert-like environment that spans 55 kilometers of white sandy beaches and crystal clear blue waters. The eastern part of the island is a haven for nature lovers, home to a diverse range of wildlife including sea turtles, marine bird colonies, dunes, and unique plant species.
Despite its arid climate and sparse population, Boa Vista is teeming with natural wonders such as oases, palm groves, and a variety of marine life that thrive in its pristine waters. The strong winds from the northeast create ideal conditions for water sports enthusiasts and contribute to the island's unique ecosystem.
Embrace the magic of Boa Vista, where the untouched landscapes and warm hospitality will leave you enchanted. Discover the best of both worlds on this golden island, where the serene beauty of the desert meets the stunning beaches of the coast. Start your journey today and let Boa Vista capture your heart and soul.
Boa Vista Island (Cabo Verde) Facts:
Area: ~620 km²
Perimeter: ~87 km coastline (assumed perimeter based on the assumption that the island is approximately circular)
Highest mountain: Monte Estância (~387 m above sea level)
Maximum length of the island: ~31 km
Maximum width of the island: ~29 km
Population: ~14,000 inhabitants (This figure may vary, please check the current population statistics.)
Municipalities: There is one municipality - Boa Vista
Capital: Sal Rei, population around 6,000 (Please check the current demographic data as this may change.)
Closest island / distance: Maio is the closest island, approximately 50 km away.
Airport: Aristides Pereira International Airport (formerly Rabil Airport), located south of Sal Rei.
Seaport: The seaport is located in Sal Rei.
