Best islands for beach Holidays in Cape Verde
Which Cabo Verde Islands Are Best for a Beach Holiday?
Dreaming of endless golden sands, turquoise waves, and that perfect all-inclusive escape? If you're like many international travelers, the Cape Verde archipelago—ten volcanic islands off Africa's west coast—might seem like a hidden gem shrouded in mystery. But here's the clarity you need: For a pure beach holiday focused on sun, sand, and sea, skip the guesswork and head straight to Sal or Boa Vista.
These two stand out as the most popular and well-equipped, drawing the lion's share of visitors with their international-standard resorts and pristine shores. According to recent tourism data, Sal and Boa Vista account for about 75% of Cape Verde's hotel overnights, hosting the bulk of the record 1.2 million tourists in 2024. Why? Their flat, arid landscapes (think Sahara-swept dunes) deliver postcard-perfect beaches without the rugged terrain of other islands. Let's dive in and see why they're your top picks.
Sal Island
First up: Sal, the undisputed queen of Cape Verde beach getaways. This island is a haven for relaxation seekers, boasting over 8km of powdery white sands at Santa Maria Beach—often hailed as one of the world's best for its calm, crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Picture yourself lounging under swaying palms, cocktail in hand, at massive all-inclusive resorts like the RIU or Melia chains, where everything from buffets to beachside spas is at your fingertips.
Sal's tourist infrastructure shines with easy airport access (direct flights from Europe abound), lively yet laid-back vibes in Santa Maria town—think fresh seafood dinners and sunset kite-surfing—and family-friendly activities like windsurfing or turtle-watching excursions. It's no wonder Sal claimed 57% of hotel visits in 2023; it's built for effortless bliss, whether you're honeymooning or unwinding with kids. If you crave a bit more buzz alongside your beach time, Sal's got you covered without overwhelming the serene atmosphere.
Boa Vista Island
Now, for a more tranquil twist, turn to Boa Vista—the "Beautiful View" island that lives up to its name with untouched, windswept beaches stretching for miles. Here, the star is Praia de Chaves, a vast golden expanse backed by rolling dunes, perfect for long walks, horseback riding, or simply staking out your private patch of paradise.
Boa Vista's resorts, like the luxurious RIU Karamboa, offer all-inclusive luxury with infinity pools overlooking the Atlantic, emphasizing eco-friendly vibes and seclusion. Dive into watersports such as diving amid shipwrecks or quad-biking across the desert-like interior for a dash of adventure. Less developed than Sal, it attracts those seeking raw natural beauty—think nesting sea turtles on Santa Monica Beach or stargazing under unpolluted skies. With its own international airport and growing resort scene, Boa Vista is ideal if you want to unplug completely, yet still enjoy high-end comforts.
So, ready to book? Sal for vibrant relaxation, Boa Vista for serene escapes—both deliver that ultimate beach holiday without compromise. Pack your sunscreen and flip-flops; Cape Verde's sun-kissed shores are calling you!
Sal vs. Boa Vista: Criteria for Your Perfect Beach Holiday in Cabo Verde
Both Sal and Boa Vista boast dreamy, Sahara-dusted white-sand beaches and robust all-inclusive infrastructure. The real distinctions lie in atmosphere, scale, and off-beach offerings.
For holiday atmosphere, Sal feels lively, bustling, and tourist-friendly, while Boa Vista offers a calm, relaxed, and nature-focused escape.
In terms of tourism infrastructure, Sal is highly developed with a wide range of hotels, B&Bs, restaurants, and bars extending beyond the resorts, whereas Boa Vista is less developed, placing strong emphasis on major all-inclusive resorts and featuring fewer independent spots.
The central hub on Sal is Santa Maria, a colorful, vibrant center complete with a pier, shops, and lively nightlife by Cape Verdean standards; on Boa Vista, it's Sal Rei, which is smaller, quieter, and more laid-back, serving as a relaxed base.
Sal suits first-time Cabo Verde visitors, families with older kids, watersports enthusiasts like kiting and surfing fans, and those seeking an active urban feel.
Boa Vista appeals to repeat visitors, peace-seekers, romantics, nature lovers, and travelers wanting to escape the crowds.
Highlights and Activities: What Does Each Island Offer?
Sal: The Hub for Action and Convenience
Sal, the smaller of the two islands, scores big on short transfer times and a high concentration of experiences clustered around its main town, Santa Maria. It's a seamless spot for sun-lovers who want variety without venturing far. As a watersports paradise, Sal is world-renowned for kitesurfing and windsurfing at spots like Ponta Preta, thanks to ideal wind conditions—especially during winter months. The Santa Maria Pier stands out as a cultural gem, where the daily fish market lets you watch local life unfold as fishermen haul in their catch—grab fresh seafood straight from the source.
From dawn patrols on the waves to sunset strolls along the pier, Sal keeps the energy flowing while keeping things effortlessly accessible.
Boa Vista: Peace, Vastness, and Nature Immersion
Boa Vista—literally "Beautiful View"—is the island for those yearning for open horizons. Larger than Sal but less tourist-trodden, it preserves raw, untouched landscapes that feel like a private escape. It boasts endless beaches, home to some of the archipelago's most breathtaking and longest pristine stretches, including Praia de Santa Mónica and Praia de Chaves—miles of golden sand begging for barefoot exploration. The desert landscapes of the Viana Desert, with its wind-sculpted dunes carried over from the Sahara, serve as a highlight, often explored via quad bike or buggy for an adrenaline-fueled adventure through this otherworldly terrain. For wildlife encounters, humpback whales migrate through Boa Vista's waters from February to May, making it the best spot in Cabo Verde for whale-watching tours where you can spot majestic breaches up close.
Boa Vista invites you to slow down, breathe deep, and let the island's wild rhythm take over.