Cape Verde is a group of volcanic islands that is only just beginning to appear on the holiday map. The Republic’s fledgling holiday industry reminds old travel hands of the early days of tourism in the Seychelles. The islands lie around six hundred kilometres (four hundred and fifty miles) off Africa’s north west coast. The islands fall into two distinct groups. Seven of the most westerly islands have mountains. The islands of Sal, Boa, and Vista have long sandy beaches. Sal has the liveliest nightlife while the capital Praia on Santiago Island offers holidaymakers a hypnotic blend of Samba and Salsa. The country became independent from Portugal in 1975.
Year-round sun.
Lazy beach holidays.
Easy island hopping.
Guided trekking and walking
Santa Luzia is barren and uninhabited.
British Nationals need a visa.
You won’t suffer jetlag when you fly from the UK and western Europe
An air pass with up to ten flight coupons is a great way to island hop but be sure to confirm any domestic flights. Overbooking is common.
Cape Verde has a year round tropical climate (25°C/75°F to 30°C/86°F) with a very low rainfall.
Flights from the UK to Cape Verde take six hours.
Car hire is available on most of the islands but the roads are challenging and often just rough track or made from local stone.