Fancy trading the soggy UK drizzle for 350 days of guaranteed sunshine? Welcome to Cape Verde: a stunning archipelago of 10 sun-soaked islands sitting 570km off the west coast of Africa. Think endless white-sand beaches, dramatic volcanic landscapes, and an unhurried, laid-back vibe that’ll have you unwinding before you’ve even unpacked. With temperatures cruising between a comfy 22°C in winter and a dreamy 28°C in summer, this place is the ultimate year-round sun trap - no weather roulette required.
If soft, golden sands and calm turquoise waters are your jam, Sal and Boa Vista pull in the beach crowd with ease. Craving a bit more action? Fogo and Santiago step up with big adventure and deep cultural roots. Best of all, direct UK flights take just 6 hours, and with pints hovering around the £1.50 mark, you can get maximum beach for minimum spend. Bosh.
Holidays to Cape Verde
10 distinct islands - each brings its own flavour - from the lively resort buzz of Sal and Boa Vista to Fogo’s fiery volcanic peaks and Santiago’s rich history.
6-hour shortcut to winter sun - 350 days of sunshine and steady 22°C–28°C temps mean guaranteed warmth without having to endure a gruelling long-haul flight.
Santa Maria Beach (Sal) - one of the finest stretches of coastline in the Atlantic. Golden, sprawling, and peppered with beach bars that make leaving virtually impossible.
Wildlife wonders - home to the third-largest loggerhead turtle population on Earth, with Boa Vista’s Ervatao Beach welcoming nesting mamas between July and October.
Watersports galore - we’re talking world-class surf breaks in January and February, crystal-clear diving conditions from June to December, and majestic whale watching off Boa Vista between March and May.
Fogo’s fiery peak - conquer Cape Verde’s highest point, a massive active volcano you can trek with a local guide (with handy private transfers usually sorted for you).
Good to know for your Cape Verde holidays 2026/2027
Bargain brews - a pint of local beer will set you back around 200 CVE (Cape Verdean Escudo), which works out to roughly £1.50. Cheap drinks + pristine beaches = absolute perfection.
Lingo check - Portuguese is the official language, but locals speak Cape Verdean Creole (Kriolu) day-to-day. A cheeky phrase or two will score you instant brownie points.
Tourist tax - there's a small tourist tax of €2 per person, per night (capped at €20 max per guest) - good to keep in mind when budgeting your spends!
Weather & best time to visit Cape Verde
Cape Verde runs on sunshine - 350 glorious days of it every single year. Temps happily sit between 22°C and 28°C year-round, meaning there’s zero bad times to visit, but here’s how the seasons break down:
November to June (The Dry Season) - clear skies, minimal rain, and lovely temps rising from 22°C in January up to a balmy 27°C by June. This is prime time for beach days, watersports, and exploring. January and February pack strong Atlantic winds for epic surfing, while January to March bring cool, clear conditions ideal for hiking. Keep an eye out for humpback whales cruising off Boa Vista in March and April!
July to October (The Rainy Season) - don't let the name fool you - downpours are short, sharp, and rare. Humidity rises, and temperatures peak around 28°C in July/August before easing to 25°C in October. It’s quieter, cheaper, and prime season for both turtle nesting (July–October at Ervatao Beach) and underwater diving (best visibility runs June–December).
Winter Sun (November to February) - low-to-mid 20s°C across the board. While the UK is shivering at 2°C in January and February, you’ll be basking in 22°C warmth. Bliss.
Where to stay in Cape Verde
While there are 10 islands to explore, most UK holidaymakers head straight for the twin sun-and-sand superstars: Sal and Boa Vista. Both sit in the eastern Sotavento group, both are flat, sandy, and baked in the sun, and both have direct UK flights. Here’s how to choose your holiday hero:
Sal
Sal is the big name in Cape Verdean travel - lively, well-connected, and centred around the vibrant resort town of Santa Maria. It’s an absolute winner for families and all-inclusive lovers. Think calm, shallow waters along Santa Maria Beach for easy paddling, stacked resort amenities, and easy access to local wonders like the salty baths at Pedra de Lume and the breathtaking Blue Eye lava pool at Buracona. Come evening, Santa Maria town comes alive with crackling beach bars and top-notch restaurants.
Boa Vista
Boa Vista is Sal’s wilder, quieter, and hugely scenic sibling. It’s a massive expanse of desert dunes and dramatic coastlines, housing iconic spots like Praia de Chaves and Praia de Santa Monica. This island is custom-made for couples looking for a romantic escape, squads craving quad-biking dune adventures, and anyone who wants that peaceful feel without losing out on sunshine. It’s also the ultimate hotspot for spotting nesting turtles from July to October!
Best beaches in Cape Verde
The beaches here are the absolute main event - sprawling, uncrowded, and framed by ocean views so blue they’ll ruin all other holiday photos for you.
Santa Maria Beach (Sal) - the reigning heavyweight champion of Cape Verde beaches. Sweeping golden sand, clear, calm waters, plenty of watersports, and breezy beach bars serving ice-cold drinks to keep you hydrated all afternoon.
Prainha Beach (Sal) - a gorgeous, sheltered haven. Its gentle waves make it a dream spot for families with little kiddos who just want to splash around and grab local snacks nearby.
Ponta Preta Beach (Sal) - positioned away from the main resort strip, this soft-sand beauty is perfect if you’re looking to dodge the crowds and top up your tan in peace.
Tarrafal Beach (Santiago) - a stunning crescent of pale sand tucked against clear waters. Worth the trip for the amazing snorkelling and epic coastal views alone.
Praia de Santa Monica (Boa Vista) - frequently voted the undisputed prettiest beach in the country. It’s wide, wild, wonderfully remote, and boasts calm waters for an effortless dip.
Praia de Chaves (Boa Vista) - a giant expanse of velvety sand where the breeze picks up, making it a world-famous playground for windsurfers and kitesurfers.
Cape Verde holidays for every type of traveller
No matter who you’re packing your flip-flops for, Cape Verde delivers in spades:
Families - booking a family holiday? head straight for Sal. Calm, shallow waters at Santa Maria Beach, brilliant all-inclusive resorts with kids' clubs, and unforgettable outings like feeding the donkeys and monkeys at Viveiro Garden Centre or turtle spotting on Boa Vista.
Couples - Boa Vista and Sal nail the romantic vibes for couples' holidays. Think private sunset catamaran cruises along Sal’s west coast, stargazing dinners out in the Boa Vista desert, and luxury spa days overlooking the ocean. Boujee vibes on a budget!
Groups - Boa Vista is where group holidays play - think dune quad biking, chilled beach bars, live local music, and open-air beach parties that carry on late into the night.
Adventure Seekers - surf lessons with local pros, thrilling lemon shark encounters at Shark's Bay, hiking up Fogo’s active volcano, or diving in clear waters between June and December.
Nature Lovers - spot majestic humpback whales off Boa Vista (March–May), watch loggerhead turtles nest (July–October), or trek through the rugged Serra da Malagueta mountains on Santiago.
Hotels in Cape Verde
Sal and Boa Vista lead the pack with incredible all-inclusive mega-resorts, cosy mid-range stays, and stylish boutique spots.
Luxury
Hilton Cabo Verde Sal Resort (Santa Maria, Sal) - five-star luxury right on the sand. Features a dedicated watersports centre, fabulous pools, fun kids' clubs, and top-shelf dining for a high-end family stay.
Mid-range
Morabeza (Santa Maria Beach, Sal) - a beloved four-star pick. Spread over beautiful grounds with three pools, tennis courts, and a heap of casual bars and restaurants right on the beach.
Vila Do Farol (Santa Maria, Sal) - features a gorgeous poolside setup right on the beach and its own lively beach bar - ideal for catching high-end vibes without the steep price tag.
Agua Hotels Sal Vila Verde (Santa Maria, Sal) - super family-friendly! Packed with sparkling pools, a playground, buffet, and à la carte eats, plus a handy shuttle bus to the town and beach.
Boutique and value
Hotel LIVVO Budha Beach (Santa Maria, Sal) - an intimate, boutique haven with a small room count, experimental fusion eats, sunset live music, and chic pool areas that pack a big punch.
All-inclusive
Hotel Riu Palace Cabo Verde (Sal) - the ultimate VIP all-inclusive experience. Expect three à la carte restaurants, live show cooking, twice-weekly themed nights, and non-stop drinks (including a refilled minibar in your room!).
Melia Llana Beach Resort and Spa (Santa Maria, Sal) - an adults-only (16+) oasis. Enjoy tapas by the pool, tasty buffets, a free Italian dinner at Casa Nostra, direct beach access, and a tranquil spa setup.
Oasis Belorizonte (Santa Maria, Sal) - a budget-friendly favourite featuring a massive buffet, the fresh seafood Salinas Grill, five fantastic bars, and an epic Thursday night barbecue.
Practical travel info for Cape Verde
Getting your sun fix is dead easy. Direct UK flights take around 6 hours, landing at either Amílcar Cabral International Airport (Sal) or Aristides Pereira Airport (Boa Vista). Once you land in Sal, most resort transfers take a breezy 15–20 minutes to reach Santa Maria. Want to island hop? Domestic flights are your best bet for smooth sailing.
Travel essentials
Visas - British passport holders don't need a visa for stays up to 30 days. Easy-peasy!
Entry form - you’ll need to fill in an online traveller entry form at least 5 days before you fly (this includes paying an airport security fee). Kids aged 1 and under are exempt.
Currency - Cape Verdean Escudo (CVE). Cards work fine at major hotels and big restaurants, but carry some cash for beach bars and local market stalls.
Tourist tax - €2 per person per night (capped at 10 nights / €20 max per guest), paid directly to your accommodation.
Vaccinations - always give your GP or health provider a quick check for up-to-date travel advice before you jet off.
Tap water - stick to bottled water for drinking to keep your stomach happy.
Time difference - GMT -1hr (or BST -2hrs in summer) - say goodbye to big jet lag!
Local lingo
While Portuguese is the official language, locals chat day-to-day in Cape Verdean Creole (known as Kriolu). It’s a rhythmic mix of Portuguese and West African languages, and trying out a word or two will get you big smiles everywhere you go!
Olá (oh-lah) – Hello
Obrigado / Obrigada (oh-bree-gah-doo / oh-bree-gah-dah) – Thank you (use 'o' if you're male, 'a' if you're female)
Um cerveja, por favor (oom ser-veh-zha por fah-vor) – One beer, please! (The most essential phrase in your holiday arsenal)
Tudo fixe? (too-doo feesh) – All good? (A great, casual everyday greeting)
Morabeza (mor-ah-beh-zah) – Warmth, hospitality, and that relaxed island spirit that makes Cape Verde so incredible.
All inclusive holidays in Cape Verde
Cape Verde and all-inclusive holidays go together like sun and sea. Since off-resort dining is mostly centred around Santa Maria town, locking in your food, drinks, and snacks at the hotel means more time lounging on the sand and zero time stressing about where to eat. Pair that with 350 days of sun, 28°C peaks, and mega resort setups, and going all-in is a total no-brainer.
Hotel Riu Palace Cabo Verde (Sal) - top-tier luxury with three à la carte spots, live show cooking, themed nights, and 24/7 drinks - the ultimate "leave your wallet in the safe" getaway.
Melia Llana Beach Resort and Spa (Santa Maria, Sal) - adults-only perfection featuring pool bar tapas, a proper pampering spa, direct beach access, and a free dinner at Casa Nostra Italian.
Oasis Belorizonte (Santa Maria, Sal) - brilliant value mid-range option with five bars, seafood grills, and an unmissable Thursday night BBQ.
Book your all-inclusive Cape Verde holiday with On the Beach today and get way more sun for your spend!
Cheap holidays in Cape Verde
Looking for a tropical getaway that won't blow the budget? Cape Verde punches way above its weight. A short 6-hour flight gets you proper sunshine without long-haul price tags. On the ground, pints run around £1.50, and the glorious beaches don't cost a penny.
Visiting during the low season (July to October) unlocks bargain rates and quieter beaches - and with temps lingering around 27°C–28°C, it’s still proper sunbathing weather! Even during peak months, the mid-range all-inclusive resorts offer ridiculous value for money.
Oasis Belorizonte (Santa Maria, Sal) - serious bang for your buck! Five bars, a seafood grill, and buffet dining wrapped up in a great price.
Agua Hotels Sal Vila Verde (Santa Maria, Sal) - great-value family pick with pools, playground, shuttle service, and flexible dining.
Morabeza (Santa Maria Beach, Sal) - gets you that classic mid-range resort feel right on the sand without demanding a luxury budget.
Search cheap Cape Verde deals on On the Beach now and see just how far your holiday budget can stretch!
More Destinations
If Cape Verde isn't tickling your fancy, we've got a few other destinations in mind, perfect for your next holiday. We're thinking somewhere like...
Morocco – golden beaches, buzzing souks and desert adventures with a side of mint tea and rooftop sunsets
Gambia – small but mighty, with river cruises, friendly locals and easy-going beach resorts perfect for a chilled jolly
Egypt – Red Sea reefs, year-round sun and all-inclusive resorts that are basically built for doing nothing (in the best way)
Mauritius – luxury meets laid-back, with coral reefs, waterfalls and beaches that don’t even look real
South Africa – from Cape Town’s beaches to vineyard hopping and coastal road trips, it’s giving “bit of everything” energy
Tunisia – budget-friendly sun, sandy beaches and a mix of culture, history and all-inclusive ease
Popular Cape Verde hotels
More Cape Verde hotelsStunning Cape Verde resorts
Weather in Cape Verde
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This island paradise has sunshine on speed dial, serving up a beachy blend of blue skies and balmy nights all year long. Cape Verde doesn’t just do good weather - it nails it, every single season of your holiday.
Let’s talk summer in Cape Verde. Picture this: temperatures lounging between 23°C and 31°C, skies so blue they look Photoshopped, and that gentle sea breeze keeping things juuust right. It’s basically Mother Nature showing off. Whether you're splashing in the surf or catching Zs under a palm tree, you’re living the postcard dream.
But don’t go stashing those flip-flops just yet! Winter here is a total dark horse. Sure, it cools down a touch, but we're still talking a toasty low to mid-20s°C. Perfect for those sunset strolls, lazy lunches outdoors, and topping up your tan without breaking a sweat.
Come spring and autumn, and it’s like Cape Verde found the perfect setting and stuck with it. Think of it as Goldilocks weather - not too hot, not too cool, just right. Ideal for everything from sightseeing to serious sunbathing. Honestly, it’s like the weather forgot how to be bad.
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FAQs
How long does it take to fly to Cape Verde?
How long does it take to fly to Cape Verde?
It takes about 6 hours to fly from the UK/Ireland to Cape Verde - not as long as you were thinking? Good, so time to sink a few inflight tipples!
What currency do they use in Cape Verde?
What currency do they use in Cape Verde?
The local currency in Cape Verde is the Cape Verdean Escudo.
What's the time difference between the UK/Ireland and Cape Verde?
What's the time difference between the UK/Ireland and Cape Verde?
The time in Cape Verde is one hour behind the UK/Ireland - you're flying 6 hours only for jet lag not to be an excuse to take an extra day off work when you get home. Devastating.
What language do they speak in Cape Verde?
What language do they speak in Cape Verde?
The official language spoken in Cape Verde is Portuguese.
Is Cape Verde good for an all-inclusive holiday?
Is Cape Verde good for an all-inclusive holiday?
It is one of the best-value all-inclusive destinations going. Sal in particular has a strong line-up of all-inclusive resorts where the food, drinks and entertainment are all wrapped in, so you can properly switch off. Expect buffet breakfasts, multiple restaurants, pool bars and evening entertainment. The mid-range all-inclusive options here punch well above what you would get for the same money in the Caribbean.
How do I keep a Cape Verde holiday cheap and make sure it's still brilliant?
How do I keep a Cape Verde holiday cheap and make sure it's still brilliant?
Cape Verde is already a budget-friendly destination, but to keep costs extra low, go all-inclusive on Sal and let the resort do the heavy lifting. Eating out is cheap (a meal for under £5 / €6, a beer for about £2 / €2.50), so even if you wander into Santa Maria town for a night out, you will not break the bank. Avoid booking peak school holidays if you have the flexibility, and look out for last-minute deals on the Sal resorts.
What is the food like in Cape Verde?
What is the food like in Cape Verde?
Seafood runs the show, and it is always fresh. The national dish is Cachupa, a slow-cooked stew of vegetables, beans and either meat or fish that tastes even better than it sounds. Street food like Pastel (fried parcels stuffed with tuna or chicken) and Ressois (crispy fish croquettes) are everywhere. Wash it all down with Grogue, the local sugar cane rum, if you are feeling brave. Santa Maria has a solid restaurant scene, and the beachfront spots in particular are worth a wander.
