Boa Vista holidays

The uncrowded, untouched beaches that halo Boa Vista offer up pristine Atlantic white sands, turquoise waves and Blue Flag prestige as standard. And, because Cape Verde is still largely under-the-radar, you won’t be sharing space with lots of other people. If you want to swim, or kite-surf the trade winds, be sure to pay attention to the beach flag safety system, as the ocean undercurrents along the coast can be dangerous. If the flag is red, stay out of the water, if it’s yellow, take extra care, and if it’s green you’re safe for swimming.

Estoril Beach is the liveliest stretch of sand in Boa Vista, drawing more visitors than anywhere else on the island while still feeling relaxed and uncrowded. Set just south of Sal Rei, it’s naturally more sheltered thanks to Ilhéu de Sal Rei island sitting just offshore, which makes the water ideal for windsurfing whenever the green flag is up. Along the beach you’ll find a handful of lively bars, plus diving school centres, giving you plenty of ways to spend a day on the coast.

The blonde sands of Santa Monica Beach roll out for around 18 kilometres, and if you walk out of sight of the big hotels, you probably won’t see another soul for hours. Remember to pack lots of water if you’re planning on wandering far – there aren’t any kiosks or beach bars here. It’s completely secluded and offers untouched nature that’s perfect for exploring on long walks.

For local crafts and fresh produce in Boa Vista, the Mercado Municipal near Sal Rei’s main square is the best place to shop. The ground floor hosts open‑air market stalls packed with traders selling beaded jewellery, traditional African clothing, and fresh local fruit and vegetables. Head upstairs and you’ll find small shops offering handmade rugs and sand‑art portraits, perfect for unique souvenirs.

There aren’t a lot of shops on the island of Boa Vista, although the capital, Sal Rei, is home to a few rustic stores where you can grab African-style ceramics, local mosaics and hand-carved wooden masks. For items like branded shampoo, suncream and make-up, the Boas Compras supermarket is ideal, and it’s just around the corner from the Tourist Information Office in Sal Rei.

With no major designer shopping malls in Boa Vista, you won’t see names like Gucci or Armani, although some of the more swish hotels have luxury onsite boutiques. Places like the Riu Touareg boasts a couple of good clothes stores selling lightweight linen clothing, silk dresses, resort wear and statement jewellery.

Things are pretty quiet on Boa Vista. The most noteworthy nightlife features along the Sal Rei waterfront. Here, you’ll find softly-lit seafood restaurants and beach bars with ocean views. ‘No stress’ is the island’s motto, which is definitely something worth leaning into.

Many Boa Vista hotels offer full-scale All Inclusive entertainment, including musical theatre tributes, folk dancing, and themed evening shows. Some properties even feature on‑site clubs, such as the Riu Touareg’s energetic Pacha nightclub, known for its late‑night DJ sets. If you prefer to explore local nightlife, Sal Rei is the place to go for live morna shows, for a soulful mix of fado and Brazilian beats performed in bars around the harbour. You’ll also find beach parties along the coast for a more laidback night out.

Eat like you’re at an island celebration with a big bowlful of this hearty traditional meal. It’s a tasty, slow-boiled stew full of beans, corn, chorizo and marinated meat or tuna. You’ll have your pick of different variations, too, depending on what ingredients are in season.

Fishing is huge here, meaning the daily local catch is present on basically every Boa Vista menu. According to locals, bife de atum is the recipe of recipes. It’s made from freshly-netted yellowfin tuna marinated in a spice and vinegar marinade, served on a bed of buttery boiled potatoes.

Sweet papaya jam is the number one jam in Cape Verde, and you can spread it on everything from toast to crepes. It’s typically served with a local goats’ cheese as a sweet-and-savoury dessert – like an alternative to brie and cranberry.

Do not turn down the chance to try this sugar cane brandy - it’s the national drink of Cape Verde. It’s been grown in the green valleys of Santa Antao island for centuries, and gets its name from 'grog' – a drink that was a favourite of the British Royal Navy. Go slow, though – it’s 43% proof.

This refreshing mint‑infused Cape Verdean liqueur is traditionally sipped after dinner to help your meal go down smoothly. It’s made by blending coffee, figs, cinnamon, peppermint, and lime, giving it a bold, aromatic flavour. If the taste feels a little strong, you can soften it with a splash of orange juice or mix it with Grogue for a more balanced drink.