Cape Verde holidays

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From sprawling beaches to lunar-like landscapes, holidays to Cape Verde line up stellar scenery – not to mention year-round sun.

The Cape Verde Islands

Cape Verde is located off the west coast of Africa, and is made up of 10 islands floating in the Atlantic Ocean. It takes around six hours to fly here from the UK, and year-round sun means there's plenty of choice for when to go. They’re still fairly new to the travel circuit, which makes them a great pick for off-the-beaten-track breaks. But with their long sandy beaches, lively surf and modern hotels, they’re quickly making a name for themselves.

Sal

Cape Verde’s most popular island is Sal, which is known for its striking, moon-like landscape. It’s dotted with colourful, cobbled towns, like Santa Maria in the south, where you’ll find surf shops, traditional restaurants and a square lined with al fresco cafés. The main attraction, though, is the beach, which stretches out for eight kilometres. Watersports are a big draw, but the sea can sometimes get a little choppy, so sunbathing's a popular fallback.

Boa Vista

You’ll find plenty more in the way of beaches over on Boa Vista, which translates to ‘beautiful view’. In fact, the sugar-coloured sands here halo the coastline for 55 uninterrupted kilometres. Praia Chave deserves a special mention, thanks to its creamy swathes and shape-shifting dunes.

Cultural melting pot

Whichever island you opt for, expect a melting pot of cultures. The Portuguese originally discovered Cape Verde, so there’s a mixture of African, Brazilian and Portuguese influences. You’ll see it in the island’s music, fashion and – perhaps most clearly – the food.

Cape Verde airport tax included on all package holidays

All our package holidays to Cape Verde come with your airport tax included, so you can avoid paying cash on arrival when you reach passport control. It’s all covered in your holiday bundle. Just so you know, airport tax isn’t included with flight only bookings.

Popular hotels in Cape Verde

Facts about Cape Verde

Capital

Praia

Currency

Cape Verde Escudo

(CVE)

Population

516,733

Language

Portuguese & Creole

Time zone

GMT -1

Flight duration

6 hours 15 minutes from Gatwick

FAQs

Where can I find the latest travel advice?

All your questions about entry requirements, visas, passports or health information are answered on our Travel Advice page.

What are the best shopping options in Cape Verde?

"Cape Verde offers diverse shopping experiences. Local markets in Sal and Boa Vista are ideal for traditional crafts and souvenirs. Resort areas feature boutiques selling beachwear and locally-made jewellery. For authentic products, look for shops selling Grogue, a local spirit, and Fogo wine."

What are the best beaches in Cape Verde?

"Cape Verde offers stunning beaches across its islands. Sal's Santa Maria Beach is known for its golden sand and water sports. On Boa Vista, Praia de Chaves provides a long stretch of pristine shoreline ideal for sunbathing and walks."

What are the customs and etiquette travelers should know in Cape Verde?

"In Cape Verde, greeting locals with a handshake or smile is always appreciated. When exploring local towns, we recommend dressing modestly by covering shoulders and knees. If you're invited to a Cape Verdean home, it's considered polite to bring a small gift. During meals, it's customary to wait for the host to start eating before you begin."

What is the nightlife like in Cape Verde?

"Cape Verde offers a relaxed nightlife scene, particularly in resort areas. Many hotels provide evening entertainment with live music and cultural shows. Some resorts have bars or clubs that stay open late, offering a mix of local and international music."

Where can I find traditional Cape Verdean cuisine?

"Traditional Cape Verdean cuisine can be found in resort restaurants and local eateries near TUI accommodations. Many resorts offer themed nights featuring local dishes such as cachupa and fresh seafood. For an authentic experience, ask your TUI representative about nearby restaurants that serve typical Creole-influenced meals."

Is tipping customary in Cape Verde?

"Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory in Cape Verde. In restaurants, a 10% tip is common for good service. For taxi drivers and hotel staff, rounding up the bill or giving a small amount is sufficient. Both Cape Verdean Escudos and Euros are accepted for tips."

What should I wear in Cape Verde?

"In Cape Verde, wear light, breathable clothing suitable for a warm climate. Casual beachwear is fine for resorts, but dress more modestly when visiting local towns, covering shoulders and knees. Bring a light jacket or wrap for cooler evenings, especially between November and March."

What electrical plug do I need for Cape Verde?

"For Cape Verde, bring a two-pin European style plug adapter. These are used throughout the islands. Your UK electronics should work without issues, but for high-powered devices like hair dryers, check the label to see if a voltage converter is needed."