2026 Cape Verde Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in February)

#OverseasTravel Cape Verde offers a completely different charm from popular tourist destinations. The beaches here are places where nature takes precedence over artificial structures, allowing you to truly experience the natural colors and atmosphere of the sea. The waters sparkle under the sunlight, a natural blend of emerald and turquoise, and the moment you step into the water, all your fatigue melts away. The beach's greatest strength is its incredibly clear waters. Even in shallow waters, the bottom is clearly visible, and the gentle waves make it a perfect place for even the most inexperienced swimmers to enjoy a relaxing swim. The underwater view of the sky and the play of light across the water are even more beautiful in photographs than in real life. Cape Verde's beaches are characterized by a quiet and relaxed atmosphere, making them especially recommended for travelers seeking solitude or true relaxation. A leisurely stroll along the beach or simply gazing at the sea, doing nothing, is the ultimate reward of this trip. The clear, vibrant colors of the morning, combined with the soft, warm light of the afternoon, create a unique charm no matter the time of day. One more travel tip: sunscreen and sunglasses are essential due to the strong UV rays, and a light long-sleeved shirt is a good idea for windy weather. Small accommodations and local restaurants are nearby, allowing you to enjoy a satisfying day without having to venture far. If you're looking for a break from busy schedules, excessive sightseeing, and noisy resorts, and want to experience nature, the ocean, and relaxation, Cape Verde's beaches are a must-visit destination. #beachtrip #emeraldsea #clearsea #seaview #recommendedresort #naturallandscape #healingtrip

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📌 Boa Vista, Cape Verde 🇨🇻 As an intrepid traveller who usually prefers the chilly and cosy city breaks, it's actually quite rare for me to book the serene sun and beauty of a hot holiday, but it was about time to do so. When I told people I was going to Cape Verde, I was told several times "oh it's so quiet there, there won't be much to do" and how wrong they were. Here's why... 🇨🇻 Why you should visit Cape Verde: ☀️ Unmatched African sun 🌡️ Consistent year-round temperature, great for those looking for a winter sun getaway 🌴 Stunning limitless beaches 🌃 Fantastic hotel entertainment plans, this is where the islands really come to life 🙂 The friendliest and most hospitable locals ever ✈️ After a 5.5hr flight from the UK, we touched down at Boa Vista Airport and were straight onto a tour bus for the 5-minute drive over to the hotel. It was great to be so close to the airport! 🌊 After checking in and dropping off the bags, we headed straight out to the beach to get a general vibe of the island and to watch the beautiful sunset. 🕺 It was then time to check out the hotel's fantastic entertainment offering and tonight it was their rendition of The Lion King, a fast paced and fun-filled show. The next days featured a Grease show and an Abba Tribute Night. 🏊♂️ The next day was largely spent by the pool of which there were many of varying size and the talented entertainment staff were conducting daily aqua aerobics. Great for burning off those delicious breakfasts! 🍽️ The food and drink offering here was fantastic and varied. That evening we headed out to the 'Toscana' Italian-inspired restaurant included in our holiday. We then went to have a look at the beautiful swimming pool lit up amongst the backdrop of the night sky. 🤽♂️ As part of the pool facilities the hotel had access to the water slides as well which were excellent fun. 🪩🕺🎉 Onto the BEST and most WILD party I've ever been to. This completely took me by surprise - I was reminded so many times how quiet it is in Cape Verde but the hotel put on an amazing neon party with blow up balls, dance routines, DJs and entertainers. 🥥 The final day and we were treated to a fresh coconut straight from a palm tree and enjoyed the freshest coconut water on the beach. All in all I had a fantastic time in Cape Verde, really underestimated place and I'd 100% revisit next year. The local's favourite phrase is "No Stress" and I can see why. 🇨🇻 #hellochristmas #capeverde #wintersun

Cape Verde is located on the Cape Verde Islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, more than 500 kilometers east of the westernmost point of the African continent, Cape Verde (within Senegal), controlling a key transportation route between Europe, South America, and South Africa. Praia Old Town, known as Cidade Velha, is about 15 kilometers west of Praia city center. It is the birthplace of the Cape Verdean people and a World Cultural Heritage site. Figures 1-3: Visit the ruins of the Royal Fortress of São Filipe in the old town. The Royal Fortress of São Filipe is located at the highest point of Cidade Velha. It was built by Portuguese colonizers in 1593 as a transit station for the slave trade, serving a similar function to Gorée Island in Senegal. It was later captured, looted, and destroyed by French pirates. Figures 4-5: From the ruins of the Royal Fortress of São Filipe, you can overlook the bay. Figures 6-12: Praia Old Town, also known as Cidade Velha, was established in 1462 when the Portuguese landed on Santiago Island and founded Cidade Velha. This was the first settlement on the island and the first permanent European colony in the tropics. In 1770, Praia replaced Cidade Velha as the capital of Cape Verde because it was easier to defend against pirate attacks, and Cidade Velha became the old town. Figures 13-18: The ruins of the Rosário Cathedral in Cidade Velha Old Town. The site is not large, but several broken walls and ruins faintly reveal its former grandeur. Figures 19-20: The 500-year-old tree visited by Darwin. In 1832, Darwin visited Santiago Island, Cape Verde, during his expedition on the HMS Beagle.

#cruiseholiday Our cruise stop in Praia, Cape Verde completely surprised me — in the best way. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but it turned out to be a very memorable and authentic part of the trip. As soon as we stepped off the ship, the difference in pace was noticeable. Praia doesn’t feel like the polished, tourist-heavy stops you often find on cruises — it’s raw, colourful, and full of everyday life. The harbour sits right below the old town, so we decided to walk up to the Plateau area (the city’s historic heart). If we ever go back, I will absolutely take a taxi instead because the walk is hard with kids in the blistering heat. From there, we wandered through lively streets and the markets bursting with fruit, fish, and the kind of energy that makes you feel like you’re really somewhere different. The architecture has a worn charm — pastel buildings, colonial squares, and sea views at nearly every turn. We stopped for cold drinks in a small store with a cool Coca Cola mural, and later headed to a café for lunch nearby. The people were warm, curious, and genuinely welcoming, which made exploring easy even without much structure. If you’re visiting with kids or looking for something low-stress, it’s worth keeping the day simple. Stick to Plateau for gentle exploring, grab lunch with a view, and if time allows, visit Quebra Canela Beach — just a few minutes’ drive away. It’s not pristine white sand, but the water is warm and calm. Overall, Praia felt like a real place — not a cruise port built for tourists. It gave us a glimpse of Cape Verde’s culture and rhythm, and I left wanting to come back for a proper stay. 📍 Tip: Bring cash (euros are widely accepted) and wear good shoes — the cobblestones and heat can be a challenge if you’re walking uphill with little ones. #praia #capeverde

Planning your summer getaway? 🌴 This island paradise has hotels that echo those dreamy, all-inclusive vibes you loved at Riu in Cabo Verde—think endless beaches, mouthwatering food, and pure relaxation #caboverde #BeachResort #LuxuryHotel #AllInclusive #Tripdotcom

🛩 Explore the beauty of Cabo Verde with a 7-day itinerary across its vibrant islands 🐟 Begin in São Vicente, where the cultural capital Mindelo offers live music, colonial architecture, and a lively market scene. Dine on local dishes like cachupa or grilled fish for €8–€15, and don't miss a taste of grogue, the local sugarcane liquor. ⛰️ Take a scenic ferry to Santo Antão (around €8 each way), known for its dramatic mountains and green valleys. It's a hiker’s paradise—pack sturdy shoes and light clothing. Guided hikes are available, but many trails are well-marked and free to explore on your own. 🚐 Use aluguer (it's a type of shared vans) for cheap travel between towns (around €1–€3), or opt for taxis if you're short on time. ⛺️ Local guesthouses offer authentic stays from €20–€40 per night. 🏝 Flights between distant islands like Sal or Santiago cost around €70–€100, so plan ahead. 🥥 Cabo Verde is perfect for nature lovers and culture seekers alike, offering a warm welcome, relaxed pace, and unforgettable landscapes. #capvert #caboverde #lantuna #islands

#travel #resorts #beachlife #africa

Cape Verde is located in the Atlantic Ocean, about 500 km from the westernmost point of the African continent. The small Cape Verde islands have volcanoes that are one or two thousand meters high, and Tiffany blue waters. Within a small area, there are mountains and waters, without the hustle and bustle, making it a tourist destination.

The island country of Cape Verde, located at the westernmost point of Africa, gives me the feeling of Southeast Asia. Clean beaches, crystal blue waters, and abundant resources - it has everything that Southeast Asia has, except the climate here is much more comfortable than the humid Southeast Asia. Although I am in Africa, I have a feeling of being in Europe because most of the tourists here are Europeans.The warm breeze blowing from the Atlantic made this vacation very pleasant. Do you want to come with me to Cape Verde and enjoy the breeze?

#staycation