SAMPLE ITINERARY

The pristine Cape Verde islands offer a wonderfully warm beach holiday that blends Portuguese and African influences. You can relax on endless golden beaches, hike through jaw-dropping mountain scenery, explore an active volcano, or shop in a city market. Island hopping allows you to combine two or more islands in a single itinerary, with each having  its own distinct character. 

Loggerhead turtles come to these islands to lay their eggs throughout the summer. You can spend time watching them lay their eggs between July and September, or helping the little hatchlings make their way to the ocean between July and December.​

Sal and Boa Vista are two of the most popular islands, as they boast fantastic stretches of coastline perfect for relaxing and trying out water sports. They also offer the best conditions for snorkelling and diving, especially from April to September. On the southern coast of Sal, Santa Maria beach offers golden sands and plenty of activities such as sailing, surfing, snorkelling, diving and deep sea fishing. Kite Beach on the east coast is best for kitesurfing.

Praia de Chaves beach on Boa Vista is one of many where powdery white rolling sand dunes stretch as far as the eye can see, with stunning desert landscapes. Santa Monica beach in the southwest is another beautiful spot, and you can spot humpback whales off the Boa Vista coast in March and April. You can also visit the fascinating Cabo Santa Maria shipwreck. A two-centre holiday combining Sal and Boa Vista is an excellent choice.

The westernmost island of Santo Antão is mountainous, with a lush green landscape of rugged peaks, verdant valleys, volcanic walls and craters, jaw-dropping ravines and cliff-hanging villages. Guided hikes are the best way to explore this impressive island, which is ideal for walking and adventure activities.

A 1 hour ferry links Santo Antão to neighbouring São Vicente, whose port of Mindelo is a cultural hub known for its traditional Creole music and colonial architecture, including the People’s Palace (Palácio do Povo). Popular bathing spots include Laginha Beach, the shallow lagoon of Baía das Gatas and São Pedro, which has strong wind and surf. The colourful Mindelo Carnival is held here 40 days before Easter, with vibrant parades, costumes and music.

Fogo offers stunning lunar-like landscapes surrounding the magnificent still-active Pico do Fogo Volcano. At 2,989m it is the highest peak in the archipelago. Here you can also sample the locally produced wine and coffee beans.

Santiago is the largest of the Cape Verde islands, with a craggy mountainous interior. It is known for its beaches, Creole Portuguese and African culture, local markets and the role this island played in the slave trade. The town of Cidade Velha was an important Portuguese colonial outpost, and Pillory Square features an ornate marble pillar where slaves were once shackled. The ruined 16th century Royal Fortress of São Filipe overlooks the town. The capital of Praia also has plenty of history. Tarrafal Beach is a small sandy bay tucked away to the northwest of Santiago town.

PRICING

Price is based on two adults sharing en-suite accommodation, with meal plans varying from bed and breakfast to all inclusive. International flights and resort transfers are included.

We offer a choice of hotels at different prices, so please discuss your requirements with us. All hotels are subject to availability.

It is essential that you have personal holiday insurance. The FCO should also be consulted.