Cape Verde Travel Guide – Which Islands To Visit & Best Things To Do

Cape Verde is a beautiful destination that offers so much more than stunning beaches and all-inclusive resorts. Off the coast of West Africa, this gorgeous archipelago has 10 islands, each with its own landscapes, culture, and character.

Think golden beaches and turquoise waters, dramatic volcanic scenery, colourful towns, traditional music and some seriously impressive hiking routes. Whether you’re dreaming of a relaxing beach escape, a mountain adventure, or a different side of island life, there’s plenty to discover.

But with ten islands to choose from, which part of Cape Verde is right for you? Some islands are perfect for beach holidays and watersports, while others suit hiking, culture, and getting off the beaten track.

I’ve visited Boa Vista, and in this guide, I’ll walk you through all ten islands, the best things to do on each, how to get to each island when a direct flight isn’t an option, and why each island deserves a spot on your itinerary. I’ll also share practical tips to help you choose the right island and plan your epic Cape Verde adventure. Ready to find your perfect island?

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Cape Verde Quick Summary

🩵 Where is Cape Verde? Cape Verde is an island country in the Atlantic Ocean, off the west coast of Africa, around 600km from Senegal.

🩵 How many islands does Cape Verde have? Cape Verde has ten main islands, nine of which are inhabited. Each has its own character, from sandy beaches to volcanic mountains; there’s an island for everyone.

🩵 How long should you spend in Cape Verde? For a beach holiday on one island, 7-10 days is a good starting point. If you want to explore multiple islands, allow at least 10-21 days and plan your transport carefully.

🩵 What’s the weather like & the best time to visit Cape Verde? Cape Verde has a generally warm, dry climate year-round, though conditions vary by island. It is a great destination year-round. November-June is usually drier, while August-October tends to be warmer, with a greater chance of rain.

🩵 Is Cape Verde expensive? Costs depend on your island choice and your travel style. Resort holidays on Sal and Boa Vista can be expensive at higher-end hotels, while independent travel can offer budget-friendly rates. Visiting multiple islands in one trip can also increase your budget because of transport costs.

🩵 Which Cape Verde island is best? It depends on what you want. Sal and Boa Vista are the most popular and easiest to reach, while Santo Antao is a favourite for hiking and Sao Vicente for its music and nightlife. We’ll compare the islands below to help you choose.

🩵 What language is spoken in Cape Verde? Portuguese is the official language, while Cape Verdean Creole is widely spoken in everyday life. English is understood in some tourist areas, but it is less widely spoken elsewhere in the country.

🩵 What currency does Cape Verde use? The local currency is the Cape Verdean escudo (CVE). Some tourist businesses may accept euros, but it’s best to carry local currency, especially if you plan to travel beyond the main resort areas.

🩵 Do UK travellers need a visa to Cape Verde? British citizens travelling to Cape Verde for tourism generally don’t need a visa for stays up to 30 days, but pre-registration and an airport fee may apply. Check the latest official entry requirements for Cape Verde on GOV.UK.

Which Cape Verde Islands Should You Visit?

With ten islands to choose from, deciding where to go in Cape Verde can feel a little overwhelming. The good news? Each island offers something different, whether you’re dreaming of lazy beach days, dramatic mountain scenery, local culture, or outdoor adventures. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you choose the right island for your trip.

You don’t need to visit all ten islands to have experienced Cape Verde. If you’re visiting for a week, focusing on one island is often the simplest option. With two weeks, you can explore more than one, as long as the transport connections fit your itinerary.

1. Sal Island

If you picture Cape Verde as golden beaches, turquoise waters, and a place to get an epic tan, Sal is probably the island you’re imagining. It’s one of the country’s most popular destinations, known for its sandy coastline, watersports, and easy-going holiday atmosphere.

The main resort town, Santa Maria, has many of the island’s hotels, restaurants, beach bars, and tour operators. Beyond the beach, you can float in the salt crater of Pedra de Lume, explore the island’s desert-like landscapes, or head out to sea to discover Cape Verde’s marine life.

Sal is especially well suited to first-time visitors, couples, and anyone looking for a beach-focused getaway with plenty of activities. If you’re after a more adventurous trip filled with mountain hikes and valleys, another island might suit you better.

The pier at Santa Maria Beach in Sal. Credit: Duncan (Adobe)

Quick Summary: Sal Island

🩵 How long should you spend in Sal? I recommend 5-10 days for a beach holiday, giving you time to relax, explore the island, and do some of the many cool excursions they offer.

🩵 Is Sal expensive? Sal offers a range of accommodation, from all-inclusive resorts to smaller hotels and guesthouses. Resort packages can be expensive, while eating locally and comparing excursions can help you save some coin.

🩵 Is Sal worth visiting? Absolutely, especially if you want beautiful beaches, boat trips, and a relaxed holiday vibe. With direct flights, it’s one of the easiest islands to reach, and it’s perfect for a straightforward, no-hassle beach getaway.

🩵 Who is Sal best for? Sal is ideal for beach bums, couples, families, watersport lovers, and solo travellers looking for sunshine, relaxation, and plenty of organised excursions.

Fun Things To Do in Sal

Sal is one of Cape Verde’s best islands for beach days, watersports, and exploring unusual natural landscapes. Whether you want to spend your days in the sun or head out on an island tour, Sal has something for everyone.

If you’re planning a trip to Sal, check out my Cool Places to Stay in Cape Verde for accommodation options and help choosing the right base for your holiday to Sal.

2. Santiago Island

If you want to discover a more cultural, historically rich side of Cape Verde, Santiago is worth exploring. It’s the archipelago’s largest island and home to Praia, the country’s capital, where you’ll find bustling markets, local restaurants, colourful streets, and a glimpse into everyday Cape Verdean life.

Santiago also has an important place in the country’s history. Visit Cidade Velha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with historic buildings and landmarks that tell Cape Verde’s colonial story. Beyond the towns, the island has a surprisingly varied landscape, from mountains and green valleys to sandy beaches and coastal villages.

Santiago offers a different experience from the resort-focused islands of Sal and Boa Vista. It’s particularly appealing if you’re interested in history, culture, local food, and exploring beyond the gorgeous beaches.

Playa de Tarrafel en la Costa Norte de la isla de Santiago

Quick Summary: Santiago Island

🩵 How long should you spend in Santiago? I recommend 3-5 days to explore Praia, visit Cidade Velha, and discover the island’s beaches, villages, and mountain scenery.

🩵 Is Santiago expensive? Santiago can offer good value, especially if you eat at local spots and use local transport. Prices in the capital, Praia, are higher than in rural parts of Santiago.

🩵 Is Santiago worth visiting? Definitely, especially if you want to experience Cape Verde beyond its beach resorts. This island combines history, local culture, markets, mountain scenery, and coastal escapes.

🩵 Who is Santiago best for? Santiago is ideal for independent travellers, explorers, culture lovers, and friends looking to make new memories in a less touristy part of Cape Verde.

How To Get To Santiago Island

Nelson Mandela International Airport (RAI) is in Praia, Cape Verde’s capital. Unlike Sal, which has direct flights from the UK, flights to Santiago usually require a connection.

✈️ Flights:

One option is to fly from the UK to Lisbon, Portugal, and connect to Praia. This can be a convenient route if Santiago is your main destination. You could spend 5 days in Lisbon and 5 days in Santiago for an epic multi-destination experience.

Another option is to fly directly from the UK to Sal, then book an inter-island flight to Praia with CVsky, Cape Verde’s domestic airline. This can work well if you’re combining Santiago with Sal, but check the connecting flights carefully.

⛴️ Ferry:

Ferries also connect Santiago with some other Cape Verdean islands. However, journeys can be lengthy, so flying is generally more practical if you’re short on time. Ferries are more convenient for exploring other islands; for example, Maio to Santiago takes about 1 hour 45 minutes, while Sal to Santiago takes about 10 hours. You can see ferry schedules on Cape Verde’s official ferry operator website, CVInterilhas.

Fun Things To Do in Santiago

Santiago offers a fascinating mix of history, culture, local food, and beautiful scenery. From exploring Cape Verde’s capital to visiting historic landmarks and discovering mountain villages, here are some highlights to add to your itinerary.

3. Boa Vista Island

If you’re dreaming of endless sandy beaches and a getaway where you’ll mostly chill, Boa Vista is one of Cape Verde’s most beautiful islands. Known for its vast coastline, rolling sand dunes, and relaxed atmosphere, it’s a fantastic destination for anyone looking to slow down and enjoy a beach-focused escape.

The island’s main town, Sal Rei, feels laid-back, with colourful streets, local restaurants, and a lovely waterfront to explore. Beyond the town, you’ll find huge stretches of sand, striking landscapes, and opportunities for boat trips, watersports, and wildlife watching.

Having visited Boa Vista myself, I’d say it’s a great option if you want somewhere different on the map, but chilled. It’s best suited to couples, families, solo travellers, friends, and anyone who wants plenty of sunshine, beautiful scenery, and a slower pace of life.

Beautiful, clean, sandy beaches in Boa Vista

Quick Summary: Boa Vista

🩵 How long should you spend in Boa Vista? I recommend around 7 days for a beach holiday, which gives you plenty of time to rest, relax, and enjoy island excursions. I spent two weeks in Boa Vista, and I didn’t get bored. But it does depend on how badly you need a recharge; two weeks did the trick for me.

🩵 Is Boa Vista expensive? Options range from all-inclusive resorts to smaller hotels. Packaged holidays can offer good value, while excursions, transport, and eating out can add to your costs. Overall, Boa Vista seemed reasonably priced.

🩵 Is Boa Vista worth visiting? I want to revisit, which means it’s worth visiting. It’s a little less touristy than Sal, with plenty to do alongside stunning beaches, so it’s definitely worth checking out. Also, direct flights from the UK are a bonus, and they’re usually inexpensive.

Best Things To Do in Boa Vista

Boa Vista is all about enjoying beautiful beaches, striking desert landscapes, and exploring what the community offers. There are plenty of ways to make your stay in Boa Vista memorable.

4. Santo Antao Island

If you love nature or enjoy exploring on foot, Santo Antao is one of Cape Verde’s most spectacular islands. Known for its dramatic mountain peaks, deep valleys, and winding roads, it offers a completely different experience from the sandy beaches and resort towns on Cape Verde’s other islands.

One moment you’re surrounded by rugged volcanic mountains, and the next you’re looking out across green valleys filled with farmland, sugarcane, and small villages. The famous Paul Valley is particularly beautiful, with walking routes that take you through traditional rural communities.

Santo Antao is also known for its hiking, with trails ranging from challenging mountain routes to gentler walks through agricultural landscapes. Along the way, you’ll find incredible viewpoints and a quieter, more rural side of Cape Verde.

Mountain ridge leading to Ribeira Grande on Santo Antao Island. Credit: Igor Tihonow (Adobe)

Quick Summary: Santo Antao

🩵 How long should you spend in Santo Antao? I’d recommend around 3-5 days to explore the island’s valleys, mountain scenery, and hiking trails without rushing. If you’re visiting as a day trip from Sao Vicente, you’ll only scratch the surface.

🩵 Is Santo Antao expensive? Guided hikes, taxis, and transfers between valleys can dent your budget, but the island itself isn’t necessarily expensive. Local food spots and stays can help keep costs down.

🩵 Is Santo Antao worth visiting? If you love dramatic landscapes, mountain walks, and discovering rural communities, Santo Antao is seriously worth considering. It’s one of Cape Verde’s standout islands for nature and hiking.

🩵 Who is Santo Antao best for? Santo Antao is a paradise for hiking enthusiasts. Outdoor enthusiasts, photographers, and travellers looking for a quieter, adventurous getaway would suit Santo Antao best.

How To Get To Sao Antao

Getting to Santo Antao is a little different from reaching most of Cape Verde’s other islands, as Santo Antao doesn’t have an airport. The usual route is to fly into neighbouring Sao Vicente and take a ferry across. This makes the two islands a natural combination if you want to experience Mindelo’s music and culture before heading into the mountains.

✈️ Flights:

If you’re travelling from the UK, you’ll need to arrange flights to Cesaria Evora International Airport (VXE) on Sao Vicente, usually with a connection through another destination like Portugal or another Cape Verde Island. Once you arrive, head to Porto Grande harbour in Mindelo to catch the ferry to Santo Antao.

⛴️ Ferries:

Ferries run between Mindelo on Sao Vicente and Porto Novo on Santo Antao, with the crossing taking around one hour. It’s a straightforward way to travel between the two islands, and the crossing offers lovely views of the surrounding coastline.

Best Things To Do in Santo Antao

Santo Antao is a dream for anyone who loves mountains, hiking, and exploring beautiful landscapes. From green valleys and farmland to dramatic coastal roads and traditional villages, this special island in Cape Verde offers plenty to discover.

5. Fogo Island

If you’re looking for dramatic scenery and a more adventurous side of Cape Verde, Fogo deserves a spot on your list. Its name means ‘fire’ in Portuguese, and the island is dominated by Pico do Fogo, an active volcano that rises above the surrounding landscape.

Fogo feels very different from the beach-focused islands of Sal and Boa Vista. Instead of endless sandy coastlines, you’ll find rugged volcanic terrain, black lava fields, mountain roads, and slopes where people grow coffee and grapes.

One of the island’s most fascinating places is Cha das Caldeiras, a settlement inside the volcano’s vast caldera. Here, local communities live among the volcanic landscape, with vineyards and small farms growing in the rich soil. You can also explore Sao Filipe, a charming town known for its colourful houses and cobbled streets.

Looking down onto the town of Fogo Island, Cape Verde. Credit: RbbrDckyBK (Adobe)

Quick Summary: Fogo Island

🩵 How long should you spend on Fogo Island? I recommend 3-4 days to explore Fogo Island and enjoy its volcanic scenery. Allow extra time if you plan to climb Pico do Fogo or want a more relaxed hiking itinerary.

🩵 Is Fogo expensive? Fogo can suit a range of budgets, with locally run accomodation available alongside hotels. Guided hikes, transport to Cha das Caldeiras and excursions can add to the costs.

🩵 Is Fogo worth visiting? Absolutely. The volcano, lava fields, mountain scenery, and distinctive local culture make Fogo an unusual, must-visit destination.

🩵 Who is Fogo best for? Fogo appeals especially to hikers, nature lovers, and travellers who want to climb the volcano, explore unusual landscapes, and discover a different side of island life in Cape Verde.

How To Get To Fogo Island

Fogo has its own airport and ferry connections, so you don’t have to rely on a single way of getting there. If you’re travelling from the UK, you’ll usually need to connect through another destination before reaching the island.

✈️ Flights:

Fogo is served by Sao Filipe Airport (SFL), close to the island’s main town. One option is to fly from the UK to Praia on Santiago Island, then take a domestic flight to Fogo. You can check flight options using Cape Verde’s domestic flights website, CVsky.

⛴️ Ferries:

Alternatively, you can take a ferry from Santiago to Fogo. The crossing takes around four to six hours, depending on the sailing, and services don’t necessarily run every day, so check the ferry timetable before booking anything.

You can also take a ferry between Fogo and neighbouring Brava Island, with the crossing taking roughly an hour when services are operating. This is a handy option if you want to explore more than one destination in Cape Verde.

Best Things To Do in Fogo Island

Fogo is one of Cape Verde’s most unique islands, with dramatic volcanic landscapes, mountain scenery, and a fascinating local culture. It’s a great destination if you want to swap beach days for hikes at Pico de Fogo, explore traditional towns, and discover the island’s volcanic heritage.

6. Sao Vicente Island

If you’re looking for a different side of Cape Verde beyond beaches and all-inclusive resorts, Sao Vicente is an island worth adding to your list. It’s best known for Mindelo, a lively port city with colourful colonial-style buildings, music venues, local markets, and a strong arts and cultural scene.

Mindelo is often considered Cape Verde’s cultural heart, with music playing a big part in everyday life. The island is closely associated with morna, a traditional Cape Verdean music style, and comes alive during its famous Carnival celebrations.

Beyond the city, Sao Vicente offers rugged volcanic landscapes, coastal viewpoints, and beaches where you can slow down and take in the scenery. You can also take a ferry to neighbouring Santo Antao, making Sao Vicente a useful base if you want to combine music and culture with some of Cape Verde’s best hiking experiences,

The streets of Sao Vicente. Credit: Blickfang (Adobe)

Quick Summary: Sao Vicente

🩵 How long should you spend in Sao Vicente? I’d recommend around 2-4 days in Sao Vicente to explore Mindelo, enjoy the local food and music scene, and perhaps take a day trip to the nearby island Sao Antao.

🩵 Is Sao Vicente expensive? Accommodation options suit different budgets. Generally, Sao Antao isn’t as expensive as some other tourist hotspots and is more in line with local prices.

🩵 Is Sao Vicente worth exploring? If you’re interested in Cape Verdean music, culture, local life, and city life, then Sao Vicente is definitely worth adding to your itinerary. Plus, if you’re heading to Sao Antao, it’s worth spending a few days in Sao Vicente also.

🩵 Who is Sao Vicente best for? Sao Vicente is a great option for travellers who prefer tradition. It has plenty of character and focuses less on large beach resorts. If you’re adventurous or like a slightly off-the-beaten-path vibe, Sao Vicente is a great island to make a temporary home.

How To Get To Sao Vicente

Sao Vicente is served by Cesaria Evora International Airport (VXE), near Sao Pedro and a short drive from Mindelo, the island’s main town.

✈️ Flights:

One option from the UK is to fly to Lisbon, Portugal, and connect ot Sao Vicente. Airlines operate routes between Portugal and Sao Vicente, but availability and schedules vary, so it might not be the easiest option. Another alternative is to connect via Sal or Santiago on an inter-island flight via Cape Verde’s domestic airline, CVsky.

⛴️ Ferries:

You can reach Sao Vicente by ferry; however, flying is more practical for longer journeys. Ferry schedules can change, and weather may disrupt crossings, so check the official CV Interilhas ferry timetable before planning your route.

One of Sao Vicente’s biggest advantages is its direct ferry connection to neighbouring Sao Antao, an island famous for its dramatic mountains and hiking trails. The transfer from Sao Vicente to Sao Antao only takes around 1 hour.

Best Things To Do in Sao Vicente

Sao Vicente offers a different experience from Cape Verde’s resort islands. Spend your days exploring colourful streets, discovering local music, and getting a feel for the island’s culture. Here are some things not to miss whilst in Sao Vicente.

7. Maio Island

If your idea of the perfect island escape involves peaceful beaches, laid-back villages, and getting away from the crowds, Maio Island could be just what you’re looking for. Often overlooked in favour of Cape Verde’s better-known resort islands, Maio offers a quieter, more unspoilt feel.

The island is known for its long sandy beaches, turquoise waters, salt flats, and open landscapes. The main town, Porto Ingles, is a good starting point for discovering the island. Here you’ll find colourful buildings, local shops, and a glimpse into everyday Cape Verdean life. Beyond the town, you can explore quiet coastal areas, traditional settlements, and landscapes shaped by salt production.

Maio is also important for wildlife, particularly sea turtles that nest on some of its beaches. If you’re visiting during nesting season, you may be able to join a responsible guided excursion, depending on availability and local conservation rules.

Maio Island streets bring a vibrant atmosphere

Quick Summary: Maio Island

🩵 How many days should you spend on Maio Island? I’d recommend around 3-4 days for a relaxing stay in Maio, giving you time to explore Porto Ingles, enjoy the beaches, and discover the island’s quieter corners.

🩵 Is Maio Island expensive? Maio has smaller accomodation options, with locally run guesthouses and places to eat which should keep costs down. But organised excursions and transportation can add to your costs.

🩵 Is it worth visiting Maio Island? If you’re after quiet, beautiful beaches, open landscapes, and a slower pace of life, Maio is worth visiting. It’s less touristy, with more local vibes, and a great island to explore in Cape Verde.

🩵 Who is Maio Island best for? If you’re looking for a packed itinerary, city life, or nightlife, Maio Island isn’t for you. Maio is perfect for travellers who want to recharge, solo travellers seeking independence, and anyone who wants to escape the hustle and bustle.

How To Get To Maio Island

Maio is one of Cape Verde’s quieter islands, but you can still reach it by domestic flight or ferry. If you’re travelling from the UK, you’ll usually need to fly to Santiago Island first, where the capital, Praia, serves as a transport hub.

✈️ Flights:

Maio Airport (MMO) serves Maio, with domestic flights connecting it to Praia on Santiago. If you’re travelling from the UK, you’ll need to fly to Cape Verde first, then connect to Maio. The domestic flight from Santiago is short, but services don’t necessarily operate every day. Check the flight schedule before making any plans.

⛴️ Ferries:

CV Interilhas ferries connect Praia on Santiago with Porto Ingles on Maio. The crossing takes approximately two hours, making it a practical alternative to flying. However, sailings are limited compared with routes to some of the larger islands, and departure times can change.

Best Things To Do in Maio Island

Maio is one of Cape Verde’s quieter islands, making it ideal if you want to slow down and enjoy the coastline without the crowds. Expect long sandy beaches, traditional villages, salt flats, and plenty of opportunities to explore at your own pace.

8. Brava Island

If you’re looking for a quieter, greener side of Cape Verde, Brava is the country’s smallest inhabited island, with plenty of charm packed into its compact landscape. Often called the Island of Flowers, Brava is known for it beautiful vegetation, colourful gardens, and misty mountain scenery.

The main town, Nova Sintra, is particularly appealing, with its traditional houses, leafy squares, and relaxed atmosphere. Brava is also a lovely destination for walkers, with trails winding through valleys and along hillsides and revealing some of the island’s most beautiful scenery.

Brava’s appeal lies in its natural beauty, peaceful atmosphere, and opportunities to discover a more rural side of Cape Verde. If you love walking, quiet villages and scenic landscapes, Brava could be a wonderful addition to your trip.

Gorgeous views on Brava Island. Credit: LivetImages (Adobe)

Quick Summary: Brava Island

🩵 How long should you spend in Brava? I’d recommend 2-3 days to explore Nova Sintra, enjoy the island’s scenery, and take a few walks through its valleys and villages.

🩵 Is Brava expensive? Brava has a relatively small selection of accommodation and places to eat, so costs shouldn’t be too high as it’s more of a local area. Your overall costs will depend on your travel arrangements, and ferry connections can add to the budget.

🩵 Is Brava worth visiting? As the country’s smallest inhabited island, it offers a more intimate feel, with peaceful villages and a slower pace of life, so yes, Brava is worth visiting. It’s a unique part of the country you shouldn’t miss if you get the chance.

🩵 Who is Brava best for? Brava is ideal for walkers, nature lovers, photographers, and solo travellers who enjoy discovering lesser-known destinations. It’s suitable for anyone who loves something different.

How To Get To Brava Island

Getting to Brava takes a little more planning than reaching Cape Verde’s main tourist islands. Brava has no operating commercial airport, so the final part of your journey is by ferry.

✈️ Flights:

If you’re travelling from the UK, you can fly to Praia on Santiago Island, then take a domestic flight to Fogo. From there, you’ll need to travel to the ferry port at Sao Filipe to continue to Brava. Check the flight schedule before making any plans.

⛴️ Ferries:

CV Interilhas ferries connect Sao Filipe on Fogo Island with Furna on Brava Island. The crossing takes approximately an hour, making it a relatively short journey between the two islands. Check the ferry schedule before making any plans.

Best Things To Do in Brava Island

Brava may be Cape Verde’s smallest inhabited island, but it has plenty of natural beauty to discover. From colourful villages and green valleys to coastal viewpoints and scenic walking routes, it’s a lovely destination for travellers who prefer quieter places over busy resorts.

If you want somewhere a little quieter and less touristy, Sao Nicolau is a great island to consider. Often overlooked in favour of Cape Verde’s better-known beach destinations, it offers rugged mountains, green valleys, traditional villages, and a glimpse into a slower pace of island life.

The island’s scenery is wonderfully varied, with volcanic peaks, winding roads, and agricultural terraces. One highlight is Monte Gordo Natural Park, where walking trails lead through mountain landscapes and vegetation that feels very different from the dry, sandy scenery.

Sao Nicolau is also known for its traditional communities and local culture. Ribeira Brava and Tarrafal de Sao Nicolau offer chances to explore local life, sample Cape Verdean food, and enjoy the island’s relaxed atmosphere.

Sao Nicolau is the best place for relaxation

Quick Summary: Sao Nicolau

🩵 How long should you spend in Sao Nicolau? I’d recommend around 2-4 days in Sao Nicolau to explore the main towns and visit Monte Gordo Natural Park. Allow extra time if you want to hike or explore this island at a slower pace.

🩵 Is Sao Nicolau expensive? The island is mainly locally run, with guesthouses and food spots at local rates. However, transport options can be more limited than on more popular islands, so factor that into your travel costs.

🩵 Is Sao Nicolau worth visiting? Yes, especially if you want to experience a quieter side of Cape Verde. It’s perfect for those who want to explore beyond the usual tourist hotspots.

🩵 Who is Sao Nicolau best for? This isn’t the island to choose if you’re looking for big all-inclusive resorts or a busy nightlife scene. Instead, Sao Nicolau suits travellers who enjoy nature, independent exploration, and off-the-beaten-path discoveries.

How To Get To Sao Nicolau

Sao Nicolau is one of Cape Verde’s quieter islands, so getting there takes a little more planning than visiting the main resort destinations. However, you can get there by plane or ferry.

✈️ Flights:

Sao Nicolau has a small airport, Preguica Airport (SNE), which handles domestic flights rather than international services. If you’re travelling from the UK, you’ll generally need to connect through another destination first. Depending on the domestic flight schedules available when you plan to visit Sao Nicolau, you may be able to fly via Sal, Santiago, or Sao Vicente.

⛴️ Ferries:

CV Interilhas ferries also connect Sao Nicolau with other islands, including Sao Vicente and Sal. The crossing from Sao Vicente takes about 5 hours, while the journey from Sal takes about 8 hours. Ferries don’t necessarily run every day, and departure times can vary, so check the timetable carefully when planning your trip.

Best Things To Do in Sao Nicolau

Sao Nicolau is ideal for travellers who enjoy exploring at a slower pace. Expect dramatic mountain scenery, peaceful villages, hiking opportunities, and stretches of coastline that feel a world away from the busier resort islands. Here are some of the best activities to do on the island.

For more accommodation inspiration across the islands, check out my Cool Places To Stay in Cape Verde guide to help plan your trip.

10. Santa Luzia

If you’re looking for a truly remote side of Cape Verde, Santa Luzia is unlike any other island. It’s the only uninhabited of Cape Verde’s ten main islands, offering a wild, undeveloped landscape of sandy beaches, dunes, and rugged coastline.

Unlike Sal, Boa Vista, and the other inhabited islands, Santa Luzia has no towns, hotels, or permanent residents. Instead, its appeal lies in its untouched scenery and the feeling of being somewhere far from everyday life.

The island is part of a protected natural area, providing important habitats for seabirds and other wildlife. Its remote coastline and relatively undisturbed environment make it especially appealing to nature lovers and anyone curious about Cape Verde’s wilder landscapes.

How To Get To Santa Luzia

Unlike Cape Verde’s inhabited islands, Santa Luzia has no airports, hotels, or scheduled public ferry service. Visiting Santa Luzia takes more planning than visiting the other islands, as it is a protected nature reserve with restricted access. Access is generally arranged by boat from neighbouring Sao Vicente or another nearby island, and requires authorisation from Cape Verde’s environmental authorities.

Santa Luzia is closest to Sao Vicente, and boat excursions may depart from the island, including from the coastal area of Calhau. The crossing takes around two hours each way depending on the departure point and sea conditions.

And there you have it, your guide to the ten islands of Cape Verde! From the golden beaches of Sal and Boa Vista to the dramatic volcanic landscapes of Fogo, every island offers something a little different. You don’t need to visit all ten islands, either. Choosing one or two that match what you’re looking for is a great way to start your Cape Verde journey.

So, what are you waiting for? Take the leap and say YES to Cape Verde.