CAPE VERDE – 10 Beautiful Islands & Fun Things To Do!

Welcome to Cape Verde—ten islands of pure vibes just off the coast of West Africa. This place has it all: golden beaches, volcanic adventures, pastel-coloured towns, epic hikes, and music that makes you want to dance in the street. Each island feels like a different world; whether you’re chasing waves, sunsets, or chill time, there’s a perfect spot waiting for you.

But the real magic? The people. Cape Verdeans are all about good energy, rich culture, and a proud mix of African and European roots. You’ll feel the warmth the second you arrive. So if you’re down for a trip that mixes beauty, soul, and a whole lot of fun, keep reading. I’m breaking down all ten islands (yep, even the quiet ones) so you can figure out where to go, what to do, and why you’ll probably want to return. Let’s go!

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Good To Know…

Sal Island

Welcome to Sal, Cape Verde’s sun-soaked island, all about beach vibes, chilled cocktails, and seriously clear water. This is your spot if you’re into endless sunshine, golden sand, and that “no worries” feeling. The main town, Santa Maria, is full of colourful streets, surf shops, beach bars, and friendly locals always ready with a smile!

Sal is made for doing as much, or as little, as you want. You can learn to kite surf, float in a salty crater lake, or just lounge all day with your feet in the sand and music in the air. It’s fun, laid-back, and the perfect place to hit pause and soak up the good life.

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

Fun Things To Do In Sal

Santiago Island

Welcome to Santiago, the biggest island in Cape Verde and the heartbeat of the archipelago! Here, you’ll find a lively mix of buzzing markets, colourful street art, and music that’s always ready to get you dancing. From hiking up lush mountains to chilling on black sand beaches, Santiago is packed with adventure and cool spots to explore.

Expect friendly faces, tasty local eats like cachupa (a must-try!), and a laid-back vibe, full of life in Santiago. Whether wandering the historic streets of Praia or soaking up the natural beauty of Serra Malagueta, Santiago is where culture, fun, and unforgettable memories come together. Get ready to dive into a real Cape Verdean experience!

Playa de Tarrafel en la Costa Norte de la isla de Santiago. Credit: S-aznar (adobe)

Fun Things To Do In Santiago

Boa Vista Island

Boa Vista is all about beach life and laid-back vibes. With endless stretches of white sand, crystal-clear water, and dunes that look straight out of the Sahara, it’s the perfect island for sun-chasers and chill-seekers. Boa Vista keeps it simple and seriously beautiful, whether you’re into kitesurfing, quad biking through the desert, or just napping under a palm tree.

But it’s not just beaches. You’ll find colourful local towns, live music, and the chance to spot sea turtles or even humpback whales if you visit Boa Vista at the right time. It’s quieter than some other Cape Verde islands, making Boa Vista a dream spot to relax, reset, and soak up the island vibes without the crowds.

Beautiful, clean, sandy beaches in Boa Vista

Fun Things To Do In Boa Vista

Santo Antao Island

Santo Antao is Cape Verde’s wild child, rugged, dramatic, and totally unforgettable. This is your island if you’re into epic hikes, jaw-dropping mountain views, and green valleys that look like something out of a movie. Santo Antao is a total change of pace from the beachy islands, with winding cliffside roads, sleepy villages, and fresh mountain air that’ll make you want to unplug and explore.

Expect adventure, nature, and some serious leg workouts in Santo Antao (those stairs and trails don’t mess around). But don’t worry—it’s not all action. There are chill spots in Santo Antao to eat local food, meet friendly locals, and soak up the views with a cold Strela beer in hand. There’s no airport here, but you can take a ferry from Sao Vicente. It’s 100% worth the trip.

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

Fun Things To Do In Santo Antao

Fogo Island

Fogo Island is Cape Verde’s fiery gem, literally! Home to an active volcano, this island is all about dramatic landscapes, black-sand beaches, and epic adventure vibes. You can hike up the giant Pico do Fogo, wander through lava-covered villages, and sip local wine grown in volcanic soil (yes, really). Fogo Island is raw, rugged, and totally unforgettable.

But Fogo Island isn’t just about volcanoes, it’s got charm too. The main town, Sao Filipe, has colourful buildings, chilled-out cafes, and killer ocean views. Fogo Island is the kind of place where you can explore all day, then relax with good food and even better stories. If you’re into off-the-beaten-path travel with a side of ‘wow’, Fogo Island should be on your travel bucket list!

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

Fun Things To Do On Fogo Island

Sao Vicente

Visit Sao Vicente, Cape Verde’s cool and cultural island! This is where chill beach vibes meet the buzz of city life. Mindelo, the island’s main town, is full of colour, music, and creativity. You’ll find live bands playing in bars, street art on every corner, and a nightlife that keeps going till sunrise. Sao Vicente is the heart of Cape Verdean music, so don’t be surprised if you end up dancing without meaning to.

But it’s not all party and no peace. Sao Vicente has stunning beaches, scenic hikes, and jaw-dropping views just a short drive away. You can surf, swim, or just vibe out with a cold drink by the sea. Sao Vicente is the perfect island if you want a mix of culture, fun, and laid-back adventure all in one spot.

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

Fun Things To Do In Sao Vicente

If you want to go on a solo trip but are unsure where to start, the Female Solo Travel Ebook covers everything you need to know for an epic solo adventure!

Maio Island

Maio Island is Cape Verde’s chillest island—think untouched beaches, sleepy villages, and zero stress. Maio Island is your spot if you want to fully unplug, slow down, and enjoy island life without the crowds. It’s small, super peaceful, and perfect for lazy beach days, bike rides, and watching the sunset with a cold drink in hand.

Don’t expect wild nightlife or big resorts; Maio Island is all about simple vibes and natural beauty. You’ll find friendly locals, cute streets in the main town (Vila do Maio), and plenty of breathing space. It’s the kind of place where doing nothing feels just right.

Maio Island streets bring a vibrant atmosphere

Fun Things To Do On Maio Island

Brava Island

Brava Island might be Cape Verde’s smallest inhabited island, but don’t let the size fool you; it’s full of hidden gems. Known as the ‘island of flowers,’ Brava Island is super lush, peaceful, and totally off the tourist trail. Think cute mountain villages, colourful houses, and quiet hiking paths with ocean views around every corner. It’s the perfect escape if you’re into nature, chill vibes, and zero crowds.

There aren’t big beaches or party scenes here on Brava Island, but that’s part of the charm. Instead, expect cosy cafes, friendly locals, dramatic cliffs, and fresh mountain air. You can hike from village to village, take a dip in natural swimming holes, and enjoy sunsets that feel like your own private show. Brava Island is all about slowing down and soaking it all in.

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

Fun Things To Do On Brava Island

Sao Nicolau is Cape Verde’s hidden gem; it’s quiet, rugged, and full of surprises. It’s not as touristy as some of the other islands, which makes it perfect if you’re into off-the-beaten-path adventures. Expect dramatic mountains, sleepy villages, and lush green valleys that feel like something out of a movie. Hikers, nature lovers, and anyone seeking to unplug will thoroughly enjoy Sao Nicolau.

But don’t let the chill fool you, Sao Nicolau has character. You’ll find cool local cafes, friendly faces, and the kind of slow pace that makes you forget what day it is. It’s the kind of island where you can hike in the morning, swim in the afternoon, and watch the stars without a single distraction. If you’re up for something real, raw, and ridiculously scenic, Sao Nicolau’s got you.

Sao Nicolau is the best place for relaxation

Fun Things To Do In Sao Nicolau

Santa Luzia

Santa Luzia is Cape Verde’s only uninhabited island—yep, no hotels, no towns, no Wi-Fi… just wild, untouched nature. It’s like stepping onto another planet, with windswept dunes, rocky cliffs, and crazy beautiful beaches that you’ll likely have all to yourself. If you’re into off-the-grid adventures, this is your kind of place.

Getting there isn’t super easy (you’ll need a boat from Sao Vicente), but that’s part of the fun. Santa Luzia is perfect for a day trip if you want to hike, chill on remote beaches, or just say you’ve been to one of the quietest places in Cape Verde. Think raw, rugged, and totally Instagram-worthy.

Cape Verde might be small on the map, but it’s huge on adventure, culture, and good vibes. Each of the 10 islands brings something totally different, whether it’s hiking volcanoes in Fogo, hiking in Santo Antao, chilling on the beaches of Sal, dancing to live music in Sao Vicente, or just soaking up the sun and island life. You’ll never be bored, and there’s always something new to explore.

Whether you hit just one island or hop your way through a few, Cape Verde will leave you with salty hair, a happy heart, and a camera full of memories. It’s laid-back, full of soul, and totally underrated, which makes it even cooler to discover. Trust me, once you go, you’ll be planning your return before you’ve even unpacked!