Last checked: October 2026
The best places to visit in Cabo Verde are Sal and Boa Vista for beaches, Santo Antão and Fogo for hiking and volcanoes, Santiago for history, and São Vicente for music. Most visitors choose one beach island and add one or two others by plane or ferry. Cidade Velha on Santiago is the only UNESCO World Heritage site.
Safety note: the US State Department rates Cabo Verde Level 1, with increased caution in Praia. Canada advises a high degree of caution because of crime, and says hiking can be dangerous. Read the US advisory and the Canadian travel advice before you plan.
Which Island Suits You?
| Island | Best for | Suggested time |
|---|---|---|
| Sal | Beaches, kitesurfing, salt crater | 2 to 4 days |
| Boa Vista | Quiet beaches, dunes, turtles | 2 to 4 days |
| Santiago | History, markets, Cidade Velha | 2 to 3 days |
| São Vicente | Music, Carnival, harbour town | 2 days |
| Santo Antão | Hiking, green valleys | 2 to 3 days |
| Fogo | Volcano climb, crater villages | 2 days |
These times are our planning suggestions, not official figures. Add a day for each ferry or flight connection.
Beaches and Water Sports
Sal
Sal is the main beach island. Santa Maria has a long white beach, and the island is known for kitesurfing and windsurfing, which are best in the windier months. The Pedra de Lume salt crater lets you float in a salt lake, and Shark Bay has lemon sharks in the shallows, according to published travel guides. Check local operators for safe swimming areas, because currents can be strong.
Boa Vista
Boa Vista is flat, sandy and quieter than Sal, with long beaches and dunes. Its east coast hosts one of the biggest loggerhead turtle nesting populations in the North Atlantic, with peak nesting in the middle of the rainy season. Choose tour operators that work with conservation groups.
Hiking and Volcanoes
Santo Antão
Santo Antão has steep green valleys, crater lakes and mountain trails, and it’s often described as the best island for walking. It has no airport, so you reach it by ferry from São Vicente. Allow at least two days if you want to hike, and consider a local guide for longer trails.
Fogo
Fogo is dominated by Pico do Fogo, an active volcano that last erupted in 2014. It rises to 2,829 metres, and villages inside the crater, in the area called Chã das Caldeiras, produce wine. The Canadian government says the summit trail needs very good physical condition and isn’t suitable for children, so go with a guide and check conditions first.
Serra Malagueta, Santiago
Serra Malagueta is a mountain area on Santiago that appears in published hiking itineraries. It’s a good option if you want greenery without leaving the main island. Ask your hotel or a local guide about current trail access.
History and Culture
Cidade Velha, Santiago
UNESCO listed Cidade Velha, the Historic Centre of Ribeira Grande, in 2009. It was the first European colonial outpost in the tropics, and it was a key port in the Atlantic slave trade. The 16th-century Fortaleza Real de São Filipe, a fortress built to protect the town from pirates, stands above it. Plan a half day. Check the UNESCO page for background.
Praia and Tarrafal
Praia, the capital, has a historic plateau, markets and museums. Tarrafal, in the north of Santiago, is known for its beach and for a former prison camp that appears on Cabo Verde’s UNESCO tentative list. Take usual city precautions in Praia, since the US advisory notes increased caution there.
Mindelo, São Vicente
Mindelo is the cultural centre, known for live music and morna, the style made famous by Cesária Évora. Its Carnival, in February or March, is the biggest party of the year, and accommodation sells out far in advance. The Baía das Gatas music festival is held in August, around a full-moon weekend.
Wildlife Seasons
- Turtles: nesting runs from about June to October on Sal and Boa Vista, with the peak around August.
- Whales: humpback whales are usually seen from about March to May, with the best chances around Boa Vista.
Decision Guide
- Choose Sal if you want an easy flight, resorts and water sports.
- Choose Boa Vista if you want quieter beaches and turtle watching.
- Choose Santo Antão or Fogo if hiking matters more than sand.
- Choose Santiago and São Vicente if history and music matter most.
Common Mistakes
- Trying to see five islands in one week. Connections take longer than the map suggests.
- Leaving valuables on beaches or unattended in a car.
- Climbing Pico do Fogo without a guide or the right shoes.
- Booking a ferry connection with no buffer. Rough seas can cancel crossings.
Quick Checklist
- Check ferry and flight schedules before you book hotels.
- Carry water, sun protection and a light windproof layer.
- Use authorised taxis and keep your valuables out of sight.
Best Places in Cabo Verde FAQs
Which island is best for a first trip?
Sal is the easiest first choice because of direct flights and resorts. If you want culture and scenery, combine São Vicente with a day or two on Santo Antão.
Can I climb Pico do Fogo without a guide?
It’s safer to use a guide. The trail is demanding, and conditions change. Ask local operators about current access before you go.
Is Cabo Verde good for families?
Yes, especially Sal and Boa Vista, which have resorts and calm beaches. Check sea conditions, and avoid long hikes with young children.
Can I visit more than one island in a week?
Yes. Two or three islands is realistic. Fly between the main islands, and use ferries for Santo Antão and Fogo.