Last checked: October 2026
Three days is enough for one beach island such as Sal. Five days lets you combine two islands, seven days suits Santiago and Fogo, and ten days covers a loop through the main islands. Cabo Verde is spread across the Atlantic, so plan around flights and ferries, not distances.
Safety note: the US State Department rates Cabo Verde Level 1, with increased caution in Praia. The UK government warns that ferries to Fogo and Brava are often disrupted. Read the US advisory and the UK travel advice before you plan.
Realistic Travel Times Between Islands
| Route | How | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Sal to Boa Vista | Flight | About 25 minutes |
| Most other island pairs | Flight | Up to about 60 minutes |
| Mindelo (São Vicente) to Porto Novo (Santo Antão) | Ferry | About 1 hour |
| Praia (Santiago) to São Filipe (Fogo) | Ferry or flight | Ferry about 4 to 5 hours; flight is much shorter |
| Fogo to Brava | Ferry | About 1 hour |
These are typical times from published guides. Ferry days and flight schedules change, and the sea is sometimes rough, so confirm everything before you book. The Mindelo to Porto Novo ferry usually runs daily, while the Praia to Fogo ferry runs a few times a week.
3-Day Itinerary: Sal
Day 1: Santa Maria
- Settle in and spend the afternoon on Santa Maria beach.
- Have dinner in town.
Day 2: Pedra de Lume and Shark Bay
- Visit the Pedra de Lume salt crater and float in the salt lake.
- Stop at Shark Bay, where lemon sharks swim in the shallows.
Day 3: Water Sports or Boat Trip
- Try kitesurfing, windsurfing or a boat trip, depending on the wind.
- Leave time before your flight home.
5-Day Itinerary: Two Options
Option A: Sal and Boa Vista
- Days 1 to 2: Sal, as above.
- Day 3: take the short flight to Boa Vista, about 25 minutes.
- Days 4 to 5: beaches, dunes and, in season, turtle watching. Return by flight.
Option B: São Vicente and Santo Antão
- Day 1: arrive in Mindelo, walk the harbour and listen to live music.
- Days 2 to 3: take the ferry to Porto Novo and hike on Santo Antão.
- Day 4: return to Mindelo by ferry.
- Day 5: free time before your flight.
7-Day Itinerary: Santiago and Fogo
- Days 1 to 2: Praia and Cidade Velha. Visit the UNESCO site and the old fortress.
- Day 3: Tarrafal, in the north, or Serra Malagueta for hiking.
- Days 4 to 5: fly or take the ferry to Fogo. Visit São Filipe and Chã das Caldeiras, and climb Pico do Fogo with a guide.
- Days 6 to 7: return to Santiago and leave a full day before your flight.
Fogo ferries run only a few days a week and can be cancelled in rough seas. If you’re short of time, fly instead.
10-Day Itinerary: Island Loop
- Days 1 to 2: Sal for beaches and the salt crater.
- Days 3 to 4: São Vicente for Mindelo’s music and harbour.
- Days 5 to 7: Santo Antão for hiking, using the ferry.
- Days 8 to 10: Santiago for Cidade Velha, Praia and a departure flight.
Fly Sal to São Vicente, ferry to Santo Antão and back, then fly São Vicente to Santiago. For airports and airlines, see our guide to flights to Cabo Verde.
Getting Around
- Flights: the quickest way between the main islands, but seats are limited and schedules change.
- Ferries: the only way to reach Santo Antão and Brava, and a cheaper option for Fogo.
- Taxis: use authorised taxis. On Sal and Boa Vista they are blue and yellow, according to the UK government.
- Minibuses (aluguers): shared vans that leave when full, used on Santiago, São Vicente, Santo Antão and Fogo. The UK government warns that intercity buses can be dangerous because of poor driving.
For help choosing where to sleep, see our guide on where to stay in Cabo Verde. To time your trip, check the best time to visit Cabo Verde.
Decision Guide
- Choose 3 days if you want one beach island and an easy trip.
- Choose 5 days if you want a beach island plus a second, different island.
- Choose 7 days if volcano and history interest you more than sand.
- Choose 10 days if you’re comfortable with several flights and ferries.
Common Mistakes
- Trying to see too many islands. Each one needs a day for travel.
- Booking a ferry and a flight on the same day with no buffer.
- Planning Fogo or Brava by ferry on the last day of your trip.
Quick Checklist
- Complete EASE registration before you leave.
- Check ferry days and flight times for each leg.
- Keep one buffer day near the end of the trip.
- Carry cash for small towns and local transport.
Cabo Verde Itinerary FAQs
How many islands should I visit in a week?
Two or three is realistic. Choose a base on each, and avoid same-day connections between a ferry and a flight.
Can I visit Santo Antão as a day trip from São Vicente?
Yes, many visitors do. The ferry takes about an hour each way, but a night on Santo Antão gives you more time to hike.
Is Fogo worth the extra travel?
It is if you want a volcano climb and crater villages. It takes extra planning, because sea crossings are often disrupted.
Do I need to rent a car?
Not necessarily. Taxis, minibuses and guided tours work on most islands. Roads are narrow, and many are cobbled, so be careful if you drive.