Lamp Hope — Tourism With Purpose in Cape Verde

Trip planning

Cape Verde Holidays: How to Plan Your Trip

Cape Verde works as a winter-sun holiday, a hiking trip, or a cultural journey — the difference is entirely which island you pick. This planning guide answers the questions that come before booking: which island, what month, how much it costs, and how to make sure your money reaches Cape Verdeans rather than only international resorts.

Choosing your island

Each island answers a different kind of holiday.

Pick the island first; everything else follows from it.

  • Sal and Boa Vista: white sand, resorts, kitesurfing and turtles.
  • Santiago: Creole culture, UNESCO history, mountain villages and the best community tourism.
  • Fogo: a live volcano and wine grown in ash.
  • São Vicente: music, nightlife and Carnival.
  • Santo Antão: the hiking island.
  • Maio, Brava and São Nicolau: quiet, barely touristed.

Best time to visit

The dry season runs November to June with 24–28°C and constant trade winds — perfect for hiking and watersports.

July to October is hotter and more humid with short rains, and it is turtle nesting season. February is Carnival, August is the Baía das Gatas festival.

Flights and getting between islands

Direct flights reach Sal (SID) and Boa Vista (BVC) from the UK, Portugal, Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and France; Praia (RAI) connects mainly via Lisbon.

Inter-island flights with TICV are short and inexpensive but change schedule frequently — always leave a spare day before an international departure. Ferries connect Santiago–Fogo–Brava and São Vicente–Santo Antão.

What a Cape Verde holiday costs

A week on one island, staying locally, typically runs €700–1,100 per person including flights from Europe.

Typical prices on the ground:

  • Locally-owned guesthouse: €30–70 per night.
  • Family-run restaurant meal: €5–12.
  • Full-day guided community tour: €45–90 per person.
  • Shared aluguer between towns: €1–4.
  • Inter-island flight: €60–120 one way.

Suggested itineraries

Four routes that work well with real flight schedules:

  • 7 days, culture: Santiago — Praia, Cidade Velha, Serra Malagueta, Tarrafal.
  • 10 days, volcano and culture: Santiago (4) plus Fogo (4), with a night in Chã das Caldeiras.
  • 10 days, music and hiking: São Vicente (3) plus Santo Antão (5).
  • 7 days, beach and wind: Sal or Boa Vista with a day trip to a turtle project.

Practicalities

The admin and everyday details worth knowing before you fly:

  • Entry: most European and UK visitors need only the online EASE pre-registration, not a visa — confirm before travel.
  • Money: the escudo (CVE) is fixed to the euro at 110.265; euros are widely accepted, cards less so outside resorts.
  • Water: tap water is not for drinking — carry a filter bottle.
  • Language: Portuguese is official, Kriolu is spoken everywhere, and English is common in tourist areas.

Travelling sustainably

All-inclusive resorts keep most spending offshore. Choosing a locally-owned guesthouse, a Cape Verdean guide and a family-run restaurant changes where the money lands. On Lamp Hope, around 85% of what you pay goes straight to the host or guide, with the rest funding community water, solar and training projects.

Frequently asked questions

Which Cape Verde island is best for a holiday?
Sal and Boa Vista for beaches and watersports, Santiago for culture and community tourism, Santo Antão for hiking, Fogo for the volcano, and São Vicente for music and nightlife.
When is the best time to go to Cape Verde?
November to June — dry, sunny and around 24–28°C. July to October is hotter and wetter but is turtle nesting season and slightly cheaper.
How much does a Cape Verde holiday cost?
Staying in locally-owned guesthouses and eating locally, a week typically costs €700–1,100 per person including European flights. Resort packages on Sal and Boa Vista usually cost more and keep less money on the island.
Do UK travellers need a visa for Cape Verde?
UK and EU visitors generally do not need a visa for short stays but must complete the online EASE pre-registration and pay the airport security fee before arrival. Always confirm current rules before booking.
Is Cape Verde safe for tourists?
Yes, with normal precautions. Petty theft can occur in Praia and Mindelo after dark; rural areas and the smaller islands are very quiet and welcoming.

Keep reading

Build your Cape Verde trip in minutes

Use the free AI itinerary builder for a 5-day plan, or talk to a local team member who lives in Cape Verde.

How booking works

Choose a date and number of guests, then pay securely by card (Stripe) or Vinti4. Instant-booking experiences are confirmed immediately; on-request ones are confirmed by the local host. 85% of every booking stays with the local community and host; 15% supports the Lamp Hope platform.