An archipelago of ten very different islands
Cape Verde lies about 500 kilometres off West Africa: ten islands (nine inhabited) split into the windward Barlavento and leeward Sotavento groups. Some are flat and desert-like with world-class beaches; others are green, mountainous and made for hiking. Whatever you're after — a winter-sun beach week, an active adventure or a deep dive into Creole culture — there's an island for it.
New here? Start with our map of Cape Verde to see where the islands are and how they fit together. We now cover the most popular islands in detail, plus practical guides for climate, currency and time planning.
The islands of Cape Verde
Sal
Beaches, sunshine and watersports.
Explore Sal
Boa Vista
White-sand beaches, dunes and turtles.
Explore Boa Vista
São Vicente
Mindelo, music and island culture.
Explore São Vicente
Santiago
History, Praia and mountain scenery.
Explore Santiago
Santo Antão
Green valleys and spectacular hiking.
Explore Santo Antão
Fogo
Volcano landscapes, coffee and wine.
Explore Fogo
Maio
Quiet beaches and slow island life.
Explore Maio
São Nicolau
Mountains, villages and walking trails.
Explore São Nicolau
Brava
Flowers, viewpoints and total calm.
Explore BravaActivities & experiences
Things to do in Cape Verde
Diving, hiking, wildlife, boat trips and desert tours across the islands.
The best beaches
Where to find the finest sand — and where it is safe to swim.
Hiking in Cape Verde
Cobbled mountain paths, green valleys and an active volcano.
Whale watching
Humpbacks gather off the islands between March and May.
Turtle watching
Loggerheads nest on dark beaches from June to October.
Kitesurfing
World-class trade winds from November to May.
Diving
Volcanic walls, caves and wrecks in warm Atlantic water.
Nightlife & live music
Morna in Mindelo, beach bars in Santa Maria, funaná in Praia.
Cape Verde practical guides
Visa, EASE & TSA
Entry requirements before you fly.
Flights to Cape Verde
Choose the right airport and route.
Cape Verde airports
All international and domestic gateways.
Island hopping
Build a realistic multi-island itinerary.
Ferries
Routes, tickets and timetable advice.
Domestic flights
How inter-island flying works.
Car rental
Driving, insurance and 4x4 tips.
Taxis & aluguers
Understand local shared transport.
Best beaches
The finest sand on every island.
Hiking in Cape Verde
Trails, valleys and volcano climbs.
Watersports
Kitesurfing, windsurfing and diving.
Cape Verde with kids
Best islands and resorts for families.
What to pack
A practical packing list.
Health & vaccinations
Jabs, water, insurance and care.
Cape Verde FAQ
Quick answers to the questions travellers ask most.
Where to stay
Resorts, hotels and guesthouses compared island by island.
Getting around
Flights, ferries, aluguers, taxis and car hire explained.
Cape Verdean culture
Creole identity, morabeza, music and the emigrant story.
History of Cape Verde
From 1460 and the slave trade to independence in 1975.
Honeymoons
Quiet beaches, sunset sails and volcano nights.