Regions of Cape Verde

Lifestyle and property guide

Cape Verde is an Atlantic archipelago with distinct island personalities. This page helps you choose where to live, invest, or spend time. Compare lifestyle fit, access, and a short property snapshot. Then open the island pages for detailed guidance.

Quick chooser

Use these quick filters to jump to a good match.

  • Beach life and resort comfort, Boa Vista and Sal

  • Culture and city energy, São Vicente

  • Everyday life and services, Santiago

  • Hiking and green valleys, Santo Antão

  • Volcano landscapes and wine, Fogo

  • Authentic villages and hiking, São Nicolau

  • Quiet beaches and unplugged escapes, Maio

Boa Vista

Who it suits
Beach lovers, winter sun seekers, investors focused on resort style rentals, relaxed pace, dune landscapes.

Lifestyle snapshot
Long beaches, kitesurf and diving, quiet evenings, small-town vibe in Sal Rei.

Property snapshot
Strong demand for holiday rentals in season. Stock is mainly apartments and resort managed units, plus a small villa market.

Learn more
Open the full guide to Boa Vista Island, with lifestyle and property insights as well as local tips.


Sal

Who it suits
Beach and watersports fans, buyers who want established tourist infrastructure and easy air access.

Lifestyle snapshot
Santa Maria boardwalks, year round sun, lively restaurants compared to most islands.

Property snapshot
Apartments dominate near Santa Maria. Short term lets are common. Quality and management standards vary, due diligence is essential.

Learn more
Open the full guide to Sal Island, with lifestyle and property insights as well as local tips.


Santiago

Who it suits
Families and professionals who prefer better public services, historic charm, and a broader local economy.

Lifestyle snapshot
Praia for services, Cidade Velha for history, varied microclimates from coast to hills.

Property snapshot
Mix of apartments and houses. Longer term rentals more common than in resort islands.

Learn more
Open the full guide to Santiago Island, with lifestyle and property insights as well as local tips.


São Vicente

Who it suits
Cultural explorers and yachting fans who want a city vibe with music, art, and easy ferry access to Santo Antão.

Lifestyle snapshot
Mindelo marina and old town, festivals, galleries, Atlantic sunsets from the waterfront.

Property snapshot
Apartments in and around Mindelo. Good base for longer stays, growing interest in boutique hospitality.

Learn more
Open the full guide to São Vicente Island, with lifestyle and property insights as well as local tips.


Fogo

Who it suits
Hikers, nature photographers, wine lovers, buyers interested in unique landscapes and small heritage towns.

Lifestyle snapshot
Volcano villages, vineyards and coffee, colonial charm in São Filipe, slower rhythm with strong local traditions.

Property snapshot
Mix of heritage townhouses in São Filipe and rural homes in the crater area. Boutique guesthouse and agro tourism concepts work best.

Learn more
Full guide coming soon. Speak with our team for feasibility checks and due diligence on protected zones.


Santo Antão

Who it suits
Trekking enthusiasts, nature first buyers, eco minded hosts, remote workers who value scenery over nightlife.

Lifestyle snapshot
Green valleys and ridgelines, classic trails, colorful coastal towns, community centered life, very limited nightlife.

Property snapshot
Primarily village houses and strong potential for eco lodges and hiking focused guesthouses.

Learn more
Full guide coming soon. Speak with our team for route access, land classification and realistic build timelines.


883 Police | Shop Online

Maio

Who it suits
Buyers who value silence, uncrowded beaches, simple village life, birdwatching and turtles in season.

Lifestyle snapshot
Long sandy strands, small friendly towns, very low nightlife, life moves at a gentle pace.

Property snapshot
Low density market with houses and village plots, a few small developments.

Learn more
Full guide coming soon. In the meantime, talk to our team for on the ground notes and feasibility checks.


São Nicolau

Who it suits
Hikers and authenticity seekers who want mountainous scenery, small town warmth, and slower tourism.

Lifestyle snapshot
Ribeira Brava's colorful streets, Tarrafal's bay, rugged trails and viewpoints, strong community feel, limited nightlife.

Property snapshot
Mostly houses in town or village settings. Rentals are niche, tied to hiking, remote work, and cultural stays.

Learn more
Full guide coming soon. In the meantime, talk to our team for on the ground notes and feasibility checks.

Practicalities and access

Airports and ferries
International flights commonly serve Sal, Boa Vista, São Vicente and Praia in peak season. Inter island travel is a mix of domestic flights and ferries, plan extra time for connections.

Seasonality
High season is winter and spring for European markets. Windier months suit kitesurfing. Off season stays can be excellent value.

Safety and etiquette
Cape Verde is generally welcoming and calm. Normal travel awareness applies. Learn a few words of Portuguese or Cabo Verdean Creole to connect with locals.


How we help

Independent buyer representation, developer access, property due diligence, rental management, and relocation support. We work with trusted local partners and prioritise transparent fees.

Talk to our Cape Verde team

Explore properties in Cape Verde

Residency by Investment in Cape Verde (Green Card)

Economic insights about Cape Verde