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Sunshine planning for Cape Verde, from arrival to island hopping
Cape Verde is an Atlantic archipelago with sunny weather, an easygoing rhythm, and islands that feel very different from one another. This page gives you the essentials to plan a smart trip, when to go, how to get there, how to move between islands, where to stay, and how to shape a short or longer itinerary. You will also find practical notes on entry, health, money, connectivity, and accessibility.
Entry and documents, quick check
Entry rules can vary by nationality and trip length. Travel with a passport valid for at least six months after return, your accommodation details, an onward or return ticket, and travel insurance information. If you plan to work remotely or stay longer than a standard holiday, review the residency pathways on our site before booking flights.
When to go
Cape Verde has warm, dry weather much of the year. Winter into spring is busiest for European visitors. Winds are stronger in some months which suits kitesurfing and sailing. Summer and early autumn can be quieter on resort islands, with good value and calmer beaches in sheltered spots.
Season by season, what really changes
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December to April, peak sunshine, livelier resorts, ideal for watersports.
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May to July, quieter feel, good value, pleasant evenings.
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August to October, warm seas, occasional haze or showers, keep inter island plans flexible.
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Festivals appear across the calendar, especially around Mindelo on São Vicente. Check dates before fixing flights.
Getting there
Most visitors arrive by air. International flights commonly serve Sal and Boa Vista in peak months, with additional routes at different times of the year. If your plans include Santiago or São Vicente, connect via Lisbon in Portugal, take domestic flights or take a ferry from a nearby island.
Arrival tips
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Check baggage allowances carefully for domestic legs.
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Keep a buffer between international and domestic connections.
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Prebook your first hotel night and an airport transfer to simplify day one.
For an easy going and relaxing holiday, consider a package holiday.
Moving between islands
Travel between islands is part of the experience. You can fly or take a ferry depending on the route and season.
Domestic flights
The fastest option for distant islands. Schedules can be seasonal. Add a buffer day when your itinerary is complex.
Ferries
Useful on shorter hops, for example São Vicente to Santo Antão. Sea conditions vary. If you are motion sensitive, choose a morning sailing and bring motion relief.
Planning tip
Build your route around one anchor island, then add one or two nearby islands rather than trying to see them all.
Where to stay
Choose by the kind of trip you want and by how you will move around.
Resort and beach base
Sal or Boa Vista for boardwalks, beach clubs, dive and kite schools, and simple logistics.
City and culture base
Mindelo on São Vicente for galleries, live music and a walkable old town, plus quick ferry to Santo Antão.
Everyday life and history
Praia and Cidade Velha on Santiago for a local rhythm, services and heritage.
Hiking scenery
Paúl, Ponta do Sol and Ribeira Grande on Santo Antão for dramatic valleys and coastal paths.
Quiet escapes
Maio or São Nicolau for slower days and village charm.
Sample itineraries
Use these sketch itineraries as a starting point. Swap islands or extend stays to match your interests and season.
3 days, beach and unwind
Day 1, arrive on Sal or Boa Vista, beach walk and early dinner.
Day 2, morning watersport or boat trip, late afternoon boardwalk.
Day 3, beach time, local lunch, sunset and departure.
5 days, culture plus nature
Base on São Vicente with a day trip to Santo Antão.
Day 1, Mindelo old town and marina.
Day 2, galleries and music, coastal sunset.
Day 3, ferry to Santo Antão, valley hike, dinner and return.
Day 4, beach day or sailing.
Day 5, local market and departure.
7 days, two island mix
Days 1 to 3, Sal for beach and activities.
Day 4, domestic flight to Santiago.
Days 5 to 6, Praia and Cidade Velha, history and coastal viewpoints.
Day 7, markets, lunch and departure.
10 days, beaches plus culture
Days 1 to 4, Sal for beach and water activities.
Days 5 to 7, fly to São Vicente for Mindelo and a day trip to Santo Antão.
Days 8 to 10, fly to Santiago for Praia, markets and Cidade Velha.
14 days, hikers and explorers
Days 1 to 2, São Vicente for arrival and culture.
Days 3 to 7, Santo Antão for valley hikes and coastal paths.
Days 8 to 10, Fogo for crater villages and wine.
Days 11 to 14, Sal or Boa Vista to unwind before departure.
Safety and etiquette
Cape Verde is welcoming and calm. Normal travel awareness is enough. Greet people, be patient with local pace, and confirm prices clearly for taxis and tours. On hikes, start early, stick to known paths and carry water. On beaches, mind currents and ask locals about safe areas.
Health and basics
Carry a valid passport and a copy of your travel insurance. Bring prescription medicines in original packaging and a simple first aid kit. Register with your accommodation on arrival and keep emergency numbers handy. If you plan remote hikes, let your hotel know your route and expected return time.
Money and payments
Cards are accepted in many hotels, restaurants and shops. Cash is useful in small towns and markets. ATMs are available in main towns. If you plan island hopping, keep a small cash float for ferries, taxis and tips.
Connectivity
Mobile coverage is good around towns and resort areas. Broadband speeds vary by island and neighborhood. For remote work, ask your accommodation for a real speed test and keep a mobile data plan as backup.
Packing list, smart and light
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Light clothing for warm days and a layer for breezy evenings
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Swimwear, reef friendly sunscreen and a hat
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Comfortable shoes for walking and a small daypack
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Refillable water bottle and basic first aid
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Motion relief if you plan ferry crossings
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Adapters for charging, confirm socket type with your hotel
Family travel
Families enjoy the safe feel, calm beaches in sheltered coves, and simple activities like boat trips and gentle hikes. Pack snacks for travel days, bring sun gear for children and confirm cot or extra bed options in writing. On hikes with children, choose short routes and coastal paths.
Accessibility notes
Many coastal promenades are flat and easy to navigate. Historic areas and some natural trails include uneven surfaces. Ask your accommodation about step free access and bathroom layout. When island hopping, request assistance in advance at airports and ferry terminals.
Responsible travel
Use reef friendly sunscreen, refill a water bottle, respect trail etiquette in rural valleys, and support small local eateries and guides. Ask before photographing people, and keep distances where turtles may nest in season.
Booking windows and transfers
Book inter island flights and ferries early in peak months. Keep at least one buffer night before international departures if your plan includes a late domestic connection. Prebook airport transfers for day one to keep things simple.
How we help
We create realistic itineraries that match your style and season, and we coordinate reliable transfers, licensed guides and activity providers. If your trip is part of a scouting visit for living or investing, we can fold neighborhood previews and property shortlists into the plan.