Last update: 28 Oct 2026
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Cape Verde Summary
These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.
‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.
‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.
‘Suited for’ badges:
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Suited for
Cape Verde – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type C , Type F
Type C:
  Read about power adapters |
|---|---|
| Currency: |
Cape Verdean Escudo (CVE) £1 ≈ CVE 131.73 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 3/5
Cashless payments are becoming more widespread, particularly in tourist areas and larger cities. Credit cards are accepted in some hotels and restaurants.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory in Cape Verde. In restaurants, a 5-10% tip is common. Tipping hotel staff and taxi drivers is also customary for good service. |
|---|---|
| Public drinking: | Public drinking is generally allowed in designated areas such as bars and restaurants, but excessive drinking in public spaces is discouraged. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is prohibited in indoor public spaces, including restaurants and public transport. |
| Dia da Independência (5 July) |
National holiday celebrating Cape Verde's independence, marked by events and parades |
|---|---|
| Christmas (25 December) |
Celebrated with family gatherings and church services |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Numbers: 132 (Police), 130 (Ambulance), 131 (Fire) |
|---|---|
| Taxi apps: | |
| Other: | Cape Verde is known for its stunning beaches, volcanic landscapes, and vibrant music and dance traditions, such as morna and coladeira. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for Cape Verde, Cape Verde
Season varies by island: Sal and Boa Vista best for beaches and kitesurfing November to June, Santo Antão, Fogo and São Nicolau best for hiking November to January when green
Mindelo Carnival (São Vicente) around Shrove Tuesday, February or March; accommodation and flights book out
Rain falls mostly August to October and is sparse on flat islands; December to February Harmattan dust can reduce visibility and disrupt flights
Don't miss
- 🏖️ Relax on the golden beaches of Santa Maria, Sal Island
- ⛰️ Hike to the volcanic summit of Pico do Fogo
- ⛵ Sail between the islands and enjoy ocean breezes
- 🎶 Listen to traditional morna music in Mindelo’s lively bars
- 💧 Swim in the natural salt pools of Pedra de Lume
- 🏘️ Explore colonial architecture and markets in Cidade Velha
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! Why travel to Cape Verde?
What makes Cape Verde truly special is its remarkable diversity across a relatively small area. The islands are divided into two groups: the more arid Barlavento (windward) islands in the north, including Sal and Boa Vista with their stunning beaches and water sports and the lusher Sotavento (leeward) islands in the south, featuring mountainous terrain perfect for hiking and exploration. Each island has its own distinct character, from the cultural hub of São Vicente with its vibrant music scene to the dramatic volcanic landscapes of Fogo. However, travelers should be aware that Cape Verde faces significant challenges with water scarcity. The country is part of the Sahelian semi-arid belt, receiving minimal rainfall, with some areas experiencing virtually no precipitation for years at a time. While the northern islands are cooler due to Atlantic currents, they're also drier, with Sal receiving just 145mm of annual rainfall. Currently in mid-March, we're in the dry season which runs from December to July, with temperatures around 24°C (75°F), making it a pleasant time to visit before the hotter summer months.
🏯Places worth seeing
🎡Places for activities
🏞️Natural landmarks
🛍️Shopping
🎈Events
-
Carnival (February/March)
-
Santa Maria Music Festival
-
Gamboa Festival
-
Baía das Gatas Festival
-
Atlantic Music Expo
-
São João Festival
-
Sal International Kite Festival
-
Kriol Jazz Festival
-
São Vicente Festival
-
São Filipe Festival
Knowledge before you go
- Complete EASE registration online five days before arrival.
- Check if your nationality requires pre-arrival visa since January 2026 changes ended visa-on-arrival for many.
- Carry passport valid six months beyond stay; yellow fever certificate if coming from risk countries.
- Learn basic Creole phrases; English limited outside resorts, tipping in escudos appreciated at 10 percent.
How to travel to Cape Verde
Most international visitors arrive in Cape Verde through one of four international airports: Amílcar Cabral International Airport on Sal, Nelson Mandela International Airport on Santiago, Aristides Pereira International Airport on Boa Vista or Cesária Évora Airport on São Vicente. Direct flights connect from various European cities, particularly Lisbon, London, Paris and Amsterdam, with carriers including TAP Air Portugal, TUI and TACV. Visa requirements are relatively straightforward, with most nationalities eligible for a visa on arrival or through an online pre‑registration system. Some cruise ships also include Cape Verde in their itineraries, typically docking at Mindelo on São Vicente or Praia on Santiago.
Access summary
- Sal Island (Santa Maria resorts): Fly to Amílcar Cabral Airport (SID) from Europe.
- Boa Vista Island: Fly to Aristides Pereira Airport (BVC) via European charter flights.
- Cabo Verde Airlines hub at Sal; intercontinental routes, no major alliance membership.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay in Cape Verde
Accommodation in Cape Verde ranges from international resorts on Sal and Boa Vista to boutique hotels, guesthouses and apartment rentals across the islands. The tourist-oriented islands of Sal and Boa Vista offer the most extensive options, including all-inclusive resorts along their pristine beaches. Santiago and São Vicente provide more authentic experiences with locally-owned hotels and guesthouses. The mountainous islands like Santo Antão have limited but charming small hotels and homestays. Advance booking is recommended during high season (November-April) and around festival periods.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
How to get around Cape Verde
Getting around Cape Verde varies by island and between islands. On larger islands like Santiago and São Vicente, public buses (aluguer) and shared taxis connect major towns, though schedules can be irregular. Taxis are readily available in tourist areas and cities, with fares negotiable before departure. For inter-island travel, TACV (Cape Verde Airlines) operates domestic flights connecting most islands, providing the fastest option despite occasional delays. Ferry services also link the islands, though sea conditions can be rough and schedules subject to change. For exploring individual islands, car rentals are available on the more developed islands like Sal, Santiago and Boa Vista.
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.
To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
Daily expenses in Cape Verde are around 54% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend a lot less on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to CVE) is 3% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.
Travel costs
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
Daily cost summary
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
| Backpacker | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation | |||
| 🏨 Accommodation per night, per person | |||
| 🍝 Food per day | |||
| 🚕 Transportation per day |
Food & Drink
| 🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person | |
|---|---|
| 🍛 Lunch Set, per person | |
| 🍟 Fast food combo | |
| 🍝 Preparing your own food, per day | |
| ☕ Cappuccino | |
| 🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l |
Transportation
| 🚌 Public transport ticket | |
|---|---|
| 🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi | |
| ⛽ Petrol, 1 l |
Other
| 🎞️ Cinema ticket | |
|---|---|
| 👩⚕️ Doctor's consult | |
| 🤧 Cold medication | |
| 💇 Basic haircut |
Safety information overview
General safety
Cape Verde is generally safe for tourists with low violent crime rates. Exercise normal precautions regarding personal belongings, especially in markets and crowded areas. The main safety concerns relate to strong ocean currents at certain beaches and rugged terrain when hiking in mountainous areas.
Health & Medical
Medical facilities in Cape Verde are limited, with basic care available on major islands but specialized treatment often requiring evacuation. Bring necessary medications as supplies can be limited. Dehydration is a risk due to the arid climate and protection against mosquito-borne illnesses is advised.
Accessibility
Accessibility in Cape Verde presents challenges due to the volcanic terrain and limited infrastructure. Major hotels on Sal and Boa Vista offer some accessibility features, but historical sites, natural attractions and transportation often lack accommodations for those with mobility issues.
Tap water
Tap water is generally not safe to drink in Cape Verde. The country faces significant water scarcity issues, with much of the drinking water coming from desalination plants. Bottled water is widely available and recommended for visitors.
Packing recommendations for Cape Verde
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
📷
Camera
👟
Comfortable walking shoes
🌞
Sun cream
hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sun cream
🚰
Reusable water bottle
👕
Light, breathable clothing
🧥
Light jacket
for evenings
🕶️
Sunglasses
hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sun cream
🪰
Insect repellent
🩱
Swimwear
🧥
Windproof jacket
for evenings
🔋
Power bank
🩹
Basic first aid kit
👒
Sun hat
hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sun cream
📃
Travel insurance
🪪
Copies of passport and important documents
📱
Translation app or phrasebook
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
🩺
Prescription medicines
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
🛂
Passport
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