Holidays to Cape Verde are an ideal island combo of sweeping beaches, wild watersports and local party life.
African archipelago
This archipelago floats in the North Atlantic, about 300 miles off the west coast of Africa. It was originally discovered by explorers from Portugal, so you’ll find a fusion of inspiration here that packs in Portuguese, Creole and even Brazilian influences. Cape Verde – or Cabo Verde to say it the official Portuguese way – is made up of 10 islands, with sunny weather all year round. Whichever island you pick, you’ll find long, sandy beaches ready for surfing, and modern hotels serving international flavours.
A tale of two islands
When it comes to getaways to Cape Verde, you’ve got a pair of big-name islands to pick from – Sal and Boa Vista. Boa Vista is home to 55 kilometres of beaches, and if you’re getting your Insta filters at the ready, no need. Most have only gone and got stunning white sands with tropical turquoise seas. The best beach of the lot is Santa Monica, which, unlike its Californian counterpart, is pretty much untouched. Sal, meanwhile, ticks most of the same boxes but is the smaller – and more popular – of the pair. Plus, the colourful town of Santa Maria rolls out a hotel-lined, golden strip of sand and is the party hotspot of the island for making the most of that long-haul escape.
Love for live music
Spotify is for the plane only – Cape Verde holidays are all about the music, covering all kinds of local and international genres. You’ll hear funaná – an upbeat tune usually played on an accordion – to embrace the local party vibe. And, at the other end of the scale, you’ll find the morna. It’s a more dramatic piece of music and dancers tend to sway to the beat in a rumba-style.
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Cape Verde FAQs
Direct flights from London to the islands of Boa Vista and Sal are around six hours.
The currency of Cape Verde is the Cape Verdean Escudo but it’s important to know that this is a closed currency, which means you can only buy it in Cape Verde – you can’t take it in or out of the country. We recommend you bring euros, which are widely accepted in tourist areas and some places do only accept cash. You can withdraw Escudos with your travel money card when you get there, too.
You can enter Cape Verde as a visitor for up to 30 days without a visa, but you do have to pay an airport tax. This costs €31 per person and how you pay it will depend on the type of holiday you book with us. Please check our Cape Verde airport tax page before you go.
Your passport must have at least six months validity from the date you arrive, and you must fill in a traveller entry form at least five days before you arrive. You can find more info at https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/cape-verde.
The dry season in Cape Verde is between November and June, when the weather is hot and sunny and rainfall is minimal – temperatures get up to the high 20s. That said, the tropical climate stays bright all year, with July and August being the wettest months.
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Cape Verde travel advice
Passports and Visas
If you are on a TUI Package Holiday, Cape Verde Airport Tax is included in the price of your package holiday. It’s essential that you register your details with us at least 7 days before you travel so that we can pay the airport tax on your behalf. To register your details go to https://www.tui.co.uk/destinations/cape-verde-airport-tax-registration
Important: If you do not register your details, you will be required to pay €31 per person upon arrival to passport control.
If you are on a TUI flight only booking you’ll need to pay an Airport Tax to enter the Cape Verde Islands. Airport Tax can be paid in cash at passport control at a cost of approximately 31€ per person or, to pay on line go to https://www.ease.gov.cv/. For a small fee, you can apply through our visa and travel authorisation partner – Sherpa.
Please note, if you booked your holiday within 7 days of departure, you will have to pay at the airport however, if you contact your TUI hotel representative providing the immigration receipt, they will refund this to you.
Please note, your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into Cape Verde. For the most up-to-date passport and visa info, visit https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/cape-verde.
Health and safety
If you have specific medical needs, you need to consider whether the health care system in the destination you’re looking at is likely to be able to meet those needs if you have any problems while you’re away. Consider things like the country’s state of development, level of infrastructure and its size and location. For the latest information in respect of health, safety and provision of medical facilities visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/cape-verde/health.
You should take out suitable health and medical insurance to cover you while you are in your destination.
Please note, there may be strong currents and waves in Cape Verde. We advise customers to always follow the flag warning system on the public beaches.
