Cape Verde (Cabo Verde) sits in the Atlantic Ocean, approximately 570 kilometers off the coast of Senegal. This archipelago of ten volcanic islands offers families a distinct blend of Portuguese history and African culture, all within a stable and safe environment. Unlike the humid tropics, the landscape here is often arid and moon-like, providing a dramatic backdrop for outdoor adventures.
For most travelling families, the islands of Sal and Boa Vista are the primary destinations. These islands are flat, sandy, and home to large resorts specifically designed with children in mind. On Sal, a standout experience is visiting the Pedra de Lume salt pans. located inside an extinct volcanic crater. The water here is so saline that swimmers float effortlessly, much like in the Dead Sea-a fun and memorable physics lesson for kids. Nearby, at Shark Bay, families can put on water shoes and wade into the shallows to watch small lemon sharks weaving through the water; they are docile and safe to observe up close.
Boa Vista offers a wilder, quieter atmosphere. The Viana Desert features pale, wind-sculpted dunes that families can explore on guided 4x4 truck tours or quad bikes. The coastline is dotted with history, including the rusting wreck of the Cabo Santa Maria, which sits right on the beach and makes for striking photos. If your visit falls between July and October, guided night tours to observe Loggerhead turtles laying eggs on the beach are a profound natural encounter, though this activity is best suited for school-aged children who can remain quiet and patient.
The local culture is defined by Morabeza-a Creole word for hospitality and gentle kindness. The atmosphere is relaxed, often summarized by the local motto "No Stress." Musically, the islands are vibrant, with the rhythms of Funaná and Morna heard in town squares. Food is generally kid-friendly; fresh tuna and wahoo are staples, as is Cachupa, a mild, hearty stew made from corn, beans, and meat or fish.
Practical Considerations: The islands are windy, particularly from November to June. While this breeze keeps the temperatures comfortable, it can create strong waves. Families with toddlers should choose accommodation with sheltered pools or beaches, such as the bay at Santa Maria. The sun is extremely strong, so high-factor sunblock is essential even on cloudy days. Tap water is not safe to drink, so families should rely on bottled water. With direct flights from many European cities and a small time difference, Cape Verde is an accessible winter sun option that feels worlds away.
Explore Regions
6 Regions
Boa Vista
Dunes, shipwrecks, and turtle watching 🐢
Fogo
Explore a living volcanic crater 🌋
Sal
Salt lakes and lemon sharks for little explorers 🦈
Santiago
Pirate forts, mountains, and tropical valleys 🏰
Santo Antão
Vertical green valleys above the clouds ☁️
São Vicente
The cultural heart with a vibrant harbour 🎶
Click on a region marker to explore details. Use the dropdown to color regions by activity suitability.
Activities & Best Times
Adventure & Nature
ExcellentHiking, wildlife, outdoor exploration, ecotourism
A world-class trekking destination featuring the dramatic 'ribeiros' and terraced volcanic slopes that offer a unique, non-commercialized experience for sophisticated adventurers. Peak months provide perfect hiking temperatures (19-24°C) and dry conditions, while the rainy season (Aug-Sep) can make steep mountain trails slippery and humid.
A globally unique volcanic landscape centered on the Pico do Fogo, offering world-class trekking into a massive caldera with resilient mountain communities. Peak dry months (Nov-Jun) provide optimal trail conditions and clear visibility, while the heavy rains and high humidity of Aug-Sep make the ash-covered slopes unstable and uncomfortable.
The volcanic terrain of Monte Verde offers excellent hiking with panoramic Atlantic views and unique flora. The cooler, drier months provide optimal trekking conditions, avoiding the increased humidity and peak heat of late summer.
Sports & Active
ExcellentSport tourism, fitness activities, active recreation
Sal is a premier global destination for windsurfing and kitesurfing, with world-class spots like Kite Beach and Ponta Preta. Peak months offer the most consistent trade winds and optimal air temperatures (21-24°C), while the late summer months see a significant drop in wind reliability.
Internationally renowned for kite surfing and windsurfing due to consistent, powerful trade winds during the 'Tempo das Brisas'. Peak months offer the most reliable wind conditions, while the summer months are typically too calm for elite water sports.
São Pedro has wind-based water sports but is not a globally ranked sailing or kitesurfing destination like Sal. No sports attractions in the DB. 'Good' maintains appropriate differentiation from Sal's 'excellent' rating.
Beach & Sea
Very GoodBeach resorts, marine activities: diving, snorkelling, kite surfing, wind surfing, sailing
Features expansive golden sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters that rival Mediterranean hotspots. Peak months provide the warmest air (25-26°C) and sea temperatures for swimming; winter months, while sunny, are often too windy and cool for traditional beach lounging.
Features some of the Atlantic's most expansive and pristine white sand beaches like Santa Monica. Peak conditions occur in late summer when water and air temperatures are warmest; winter months are world-class for wind sports but can be too cool for traditional swimming.
Laginha Beach provides a pristine urban beach experience with clear waters and high-quality facilities. Peak months offer the warmest air and water temperatures, though the dry climate ensures the region remains viable year-round.
City & Cultural
Very GoodUrban tourism, museums, historical sites, architecture
Mindelo is the cultural heart of Cape Verde, offering an authentic colonial atmosphere and a world-class live music scene. The peak season provides dry, comfortable temperatures ideal for exploring historic squares, while late summer is more humid.
Home to the UNESCO-listed Cidade Velha, the island offers an authentic, high-standard immersion into colonial history and African heritage. Optimal urban exploration occurs during the dry season (Nov-Jun), whereas the humidity and rainfall of Aug-Sep can detract from the experience of outdoor historical sites.
The town of São Filipe offers well-preserved Portuguese colonial architecture (sobrados) and an authentic Afro-Portuguese urban culture. Peak months feature pleasant temperatures (21-25°C) and low rainfall, ideal for cultural exploration, while the humid summer heat and heavy rains in Aug-Sep detract from the experience.
Festivals & Seasonal
Very GoodEvents, celebrations, seasonal attractions
Home to the most authentic Carnival in Africa (February) and the internationally renowned Baía das Gatas music festival (August). These events offer high-quality, culturally significant experiences for sophisticated travelers.
The São João festival in June is a vibrant, authentic celebration of Cape Verdean culture with traditional music and processions. While June is the peak for cultural immersion, the surrounding shoulder months offer a glimpse into the preparations and rural traditions.
The island hosts authentic cultural events like the Santa Maria Music Festival (September) and vibrant Carnival celebrations (February). These offer sophisticated travelers a genuine connection to Cape Verde's world-renowned musical heritage and communal spirit.
Road Trips & Scenic
Very GoodScenic drives, countryside tours, route-based travel
The 'Estrada da Corda' is a legendary cobblestone route winding along jagged mountain ridges, offering some of the most spectacular scenic vistas in the Atlantic. Excellent visibility and dry roads from November to June ensure a world-class driving experience, whereas seasonal clouds in August and September often obscure the dramatic canyon views.
Off-road 4x4 expeditions across the dunes to historic shipwrecks and isolated capes provide a sense of rugged adventure. Dry, cooler months ensure the best visibility and terrain conditions for navigating the island's sandy interior.
The ascent from the coast into the Chã das Caldeiras is a world-class scenic drive through dramatic lava fields and volcanic debris. Clear skies from Nov-Jun ensure spectacular panoramic views of the island's landscape, while heavy rain and low cloud cover in Aug-Sep significantly impair visibility and safety.
Educational & Exploratory
GoodLearning experiences, scientific sites, historical education
Offers fascinating insights into traditional Macaronesian terraced agriculture and complex volcanic geology for curious families. Educational explorations of the 'ribeiro' farming systems are best undertaken during the dry season when mountain hamlets are most accessible and the weather is stable for outdoor learning.
Discerning families can engage with world-class marine conservation through seasonal turtle nesting and hatching programs. The peak period aligns with loggerhead turtle activity, while the island's salt production history is a fascinanting year-round educational draw.
Offers high-quality conservation education through organized turtle protection programs and marine research initiatives. Peak periods align with active nesting and hatching seasons, providing immersive scientific experiences for curious families.
Relaxation & Wellness
GoodSpa retreats, wellness centers, peaceful getaways
High-quality resort spas are complemented by the natural wellness benefits of floating in the hyper-saline Pedra de Lume craters. The low-humidity months provide a serene environment for relaxation, whereas the late summer heat can be oppressive for outdoor wellness activities.
The island's 'no stress' philosophy and remote beach settings provide a genuine escape for relaxation. Peak season offers low humidity and comfortable temperatures, while the late summer rain and heat can slightly disrupt the outdoor wellness experience.
No wellness infrastructure in the DB — no thermal baths, spas, or wellness centers. Eco-lodges providing a quiet atmosphere is the baseline for any rural destination, not a wellness-specific offering. 'Marginal' is appropriate.
Airports & Flight Routes
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Climate & Weather
Boa Vista
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Fogo
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Sal
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Santiago
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Santo Antão
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São Vicente
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Travel Advisory
The majority of international agencies classify Cape Verde as a destination requiring only standard safety awareness. However, several agencies highlight elevated crime in Praia and specific health risks, suggesting travellers remain vigilant.
Safety Topics
Traveller Advice (3 groups)
Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that includes medical air evacuation, as healthcare facilities are limited and inter-island transport for emergencies can be difficult.
Female travellers should be cautious as sexual assaults have been reported. It is advised to avoid walking alone in isolated areas or on beaches after dark.
Families should take extra care with food and water hygiene due to recent spikes in Shigella and Salmonella infections reported in returning tourists.