Cape Verde
Planning
Choose islands by interest
Pair São Vicente with Santo Antão for city life and walking, or Santiago with Fogo for history and volcanic landscapes. Sal or Boa Vista can suit a beach-centered stay. Trying to combine all six places in a short holiday adds transfers and weather risk. Treat this guide as a menu of choices.
Build slack into connections
Inter-island flights and ferries need checking against current schedules. Sea conditions can affect sailings, and flight changes can disrupt tight connections. Keep a buffer before an international departure and avoid treating every island as a simple same-day connection. Check baggage allowances on each separate service.
Entry, money and communication
Confirm passport, pre-registration, airport security fee and visa requirements through official sources for your nationality and itinerary. The Cape Verdean escudo is the national currency. Ask how a property accepts payment and keep some local cash for smaller businesses; do not assume every island service accepts a card.
Weather, sea and walking
Wind, sun and exposed terrain shape a visit as much as temperature. Carry sun protection and water; use layered clothing in the mountains. The green season varies with rainfall. Strong currents and surf can make an inviting beach unsuitable for swimming. Obtain local advice and follow flags and guides.
Group and accessibility planning
Ask about ferry boarding, steps, luggage handling and the distance from vehicle drop-off to accommodation. On Santo Antão, a dramatic downhill walk can still be strenuous. On Fogo, distinguish a crater-community visit from a summit climb. Arrange alternatives so travelers can share a destination without all having to attempt the same activity.
Sources, credits & editorial notes
- Travel advice
- Official tourism information
- Santiago — official tourism
- São Vicente — official tourism
- Santo Antão — official tourism
- Cidade Velha World Heritage
- Inter-island ferries — operator
Reviewed 11 November 2026. Suggested pacing and accommodation comparisons are ATA editorial ideas, not bookable offers or inspected-property endorsements. Confirm current access directly. Photographs are credited beside each image and may show earlier conditions.