Cape Verde is safe to visit, with no major travel advisories.
High season arrives. November is drying out with trade winds and clearer skies; activity grows through December to February when it stays dry and breezy. Book early for holiday crowds around Sal and visit quieter Cidade Velha for calm evenings.
Island-hopping is the whole point here: one trip can mix city life in Praia and Mindelo, big hiking days on Santo Antão, and easy beaches on Sal or Boa Vista. It is straightforward once you accept that flights and ferries can be patchy, and you need to plan logistics in advance.
Why Visit Cape Verde?#
Cape Verde is a small archipelago where each island feels like a different country. Come for hiking, music, volcanic landscapes, and wind-and-wave beaches.
Island hopping. Mix islands with totally different feels, like Santo Antão, Sal and Boa Vista. Inter-island flights and ferries link the rest, but schedules can be sparse outside high season.
Morna music. Spend nights in Mindelo for live morna, plus coladeira and funaná. Cesária Évora made Mindelo the musical reference point in the sources.
Santo Antão hikes. Base yourself on Santo Antão for ridge hikes, valley walks and multi-day routes. Ribeira Grande valley is highlighted for lush terraces and rural communities.
Beaches and wind sports. Sal and Boa Vista are the go-to for beaches, trade winds and water sports around Santa Maria and Sal Rei. Pedra de Lume on Sal is listed for a salt-crater float.
Volcano landscapes. Head to Fogo for Pico do Fogo and the caldera villages of Chã das Caldeiras. The sources flag rapid weather shifts and recommend guided treks.
History and markets. Use Santiago for Praia, street food and market wandering, then visit Cidade Velha for colonial ruins and slave-trade history. The sources present Cidade Velha as a UNESCO site.
Things to Watch Out For#
Currents. Strong rip currents are a serious risk on Sal and Boa Vista.
Petty theft. Watch for bag snatching in Praia, Mindelo and tourist areas.
Roads. Avoid night driving, and watch for uneven roads and livestock.
Mosquitoes. Dengue is the main health risk, so use repellent.
Weather. August to October can bring rain and travel disruptions.
Who Is Cape Verde For?#
Families
Sal and Boa Vista resort beaches suit families, but services are limited off the main islands.
Backpackers
Santo Antão trekking and low-cost guesthouses work well, but inter-island transport can be slow.
Foodies
Try cachupa, grilled tuna and Mindelo street snacks in a small, proud Creole food scene.
Adventure seekers
Kitesurf Sal, dive around Boa Vista, and hike Santo Antão’s valleys and ridges.
Party people
Mindelo Carnival and Sal’s summer parties are lively, but nightlife is generally chilled.
Nature buffs
Fogo’s volcanic scenery, Santo Antão trails and marine life make island nature the headline.
What you need to get in#
EU, UK, US and Canadian passports get up to 30 days visa-free, as stated in the sources. You must pre-register on the official EASE platform at least 5 days before arrival and pay the airport security fee (3,400 CVE).
EASE pre-registration
Pre-register on the official EASE platform at least 5 days pre-arrival.
Airport security fee
Pay the TSA airport security fee online, 3,400 CVE.
Passport and proof
Passport is recommended valid 6 months, and proof may be requested.
Since 1 July 2026, travellers who skip pre-registration pay double the TSA at the border. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
When to go#
The short answer is November to June for dry, breezy weather.
| Months | What it is like | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| November to April | Clear, dry weather with steady trade winds, 24-28°C | This is high season, so expect higher prices and more crowds. |
| May to July | Warm conditions, 25-29°C, with fewer tourists | Better value on accommodation, and good wind conditions continue. |
| August to October | Short rainy period, 26-30°C, with higher humidity | Some islands get more rain, and bad weather can disrupt travel. |
A short rainy period especially affects Santiago and Fogo, according to the sources.
The classic trips and what they cost#
A first trip usually mixes one beach island with the Mindelo and Santo Antão pairing, then adds Santiago and Fogo if you have time. Use domestic flights for the longer hops, and ferries for nearby islands when schedules suit.
| Trip | Route |
|---|---|
| 7 days | Sal, Santa Maria (3 nights), São Vicente, Mindelo (2), Santo Antão (2) |
| 14 days | Sal, Santa Maria (2), São Vicente, Mindelo (2), Santo Antão, Ribeira Grande (2), Santiago, Praia (4), Cidade Velha (day trip), Fogo, Chã das Caldeiras (2) |
| 3-4 weeks | Sal, Santa Maria (start and finish), Boa Vista (2), São Vicente, Mindelo (3-4), Santo Antão (3), Santiago, Praia and Cidade Velha (2), Fogo, Chã das Caldeiras (3) |
Day to day, the sources suggest about 3,000-4,500 CVE ($30-45) backpacking, 5,000-9,000 CVE ($50-90) mid-range, and 12,000-22,000 CVE ($120-220) for comfort. Sal and Boa Vista are among the priciest islands in the sources.
Plan island hops in advance, because inter-island flights and ferries can be seasonal and weather-affected.
Cape Verde in a nutshell#
- Capital: Praia is the capital, and the main base on Santiago.
- People: About 611,000 people. More in [Cape Verde demographics].
- Language: Portuguese is the official language, and Cape Verdean Creole (Kabuverdianu) is the everyday language in the sources.
- Money: The currency is the [Escudo (CVE)]. Cash is important away from main hubs, and ATMs are concentrated in major towns.
- Daily budget: Typical daily spend is $50-120 in the sources, with about 3,000-4,500 CVE ($30-45) backpacking and 5,000-9,000 CVE ($50-90) mid-range. Real prices are summarised in Cape Verde travel costs where the sources discuss budgets.
- Electricity: 230V, 50 Hz, using plug types C and F. See [Cape Verde plug types].
- Emergencies: Police 132, ambulance 130, fire 131. More on the [Cape Verde emergency page].
Don't forget to bring#
EASE confirmation
Pre-register on EASE at least 5 days before arrival, and keep your confirmation handy. The sources say you also pay the TSA fee online.
Cash backup
Carry cash for smaller islands and rural areas, where card use is limited. ATMs are concentrated in major towns like Praia and Mindelo in the sources.
Mosquito repellent
Dengue is flagged as the main health risk. Pack repellent and use it consistently.
Sun protection
The sources call out strong sun and heat as constant concerns. Bring what you rely on, including sunglasses.
Hiking footwear
If you are heading to Santo Antão or Pico do Fogo, bring sturdy footwear. The sources warn of muddy footpaths after rains in the highlands.
Wind layer
The dry season is described as breezy with steady trade winds. Pack a light layer for wind-swept coasts and cool mornings at altitude.
Good to know before you land#
- Greetings: A friendly handshake is the usual greeting, and locals expect you to greet before asking for help.
- Time and plans: The sources describe a relaxed tempo socially, but advise planning logistics ahead for sparse schedules.
- Taxis: Taxis are not metered in the sources, so agree the fare before you set off.
- Water: Resorts may have safe desalinated water, but the sources recommend bottled water outside main towns.
- Paying and tipping: Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory, and the sources suggest rounding up or leaving about 5-10%.
Plan the rest of your trip#
More Cape Verde guides#
First time in Cape Verde FAQs#
Is Cape Verde safe for first-time visitors?
Yes for most visitors, and the sources say violent crime is uncommon. The main issues are petty theft in towns and strong ocean currents.
Do I need a visa for Cape Verde?
The sources say EU, UK, US and Canadian passports get up to 30 days visa-free. They also say you must pre-register on EASE at least 5 days before arrival and pay the TSA fee.
When is the best time to visit Cape Verde?
November to June is the dry, breezy window in the sources. August to October is the short rainy period, and it can cause occasional disruptions.
How long should my first trip be?
The sources suggest allowing 10-14 days for a first trip. A common plan is Santiago for Praia and Cidade Velha, São Vicente for Mindelo, then Santo Antão hikes or Sal or Boa Vista beaches.
How much money do I need per day in Cape Verde?
The sources put typical daily spend at about $50-120. They also give about 3,000-4,500 CVE ($30-45) backpacking and 5,000-9,000 CVE ($50-90) mid-range.