Planning a holiday to Cape Verde? You’re in for a memorable week. With year-round sunshine, golden beaches, volcanic landscapes and a welcoming culture, Cape Verde is the kind of destination where you can do as much or as little as you like.
While the archipelago is made up of 10 unique islands, most holidaymakers choose to stay on Sal or Boa Vista thanks to their beautiful beaches, excellent resorts and easy access to excursions. This itinerary has been designed with first-time visitors in mind, helping you experience the very best of Cape Verde over seven days without feeling rushed.
Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation or a little bit of both, here’s how to make the most of a week in Cape Verde.
Your 7-Day Cape Verde Itinerary at a Glance
- Day 1 – Arrive, settle in and explore Santa Maria
- Day 2 – Relax on the beach and try a water sport
- Day 3 – Discover Sal on a full island tour
- Day 4 – Enjoy a catamaran cruise and snorkelling
- Day 5 – Experience local food, culture and markets
- Day 6 – Choose between adventure or complete relaxation
- Day 7 – Enjoy one last morning before heading home
Day 1: Arrive and Settle into Island Life
After arriving in Kaapverdië, your first day is all about unwinding and getting into holiday mode. Whether you’re staying on Sal or Boa Vista, there’s no need to rush. Check into your hotel, take in your surroundings and enjoy your first taste of the islands’ relaxed pace of life.
Once you’ve unpacked, head down to the beach and let the warm Atlantic breeze welcome you. Cape Verde is known for its wide stretches of golden sand and crystal-clear waters, so even a short stroll along the shoreline is the perfect way to begin your holiday.
The Sal
If you’re staying on Sal, spend the afternoon exploring the vibrant town of Santa Maria. Wander its colourful streets, browse local shops and cafés, or visit the famous pier to watch local fishermen bring in the day’s catch.
Boa Vista
If you’ve chosen Boa Vista, head into Sal Rei, the island’s charming capital. Here you’ll find pastel-coloured buildings, a relaxed waterfront and a handful of restaurants and bars where you can enjoy your first meal overlooking the sea.
As the sun begins to set, settle into a beachfront restaurant and sample some traditional Cape Verdean cuisine. Fresh seafood is a popular choice, but there are plenty of international options too if you’re easing into the local flavours.
Top tip: Don’t try to pack too much into your first day. Cape Verde moves at a slower pace, and embracing that relaxed lifestyle is part of the experience.
Discover Cape Verde’s Beautiful Beaches
No trip to Cape Verde would be complete without dedicating a day to its spectacular coastline.
If you’re staying on Sal, head to Santa Maria Beach, where soft golden sand meets clear turquoise water. Whether you prefer relaxing with a book, taking a dip in the Atlantic or trying paddleboarding, there’s plenty to enjoy.
On Boa Vista, you’ll find equally impressive beaches, but with a more secluded feel. Praia de Chaves and Santa Monica Beach are among the island’s most stunning stretches of coastline, offering miles of sand and incredible views with far fewer crowds.
For those looking for adventure, both islands are excellent destinations for watersports. Kitesurfing, windsurfing, paddleboarding and kayaking are all popular activities, while many resorts also offer equipment hire and lessons for beginners.
After a day in the sun, enjoy dinner at one of the local beachfront restaurants and sample fresh seafood while listening to the sound of the waves.
Explore Beyond the Resort
While Cape Verde’s beaches are undoubtedly a highlight, taking an island tour is one of the best ways to appreciate its unique landscapes and natural beauty.
If you’re staying on Sal
A full-day island tour typically includes several of Sal’s most famous attractions, including Buracona and its famous Blue Eye, the salt pans of Pedra de Lume, Shark Bay and the remarkable Mirage, where heat creates fascinating optical illusions across the desert landscape.
One of the highlights is floating in the naturally salty waters inside the crater at Pedra de Lume, an unforgettable experience that’s often compared to the Dead Sea.
If you’re staying on Boa Vista
Boa Vista’s landscape feels wonderfully untouched. Guided tours often visit the vast Viana Desert, the famous Cabo Santa Maria shipwreck, the dramatic sand dunes at Morro de Areia and the breathtaking Santa Monica Beach.
Many excursions also include stops at small local villages, giving visitors the chance to learn more about everyday life on the island.
Whichever island you’re staying on, today is the perfect opportunity to discover that Cape Verde offers much more than beautiful beaches.
Day 4: Take to the Water
Today’s itinerary is all about experiencing Cape Verde from a different perspective.
Catamaran cruises are available on both Sal and Boa Vista, offering a relaxing way to explore the coastline while enjoying sunshine, sea views and refreshing swims.
Many trips include opportunities to snorkel, while some also provide drinks and lunch onboard.
Depending on the time of year, you may even spot dolphins or migrating whales during your excursion. Between July and October, Boa Vista and Sal also become some of the world’s most important nesting sites for loggerhead turtles, with guided evening tours available during the nesting season.
Whether you spend the afternoon back by the pool or watching the sunset from the beach, today is all about slowing the pace once again.
Day 5: Experience Cape Verdean Culture
One of the best ways to get to know Cape Verde is through its food, music and friendly communities.
Spend today exploring your nearest town, browsing local markets and independent shops while picking up handcrafted souvenirs to take home.
Be sure to sample some traditional Cape Verdean dishes during your stay. Fresh seafood is always a favourite, while cachupa, the country’s national dish, offers an authentic taste of local cuisine.
If you’re staying on Sal, Santa Maria often comes alive in the evenings with live music and a lively atmosphere.
If you’re on Boa Vista, Sal Rei offers a more relaxed evening experience, with waterfront restaurants providing the perfect setting for dinner as the fishing boats return to harbour.
Day 6: Choose Your Perfect Adventure
By now, you’ll have settled into island life, making today the ideal opportunity to do exactly what you enjoy most.
If you’re looking for adventure, both islands offer plenty of exciting activities, including:
- Quad rijden
- Paardrijden
- Duiken
- Deep-sea fishing
- Jetskiën
- Off-road island safaris
If relaxation is more your style, spend another day by the pool, book a spa treatment or return to your favourite beach for one last day in the sunshine.
One of the best things about Cape Verde is that every holiday can be completely different, allowing you to tailor your trip to your own pace.
Day 7: Enjoy Every Last Moment
Holiday departures always seem to arrive too quickly, so make the most of your final morning.
Wake up early to enjoy breakfast overlooking the sea before taking one last walk along the beach. Pick up any final souvenirs, enjoy a final swim or simply relax with a coffee while soaking up the views.
It’s the perfect opportunity to reflect on everything you’ve experienced over the past week, from stunning beaches and volcanic landscapes to unforgettable sunsets and warm Cape Verdean hospitality.
Don’t be surprised if you’re already planning your return visit before you’ve even boarded your flight home.
Can You Experience Cape Verde in One Week?
Seven days gives you more than enough time to enjoy the islands’ beautiful beaches while also experiencing many of the excursions and cultural highlights that make Cape Verde such a popular holiday destination. Our proposed Cape Verde itinerary will help most people get the most out of their week on holiday, but can easily be tailored to suit your preferences.
If you’re staying longer, you may wish to explore some of the archipelago’s lesser-known islands, such as São Vicente or Santo Antão, both of which offer dramatic mountain scenery and excellent hiking opportunities.
Start Planning Your Cape Verde Adventure with The Lagoon
Whether you’re looking forward to unwinding on the golden beaches of Sal or discovering the unspoilt coastline and laid-back charm of Boa Vista, following a well-planned itinerary can help you make the most of every day. From unforgettable island tours and scenic catamaran cruises to sampling traditional Cape Verdean cuisine and simply relaxing by the sea, there’s something for every type of traveller.
With a collection of fantastic hotels on the island of Sal, The Lagoon makes it easy to find the perfect base for your holiday. Whether you’re travelling as a couple, with friends or with the whole family, you’ll find accommodation to suit your style and help you experience the very best of these beautiful islands.
– Tortuga Hotel (Familie)
– Dunas Hotel (Familie & Groepen)
– Llana Hotel (alleen volwassenen)
- Laguna (Alleen volwassenen)
- Sol Dunas (Familie)
Cape Verde Itinerary FAQs
Is Sal or Boa Vista better for first-time visitors?
Both are excellent choices. Sal is generally better suited to travellers looking for more restaurants, nightlife and activities, while Boa Vista is ideal for those wanting a quieter beach escape.
Do I need to hire a car?
Most visitors do not usually need a hire car. Most visitors rely on organised excursions, local taxis or transfers arranged through their hotel, making car hire unnecessary for the majority of holidays.
What is the best time to visit Cape Verde?
Cape Verde enjoys warm temperatures throughout the year, making it an excellent destination in every season. The best time to visit depends on what you’d like to experience, whether that’s beach weather, watersports, whale watching or turtle nesting.
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