As a group of islands, Cape Verde is home to a number of beaches, all of which offer unique and diverse experiences for holiday goers year round. But with so many beaches to choose from, how do you decide which to visit during your stay?
In this guide, we will go through some of our top beaches, as well as why we think travellers visiting Cape Verde this year will fall in love with them as much as we have.
What Makes a Good Beach For Your Holiday?
The first thing we should cover is what factors make a “good beach”. Ultimately, this comes down to what you’re wanting from your visit, but some of the factors we think you should consider are:
- Access to amenities – is there close access to local shops and vendors so you can stay fed and hydrated?
- Safety – when visiting a beach, it is ideal to have lifeguards stationed along the shoreline, as well as the use of signalling flags on the beach.
- Scenery – this applies to both the beach and its surrounding area.
- Cleanliness – how well is the beach maintained?
- Activities and overall vibe – everyone wants something different from the beaches, is the beach quiet and relaxed? Or is it bustling with things to do?
The Best Beaches In Cape Verde
With the above factors in mind, the following are some of our top choices for which Cape Verde beaches you should visit during your stay:
Praia do Algodoeiro

Home of the Lagoon, Algodoeiro beach has a lovely stretch of golden sand on the island of Sal. It offers calm waters, ideal for swimming, snorkelling, and other types of water sports.
On the beach, you can find luxury sunbed packages, crafted cocktails and five-star service from the wonderful people at the Clube de praia Bikini!
Praia de Santa Maria
Santa Maria is possibly the most famous beach in Cape Verde, but this doesn’t take away from its overall charm. Located a short drive away from Sal’s airport and capital city, the Santa Maria beach offers holiday goers a beach that is perfect for many.
With plenty of beachside bars and restaurants located along the coastline, and activities like surfing taking place most days, Santa Maria is a great choice for travellers wanting to explore the local culture or make the most of the sea and sand.
Wanting a quiet scenic break? Take a short walk down the shoreline, take in the views of the turquoise water, and find a quiet spot away from the crowds to take in the sun.
Ponta Preta Beach
Ponta Preta beach is a world-renowned spot for strong Atlantic waves, making it a perfect choice for any thrill seeking holiday goers.
An ideal spot for activities like surfing and kite surfing, Ponta Preta beach is a hotspot for like-minded hobbyists. Looking to explore the scenery instead? Ponta Preta is a great choice for hikers, offering sights of volcanic rocks and sand dunes.
This beach is ideal for anyone looking to explore, and make the most of what Cape Verde’s surroundings have to offer.
Santa Monica Beach
Santa Monica beach is often regarded as Cape Verde’s most famous beach, and spans approximately 20km of the island coastline. Laying vastly untouched, Santa Monica is a great choice for travellers wanting to take in the natural beauty that Cape Verde has to offer.
Located remotely, away from nearby towns, Santa Monica beach offers holiday goers with a uniquely quiet and scenic escape, perfect for taking walks or going birdwatching. However, it should be noted that due to the remote location of this beach, it is important that you bring an ample amount of water with you during your trip.
Your Cape Verde Stay With The Lagoon
It doesn’t matter what kind of escape you are looking for, The Lagoon has options for you! With three separate hotels, The Lagoon can deliver the ideal holiday for any type of occasion. Please check out our collection of hotels below:


