African Things To Do
Cabo Verde Travel Guide

Things to Do in Cabo Verde

Cabo Verde (Cape Verde) is an island country with golden beaches, volcanic landscapes, and a music culture that feels alive every night. Whether you want total relaxation, hiking, or island-hopping—this one-page guide helps you plan the right route.

Beaches Island Hopping Hiking Music & Culture Volcano Landscapes

Cabo Verde Top Islands

Each island has a different vibe—choose the one that matches your travel style.

Sal

Sun, beaches, and easy travel—perfect for a relaxed holiday and water activities.

BeachesEasyResorts
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Boa Vista

Wide sandy beaches and a calmer pace—great for peace and beach time.

BeachesQuietRelax
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Santiago

Cultural and historical heart—local markets, towns, and authentic island life.

CultureHistoryLocal Life
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São Vicente (Mindelo)

Music, nightlife, and culture—Mindelo is the island’s creative energy center.

MusicNightlifeCulture
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Santo Antão

Hiking paradise—green valleys, dramatic cliffs, and unforgettable trails.

HikingValleysScenery
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Fogo

Volcanic landscapes and unique villages—home to one of Cabo Verde’s most iconic experiences.

VolcanoAdventureViews
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Maio

Quiet beaches and a slow pace—great for travelers who want calm and simplicity.

QuietBeachChill
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Brava

A peaceful, scenic island with a gentle vibe—often added for slow travel and views.

SceneryQuietNature
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Sal

Beach-focused island with easy logistics and a relaxed holiday feel.

  • Highlights
    Beaches, water activities, relaxed touring
  • Best for
    First-time Cabo Verde travelers
  • Recommended time
    3–6 days
  • Good to know
    Great base for a beach-first itinerary

Boa Vista

Wide sandy beaches and a calmer atmosphere—perfect if you want space and peace.

  • Highlights
    Beaches, quiet days, scenic coastlines
  • Best for
    Relaxation and slow travel
  • Recommended time
    3–7 days
  • Good to know
    Best paired with another island for variety

Santiago

The cultural heart—markets, towns, and local life with a more authentic feel.

  • Highlights
    Culture, markets, history, day trips
  • Best for
    Travelers who want local experiences
  • Recommended time
    2–5 days
  • Good to know
    Great balance to add after a beach island

São Vicente (Mindelo)

Music and culture hub—Mindelo evenings are legendary for atmosphere and live sound.

  • Highlights
    Live music, culture, nightlife
  • Best for
    Culture travelers and social vibes
  • Recommended time
    2–4 days
  • Good to know
    Perfect pairing with Santo Antão

Santo Antão

Hiking paradise—dramatic trails through valleys and cliffs with unforgettable scenery.

  • Highlights
    Hiking, valleys, cliffs, viewpoints
  • Best for
    Active travelers
  • Recommended time
    3–6 days
  • Good to know
    Bring comfortable shoes and plan guided hikes

Fogo

Volcano landscapes and a unique island feel—great for adventure and photography.

  • Highlights
    Volcanic scenery, viewpoints, island culture
  • Best for
    Adventure travel
  • Recommended time
    2–4 days
  • Good to know
    Ideal add-on for an island-hopping route

Maio

Simple, quiet, and beachy—best for travelers who want calm days and a slow pace.

  • Highlights
    Quiet beaches, relaxed island life
  • Best for
    Peace and rest
  • Recommended time
    2–5 days
  • Good to know
    Great if you want to disconnect

Brava

A small and scenic island with a gentle pace—popular for slow travel and quiet views.

  • Highlights
    Scenic walks, quiet atmosphere, viewpoints
  • Best for
    Slow travel
  • Recommended time
    1–3 days
  • Good to know
    Often combined with Fogo

Top Things To Do in Cabo Verde

Popular experiences travelers love across Cabo Verde.

  • Beach relaxation
    Sal and Boa Vista for pure sun and sea
  • Island-hopping
    Mix a beach island + a hiking/culture island
  • Live music nights
    Mindelo is famous for vibe and sound
  • Hiking adventures
    Santo Antão trails and valleys
  • Volcanic landscapes
    Fogo for dramatic scenery
  • Cultural city visits
    Santiago for markets and local life

Sample Cabo Verde Itineraries

Pick a trip length and island mix, then contact us to tailor it to your travel style.

Trip Length Island Mix Best For
5–7 Days Sal (beach base) + short day trips Relaxation trip
7–10 Days Sal or Boa Vista + São Vicente (Mindelo) Beach + culture
10–14 Days São Vicente + Santo Antão + Sal Hiking + beaches
12–16 Days Santiago + Fogo + São Vicente + Santo Antão Deep island-hopping

Best Time to Visit Cabo Verde

Cabo Verde is sunny most of the year, but many travelers prefer the cooler, drier months for hiking and island touring.

  • November – June
    Comfortable weather for touring and hiking
  • Peak beach months
    Great sun and sea conditions
  • Hiking comfort
    Cooler months are ideal for Santo Antão trails
  • Island hopping
    Plan flights/ferries early for smooth routing

Cabo Verde Travel Tips

  • Choose islands by travel style
    Beaches vs hikes vs culture
  • Pack wind-friendly layers
    Some islands can be breezy
  • Plan island transfers early
    Flights and ferries can fill up
  • Bring comfortable walking shoes
    Especially for Santo Antão and Fogo
  • Keep time for slow evenings
    Mindelo music nights are special
  • Mix beach and active days
    Best way to enjoy Cabo Verde

FAQ – Cabo Verde Tours

How many days do I need in Cabo Verde?

For one island, 5–7 days is perfect. For island-hopping (beach + hiking), aim for 10–14 days.

Which islands are best for first-time visitors?

Sal is easiest for a beach holiday. For more variety, add São Vicente (Mindelo) and Santo Antão for hiking.

Is Cabo Verde better for beaches or hiking?

Both. Sal and Boa Vista are beach favorites, while Santo Antão is famous for hiking landscapes.

Plan Your Cabo Verde Trip

Share your travel dates, number of travelers, and interests (beaches, hiking, culture, island-hopping), and we’ll help you plan a smooth and memorable Cabo Verde experience.