Tucked away in the mid-Atlantic, you’ll find Cape Verde and its 10 islands that make up the Cape Verde archipelago.
The most popular islands are Boa Vista and Sal as they are Cape Verde’s two main holiday resorts. They both offer a different holiday feel so let’s explore which island is for you:
Sal or Boa Vista?
| Sal | Boa Vista |
| Lively atmosphere | Quiet & laid back |
| Long, calm beaches | Wide, windy beaches |
| Vast selection of hotels, bars and restaurants | Less built up with a more rustic feel |
| Great for families, friends and couples | Great for those looking to relax and unwind |
Discovering Sal
Sal is Cape Verde’s liveliest island, despite not being the biggest. Known for its year-round sunshine, long stretches of golden sand, and a buzzing yet laid-back atmosphere, it’s the go-to destination for a mix of beach lounging and adventure.
The island’s hub, Santa Maria, is full of colorful bars, seafood restaurants, and beach clubs where you can soak up the vibrant social scene after a day in the sun. There’s also plenty of watersports, like kite and windsurfing, or unique day trips like floating in the Pedra de Lume salt crater or seeing the Buracona (a glowing blue natural lava pool!), even swimming with lemon sharks.
Overall, Sal offers a perfect blend of convenience, energy, and variety – ideal for those who want a lively and easy holiday.
Where’s best to stay in Sal?
- Santa Maria is the most popular area to stay in Sal. You’ll find a great choice of incredible hotels along the beach, plenty of restaurants and bars, and friendly locals.
Who is Sal best for?
- Sal is perfect for those who want a mix of beach, activities and nightlife all within easy reach. It’s ideal for first-time visitors to Cape Verde, friends, couples, and families.
What’s the top activity to do in Sal?
- Exploring the Buracona Blue Eye rock pool is a must in Sal. When the sun hits the water at just the right angle, the water glows a vibrant blue which makes for an epic photo in the camera roll.
Exploring Boa Vista
With a name that translates into ‘Beautiful View’ in Portuguese – Boa Vista is exactly that. Boa Vista is where Cape Verde shows off its wilder, quieter side. Known for its vast, untouched beaches (55 kilometres to be exact!) and rolling desert dunes, this island is perfect for travelers who crave tranquility and love nature.
The vibe is more low-key than Sal, with fewer crowds, fewer buildings, and a lot more open space. Boa Vista is a dream for adventurers, with dune-bashing safaris, quad biking, and turtle nesting experiences all offering unforgettable memories. Even the island’s capital, Sal Rei, although offers much to explore with its colonial-style buildings and local shops, is one of the quietest capitals you’ll have been to.
If you want an island that feels remote but still has warm hospitality and beautiful resorts, Boa Vista might be the perfect choice.
Where’s best to stay in Boa Vista?
- Sal Rei is a popular pick for holidays in Boa Vista. It’s very relaxed with a handful of restaurants and shops and ocean views for days.
Who is Boa Vista best for?
- Boa Vista is perfect for holidaygoers seeking peace, space, and natural beauty. It’s ideal for couples who want a romantic escape, nature lovers who enjoy wildlife experiences, or anyone who wants to disconnect and slow down.
What’s the top activity to do in Boa Vista?
- If there’s one activity to plan for in Boa Vista, it’s seeing the turtles nesting on the beach, between June to October. You can watch these incredible creatures lay their eggs under a starry sky for a once in a lifetime experience.
Hopefully this has helped you decide where to stay in Cape Verde – are you choosing Sal or Boa Vista?
If you’ve still not decided, check out all our Cape Verde holiday deals and see which hotel is screaming your name!
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