Cape Verde is home to over 150+ beaches along its 965 kilometers (600 miles) of diverse coastline. The country's varied shoreline features everything from expansive sandy stretches to rocky volcanic formations, making it a great place for both water sports enthusiasts and families. Sal, Boa Vista, and Santiago are among the top beach destinations in Cape Verde. Sal is known for Santa Maria Beach, where visitors can enjoy a long stretch of white sand and clear turquoise waters, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and windsurfing. Boa Vista offers Praia de Chaves Beach, a serene and picturesque spot ideal for relaxation and leisurely strolls. Santiago, the largest island, is home to Tarrafal Beach, known for its calm waters and the surrounding palm trees, making it a popular spot for families and snorkeling.
Other notable beaches in Cape Verde include Praia Grande on São Vicente, which is popular for surfing due to its strong waves, and Praia de Atalanta on Boa Vista, where visitors can explore the remnants of an old shipwreck along the shore.
The best time to visit Cape Verde for beach activities is from November to June, during the dry season, when the weather is warm and the conditions are ideal for enjoying the islands’ natural beauty and outdoor activities.
EXPLORE TOP DESTINATIONS
Discover the complete list of beaches in Sal Island. Plan your Sal Island beach vacation with 100+ activities, photos, attractions, restaurants, and hotels.
Discover the complete list of beaches in Ilha de San Vicente. Plan your Ilha de San Vicente beach vacation with 100+ activities, photos, attractions, restaurants, and hotels.
Discover the complete list of beaches in Praia . Plan your Praia beach vacation with 100+ activities, photos, attractions, restaurants, and hotels.
Discover the complete list of beaches in Ilha de Sao Nicolau. Plan your Ilha de Sao Nicolau beach vacation with 100+ activities, photos, attractions, restaurants, and hotels.
Discover the complete list of beaches in Ilha de Santo Antao. Plan your Ilha de Santo Antao beach vacation with 100+ activities, photos, attractions, restaurants, and hotels.
Discover the complete list of beaches in Santa Luzia. Plan your Santa Luzia beach vacation with 100+ activities, photos, attractions, restaurants, and hotels.
Discover the complete list of beaches in Santiago Island. Plan your Santiago Island beach vacation with 100+ activities, photos, attractions, restaurants, and hotels.
Discover the complete list of beaches in Ilha Brava. Plan your Ilha Brava beach vacation with 100+ activities, photos, attractions, restaurants, and hotels.
Discover the complete list of beaches in Raso Islet. Plan your Raso Islet beach vacation with 100+ activities, photos, attractions, restaurants, and hotels.
Discover the complete list of beaches in Ilha de Santo Antau. Plan your Ilha de Santo Antau beach vacation with 100+ activities, photos, attractions, restaurants, and hotels.
EXPLORE TOP DESTINATIONS
Boa Vista, Cape Verde offers 32+ beaches along its coastline. Boa Vista has a number of beach options for every type of traveler. Boa Vista is a popular travel destination with over 600,000 annual visitors in addition to its 17,000 residents. Boa Vista is known for its pristine beaches, vibrant music festivals, and diverse marine life.
Sao Vicente, Cape Verde offers 32+ beaches along its 106.9 miles (172 kilometers) of coastline. Sao Vicente has a number of beach options for every type of traveler. Sao Vicente is a popular travel destination with over 750,000 annual visitors in addition to its 36,000 residents. Sao Vicente is known for its vibrant music scene, stunning beaches, and the annual Mindelo Carnival.
Maio, Cape Verde offers 22+ beaches along its 39.8 miles (64.0 kilometers) of coastline. Maio has a number of beach options for every type of traveler. Maio is a popular travel destination with over 5,000 annual visitors in addition to its 7,000 residents. Maio is known for its pristine beaches, tranquil atmosphere, and traditional Cape Verdean culture.
Tarrafal, Cape Verde offers 12+ beaches along its coastline. Tarrafal has a number of beach options for every type of traveler. Tarrafal is a popular travel destination with over 50,000 annual visitors in addition to its 6,500 residents. Tarrafal, Cape Verde is known for its beautiful beaches, historical sites, and vibrant local culture.
Porto Novo, Cape Verde offers 6+ beaches along its coastline. Porto Novo has a number of beach options for every type of traveler. Porto Novo is a popular travel destination with over 75,000 annual visitors in addition to its 15,000 residents. Porto Novo is known for its stunning mountain landscapes, vibrant cultural festivals, and traditional Cape Verdean music.
Ribeira Brava, Cape Verde offers 5+ beaches along its coastline. Ribeira Brava has a number of beach options for every type of traveler. Ribeira Brava is a popular travel destination with over 200,000 annual visitors in addition to its 8,000 residents. Ribeira Brava, Cape Verde is known for its vibrant local markets, historical colonial architecture, and scenic hiking trails.
Santa Luzia, Cape Verde offers 5+ beaches along its 21.7 miles (35 kilometers) of coastline. Santa Luzia has a number of beach options for every type of traveler. Santa Luzia is a popular travel destination with over 12,000 annual visitors in addition to its 6,000 residents. Santa Luzia is known for its pristine beaches, rich marine biodiversity, and opportunities for secluded nature exploration.
Ribeira Grande, Cape Verde offers 4+ beaches along its coastline. Ribeira Grande has a number of beach options for every type of traveler. Ribeira Grande is a popular travel destination with over 200,000 annual visitors in addition to its 65,000 residents. Ribeira Grande, Cape Verde is known for its stunning volcanic landscapes, vibrant cultural festivals, and historic colonial architecture.
Brava, Cape Verde offers 4+ beaches along its 31.1 miles (50.0 kilometers) of coastline. Brava has a number of beach options for every type of traveler. Brava is a popular travel destination with over 6,000 annual visitors in addition to its 5,698 residents. Brava, Cape Verde is known for its stunning natural landscapes, vibrant cultural festivals, and traditional music and dance.
Paul, Cape Verde offers 4+ beaches along its 5.3 miles (8.5 kilometers) of coastline. Paul has a number of beach options for every type of traveler. Paul is a popular travel destination with over 150,000 annual visitors in addition to its 1,500 residents. Paul, Cape Verde is known for its stunning mountainous landscapes, vibrant cultural festivals, and traditional grogue distilleries.
EXPLORE BEACH DESTINATIONS
EXPERT ADVICE AND TIPS