Decision guide · reviewed on 20 October 2026
Cape Verde islands: choose the kind of break you want.
Cape Verde is a beach-holiday destination with several inhabited islands, but most first trips compare Sal and Boa Vista. The official tourism portal describes Sal as a flat island with Santa Maria, salt pans and conditions for water sports. In Boa Vista, the highlights are long beaches, dunes and more open landscapes. The Government of Cabo Verde confirms that both belong to the Barlavento group and have lower relief than several other islands. Sal or Boa Vista? Read our island-by-island comparison for pace, hotel areas and who each island tends to suit. This page stays with Cape Verde holidays as a whole: when to go, how the islands differ in brief, and how to brief a proposal.
Cape Verde in winter and spring (including March)
The Government of Cape Verde describes a stable climate throughout the year and gives an average sea temperature of 21 ºC in February and March and 25 ºC in September and October. That is a useful frame for winter and spring holidays, including March; it is not a forecast for a specific week. Wind, swell and how exposed the beach is still shape swimming more than an annual average. Share your dates when you request a quote for Cape Verde or any other trip, departing from wherever you like.
Getting between the islands
Sal and Boa Vista are neighbouring islands in the Barlavento group. The connection is by inter-island flight or boat, depending on the schedules in force; those details are confirmed in the proposal. Combining both islands only makes sense if the different experience justifies changing hotel.
How to request a proposal for Cape Verde
Published offers change with dates, hotels and inclusions. See the published offers or request a quote for Cape Verde or any other trip, departing from wherever you like. This page does not list prices: availability and conditions are confirmed in the proposal.
When to travel and how to plan the week
To choose the best month and understand the climate differences, read the guide Cape Verde in October: weather and sea temperature and the Cape Verde in November guide. If your aim is to swim every day, ask about the specific beach and pool alternatives.
To understand what makes up the trip budget, see How much does Cape Verde cost?. For all-inclusive stays, see also Cape Verde all-inclusive holidays; if you are travelling with children, start from family holiday planning.
Planning example (not a package): for a week on one island, I would reserve the first two days to settle into the pace, choose a half-day excursion and leave the remaining days flexible. I would only add the other island if the different experience justified the extra transport and hotel change.
What to send for a useful comparison
Share your departure airport, date window, ages, preference between Santa Maria, Sal Rei or a resort, meal plan and total budget. If you are travelling as a family, add the room configuration and whether a children’s pool or kids' club matters. This allows the proposal to compare the full trip, including the details that shape the stay.
Official sources consulted: Cabo Verde Tourism — Sal, Cabo Verde Tourism — Boa Vista and Government of Cabo Verde — Geography. Offer values and conditions may change; for specific dates, use the quote request.