UK flight searches for Cape Verde have surged by 65% month-on-month and 34% year-on-year in June, according to travel search engine KAYAK, following the island nation's historic World Cup debut. Goalkeeper Vozinha's seven saves in a goalless draw against Spain put the archipelago on travellers' radars, sparking a wave of interest in this West African destination.
Why Cape Verde Is Trending
Cape Verde, a former Portuguese colony of 10 islands off the coast of Senegal, offers diverse experiences from desert stargazing to swimming with lemon sharks. Direct flights from the UK take around six hours. EasyJet recently announced a new route from Bristol to Sal, its third direct route to Cape Verde, joining Manchester and London Gatwick.
The country's World Cup performance has been a major catalyst. Ahead of Cape Verde's match against Argentina, travel data shows a significant spike in searches, with many eager to explore the islands' volcanic peaks, turquoise waters, and cloud villages.
Best Things to Do on Sal Island
Sal is renowned for its beaches and resorts, including big-name chains like Hilton and Meliá. Independent hotels also support the local economy. Top activities include swimming in the surreal salt lakes of Pedra de Lume, Cape Verde's answer to the Dead Sea, and visiting Shark Bay to see baby lemon sharks. The Terra Boa mirage offers an optical illusion of an ocean in the desert.
Actour Cabo Verde, a locally-owned tour company, organises treks and packages. Traveller Isabelle described her experience as 'authentic and unforgettable,' highlighting hiking, swimming with turtles, and fishing for a barbecue dinner. 'The whole team is fabulous and will remain forever in our hearts. Thank you very much for this trip, which was much more than just a stay: a real human adventure,' she said.
Metro's Verdict: A Low-Key Paradise
Metro's Lifestyle Editor Rachel Moss visited Cape Verde in December 2017. She recalled: 'When my partner and I booked a last-minute trip to Cape Verde back in December 2017, we put the payment through at double speed in case Tui had made a mistake. We touched down on the island of Sal the day after Boxing day, wondering how we’d bagged ourselves a ticket to paradise at such a low cost.'
She noted that beyond boat trips, a small market, and independent restaurants, there wasn't much to do in Santa Maria, explaining the low cost. 'But it was exactly what we needed: a true fly and flop holiday, with bottomless piña coladas delivered to our sunloungers. Highlights for us included Praia de Santa Maria, the main beach, which was breathtakingly beautiful with just us and a handful of kitesurfers as far as the eye could see.'
Moss added: 'The trip was friendly and easy, with just the tiniest hint of adventure. If you’re looking for relaxation without the sunbed wars, I’d highly recommend it.'
History and Culture
Cape Verde's currency, the escudo, hints at its Portuguese colonial past. Uninhabited when discovered in 1456, enslaved West Africans were brought to work cotton and sugar cane plantations. The Museu dos Naufragos on Boa Vista displays relics of shipwrecks and slave trade artefacts. On Santiago, Tarrafal beach is a must-visit, while Fogo island offers the active volcano Pico do Fogo, which last erupted in 2014. São Vicente, the cultural heart, features the capital Mindelo with lively jazz bars and the annual Cape Verde Carnival on Pancake Tuesday.
Getting Around and Best Time to Visit
Ferries operate between most islands but are unreliable due to rough seas, according to Lonely Planet's Marc DiDuca. He recommends internal flights for faster, cost-effective travel with bird's-eye views. Four international airports (Sal, Santiago, Sao Vicente, Boa Vista) serve the islands. Rental cars are available but roads are treacherous; taxis or aluguers (shared minibuses) are advisable.
The best time to visit is winter for sun, with December temperatures around 24°C and January 25°C. The hottest months are August and September, exceeding 30°C. Carnival in Mindelo occurs in late January or early February.
