Boa Vista is one of Cape Verde's eastern islands, known for enormous sandy beaches, dry landscapes, dunes and Atlantic surf. You come for sunshine, long coastal walks, quiet stretches of sand and a slower pace than you might find in a busy resort destination.
The island feels open and sparsely populated, with broad horizons and desert-like scenery. Sal Rei is its main town, while much of the coastline remains relatively undeveloped. The appeal is simplicity, although the wind and ocean conditions shape what you can comfortably do.
How many days: 7
Spend your first two days enjoying the beaches near your accommodation and exploring Sal Rei. Use a day to visit the dunes and southern coastline, including Praia de Santa Mónica, with suitable transport and local guidance.
Leave the remaining days for a boat excursion, gentle sightseeing and relaxed beach time. Boa Vista is not packed with conventional attractions, which is part of its character. A week works well if you want to slow down, while three or four days can cover the main landscapes.
What to do in Boa Vista
- Walk along Praia de Santa Mónica
- Experience a vast stretch of sand on the southern coast. The remote setting is memorable, but strong surf means swimming requires caution.
- Explore Sal Rei
- Wander through the island's main town, with its local shops, waterfront and everyday neighbourhoods. It provides a contrast to the beach resorts.
- Visit the Viana Desert
- See wind-shaped dunes and pale sand in the island's dry interior. Go with appropriate transport and avoid damaging fragile landscapes.
- See the Cabo Santa Maria shipwreck
- Visit the remains of a stranded vessel on the northern coast. Its isolated setting makes it an unusual sightseeing stop.
- Relax at Praia de Chaves
- Enjoy a long beach backed by dunes and open coastal scenery. It is ideal for walking, though swimming conditions can be rough.
- Discover Praia de Varandinha
- See the rocky coastline, sand and natural formations in the southwest. Take care near cliffs and breaking waves.
- Look for nesting sea turtles
- Join a responsible, conservation-led visit during the appropriate season. Follow strict guidance on distance, lighting and disturbance.
- Try a wind-powered water sport
- Boa Vista's breezy conditions attract people interested in kitesurfing and similar activities. Beginners should use qualified instruction and suitable locations.
- Take a coastal boat excursion
- See the island from the Atlantic and enjoy a different perspective on its beaches. Trips depend heavily on wind and sea conditions.
- Watch the sunset by the sea
- Choose a sheltered spot along the western coast and enjoy the changing light. The island's open landscapes make simple evenings particularly rewarding.
What to eat and drink
- Try cachupa
- Taste Cape Verde's traditional slow-cooked dish of maize, beans and vegetables, sometimes with meat or fish. It is filling and deeply rooted in local cooking.
- Eat grilled fish
- Choose locally available fish cooked simply with seasoning. It is a natural choice on an island with a strong fishing tradition.
- Sample catchupa refogada
- Try leftover cachupa fried and reheated, often eaten at breakfast. It is a satisfying way to experience a familiar local staple.
- Enjoy seafood rice
- Look for rice dishes prepared with fish or shellfish and local seasonings. Ask what seafood is available.
- Try pastel
- Enjoy a savoury fried pastry with a filling such as fish. It makes a convenient snack while exploring Sal Rei.
- Taste Cape Verdean coffee
- Have a coffee after a meal or during a break in town. Pair it with a simple local sweet if available.
Getting around
Sal Rei is small enough to explore on foot, and walking is pleasant along suitable beach stretches. Outside town, distances become much greater and roads can turn into sandy or rough tracks. Public transport is limited for sightseeing, so it is not a destination where you should rely on regular buses to reach every attraction.
Taxis and arranged excursions are the easiest options for longer journeys. For remote beaches, use a suitable vehicle with an experienced driver rather than attempting unfamiliar tracks independently. The wind, heat and lack of shade make walking long distances across exposed areas unwise.
Good to know
- Atlantic currents and shore breaks can be dangerous. Only swim where conditions are suitable.
- Wind is a major feature of the climate and can make beach days feel cooler than the sun's strength suggests.
- Remote beaches may have no shade, drinking water or facilities. Bring supplies.
- Avoid driving ordinary hire cars onto deep sand or isolated tracks.
- Wildlife encounters should be conservation-led, especially during turtle nesting season.
- Carry cash for small purchases, as card acceptance can be less consistent outside larger establishments.