Cape Verde is an archipelago with many attractions, perfect for a complete holiday or a 10-day stay. Thanks to its varied landscapes, rich culture and diverse activities, it will satisfy all types of travelers: culture enthusiasts, those seeking relaxation on idyllic beaches, as well as sports and adventure lovers.

In this article, we offer you three itineraries to make the most of your 10-day stay in Cape Verde. These routes are suitable for use throughout the year and designed to meet everyone's desires.

In a nutshell

• Three 10-day tours: Culture & Discovery (Santiago · São Vicente · Maio), Relaxation & beach (Sal · Boa Vista) and Sports & Adventure (Sal·Santo Antão·São Nicolau).

• Culture (Santiago / São Vicente / Maio): Cidade Velha UNESCO, Plateau markets, morna live in Mindelo, beaches and memory of Tarrafal, peaceful authenticity of Vila do Maio.

• Relaxation (Sal / Boa Vista): Santa Maria and Pedra Lume salt flats in Sal; kitesurfing, dunes of the Viana desert and Praia Santa Mónica in Boa Vista for total relaxation.

• Adventure (Sal / Santo Antão / São Nicolau): water sports in Sal, Cova→Paul hikes & Fontainhas coastal path in Santo Antão, Monte Gordo climb and Juncalinho bay in São Nicolau.

Cultural and Discovery Itinerary: Immerse yourself in the history and traditions of Cape Verde

This 10-day program takes you to discover Santiago, São Vicente and Maio, the three islands richest in history and culture in Cape Verde. You will explore listed sites, varied landscapes and picturesque villages, perfect for an immersion in Cape Verdean authenticity.

Day 1-4: Santiago

• Cidade Velha
  Start your journey by Cidade Velha, on the island of Santiago, the first European settlement in the tropics and a must-see place to discover the history of Cape Verde. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cidade Velha offers fascinating historical sites, such as the São Filipe Fortress perched on a hill, with stunning views of the ocean. Stroll through the Banana Street, one of the oldest cobbled streets in Africa, and soak up the still-preserved colonial atmosphere.

• Beach
  Join the capital, Beach, where the Plateau district offers you a dive into Cape Verdean architecture and culture. Stroll through the streets lined with colonial buildings, explore the Sucupira Market to discover local crafts and products, and visit the ethnographic museum to better understand the history of the archipelago. Praia is also a meeting point for artists and musicians, where one can capture the vibrant spirit of Cape Verdean culture.

• Malagueta Mountains
  Venture into the natural park of the Malagueta Mountains, which is located north of Santiago. This park is ideal for hiking enthusiasts, with its trails that wind between valleys and mountains. At the top, enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding area and discover the local flora and fauna, including endemic species found only in Cape Verde.

• Tarrafal
  End your visit to Santiago with the coastal village of Tarrafal, located in the north of the island. This peaceful place is known for its fine sandy beach, Tarrafal Beach, but also for its Concentration camp, infamous. The Tarrafal camp, nicknamed the “slow death camp”, was used by the Portuguese colonial regime to imprison political prisoners. A guided tour of the camp allows you to discover this dark part of Cape Verdean history, now transformed into a museum to honor the memory of the resistance fighters. This historical place, charged with emotion, offers a deeper understanding of the recent history of the archipelago.

Day 5-7: São Vicente

• Mindelo
  Fly to São Vicente, where you will discover the city of Mindelo, the cultural center of Cape Verde. Stroll through its colorful streets, visit the art galleries, and let yourself be carried away by the traditional music that animates Cape Verdean evenings. Mindelo is a privileged place to discover the morna and the coladeira, emblematic Cape Verdean rhythms.

• Monte Verde
  Enjoy a day to climb the Monte Verde, the highest point of São Vicente at 750 meters above sea level. This climb offers breathtaking panoramic views of the island, the ocean and, on a clear day, the Santo Antão mountains. Monte Verde is an ideal place for contemplation and to appreciate the natural beauty of the archipelago.

• Baia das Gatas
  End your stay in São Vicente with a getaway to Baia das Gatas, a seaside village renowned for its calm, crystal-clear waters. Spend a relaxing day by the beach, where you can swim, snorkel and enjoy the serene surroundings.

Day 8-10: May

• Villa do Maio
  To conclude your itinerary, head to the island of May, where tranquility reigns supreme. The central village, Villa do Maio, is a perfect place to relax, with its colorful houses and quiet streets. You can discover the simple and welcoming life of the Cape Verdeans.

• Maio Beaches
  Spend a day exploring Maio's unspoiled beaches, such as Ponta Preta Beach et Santana Beach, where fine sand and turquoise waters invite you to relax. Unlike the busier beaches of Sal or Boa Vista, those of Maio are often deserted, allowing you to enjoy a peaceful setting.

• Tour of the island by vehicle
  To round off your stay, explore Maio by renting a vehicle. You will discover the contrasts of this island between desert and greenery, visit small isolated villages and enjoy the tranquility of its landscapes. This tour will offer you an authentic glimpse of Maio, far from the classic tourist circuits.

This itinerary offers you a unique immersion into the heritage, culture and natural beauty of Cape Verde. From the historic sites of Santiago to the secluded beaches of Maio, passing through the bustle of Mindelo, this route combines discoveries and moments of relaxation for a journey to the heart of the Cape Verdean soul.

Relaxation and beach itinerary: Relaxation in the sun of the Cape Verdean islands

This 10-day itinerary invites you to explore the islands of Sal and Boa Vista, ideal for enjoying the sun, beaches and relaxation. Whether you are a fan of idleness, swimming or heavenly landscapes, these two Cape Verdean islands will offer you the perfect setting for a quiet getaway.

Day 1-5: Sal

• Santa Maria
  Start your stay in Sal with Santa Maria, the tourist center of the island, renowned for its magnificent white sand beach. Santa Maria Beach is a must-see place for swimming, paddle boarding or kitesurfing, offering clear waters and a peaceful setting. On the Santa Maria pontoon, you can watch local fishermen bringing in their catch of the day or go on an excursion to discover the seabed. The city is also full of seaside restaurants, perfect for enjoying fresh fish or seafood, while admiring the sunset.

• Saltworks of Pedra Lume
  See you at Saltworks of Pedra Lume, ancient salt mines nestled in the crater of an extinct volcano. Enjoy a unique swim in the salt water of the salt flats, known for its relaxing and beneficial properties for the skin. The landscape is impressive, with shades of white, blue and ochre contrasting with the surrounding desert. To prolong this moment of well-being, massage and spa centers are located near the salt flats.

• Asparagus
  Explore Asparagus, the capital of Sal, where you can experience the local atmosphere away from the tourist hustle and bustle. Stroll through the streets of this small town, visit the craft shops and climb to the top of Espargos for a panoramic view on the island. Don't miss the local market, where you will find typical souvenirs and local products.

Day 6-10: Boa Vista

• Chaves Beach
  Join Boa Vista to discover the Chaves Beach, a spectacular and secluded beach lined with sand dunes. Here, peace and quiet reign, and you can enjoy a swim in crystal clear waters or simply laze around in the sun. Nearby, explore the dunes that blend into the beach, giving this place an almost desert-like appearance. For sports enthusiasts, Praia de Chaves is also a great spot for kitesurfing and windsurfing, with schools offering courses for all levels.

• Viana desert
  Go on an adventure in the Viana desert, a unique place in Boa Vista with its white sand dunes reminiscent of the Sahara. This impressive landscape is perfect for a quiet stroll, but also for watching a magnificent sunset, when the sand takes on golden hues. For a more active experience, opt for a quad excursion, which will allow you to explore the desert while adding a touch of adrenaline.

• Santa Monica Beach
  End your stay with Santa Monica Beach, often considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Cape Verde. This golden sand beach stretches as far as the eye can see, offering a wild and unspoiled setting. Far from the crowds, enjoy a moment of absolute relaxation by the sea, with the possibility of observing sea turtles or colorful fish while swimming. Bring a picnic to enjoy a day in the heart of nature, in a setting worthy of a postcard.

This itinerary is designed for lovers of tranquility and beautiful landscapes, allowing you to completely disconnect and recharge your batteries. Between the fine sandy beaches, the turquoise waters and the desert landscapes, Sal and Boa Vista will offer you the best of Cape Verdean relaxation.

Sports and nature itinerary: Adventure and hiking through the Cape Verdean islands

This 10-day itinerary invites you to discover the wild and active essence of Cape Verde by exploring the islands of Sal, Santo Antão and São Nicolau. With its beaches for water sports, its mountains and its hiking trails, this itinerary is perfect for nature lovers and thrill seekers.

Day 1-3: Sal

• Santa Maria
  Start your Sal holiday with water sports in Santa Maria. This vibrant resort is famous for its beaches and water sports. Santa Maria is a world-renowned spot for kitesurfing and windsurfing. Many schools offer courses suitable for beginners and advanced surfers alike, allowing you to take full advantage of the Cape Verdean waves and winds. Snorkelling and scuba diving allow you to discover the island’s marine biodiversity with dive centres located close to the beach. For an adventure on dry land, take a quad bike tour and travel through Sal’s dunes and desert landscapes.

• Saltworks of Pedra Lume
  Not far from Santa Maria, discover the famous Salinas de Pedra Lume, located in the crater of an ancient volcano. Enjoy a relaxing experience floating in these salt-rich waters, while observing the magnificent color contrasts between the white of the salt and the ochre tones of the volcanic landscape. From the top of the crater, you can also admire an impressive panorama of the salt flats and the island.

Day 4-7: Santo Antão

• Paul Valley
  Take the ferry from São Vicente to Santo Antão, the archipelago’s mountainous and verdant island. Start in the Paul Valley, known for its lush landscapes and hiking trails. As you travel through the valley, you’ll discover sugarcane plantations, streams, and picturesque villages. You’ll meet local farmers and learn about the artisanal production of grogue, Cape Verde’s traditional drink.

• Trail from Cova to Ribeira Grande
  This iconic trail starts in the Cova Crater and descends to the Ribeira Grande Valley, offering spectacular views of cultivated terraces and mountains. Following the trail, you will pass between steep cliffs and lush valleys. You will also have the opportunity to observe the richness of the endemic flora and capture impressive panoramas from the many viewpoints.

• Ponta do Sol and Fontainhas
  From Ponta do Sol, set off on an unforgettable hike to the hilltop village of Fontainhas, considered one of the most beautiful in the archipelago. This coastal path offers breathtaking scenery, with cliffs plunging into the ocean and stunning views of the coast. Back in Ponta do Sol, end the day in this charming coastal village, where you can enjoy local specialties while enjoying the view.

Day 8-10: São Nicolau

• Ribeira Brava
  Start your exploration of São Nicolau in Ribeira Brava, a vibrant city where colonial architecture meets Cape Verdean culture. Stroll through the city center to admire the colorful houses and the local market, where you will discover fresh produce and local crafts. Immerse yourself in local life and share with the locals to learn about their culture and traditions.

• Monte Gordo
  The climb up Monte Gordo is a must for hikers looking for challenges and stunning views. This varied route takes you through forests and meadows, to reach the summit with 360-degree views of the island. You can also admire the unique biodiversity of the Monte Gordo Natural Park, with its endemic species and breathtaking landscapes.

• Juncalinho Bay
  To finish off on a high note, head to the secluded Juncalinho Bay, a great place to relax and explore the rugged coastline. Try your hand at kayaking or fishing in this clear-water bay, or stroll along the coves to see the unique volcanic formations of this part of the island.

This sports and nature tour will allow you to discover the many facets of Cape Verde by combining hiking, water sports and immersion in exceptional natural landscapes. Between green mountains, beaches and picturesque villages, this itinerary promises you unforgettable moments in the heart of the archipelago.