Holiday in Boa Vista

Island in Kapverden — tips, highlights & best time to visit

Country

Kapverden

Type

Island

Best time to travel

November to June (dry season, 22-28 °C, little rain). July-October turtle season. Warm and windy year-round.

Budget/day

70-140 €

Getting there from Germany

Direct flight to Boa Vista (BVC, approx. 6 h from several German airports, e.g. TUI/Condor). No visa required for Germans (up to 30 days, registration online in advance).

What makes Boa Vista special as a destination?

Boa Vista is the beach island of Cape Verde — 55 kilometers of white sandy beaches surround the flat, desert-like island in the Atlantic off the coast of West Africa. While most Cape Verdean islands are mountainous and green, Boa Vista surprises with Sahara dunes, endless beaches, and a relaxed atmosphere reminiscent of the Caribbean. Praia de Santa Monica in the south is the longest beach in Cape Verde at 18 kilometers and one of the longest in Africa: fine, white sand as far as the eye can see, turquoise water, and almost no one in sight. Praia de Chaves in the west offers golden sand against the backdrop of the Viana Desert — a miniature Sahara with moving dunes. Sal Rei, the small capital, has the charm of a sleepy fishing village with colorful houses, a lively market hall, and a handful of restaurants serving fresh fish. The offshore Ilheu de Sal Rei is a perfect snorkeling spot. Between July and November, loggerhead turtles come to Boa Vista's beaches to lay their eggs — a moving natural spectacle. Guided night walks allow you to observe the giant turtles nesting without disturbing them.

Beach
95
Relaxation
85
Winter
80
Romance
75
Nature
70

What are the top highlights in Boa Vista?

The top highlights in Boa Vista include Praia de Santa Monica, Viana Desert, Turtle Nesting, Praia de Chaves, Sal Rei.

The places you absolutely must not miss.

1

Praia de Santa Monica

18 km of white sand: one of the longest beaches in Africa — turquoise water and almost deserted.

2

Viana Desert

Sahara dunes in the middle of the Atlantic: quad and jeep tours through the surreal desert landscape.

3

Turtle Nesting

July to November: loggerhead turtles lay eggs on the beaches — guided night walks available.

4

Praia de Chaves

Golden beach in front of the Viana Desert: perfect for swimming, kitesurfing, and spectacular sunsets.

5

Sal Rei

Colorful fishing town capital: market hall, fresh fish, and Cape Verdean Morabeza (hospitality).

6

Ilheu de Sal Rei

Offshore island with ruins of an old fortress: boat tour and snorkeling in protected waters.

Hotels in Boa Vista

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Reise-SIM für Boa Vista

Günstig surfen im Urlaub mit travSIM

Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen

Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie

When is the best time to visit Boa Vista?

The best time to visit Boa Vista is November to June (dry season, 22-28 °C, little rain). July-October turtle season. Warm and windy year-round.. 25-30 °C, warm with constant trade winds and some rain In winter: 22-27 °C, dry, sunny, and pleasantly windy

Recommended travel time

November to June (dry season, 22-28 °C, little rain). July-October turtle season. Warm and windy year-round.

Summer

25-30 °C, warm with constant trade winds and some rain

Winter

22-27 °C, dry, sunny, and pleasantly windy

How much does a holiday in Boa Vista cost?

Budget travellers: 35-60 €/day, mid-range: 70-140 €/day, luxury: 160-400 €/day.

Average costs per person per day

Budget

35-60 €

Hostel, Street food, Public transport

Mid-range

70-140 €

Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions

Luxury

160-400 €

Boutique hotel, Fine dining

How do I get from Germany to Boa Vista?

Direct flight to Boa Vista (BVC, approx. 6 h from several German airports, e.g. TUI/Condor). No visa required for Germans (up to 30 days, registration online in advance).

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What travel tips are there for Boa Vista?

Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.

No visa — since 2019 no visa requirement (up to 30 days). Online registration (EASE) required before departure.

Direct flights — Condor and TUI fly directly from Germany (approx. 6 h). Much faster than other African destinations!

Wind — Boa Vista is windy year-round. Perfect for kitesurfers, but secure your beach umbrella well.

Quad tour — the best way to explore the Viana Desert and remote beaches (approx. 60-80 €, half day).

Turtles — observe only with a certified guide. No flash photography, no touching. The season is July-November.

What should you eat in Boa Vista?

Typical specialities in Boa Vista: Cachupa Rica — the national stew of Cape Verde: corn, beans, vegetables, and meat, slowly simmered — Boa Vista's soul food., Lagostada — fresh lobster grilled or in coconut milk: Boa Vista's luxury dish, cheaper than in Europe., Atum Grelhado — grilled fresh tuna with lime: straight from the boat to the plate., Pastel com Diablo Dentro — fried pastries with spicy tuna filling: the 'devil inside' is Piri-Piri., Grogue — Cape Verdean sugarcane schnapps: raw or as ponche (with honey and lime) — the island digestif..

These specialties you must try!

Cachupa Rica — the national stew of Cape Verde: corn, beans, vegetables, and meat, slowly simmered — Boa Vista's soul food.
Lagostada — fresh lobster grilled or in coconut milk: Boa Vista's luxury dish, cheaper than in Europe.
Atum Grelhado — grilled fresh tuna with lime: straight from the boat to the plate.
Pastel com Diablo Dentro — fried pastries with spicy tuna filling: the 'devil inside' is Piri-Piri.
Grogue — Cape Verdean sugarcane schnapps: raw or as ponche (with honey and lime) — the island digestif.
Suitable for:BeachTurtlesDesertKitesurfingCape VerdeRelaxationDirect flight

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