Arrival by Plane
International Airports
Cape Verde has four international airports, but most flights from Europe land on the two main tourist islands:
- Sal — Amílcar Cabral International (SID): The largest and oldest international airport. Main destination for most charter flights and package deals from Europe. Direct connections from Germany, Portugal, UK, France, Netherlands, Belgium.
- Boa Vista — Aristides Pereira (BVC): Second largest tourist airport. Charter flights from Europe, especially in the high season.
- Santiago — Nelson Mandela (RAI): Capital airport in Praia. Connections to Lisbon, Dakar, Boston, and other West African cities. Fewer tourist flights, more scheduled services.
- São Vicente — Cesária Évora (VXE): Small airport near Mindelo. Connections to Lisbon and other islands.
Airlines from Germany
- TUI fly: Charter flights from various German cities to Sal and Boa Vista. Flight time: approx. 6 hours. Prices: 300–600€ return (depending on season). Mainly in connection with package tours.
- Condor: Seasonal direct flights from Frankfurt to Sal. 350–550€ return.
- TAP Air Portugal: Via Lisbon to Sal, Santiago, Boa Vista, or São Vicente. Often the cheapest option for individual travelers (250–450€ return with stopover in Lisbon). Good connections, modern equipment.
- Cabo Verde Airlines (TACV): The national airline connects Lisbon with Sal and Santiago. Occasionally good deals.
Tips: TAP via Lisbon is often the best option for individual travelers — you can include a stopover in Lisbon (up to 5 days free of charge). For charter flights to Sal/Boa Vista: Use early bird offers (3–6 months in advance) or wait for last-minute bargains. The cheapest flights are in the off-season (July–October).
