Best beaches in Cape Verde

Cabo Verde’s coastline spans diverse landscapes, from the 22-kilometer stretch of undeveloped white sand at Santa Mónica on Boa Vista to the palm-fringed, sheltered bay of Tarrafal on Santiago. Sal Island features the turquoise waters of Santa Maria, a hub for windsurfing and kitesurfing, alongside the secluded rocky coves of Calheta Funda. São Vicente offers the shallow natural lagoon of Baía das Gatas, while Boa Vista’s Varandinha is characterized by limestone sea caves and dramatic rock formations.

Best Beaches — Map

A

Praia de Santa Mónica

A 22-kilometer stretch of white sand on the southern coast of Boa Vista, known for its undeveloped landscape and strong Atlantic currents.

B

Praia de Santa Mónica

Extensive white sand beach on the southern tip of Boa Vista, offering a remote environment with no permanent infrastructure.

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C

Praia de Santa Maria

Wide sandy beach on Sal Island featuring a wooden pier where local fishermen land their catch. It is a primary location for windsurfing and kitesurfing.

D

Calheta Funda

Secluded cove on the western coast of Sal, characterized by rocky surroundings and clear water suitable for snorkeling.

E

Praia d´Diante

Small beach located in Sal Rei, Boa Vista, primarily used by local fishing boats and offering views of the Ilhéu de Sal Rei.

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F

Praia de Estoril

Protected beach south of Sal Rei on Boa Vista, featuring calm waters and several windsurfing and kitesurfing schools.

G

Praia de Carlota

Sandy stretch on the western coast of Boa Vista, frequently used for kiteboarding due to consistent side-shore winds.

H

Praia de Curral Velho

Remote southern beach on Boa Vista located near a salt marsh and the ruins of an 18th-century village.

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I

Praia de Atlanta

Also known as Praia de Chaves, this beach on Boa Vista is the site of the Cabo Santa Maria shipwreck, visible from the shore.

J

Praia de Fiura

The northernmost beach on Sal Island, featuring wilder sea conditions and views of the nearby lighthouse.

K

Baía das Gatas

Natural lagoon on São Vicente with shallow, calm waters, hosting a major international music festival every August.

L

Praia da Varandinha

Sandy beach on Boa Vista notable for its natural limestone caves and rock formations carved by the sea.

M

Praia do Tarrafal

Palm-lined bay on the northern tip of Santiago, featuring golden sand and calm waters sheltered from the prevailing winds.

N

Praia de Carquejinha

Long, isolated stretch of sand on the southern coast of Boa Vista, situated near the Curral Velho wetlands.

O

Praia de Lagoa

Wide sandy beach on the island of Maio, located near the town of Porto Inglês and the local salt pans.

P

Praiona

Large, undeveloped sandy beach on the eastern coast of Maio, known for its seclusion and as a nesting site for sea turtles.

Q

Praia São Tomé

Small beach on the southern coast of Santiago, located near the capital city of Praia.

R

Praia de São Francisco- Beach Katumbela

Wide, white-sand bay on Santiago Island, popular for swimming and located a short drive from the capital.

S

Praia de Baia Gombeza

Isolated beach on the island of São Nicolau, featuring dark volcanic sand and rocky surroundings.

T

Praia da Calheta

Small beach on the eastern coast of Boa Vista, offering a quiet alternative to the more frequented western shores.

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