Boa Vista holidays

If the aim of your holidays to Boa Vista is to indulge in some much-needed relaxation, you’re in the right place. This island is renowned for its coastlines, with a number of blissful beaches and sun-soaked sands to land your beach towel. With a desert-like appearance, there’s little more than palm trees that surround these areas. Make the effort to explore all of the island’s sandy stretches and you’ll stumble across everything from ram-shackled beach bars to water sports centres.

While Boa Vista is a popular holiday haunt, there are many surrounding islands to explore on your escape. Hop aboard a catamaran or sailing boat to see Boa Vista from a different perspective, complete with stunning panoramic views. Head out from Sal Rei harbour to one of the neighbouring spots, from Sal Rei island to Praia de Chaves.

If you’re keen to lace up your hiking boots and explore the natural beauty of the Cape Verde islands, heading to Sao Nicolau is your best bet. With deep valleys, tropical plantations and majestic mountains framing the scene, there are a number of trails to follow. For a challenging climb, take the trail up to the iconic Sao Nicolau mountains – you’ll be rewarded with beautiful views from the top.

While you won’t be short of beaches to choose in Boa Vista, Verandinha Beach looks nothing like the island’s other stretches of sand. Backed by strange rock formations that have formed over thousands of years, there’s a bit of history to this part of the world. It is also a prime spot for water sports, thanks to its setting of the most western part of the island. It can get very windy on this side, offering perfect conditions for windsurfing. If you don’t fancy embracing the challenge yourself, there are plenty of places to settle yourself and watch others have a go.

Boa Vista is one of the most favoured places in the world to spot loggerhead turtles. With turtles making the island their home, there has been measures put in place to ensure they can rest undisturbed. They migrate from June through to October, and if you travel during this time, a night time trip might allow you to get up close with the majestic creatures. The island is also a great destination for whale watching, with many local organisations offering trips out to the prime whale-watching spots.

The only town on the island, a visit to Sal Rei is a must on your holidays to Boa Vista. With a charming blend of Portuguese and African influences, there’s some striking architecture to enjoy as well as an array of bars, shops and restaurants. While the town is fairly quiet, there is a thriving nightlife, with many bars and clubs staying open well into the night.

Boa Vista is covered in sand dunes, so the easiest way to explore its landscapes is by hopping on a quad bike. While they are more practical than boarding a car or other vehicle, they also add an element of fun for thrill-seekers. With the wind whipping through your hair and the sand sloping underneath you, they make for a great adventure on your holidays to Boa Vista.

While the island can be fairly quiet, the best way to explore Boa Vista is with a designated guided tour. Tour guides across the island, usually locals, are more than happy to take you on a tour of its best sights. Fancy catching a glimpse of the glorious nature that can be found in this part of the world, or fancy a gastronomic experience you won’t forget? Whatever you’re looking for on the island, you’ll find more than you expected.