The islands of Cape Verde
Uninhabited until the 15th century arrival of the Portuguese, today the country has a population of just over half a million people and is one of the most politically stable and democratic African countries. Cheap flights to Cape Verde open up the opportunity to access the islands and to begin exploring them by foot, by boat or even by plane while keeping costs low.
A volcanic landscape
Santo Antao, the second largest island, features a contrasting landscape that moves from dusty and barren to luxuriant pine forests rich in greenery and wildlife. Large green valleys, jagged peaks and deep canyons dominate the landscape of the island, making it an ideal place for hiking amongst picture-perfect views. Nearby is the island of Fogo, which means fire in Portuguese. This island is known for its spectacular cone-shaped volcano, the Pico de Fogo.
Blue seas and sandy beaches
Sal is one of the sunniest islands to visit and with masses of sandy beaches and blue waters, it has become a top Oceanside destination. One of the most visited beachside resorts on the island is the city of Santa Maria. The island also features underwater caves to explore, the dunes of Kite Beach and wonderful views from the top of Monte Curral.
The city of Mindelo on Sao Vicente boasts a lively blend of cultures and entertainment. Music bars, clubs, restaurants and the buzzing harbour area make it well worth exploring for a taste of life in Cape Verde.
Best time to go to Cape verde
With a subtropical and dry climate, Cape Verde is an excellent year-round destination. On average, temperatures fall between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius and water temperatures are about 25 degrees Celsius. The summer season from July to September is the hottest time of the year to visit, with temperatures peaking at around 31 degrees Celsius.
Although rainfall is highest during this summer season, weeks can go by without any rain. When it does rain, spells of rainfall are usually short, heavy downpours followed by sunshine and warm temperatures. Spring and autumn are the driest seasons, experiencing very little rain. They are also the best time to save on prices and travel on a budget as April to June and October are considered ‘shoulder season’. This is the time when there are the fewest visitors.
The best time to visit Cape Verde depends on the activities you are planning, though any time of year is a good time to participate. January and February are the ideal months for windsurfers when strong winds blow from the Sahara. Divers have the best underwater visibility during June to December, which overlaps with turtle watching season from June to October. March and April provide the best times to go whale watching.
Cape Verde flights and airports
You can find great deals on flights to Cape Verde by conducting your search on Netflights. Insert your departure city, destination and dates to find the lowest deals on offer. For the lowest possible rates, choose ‘Flexible dates’ and Netflights will determine the best choice for you. Filter your results by time of day and the number of stops to find specific flights.
Carriers British Airways and Tap Air Portugal service operate Cape Verde flights, and require at least one stopover during the journey. These flights stop at cities such as Oporto and Lisbon in Portugal, and Manchester and London if departing from other cities in the UK.
Cape Verde has several international airports to choose from, all located in different areas and islands: Aristides Pereira International Airport, Nelson Mandela International Airport, Césaria Évora Airport, and Sal Amilcar Cabral International Airport. These airports are close to popular beachside destinations like Santa Maria, Praia and Mindelo. Compare costs between destinations and find which one suits your budget.