Cabo Verde is the ideal destination for those seeking paradise beaches and moments of relaxation. With a diversity of landscapes, each island offers unique tranquil retreats, where travellers can unwind, far from the crowds.
Discover now the best spots to relax on the stunning islands of this archipelago, where the calm seas and breathtaking landscapes provide the perfect escape from the daily grind.
Maio Island: untouched beaches for true relaxation
Just a 20-minute flight from the capital, Maio Island boasts some of the most peaceful and beautiful beaches in the country. The entire island exudes a permanent state of serenity, offering the chance to enjoy peace undisturbed by mass tourism.
Salina and Bancona Beaches:
On the southwest coast, between the port and Boca do Morro, lie Salina and Bancona beaches. These tranquil stretches of sand, around 5 km long, are known for their crystal-clear waters and golden sands, irresistible even to the turtles. Perfect for those looking to relax and reconnect with nature.
Real Beach:
Located 5 km from Cascabulho, this paradisiacal scene with calm, transparent waters is nestled between the beaches of Porto Cais and Galeão. It’s a haven of biodiversity, home to coral reefs, a variety of fish, wading birds, and sea turtles.
Real Beach
Flamengos Beach and Point:
On the southeast coast of Maio, you’ll find one of the island’s most remote beaches. With white sand and warm waters, it’s perfect for those seeking a calm environment to unwind and soak up the sun. In addition to the local fishermen, the beach is also frequented by sea turtles that come to nest on the shore.
Boa Vista Island: kilometres of beaches for deep relaxation
Boa Vista Island captivates visitors with its 55 km of white sandy beaches and turquoise waters. Despite being a popular destination, there are always more secluded spots to enjoy moments of pure relaxation.
Curral Velho Beach:
Located around 15 km from Sal Rei, Curral Velho beach can be reached by a 4X4 vehicle.
Quiet, expansive, and still untouched, the beach is situated in the village of the same name, which was once a thriving fishing community. Today, only the ruins remain, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the location.
The beach is ideal for seaside walks and refreshing dips in the ocean.
Curral Velho Beach
Ervatão Beach:
One of Boa Vista Island’s best-kept secrets, Ervatão Beach boasts an almost raw, natural beauty. Its calm, transparent waters invite visitors to enjoy a serene swim.
An impressive baobab tree stands as the beach’s guardian, and it is one of the main nesting sanctuaries for sea turtles, particularly between June and October.
For those seeking peace and tranquillity, away from the hustle and bustle of busier beaches, Ervatão offers a setting of pure nature contemplation.
Lacacão Beach:
One of the most beautiful and tranquil beaches on Boa Vista, Lacacão offers kilometres of sandy shores and a wild, untamed sea.
Santa Mónica Beach:
Following Lacacão Beach, you’ll find one of the largest and most renowned beaches in the archipelago.
However, despite its impressive 18 km of white sand, it’s always possible to find a quieter spot to relax and take in the vast expanse of the sea. It’s the perfect location for a long, relaxing day at the beach.
Sal Island: Cape Verde’s most famous beaches
Famed for its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, Sal Island is a paradise for sun and sea lovers. Some of the most famous beaches in Cabo Verde are located here.
Serra Negra Beach:
This serene beach is a peaceful oasis, far from the usual crowds that gather on the busier shores.
This natural gem is part of Cape Verde’s protected areas, serving as both a haven of natural beauty and ecological significance. Every year, sea turtles choose its sands for nesting, making the beach a magical place of renewal.
The imposing cliffs that surround Serra Negra are home to various bird species, which find an ideal nesting environment in this tranquil setting.
Serra Negra Beach
Ponta Preta Beach:
Famous for its waves and as a hotspot for kitesurfers, Ponta Preta Beach maintains a calm atmosphere during the mornings. It’s perfect for those seeking peaceful swims, especially before the wind draws in the water sports enthusiasts.
Its long stretch of sand invites relaxing walks and offers breathtaking views of the vast Atlantic Ocean.
Murdeira Bay:
Murdeira Bay is a haven of calm, crystal-clear waters, ideal for those in search of tranquillity.
Located in a protected area, it offers stunning landscapes and a serene environment, perfect for relaxing by the sea with views of Monte Leão, one of the island’s natural landmarks.
Santiago Island: relaxation in the heart of Cabo Verde
Santiago, the largest island in the archipelago and home to the capital city, Praia, offers a variety of beaches, from urban spots to more remote and peaceful ones.
Ribeira da Prata Beach:
One of the seven wonders of Tarrafal, Ribeira da Prata Beach is a tranquil spot with darker golden sands and clear waters, perfect for resting. Between May and December, it’s common to see sea turtles nesting on its shores, adding to the peaceful allure of this location.
Nearby, you’ll find a hidden gem: the natural pool of Cuba, perfect for a quiet and refreshing swim.
Ribeira da Prata Beach
São Francisco Beach:
Located near Nelson Mandela International Airport, São Francisco Beach boasts a wide stretch of sand, inviting peaceful moments of contemplation, accompanied by the soothing sound of the waves.
Medronho Bay:
Nestled between plateaus, Medronho Bay surprises visitors with its striking white and black sands, which serve as a nesting ground for sea turtles. With few visitors, this beach is perfect for relaxation.
Santo Antão Island: hidden beaches and an abundance of nature
Known for its lush greenery and internationally recognized hiking trails, Santo Antão Island also offers beaches worth discovering
Tarrafal Beach:
Located in Porto Novo, on the western coast of Santo Antão, Tarrafal Beach is one of the island's hidden treasures. It provides a tranquil retreat where the fast pace of city life feels like a distant memory.
The black sands contrast beautifully with the deep blue sea, inviting visitors to take long, relaxing swims.
Tarrafal Beach
Sinagoga Beach:
In the north of Santo Antão, in Ribeira Grande, you'll find Sinagoga Beach. With its light sands and clear waters, it is often regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches on the island.
Serenity reigns here, making it an ideal spot for long sunbathing sessions or invigorating walks along the shore. It’s perfect for those seeking to escape stress and enjoy the simplicity and natural beauty of the area.
Ponta do Sol Beach:
Located in the town of the same name, Ponta do Sol Beach sits on a coastal plateau in the northern part of the island. About an hour from the port, the only entry point for travellers to Santo Antão, this beach remains more secluded, making it a great option for those seeking tranquillity during their visit.
São Vicente Island: urban charm mixed with tranquillity
Known for its urban beaches and protected bays, São Vicente Island offers a combination of beaches, perfect for both water sports and relaxation.
Palha Carga Beach:
After crossing the Palha Carga valley, you reach the beach that shares its name. This long stretch of black and white sand is ideal for extended walks. Although the clear blue waters look inviting, it’s advisable to avoid swimming here due to the rougher seas.
Calheta Grande Beach:
Next to Palha Carga, a walk will take you to the beautiful Calheta Grande Beach. Its more difficult access makes it less crowded, offering privacy for those who value seclusion. Here, you can enjoy peaceful walks and soak up the sun in the nearly exclusive company of nature.
Flamengo Beach:
Following Calheta Grande is Flamengo Beach. Perfect for a quiet swim and rarely visited, this beach is a prime spot to gaze at the vast, crystal-clear blue ocean while letting time slip away effortlessly.
Flamengo Beach
São Nicolau Island: peaceful beaches for moments of tranquillity
São Nicolau Island is one of the least touristy in Cabo Verde, making it home to tranquil and secluded beaches, perfect for those seeking peace and a close connection with nature. Additionally, its black sand beaches are rich in iodine and titanium, and are often used for medicinal purposes, particularly in relieving rheumatic diseases and arthritis.
Baixo Rocha Beach:
Surrounded by an aura of serenity, this small beach with light sand is often described as a “dream beach.” Its crystal-clear, shimmering blue waters create an almost magical tranquillity, offering a rare sense of privacy.
Reaching this hidden paradise requires a hike of about an hour and a half, which often leaves it deserted—a beautiful reward for those willing to explore.
Baixo Rocha Beach
Francês Beach:
Located in Tarrafal, Francês Beach, with its darker sands, is known for its medicinal properties. Its smaller sandy area, dotted with rocks, provides a degree of privacy, making it a good choice for those looking to take a break while benefiting from the therapeutic qualities of the sand.
Fogo Island: beaches guarded by the volcano
The beaches on Fogo Island are truly unique, featuring black sands and striking rock formations.
Fonte Bila Beach:
With its black sand contrasting against the blue ocean, Fonte Bila Beach creates a perfect setting for quiet contemplation and relaxation.
Fonte Bila Beach
Nha Sant’Ana Beach:
In the municipality of Mosteiros, a small natural treasure is hidden—a pair of charming black sand beaches nestled between the dark volcanic lava and the clear waters, creating a unique landscape.
A legacy of the volcano, this coastal strip invites you to admire both the power and the gentleness of nature in a single glance.
Recanto de Ponta Queimado Beach:
Tucked away near Cova Matinho, Recanto de Ponta Queimado Beach is a tranquil oasis where the sound of the waves becomes the perfect soundtrack.
Its black sand, shaped by volcanic rocks, gives it a mysterious and welcoming atmosphere, as if untouched by time.
This hidden paradise, where land and sea meld together, offers a unique refuge for those looking to relax in total harmony with nature.
Porto de Vale dos Cavaleiros Beach:
Just a 10-minute drive from São Filipe, the Porto de Vale dos Cavaleiros is more than a simple departure point for Brava or Santiago Island; next to it lies a charming small bay, perfect for refreshing swims and peaceful walks among the rocks.
This beach is an excellent choice for spending a few relaxing hours in the sun.
Brava Island: surprising natural charms
Brava, the smallest inhabited island in Cabo Verde, features a rocky coastline with small, secluded beaches, that offer travellers a more intimate and peaceful experience.
The coast of Brava is dotted with bays and wild beaches, providing privacy and a closer connection with nature. The best way to experience this is by exploring the coastal area, where you’ll be captivated by natural landscapes like Fajã d’Água, a true delight for the senses.
Fajã d’Água
The beaches of Cabo Verde await you
Each island in Cabo Verde offers unique beaches, making it an internationally renowned destination. Across the archipelago, you can always find secluded havens surrounded by unspoiled landscapes.
There’s always a special beach for anyone looking to relax, escape the daily routine, and enjoy the natural beauty of the islands.
Choose your favourite beach, plan your trip to Cabo Verde and discover unique places to unwind and experience unparalleled peace.
There’s a piece of paradise made just for you!
Fontes:
Rede Natour-Fogo
Portal de turismo da Boa Vista
Ilha do Sal Oficial
