Best beaches in Cape Verde

September 16, 2025Melissa Hazlehurst

Cape Verde, an archipelago off the west coast of Africa, is home to some of the most stunning and diverse beaches in the Atlantic Ocean. With crystal-clear waters, golden sands and a blend of African and Portuguese culture, this island nation offers a beach experience for every kind of traveller. Whether you’re seeking adventure, tranquillity or cultural exploration, check out Blue Bay Travel to start planning your visit to these stunning must-visit beaches across Cape Verde.

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Santa Maria Beach: Where island vibes meet adventure

Santa Maria Beach on Sal Island is arguably Cape Verde’s most famous stretch of sand. Its powdery white beach and turquoise waters stretch for over 8 kilometres, attracting sun-seekers from around the world. Santa Maria town, just steps away, is a lively hub filled with bars, cafes and music that reflect the island’s vibrant culture. Watersports enthusiasts will find plenty to do here, from windsurfing and kitesurfing to jet skiing and paddleboarding. Beginners can easily find rental shops and lessons along the beach. After a day in the sun, visitors often gather on the pier to watch local fishermen haul in their catch or enjoy grilled tuna at a beachfront restaurant. If you fancy being a regular visitor to Santa Maria, then check out the luxury Riu Cabo Verde for a fantastic beachfront escape.

Santa Monica Beach: Untouched and unspoiled

If you’re searching for solitude and raw beauty, Santa Monica Beach on Boa Vista lives up to being one of the best beaches in Cape Verde. Often described as one of the most beautiful beaches in all of the islands, this 18-kilometre-long beach is a vast expanse of golden sand backed by low dunes and framed by the Atlantic’s deep-blue waves. Its remote location means it’s rarely crowded, giving it a pristine and untouched ambience. Swimming is possible, but the currents can be strong, so it’s more ideal for long walks, photography or simply relaxing in silence and sunshine. Nearby, the Varandinha caves and Morro de Areia Nature Reserve offer excellent opportunities for nature walks and birdwatching. This beach is perfect for those wanting to escape the noise and bustle of the modern world. To help you forget your troubles and relax, the 24-hour all-inclusive Hotel Riu Touareg is just the place for you.

Estoril Beach: Calm waters and local flavour

When it comes to Cape Verde beaches, nestled just outside the island capital of Sal Rei, Estoril Beach is one of Boa Vista’s most accessible and user-friendly shores, ideal for travellers looking for a mix of relaxation and convenience. Its protected location, thanks to the presence of Djeu Island (Ilhéu de Sal Rei) just off shore, creates calm, shallow waters that are perfect for swimming, snorkelling and paddleboarding for all levels, including children. This beach has a more local, casual feel compared to the wild, open expanses elsewhere on the island. It’s lined with a handful of laid-back beach bars and restaurants, where you can enjoy freshly grilled fish, tropical cocktails or even live music at sunset with your feet in the sand. Check out the fantastic Riu Karamboa for a 5-star beachfront all-inclusive experience on Boa Vista.

Ponta Preta Beach: Windsurfing and wave-chasing heaven

Just west of Santa Maria on Sal lies Ponta Preta Beach, which is often claimed to be the best beach in Cape Verde, especially by surfers and windsurfers, thanks to its powerful waves and consistent wind. While it’s not ideal for casual swimming due to strong currents, Ponta Preta is a magnet for adrenaline seekers and professionals from around the world. Each year, the beach hosts international windsurfing and kitesurfing competitions, drawing spectators and competitors alike. There’s a raw, wild beauty to this beach, with dark golden sand and roaring surf. The nearby Ponta Preta Bar is a great place to relax with a cold drink and watch the experts carve waves just off shore. For those into beach sports or photography, Ponta Preta’s dramatic setting is not to be missed. For a 24-hour all-inclusive in the area, check out Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria.

Praia de Chaves: Rolling dunes and dreamy seclusion

Praia de Chaves, located on the western side of Boa Vista, is a sweeping beach lined with soft dunes and minimal development. It offers one of the most cinematic coastal scenes in Cape Verde, where golden sand meets sapphire waters, and the only footprints in sight may be your own. This beach is ideal for romantic walks, quiet reflection or a photo session with dramatic backdrops. There are a few upscale resorts nearby, but most of the beach remains blissfully quiet. The sunsets here are spectacular, and stargazing at night is unmatched due to the lack of light pollution. If you’re after peaceful luxury in nature, Praia de Chaves is the beach for you. Just down the road, you can enjoy pure luxury with Riu Palace Boavista, which is roughly just a 10-minute drive from the beach.

Kite Beach: Aerial thrills and lessons for beginners

Situated on the wind-swept east coast of Sal, just a short drive from Santa Maria, Kite Beach is exactly what its name suggests, a paradise for kitesurfing. With consistent side-onshore trade winds, shallow waters and a long, sandy shoreline, this beach offers ideal conditions for both beginner and advanced kitesurfers. It’s a fantastic place for travellers who want to learn something new or perfect their freestyle tricks. If you’re not into kiting, the spectacle is still mesmerising to watch from the comfort of a shaded lounge or beach bar. Kite Beach is also a great spot for spotting loggerhead turtles, especially during nesting season (June to October). Conservation programs often allow respectful nighttime viewing of turtle nesting or hatchling releases, adding a wildlife highlight to your visit. For a great stay on Sal, consider Riu Funana, offering 5-star luxury with an all-inclusive experience.

Conclusion: From surf to solitude, Cape Verde has it all

Cape Verde’s beaches each offer something unique, whether it’s the lively surf of Sal or the untouched wilderness of Boa Vista. From adrenaline-pumping water sports to quiet coves for introspection, these beaches showcase the rich natural and cultural diversity of this island nation. Whatever your ideal beach day looks like, Cape Verde has a shore that’s ready to welcome you, and with Blue Bay Travel to help you, you’ve got everything you need right here.

Relax on the beachfront at TUI BLUE Cabo Verde

FAQs

What is the nicest beach in Cape Verde?

Santa Monica Beach in Boa Vista is widely considered the nicest beach in Cape Verde due to its 18-km-long stretch of golden sand.

Which part of Cape Verde is the best to stay?

This depends on your type of visit, but Sal is the best place to stay for first-time visitors and resorts, while Boa Vista is best for peaceful beach escapes.