✈ How to Get There
Getting to and around Cabo Verde
✈ Flying to Cabo Verde
Main International Airports
Amílcar Cabral International Airport (SID) — Sal Island — The busiest gateway, handling most European charter and scheduled flights. Located near Espargos in the centre of the island, 15km from Santa Maria resort. A taxi to Santa Maria costs around 1,000–1,200 CVE (€9–11).
Cesária Évora Airport (VXE) — São Vicente — International flights from Lisbon and some European cities. Gateway to Mindelo and the northern islands. Taxis to Mindelo city centre cost around 800 CVE (€7).
Nelson Mandela International Airport (RAI) — Santiago (Praia) — Cabo Verde’s largest international hub. Flights from Lisbon, Amsterdam, Boston and several African capitals. Taxis to Praia city centre cost around 500–800 CVE.
Airlines
TAP Air Portugal — Daily flights from Lisbon to Praia, Sal and São Vicente. Best connections for European travellers via Lisbon hub.
SATA / Azores Airlines — Seasonal flights from European cities.
Charter airlines — TUI fly, Jet2, Condor and others offer direct flights from the UK, Germany and Scandinavia, primarily to Sal (SID). Often the cheapest option for beach-focused trips.
Cabo Verde Airlines (VR) — National carrier with connections from Lisbon and Boston, plus all inter-island routes.
💡 Insider Tip
Charter flights to Sal are often significantly cheaper than scheduled flights — especially from the UK and Northern Europe. If you’re only visiting Sal or Boa Vista, check TUI and Jet2 before booking with scheduled airlines.
🚗 From Airport to Accommodation
Sal Island (SID) to Santa Maria
Taxi: 15–20 minutes, 1,000–1,200 CVE (around €9–11). Negotiate before getting in — there are no meters. Most resort hotels offer shuttle transfers included in the package. Shared aluguer (minibus) runs along the main road for around 80 CVE per person if you’re travelling light.
São Vicente (VXE) to Mindelo
Taxi: 10 minutes, 800–1,000 CVE. Alternatively, a shared aluguer to the city centre runs frequently and costs around 100 CVE. Mindelo is compact — once in town, most places are walkable.
Santiago (RAI) to Praia Centre
Taxi: 10–15 minutes, 500–800 CVE. The airport is on the southern outskirts of Praia. Aluguers also serve the route for 80–120 CVE per person.
✈ Inter-Island Flights
With 10 islands spread across 600km of Atlantic, domestic flights are the main way to island-hop. Flights are short (30–60 minutes) and run frequently.
Cabo Verde Airlines (VR) operates all major inter-island routes from Praia and Sal. Ticket prices: €50–120 one-way depending on route and booking time. Book early — flights fill up.
Best Fly offers competing routes on some island pairs, sometimes at lower prices. Check both airlines before booking.
Key routes: Sal–Santiago (30 min), Sal–São Vicente (40 min), Santiago–Fogo (30 min), Santiago–São Vicente (50 min). Most routes go via Praia or Sal.
⛴ Ferries
São Vicente – Santo Antão ferry — The one essential ferry in Cabo Verde. Runs several times daily from Mindelo’s Porto Grande to Porto Novo on Santo Antão. Journey: 45 minutes. Ticket: around 900 CVE (€8). Can be rough in swells — take seasickness medication if you’re sensitive.
Polar Logistics operates slower cargo ferries between some islands — an option for travellers on a budget or carrying bikes, but journey times are many hours. Not practical for most visitors.
There are no ferry connections between Sal and Boa Vista. You must fly between these two flat island hubs.
🛂 Visa & Entry Requirements
Cabo Verde requires a visa or EASE registration for most nationalities. EU/EEA, UK, US, Canada and many other passport holders can obtain a Tourist Visa on Arrival at main airports, or register via the EASE (Electronic Authorization for Stay) system online before travel.
EASE registration costs €31 and should be done 3–5 days before arrival. Allows stays up to 30 days. Have your return ticket and proof of accommodation ready at immigration.
Check current visa requirements →🚗 Getting Around on the Islands
Aluguers (Shared Minibuses)
The main form of public transport on every island. Shared minibuses running fixed routes, departing when full. Very cheap — 50–200 CVE per trip. Slow and unpredictable timing, but the authentic way to travel. Ask locals which aluguer goes where — routes are not posted.
Taxis
Available on all main islands. No meters on most — agree the price before you get in. Prices are reasonable by European standards. On Sal and Boa Vista, taxis between tourist zones cost 500–1,500 CVE. Local drivers often speak some English or French.
Car Rental
Available on Sal, Boa Vista, Santiago and São Vicente. Essential for exploring Boa Vista’s remote beaches — a 4x4 is strongly recommended there. Prices start around €30–50/day for a small car, €60–100/day for 4x4. International driving licence required. Roads on Fogo and Santo Antão are mountainous and steep.
🏕 4x4 Tip
On Boa Vista, standard cars cannot reach the best beaches (Santa Monica, Varandinha). Always book a 4x4 — the extra cost is worth it. Check that your rental company allows off-road driving.
💰 Money-Saving Tips
- Book charter flights: Sal and Boa Vista have cheap charters from UK/Europe — often half the price of scheduled flights
- Use aluguers: Shared minibuses cost a fraction of taxis for the same route
- Book inter-island flights early: Prices rise sharply close to departure on peak dates
- Combine islands efficiently: Plan your routing — backtracking between islands is expensive. Go north-to-south or south-to-north
- Ferry over flying: São Vicente–Santo Antão by ferry (€8) vs flying (€80+) — ferry wins every time