Most people think of the Canary Islands as the go-to family sun destination — but have you ever considered Cape Verde? With all the natural beauty of its better-known neighbour, but without the crowds, this small island nation off the coast of West Africa is quietly building a reputation as a brilliant family holiday choice.
Cape Verde has year-round sunshine, a laid-back pace, and an abundance of things to see and do across its ten islands. Here’s why it deserves a spot on your family holiday shortlist.
Why Visit Cape Verde?
White Sandy Beaches and Lush Landscapes
It may lack the water parks and funfairs of Tenerife or Lanzarote, but Cape Verde more than makes up for it with the unspoilt beauty of the white sandy beaches that line its islands.
Beyond the beach, you’ll find a dramatic and varied natural landscape — from the lush green gorges of Santo Antão, to the otherworldly volcanic caldera of Pico de Fogo, to the quiet desert stretches of Boa Vista.
With so much variety across the archipelago, Cape Verde is a destination that rewards multiple visits — though even one trip will leave your family with plenty of memories.
Untouched Charm
Cape Verde has developed steadily as a tourist destination in recent years, but it still holds an untouched charm that busier hotspots have long since lost. Take the beaches of Sal, its most northerly island.
The island has a number of well-established resorts, but it’s still easy to find a stretch of beach all to yourselves — at times it can feel like you have the whole island to yourself.
Recommended Reading: Tips for Booking a Family Holiday in the Sun
The Activities
Cape Verde is full of activities that give kids a genuine sense of adventure. What it lacks in commercial theme-park style attractions, it makes up for with authentic experiences — from gentle beach fishing to quad biking through desert landscapes.
Older children and teens will find plenty of watersports on offer, including windsurfing and surfing lessons along the coast of Sal. For a more relaxed day on the water, a family catamaran excursion is a wonderful way to take in Cape Verde’s rugged coastline and glistening beaches together.
The Food
Thanks to Portuguese and West African influences, Cape Verde has a uniquely hearty and flavourful food culture. There’s no shortage of good restaurants, and — as you’d expect from an island nation — fresh seafood is the highlight.
Look out for the quality of the shrimp, calamari and lobster on offer, and try the national dish if you can: a slow-cooked fish stew whose deep, earthy flavours capture the character of Cape Verde as a whole.
As word spreads and Cape Verde grows in popularity, it’s well worth considering for your next family holiday while it still retains that authentic, uncrowded charm.
Images by rey perezosa, imk.stahlmann, & Caroline Granycome, used under Creative Commons license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cape Verde suitable for a family holiday with young children?
Yes — Cape Verde’s calmer pace, quieter beaches and range of gentle activities like beach fishing and boat trips make it a comfortable choice for families with younger children, alongside more active options for older kids and teens.
What can my family do together in Cape Verde?
There’s a good mix of activities across the islands, including relaxed beach days, catamaran excursions, watersports such as surfing and windsurfing for older kids, and desert adventures like quad biking for the more adventurous.
Will Cape Verde feel crowded like other holiday islands?
Part of the appeal of Cape Verde is that it still feels far less busy than more established destinations. Even on popular islands like Sal, it’s often possible to find a quiet stretch of beach away from the main resorts.
What food should we try as a family in Cape Verde?
Fresh seafood is a real highlight, including shrimp, calamari and lobster. It’s also worth trying the country’s traditional slow-cooked fish stew, which reflects the island’s Portuguese and West African culinary influences.
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- Family-Friendly Adventure Holidays Worth Planning For
- How to Choose the Right Island Holiday for Your Family
Keep the Adventure Going
If Cape Verde has you dreaming of your next family adventure, why not browse more of our family travel ideas for inspiration on where to go next?
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