Floating 500km off Senegal’s coast, Cape Verde is a little-known hub of family fun. Have you ever wondered is Cape Verde a good family holiday destination? The answer is yes, it definitely is! If you’re travelling with kids in tow, your best bet in terms of islands has to be Boa Vista and Sal. The pair offer holiday activities for all clan members, from Granny to Grumpy Teenager. Sound good? We’ve listed four ways for your family to enjoy the “African Caribbean”.
Get active!
Cape Verde holidays are great for adventurers. If your little ones love sea life, take them turtle-watching in Sal or snorkelling in Boa Vista. Don’t worry, the underwater activities are for adults too. When it comes to gliding among corals, age is nothing but a number!
You can also birdwatch, quad bike and fish on both islands. If you fancy wandering off the beaten track, visit São Vicente. With its unspoilt beaches and lofty mountains, the island is brilliant for expeditions.
See the sights
Sightseeing buffs could do worse than Cape Verde. Most islands are pretty small, so you can see them in a day. You can take in Cape Verde while walking, but if you’re towing tired little feet, hire a 4×4. Wow the kids by pointing out Cape Verde’s highest peak and the Disney-like, Instagram-worthy Torre de Belem.
For extra family fun, look into an island cruise. Excursions visit historical highlights and stunning beauty spots.
Life’s a beach
Who doesn’t love unwinding on the beach? Cape Verde’s shores are magnetising – you’ll soon be grabbing your Kindle, flinging off your flip-flops and burying your toes in the sand. There are beaches to suit every family member. Mum and dad can destress on Maio’s quiet, white shores. Sporty teens can windsurf in São Vicente. For the kids, Santa Monica’s sands make some killer sandcastles. The beach is 11 miles long, so you can hop on a 4×4 and explore the golden ribbon that seems to stretch on forever.
When in Cape Verde…
When wandering around Cape Verde you’ll absorb a unique blend of African, Brazilian and Portuguese traditions.
Music is massive in Cape Verde. Our favourite musical spot is Mindelo – Cape Verde’s cultural capital. Mindelo’s festivals make for an exciting family outing, whereas chilled evenings can be spent at intimate gigs. Traditional dancing is also incredibly popular and tourists are encouraged to join in.
Last, but definitely not least – food! Cape Verdeans cook up local Creole dishes alongside international cuisine. Travelling with picky eaters? You should probably stay away from the smaller islands – they often have limited menus.
Whatever you end up doing in Cape Verde, family safety shouldn’t be a worry. Cape Verde has a low crime rate and most locals welcome tourists. We recommend choosing a hotel that specifically caters to kids. That way, they’ll enjoy dedicated children’s facilities, like playgrounds and activities.
Cape Verde holiday packages are perfect for families. It’s close to the UK, easy on the pocket and full of adventure. Cultural and entertaining, Cape Verde will impart family memories that you’ll cherish for years to come.