Sal or Boa Vista: which island for a beach holiday?
Two flat islands, two personalities. We compared vibes, beaches, sports and atmosphere to help you decide.
Sal and Boa Vista are Cape Verde’s most visited — and most confused — islands. Both have golden sand and turquoise water, but the atmosphere is quite different.
Sal is cosmopolitan and vibrant. Santa Maria concentrates bars, kite schools and lively energy. It is the right pick for facilities, gentle nightlife and top water sports.
Boa Vista is wilder and more contemplative. Endless dunes, deserted beaches like Santa Mónica and a desert-kissing-the-ocean feeling. Ideal for couples and nature lovers.
For families with small children, both work: Sal offers more infrastructure; Boa Vista more space and resort calm.
Tip: if you can, visit both. A short ferry or flight links the islands and shows two complementary faces of Morabeza.
