Uncover the Best Cape Verde Beaches for Families
The pristine sand and crystal-clear waters of Cape Verde beaches are reminiscent of those found in the Caribbean. Only these paradises are lesser known. Unspoiled.
If you’re planning a Cape Verde beach holiday for your family you’ve arrived at the perfect guide.
In this blog post, you’ll get the lowdown on the most beautiful beaches to visit during your vacation. From the white sandy shores of Sal to the serene beaches of Boa Vista. But it doesn’t end there. We’ll also be diving into the picturesque coastlines of Santiago and Sao Vicente.
Whether you’re inclined to bask in the sun or seeking thrilling outdoor activities for an action-packed beach holiday, our travel guide has got you covered.
Read on to discover the top 7 beaches across the Cabo Verde archipelago.
You may also enjoy this guide to swimming in the sea at Cape Verde.
What Are the 7 Best Cape Verde Beaches for Families?
Sal Island Beaches
- Santa Maria Beach (Praia de Santa Maria)
- Ponta Preta Beach (Praia da Ponta Preta)
Boa Vista Beaches
- Chaves Beach (Praia de Chaves)
- Santa Monica Beach (Praia de Santa Maria)
Santiago Cape Verde Beaches
- Tarrafal Beach (Praia do Tarrafal)
Sao Vicente Beaches
- São Pedro Beach (Praia de Sao Pedro)
- Laginha Beach (Praia da Laginha)
The Best Cape Verde Beaches on Sal Island
#1 Santa Maria Beach
- Where: South Coast of Sal Island
- Beach: White sand
- Ocean: Large waves, calmer near Santa Maria pier
- Refreshments: Several Bars restaurants on the beach (Bounty Beach Restaurant, Barracuda Restaurant, Lachonette d’Angela)
- Public Toilets: In bars and restaurants on the beach
- Outdoor Activities: Boat tours, snorkeling, kite surfing
- Nearby Attractions: Pedra Lume, Buracona Lagoon & more
Santa Maria’s beach on the south coast of Sal Island is a stretch of white sandy bliss that seems to go on for miles. Many of the main resorts on Sal Island are just a stone’s throw away. Check out our pick of the 4 best family-friendly resorts on Sal Island.
If, like us, you choose RIU Palace Santa Maria for your family holiday, a palm-lined path is all that separates you from this dreamy beach.
As you enter the beach, you’ll likely be greeted by friendly local tour guides. They’re lovely, not too pushy, but we did discover a nifty shortcut through the palm trees at the back of the beach to enjoy uninterrupted strolls.
Our kids, aged 6 and 8 years, had the best time jumping the waves in the shallows on Santa Maria beach. The ocean just beyond the resort isn’t ideal for swimming. But a slow stroll along the surf toward the Santa Maria Pier reveals calmer waters where bathing is possible. Just keep an eagle eye on the little ones; those waves can surprise you.
If your family is into water sports, Santa Maria Beach is a goldmine. Older kids and adults can test their mettle with kitesurfing – a two-hour session, anyone? If that’s not your cup of tea, scuba diving or snorkeling sessions might suit you better.
For those less inclined toward water sports, dive into the daily life of the Cape Verdean people at Santa Maria Pier. Around 11 am, you can watch the fishermen haul in their fresh catches. Fair warning, though – if you’re squeamish, the fish prep for eating happens right there on the pier. It’s a glimpse into local life that’s fascinating but perhaps a tad stomach-turning if you’re not used to it.
#2 Ponta Preta Beach
- Where: Southwest Coast of Sal Island
- Beach: White sand
- Ocean: Large waves, strong underwater currents
- Refreshments: Two Bars on the beach
- Public Toilets: No
- Outdoor Activities: Kite surfing, Dune
- Nearby Attractions: Pedra Lume, Buracona Lagoon & more
Ponta Preta Beach is a hidden gem accessible by a leisurely walk along Santa Maria Beach. To get there, head in the opposite direction to Santa Maria Pier. Although the distance to Ponta Preta Beach from Santa Maria Center isn’t far (approx. 2-3 km), the walk along the shore will take you around 3 hours. Sand and sun make the journey a little more challenging! If you’re up for it though, it’s well worthwhile.
This beach boasts the same ivory-white sands and crystalline waters as Santa Maria Beach but with an added touch of serenity. Notably quieter, Ponta Preta offers a more secluded escape for those seeking a peaceful family day out.
A distinctive feature of this beach is the expansive dune situated right at its center. Beyond serving as a picturesque backdrop, it provides plenty of entertainment (and exercise), especially for the little ones in your family.
Sun loungers are available near the beach bar and lifeguards keep watch. However, be mindful that, like many beaches in Cape Verde, the mighty waves of the Atlantic Ocean and underwater currents take swimming off the cards.
Some beachgoers prefer to avoid the sun loungers because they’re packed so close together. Instead, Tripadvisor reviewers recommend opting for the rock shelters on the beach.
The Best Cape Verde Beaches in Boa Vista
#3 Chaves Beach
- Where: West Coast of Boa Vista Island
- Beach: White sand
- Ocean: Large waves, strong underwater currents
- Refreshments: Pérola de Chaves Restaurant & Bar
- Public Toilets: In restaurant
- Outdoor Activities: Kite surfing, quad biking
- Nearby Attractions: Chave Chimney
Chaves Beach on Boa Vista stretches from the Morro de Areia Nature Reserve in the south to Praia das Dunas in the north. Spanning a generous 5.6 km along the shoreline, this white sandy paradise is adorned with resorts, yet its vastness means you can always find a peaceful spot.
Make your way along Chaves Beach and you’ll encounter the distinctive Chaves Chimney (Chamine de Chave). This historic landmark stands tall against the backdrop of the dunes. Take the time to explore the remnants of the late 19th and early 20th-century brick factory. You can still see metallic artifacts of old machinery poking through the sand.
Adjacent to this historical site is the Pérola de Chaves Bar. Sip a refreshing drink as you soak in the spectacular scenery before making your way back to the comfort of your resort.
As you journey back, keep an eye out for the rock pools harboring an array of small fish. The kids will love discovering what hides inside them. One TripAdvisor reviewer even stumbled upon a large dogfish!
#4 Santa Monica Beach
- Where: Southwest Coast of Boa Vista Island
- Beach: Golden sand
- Ocean: Large powerful waves, strong underwater currents
- Refreshments: One café at the beaches end
- Public Toilets: No
- Outdoor Activities: Kite surfing, quad biking, 4×4 tours
- Nearby Attractions: Museu dos Naufragos (a small museum showcasing Cape Verdean history)
Spanning over 11 km, Santa Monica Beach is Boa Vista’s longest and most untouched stretch of white sand. Here you’ll find little more than crystal clear water and sand – but that it what makes it so special. It’s truly rare to find these hidden gems that are not yet bustling with tourists.
Santa Monica Beach is nestled within a tourism development zone, so it’ll likely soon be lined with resorts. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this unspoiled paradise as it is now!
While taxis offer access to this location, the most adventurous way to visit is by quad bike as part of a group tour. Alternatively, if quad biking is not your cup of tea, a 4×4 tour can provide a more comfortable alternative.
These shorelines are home to vibrant marine life, evident in the multitude of shells scattered along the sand. At the right times, lucky visitors can catch glimpses of turtles, huge crabs, and distant whales.
Be sure to pack the essentials – sun hats, sun cream, and plenty of water. There is only one café at one end of the beach and very little vegetation to offer natural shade.
Keep in mind that the waves tend to be more powerful than those around Sal Rei’s coast. Rarely do the green flags fly here so don’t get your hopes up for swimming.
The Best Cape Verde Beach on Santiago Island
#5 Tarrafal Beach
- Where: North Coast of Santiago Island
- Beach: Golden with traces of black volcanic sand
- Ocean: Large waves, calmer at the northern end
- Refreshments: Nearby restaurants, drinks for sale on the beach
- Public Toilets: No
- Outdoor Activities: Snorkeling, kayaking, Surfing, Beach Volleyball, Tarrafal Beach Tour
- Nearby Attractions: Chao Bom Concentration Camp (Resistance Museum)
Santiago Island is home to Praia, the capital city of the Cabo Verde archipelago. But if you venture 68 km to the north of the island, you’ll find Tarrafal Beach where colorful fishing boats line the white sand and the island’s mountains provide a stunning backdrop.
Here you’ll find a mixture of tourists and locals enjoying the beautiful surroundings. Each morning fisherman pull their boats to shore filled with fresh fish – they’re then sold to local families awaiting their arrival.
To the north of the beach is a cove where bathers congregate due to the calmer water. But as with all the beaches in Cape Verde, check for the green flags and lifeguards. At times, there are strong waves and underwater currents, so it’s not recommended to allow children or weak swimmers in the water by themselves.
Natural shade can usually be sought beneath palm trees on the beach. And depending on the time of day you’ll meet local women selling coconuts and Caiperinha (a Brazilian cocktail) from their stands. Don’t forget to bring some change for a refreshing drink!
There are no restrooms directly on the beach so you may need to visit some of the local restaurants just a short walk away. Try local fresh fish cooked the Italian way at Alto Miro or sample the small but worthwhile menu at Le Buzio.
The Best Cape Verde Beaches on Sao Vicente Island
#6 Sao Pedro Beach
- Where: South Coast of Sao Vicente Island
- Beach: Golden with black volcanic sand
- Ocean: Large powerful waves and underwater currents
- Refreshments: Nearby Restaurants
- Restrooms: No
- Outdoor Activities: Boat tours, turtle watching, hiking
- Nearby Attractions: Lighthouse (Farol do Cabo de São Vicente)
São Pedro Beach is quieter than the more touristy spots like Santa Maria Beach on Sal Island. In fact, on a good day, it might just be you and a few local fishermen!
Getting to São Pedro is straightforward and if you’re staying in Mindelo you can book a 10km taxi ride from your accommodation (for around €20).
If you’re a seasoned swimmer or a surfing enthusiast, São Pedro’s waves are your playground. But if you’re planning a family swim day, especially with little ones or less confident swimmers, Cape Verde beaches are not your best bet.
If swimming is a must, you can swim in the nearby Hotel Foya Branca’s pool for a small fee and lunch is thrown in for good measure.
For the bold and height-loving, there’s a hike from the beach up to the lighthouse. The trek takes about 35-40 minutes, though it’s not the best choice if you have younger explorers. Tread carefully as the narrow paths get pretty sketchy in places. Once you reach the lighthouse, the views are breathtaking, and you could treat yourself to a well-deserved lunch at the Santo André Restaurant.
Here’s a quirky bonus: Sao Vicente’s’ airport is just behind São Pedro Beach. The thrill of incoming aircraft up close is a sure-fire way to keep both kids and adults entertained!
#7 Laginha Beach
- Where: North Coast of Sao Vicente Island
- Beach: White sand
- Ocean: Small waves, calmer than other Cape Verde beaches
- Refreshments: Two restaurants on the beach, others behind the beach
- Restrooms: Yes
- Outdoor Activities: Catamaran Boat Rides, Beach Volleyball & Football
- Nearby Attractions: Mindelo Center, Fortim del Rei
Laginha Beach offers a unique coastal experience right in the heart of the urban action. It is nestled within convenient walking distance from Mindelo center, Cape Verde’s second-largest city. A stroll to the beach will take around 15-20 minutes along the scenic seafront.
Much like the signature white sands and turquoise waters of Sal and Boa Vista, Laginha Beach boasts a picturesque shoreline. However, what sets it apart is the calmness of its waters. Shielded by Mindelo harbor, the waves here are gentler compared to other islands in the Cabo Verde archipelago.
However, keep in mind that the water gets deep quickly so the little ones will need close supervision.
From the beach, you’ll see Santo Antão Island on the horizon, reachable by ferry in just an hour. On the opposing side stands Monte Caro, or Face Mountain, named for its distinctive silhouette. Depending on the season, the sun sets behind either Santa Antão or Monte Caro.
There are two restaurants directly on the beach and several more tucked away on the opposite side of the road.
Laginha Beach offers a distinct experience from Sao Pedro Beach further along the coast – it’s certainly worth a visit!
Frequently Asked Questions
Cape Verde’s beaches are hidden gems – pristine sand and crystal-clear water rival tropical paradises found in the Caribbean. You’ll find a blend of relaxation, adventure, and Cape Verdean culture on Cape Verde’s beautiful coastline.
Powerful waves and undercurrents in the Atlantic Ocean can make Cape Verde beaches unsafe for swimming. Laginha Beach on Sao Vicente is often more suitable for swimming and there are calmer areas of water on many beaches. Always check the colored flags before swimming in the sea at Cape Verde.
The beaches on Sal and Boa Vista have the whitest sand which has blown in from the Sahara Desert. Beaches on many other Cape Verde islands have black volcanic sand mixed with golden sands.
Recap of the Best Cape Beaches For Families
Cape Verde’s beaches are hidden gems – their pristine sand and crystal-clear water rival tropical paradises in the Caribbean.
But they offer more than just picturesque landscapes. From the bustling energy of Santa Maria to the serene seclusion of Santa Monica, each beach invites you to immerse yourself in a blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion.
So, go ahead, pack your essentials, embrace the variety of experiences, and savor the untouched beauty of these Cape Verde beaches.
How We Did It In Cape Verde
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- Everything You Need to Know about Swimming In The Cape Verde Sea
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- Discover The Best Time to Visit Cape Verde
- Your Dream Holiday to Cape Verde From the UK (The Logistics!)
- Experience the Vibrant Soul of Cape Verde Culture: Family Memories in the Making!
- What You Need To Know Before Packing Your Bags: Cape Verde With Kids
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