Sal or Boa Vista?

Sal and Boa Vista are Cape Verde’s two big beach islands. Both have international airports, direct flights from Europe and all-inclusive resorts — so most first-time visitors are really deciding between these two. Here’s how they differ.

The short answer

• Pick Sal if you want more restaurants, bars and nightlife, the best watersports and kitesurfing, and the easiest logistics.
• Pick Boa Vista if you want wider, emptier beaches, big dunes, a calmer feel and turtle nesting season.

Head to head

	Sal	Boa Vista
Beaches	Long white beach at Santa Maria	Wider, wilder, emptier
Swimming	Good in sheltered spots	Great, but check currents
Nightlife & dining	More options	Quieter, resort-focused
Kitesurfing	Excellent	Good
Turtles	Some nesting	Major nesting site
Dunes & desert	Some	Extensive, Sahara-like
All-inclusive resorts	Yes	Yes
Feel	Livelier	More secluded
Best for	First-timers, watersports	Peace, nature

Beaches and swimming

Both islands deliver the postcard: warm water, white sand, year-round sun. Sal’s Santa Maria beach is long and lively with watersports on tap. Boa Vista’s beaches are bigger and far emptier, but some have strong currents — check local advice before swimming (see our safety guide).

Things to do beyond the beach

Sal edges it for variety: kitesurfing, the salt pans at Pedra de Lume, boat trips and a walkable town. Boa Vista is more about nature and quiet — dune excursions, and loggerhead turtles in season (see wildlife).

Which should you book?

If it’s your first Cape Verde trip and you want options on your doorstep, start with Sal. If your priority is space, silence and nature, choose Boa Vista. Still unsure? Take the Which island quiz — it factors in nightlife, family travel and budget too.