Cape Verde in 7 days

Seven nights is the most common length for a Cape Verde trip. The golden rule: don’t over-plan. Inter-island travel eats time, so a great week usually means one island done well, or two islands that pair naturally.

Option A — A relaxed week on Sal (beach)

Best for first-timers, families and sun-seekers.

• Days 1–2: Settle into Santa Maria, beach and town
• Day 3: Kitesurfing lesson or watersports
• Day 4: Island tour — Pedra de Lume salt crater, Buracona
• Day 5: Boat trip or turtle/marine excursion (in season)
• Days 6–7: Beach, relax, fly home

See the full Sal island guide.

Option B — São Vicente + Santo Antão (music & mountains)

Best for active travellers who want culture and scenery over resorts.

• Days 1–2: Mindelo — music, harbour, Laginha beach
• Day 3: Morning ferry to Santo Antão
• Days 4–5: Hiking the Paúl valley and coastal trails
• Day 6: Return ferry to São Vicente; buffer day in Mindelo
• Day 7: Fly home from São Vicente

Don’t do this

Avoid trying to combine a far-apart pair (say Sal and Santo Antão) in a week — the connections turn your holiday into a travel schedule. If you want more than two islands, give yourself 10 days or more.