Cabo Verde is a stunning archipelago of ten volcanic islands off the coast of West Africa, offering pristine beaches, vibrant Creole culture, and year-round sunshine. From the windswept dunes of Boa Vista to the lush mountains of Santo Antão, this island nation combines African and Portuguese influences with world-class water sports and authentic island hospitality.
Top day trips
Handpicked excursions within easy reach.
Santo Antao - Ribeira Grande to Ponta do Sol ridge hike
Highlights: Dramatic mountain ridgelines rising directly from the Atlantic ocean · Ancient ribeira valley paths through banana and sugarcane plantations · Ponta do Sol colonial fishing village with colorful boats · Cloud forests above 1,400m with endemic bird species
Tarrafal Beach, Santiago
Highlights: One of the most beautiful beaches in Cabo Verde - calm turquoise bay with palm shade · Tarrafal Political Prison museum (1936-1974) - sobering colonial-era history · Local fish restaurants on the beach serving grilled catch of the day · Snorkeling in clear water around rocky headland
Serra Malagueta Natural Park, Santiago
Highlights: Fog-draped cloud forest with endemic plants and birds · Panoramic views over both coasts of Santiago on clear mornings · Hiking trails from 2 to 6 hours with varying difficulty · Barn owls, kestrels and rare grey-headed kingfishers
Pedra Lume Salt Crater, Sal Island
Highlights: Ancient volcanic crater filled with hypersaline pink-tinted salt lake · Float effortlessly in the salt water (saltier than the Dead Sea) · Salt mud reputed to have therapeutic skin benefits · Fascinating history - salt was Sal Island's original economic reason for existing
Fogo Volcano Day Trip from Santiago
Highlights: Pico do Fogo - active volcano rising to 2,829m, highest peak in Atlantic islands south of Iceland · Cha das Caldeiras village inside the caldera - built on 1995 lava flows · Local volcanic wine tasting at Cha winery (grown in volcanic soil inside the crater) · Guided summit hike with local guides (4-5 hours round trip from caldera floor)
Trips by distance
How far you can go in a day.
Getting there
Transport options for day trips.
- Tours
- Organized day tours from Santa Maria hotels cover most Sal Island attractions from €30-60 per person. Santiago day tours to Cidade Velha and Tarrafal from €45-65.
- Private
- Private car hire with driver from €100-150 per day on Sal Island. Ideal for exploring multiple sites in comfort. Hotels can arrange trusted local drivers.
- Public
- Alugueres (shared minibuses) connect main towns on each island from €1-5 per journey. CVTRANSTES ferry from Mindelo to Santo Antão (€8 each way). Domestic flights from €50-120 per island.
- Rental
- Car rental from €35-90 per day depending on vehicle type. Highly recommended for Santiago and Santo Antão. 4x4 essential for mountain roads. Book at airport on arrival.
Day trip tips
Make the most of your excursions.
Leave by 7-8am for all day trips - alugueres fill up fast in the morning and afternoon return journeys can leave early
The São Vicente to Santo Antão ferry is the most reliable inter-island ferry route - take the 7am departure for a full hiking day
The Fogo Volcano trip is best done as an overnight rather than a rushed day trip - the caldera sunset and sunrise are extraordinary
Always confirm return aluguer times before setting out - some routes have no evening returns and you may need to arrange transport back
Carry cash for alugueres, market stalls, and smaller restaurants on day trips - card payments rare outside main tourist areas