7-Day Cape Verde Tour Packages
Did you know that Cape Verde's islands each bring something different? Santiago has UNESCO-listed Cidade Velha and markets, Maio offers beaches and salt flats. Another way to go is São Vicente and Santo Antão where you can hike from Cova crater down through Paul Valley with its sugar cane fields and tropical fruit farms. Fogo Island's villages show what the 2014 volcanic eruption changed, and the coffee there gets seriously high marks.
Insider tips: Recommended 7-day Cape Verde tour itineraries
Compiled by
NadineCape Verde travel expert at TourRadar
6 Days in Cape Verde, incl. São Vicente and Santo Antão
This 6-day trip takes you across São Vicente and Santo Antão islands, where Mindelo's colorful streets and Monte Verde's 750m summit await. The lush Paul Valley offers beautiful walks, while São Pedro beach provides great snorkeling with sea turtles. You'll trek the Cova volcano crater and visit authentic fishing villages.
- Day 1
São Vicente Arrival
Arrive at Cesária Évora Airport in São Vicente and take a 20-minute transfer to your hotel in Mindelo. Staying in the historic center puts you close to the city's vibrant music scene. Try to book a late afternoon flight to avoid peak heat and catch the sunset at Laginha Beach.
- Day 2
São Vicente Island Tour
Start your day at 8 AM for a full-day exploration of São Vicente's stark landscapes. The drive to Monte Verde takes about 45 minutes and requires sturdy shoes for the windy viewing point. Visit fishing villages like Calhau where lunch costs around $15-20. Spend the afternoon at Baía das Gatas for swimming but bring water shoes for the pebbly beach.
- Day 3
Mindelo & Marine Life
Start with a city tour of Mindelo and sample local foods including traditional morning corn couscous. Take a 2-hour boat trip from São Pedro Beach for afternoon turtle watching. Bring a light windbreaker for the ocean breeze. For the best turtle sightings plan your trip between July and October.
- Day 4
São Vicente to Santo Antão
Explore Monte Sossego neighborhood in the morning followed by a traditional Cachupa lunch. Take the afternoon ferry to Santo Antão which takes about an hour. A recent visitor shared: "The ferry crossing was an adventure itself - sit on the upper deck for better views and fresh air."
- Day 5
Santo Antão Exploration
Take a full-day tour through Santo Antão's stunning Paul Valley. The mountain roads are narrow with sharp turns so sit on the right side for the best views. Walk sections of old cobblestone paths between villages but wear proper hiking shoes. Stop at local distilleries to learn about grogue the local sugarcane spirit.
- Day 6
Return to São Vicente
Take an early morning ferry from Porto Novo back to São Vicente. Book international flights after 2 PM to allow time for the crossing and airport transfer. The morning ferries usually offer a smoother ride than afternoon ones.
6 Days in Cape Verde, incl. São Vicente and Santo Antão
Six distinctive days span São Vicente and San Antao islands. Three nights showcase coastal areas and city life, followed by two nights among volcanic landscapes and agricultural valleys. Package includes daily guided activities and full-board meals.
- Day 1
São Vicente Arrival
Arrive at Cesária Évora Airport in São Vicente and take a 20-minute transfer to your hotel in Mindelo. Book afternoon flights when possible since morning fog can delay arrivals. Spend the rest of your day settling into your accommodation in Mindelo's historic center and adjusting to the island's relaxed pace.
- Day 2
São Vicente Island Tour
Get an early start to explore São Vicente before the day heats up. Head to Monte Verde (750m) for sweeping views of the island. Pack a light jacket for the morning winds. Continue to local fishing villages and Baía das Gatas, where you can swim safely in the protected bay. Drive to Calhau village through stunning moon-like landscapes that look best in morning light. Stop for lunch by the beach and try the catch of the day with traditional corn bread.
- Day 3
Mindelo & Marine Life
Take a morning tour of Mindelo, including a rooftop food tasting featuring local treats like goat cheese and papaya jam. After lunch, visit São Pedro Beach to swim with wild turtles. One visitor shared: "Swimming with the turtles was incredible - they came so close! Go in the early afternoon when the water visibility is best." São Vicente is the only island in Cape Verde offering this experience.
- Day 4
Cultural Immersion & Ferry to Santo Antão
Explore Monte Sossego neighborhood in the morning to see local life up close. Try cachupa, a traditional stew, for lunch before taking the afternoon ferry to Santo Antão. The crossing takes an hour. Take motion sickness medication if needed and choose a seat mid-ship for the most stable ride. Check into your Santo Antão accommodation in the evening.
- Day 5
Cova Crater & Paul Valley Hike
Start at 8 AM for a beautiful 10km hike from Cova volcano crater through Paul Valley. The trail takes you past farming terraces and small villages. Wear good hiking shoes since parts of the path are steep and can get slippery. Bring at least 2 liters of water. You'll get the best valley views early, before clouds roll in.
- Day 6
Return to São Vicente & Departure
Take the morning ferry back to São Vicente. Book your international flights after 2 PM to allow time for the ferry and airport transfer. Use your remaining time to shop for souvenirs at Mindelo's municipal market.
5 Days in Cape Verde, incl. Mindelo and Santo Antao
Cultural riches unfold across 5 days in Mindelo, Santo Antao, and Sao Vicente. The UNESCO-listed morna music resonates through local venues, while the Cova Volcano and Paul Valley reveal natural wonders. Four nights in 3-star hotels, expert-guided tours, and ferry transfers create a seamless experience for approx. $200 per day.
- Day 1
Arrival in Mindelo, Sao Vicente
Fly into Sao Vicente International Airport and take a 20-minute car ride to your Mindelo hotel. Book a late morning or afternoon flight to avoid peak airport times. In the evening, walk through Mindelo's streets to experience the UNESCO-recognized morna music that made Cesaria Evora famous. You'll find the best live morna performances on Rua de Lisboa after 8 PM.
- Day 2
Cultural Exploration in Mindelo
Start your day with a 3-hour walking tour of Mindelo's historic center. Visit Torre de Belem before 10 AM to beat the crowds. Stop by the busy Municipal Market to see locals shopping for fresh fish and tropical fruits. Learn about Cape Verde's musical heritage at the Cesaria Evora exposition. Spend your afternoon walking through the colonial architecture around Praca Nova. The buildings look their best in late afternoon light.
- Day 3
Santo Antao Island Adventure
Take the 8 AM ferry to Santo Antao. The crossing takes about 30 minutes and waters can be choppy, so consider motion sickness pills. The main event is trekking near Cova Volcano crater. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes with good grip since paths can be slippery. You'll enjoy pine-scented trails and amazing views over Paul Valley. Have lunch in Ponta do Sol before visiting Fontainhas, a village set dramatically into the cliffs. The return ferry leaves at 5 PM.
- Day 4
Coastal Exploration of Sao Vicente
Take a 4-hour morning drive to Calhau and Baia das Gatas. Pack water shoes for swimming at Baia das Gatas. The beach has some rocks but beautiful clear water. Visit the fishing village of Salamansa around 11 AM when boats return with fresh catch. Spend your afternoon exploring Mindelo's art galleries near the Cultural Center, where the city's creative scene thrives.
- Day 5
Departure Day
For afternoon flights, visit the fish market one last time before 8 AM or buy some local grogue (sugar cane rum) to take home. The airport is small but security can be slow, so arrive 2 hours before international flights.
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