How to Get to Cape Verde: All the Ways to Reach the Archipelago
Cape Verde, a fascinating archipelago off the coast of West Africa, is well connected to Europe, Africa, and other regions through various transportation options. Whether by air or sea, reaching Cape Verde is easy, thanks to numerous international and domestic connections.
This guide provides an overview of all the ways to get to Cape Verde, including air routes, maritime options, and internal transportation.
Getting to Cape Verde by Air
The most convenient way to reach Cape Verde is by air, with direct flights from Europe, Africa, and occasionally the Americas. The country has four international airports that handle most arrivals from abroad:
- Amílcar Cabral International Airport (SID) – Sal
- Nelson Mandela International Airport (RAI) – Santiago (Praia)
- Aristides Pereira International Airport (BVC) – Boa Vista
- Cesária Évora International Airport (VXE) – São Vicente
Several European cities offer direct flights to Cape Verde, including:
✈️ From Portugal: Lisbon and Porto (TAP Air Portugal, SATA Azores Airlines)
✈️ From the UK: London Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham (TUI Airways, Jet2)
✈️ From Germany: Frankfurt, Munich, Düsseldorf (TUI Fly)
✈️ From France: Paris, Marseille (Transavia, TUI Fly)
✈️ From the Netherlands: Amsterdam (TUI Fly)
✈️ From Italy: Milan, Rome, Verona (Neos Air)
✈️ From Spain: Madrid, Barcelona (Binter Canarias)
✈️ From Belgium: Brussels (TUI Fly)
From Africa, the main flights come from Senegal (Dakar), Morocco (Casablanca), and Angola (Luanda), operated by TACV Cabo Verde Airlines and Royal Air Maroc.
From the Americas, there are occasional flights from Brazil (Fortaleza and Recife), while travelers from North and South America often transit through Lisbon or another European hub.
Domestic Flights in Cape Verde
To travel between the islands, domestic flights are operated by BestFly Cabo Verde, with regular connections between the main islands:
- Praia (Santiago) – São Vicente (Mindelo)
- Praia – Sal – Boa Vista
- São Vicente – Sal
Smaller islands, such as Maio and Fogo, have airports, but flights may be less frequent.
Getting to Cape Verde by Sea
Although there are no regular passenger ferries from Europe or Africa, Cape Verde can be reached by sea through the following options:
Cruise Ships
Several cruise lines stop in Cape Verde as part of transatlantic routes or along the West African coast. The most frequented tourist ports are Mindelo (São Vicente), Praia (Santiago), and Sal.
Private Boats and Cargo Ships
Some travelers sail to Cape Verde from the Canary Islands or West Africa. Yachts and cargo ships may offer limited passenger space, but this is not a common commercial route.
Transportation Between the Cape Verde Islands
Once in Cape Verde, traveling between the islands is possible by plane or ferry.
Domestic Flights
For long distances, domestic flights are the fastest and most convenient option. BestFly Cabo Verde offers connections between the major tourist islands.
Ferries and Boats
Ferries between islands are a more affordable option but can take longer. The main routes include:
⛴ Santiago – Fogo – Brava (the most reliable)
⛴ São Vicente – Santo Antão (the most frequent, with daily departures)
⛴ Sal – Boa Vista (seasonal)
Services are operated by CV Interilhas, but schedules may vary, so it’s advisable to book in advance.
