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Cabo Verde
No Stress
Morabeza!
Why
The Why, When & How to visit...
Cabo Verde is an island nation of 10 volcanic islands in the Atlantic Ocean about 385 Miles off the west coast of Africa. Its culture is a combination of Portuguese and creole in its languages, food, drinks & music. It has beautiful gold sand beaches with turquoise waters, great winds from water sports, and amazing fresh seafood.
This guide only begins to scratch the surface of one of the 10 islands - the island of Sal that got its name for its salt production and now serves as a beach resort destination in the city of Santa Maria mainly for Brits and other Europeans. It made headlines recently for its strong performance competing in the 2026 Men's World Cup for the first time as the second smallest nation to do so.
When
How
There are direct flights to Cabo Verde from England, Paris, Portugal, Barcelona, Netherlands, Italy, Dakar and Casablanca. The main airports in Cabo Verde are to the island of Sal and the capital city of Praia on Santiago.
Cabo Verde maintains comfortable warm weather and sunny skies year-round making it a great vacation destination any time of year. So it can be a great place to escape the Winter cold or a relaxing Summer vacation of any time in between.
Where
to stay...
1) Morabeza Hotel - Morabeza Hotel is the best hotel option on Sal IMO. It has the most central location, is beachfront with its own beach club restaurant & bar, 4 pools, 3 outdoor restaurants, tennis courts, mini golf, game room, beautiful grounds and great spacious rooms with terraces that often lead right out to a pool. A breakfast buffet is also included with the room rate. It's a short walk to all the restaurants, bars & shops in town. For more information and the ability to book through Hotels.com, click here.
2) Halos Casa Resort - Halos Casa Resort is another good option a block away from the beach with its own beach club too and a few blocks from the main strip of town. Rooms vary in size and are apartment-like with a kitchen, sitting area and balcony or terrace. All rooms surround the large pool in the center of the courtyard. There is an option for all-inclusive or breakfast only. The highlight of Halos is their Friday Gala Night when the resort goes all out for their dinner buffet of the most incredible seafood of all kinds. Think all-you-can-eat sashimi, carpaccio and grilled fish. It's open to the public and worth experiencing even if not staying at the resort. For more information and the ability to book through Hotels.com, click here.
3) Odjo D'agua - Odjo D'agua is another lovely resort option on the west end of town. It has its own private beach alcove, infinity pool and great outdoor waterfront dining. Rooms are spacious with a terrace or pool facing the water or beautiful grounds. For more information and the ability to book through Hotels.com click here.
What
Do
to...
1) Enjoy Time at the Beach - The best part of Santa Maria is the beautiful beaches. Walking along the beach, taking part in a beach volleyball game or lying back at one of the beach clubs enjoying a refreshing beverage. My favorite beachfront dining was Isiko Beach Bar & Restaurant, Barracuda, and Damfjord.
2) Get on the Water - The ocean water off the coast of Santa Maria is beautiful and worth enjoying from the water. This 3-hour private boat ride is a great inexpensive option to enjoy time on the water on a pristine catamaran complete with drinks & snacks with a tour of the Santa Maria coastline. Or go jet skiing for an adrenaline rush and guided tour of the coast.
3) Take an Island Tour - If you'd like to go beyond Santa Maria, there's a half-day tour of the highlights of Sal island, including the Blue Eye, salt pans and opportunity to stand in the water as lemon sharks swim around you. More information with the ability to book through Viator is available here.
Eat
Lots of fresh seafood! Barracuda was my favorite restaurant in Santa Maria for incredible fresh fish served in a variety of yummy ways.
Drink
Caipirinhas and local Strela beer
*If of legal drinking age to drink responsibly
Wear
Colorful beach wear
Watch
Listen
"Sodade"
by Cesária Évora
Gift
Check out Gift & Souvenir ideas here!