Boavista island Cape Verde

The island of Boavista is an ideal escape if you’re a fan of relaxing on fabulous beaches but prefer to avoid the crowds.

Boavista is less well-connected and well-known than it’s neighbour Sal but is still blessed with huge stretches of white sand, wind-blown from the Sahara.

Relax in the boutique coastal hideaway Spinguera, perhaps a guesthouse in the main town of Sal Rei – try the Orquidea or Migrante – or for a taste of luxury, you could stay in one of the larger all-inclusive hotels like the Iberostar.

The island is the warmest and driest in Cape Verde because it’s directly in the path of the warm harmattan winds from the Sahara. These warm and windy conditions make it perfect for all kinds of great water sports near the capital Sal Rei. The interior on the other looks like a dry moon landscape with its desert-like landscapes – explore by jeep and discover Boavista’s hidden secrets.

The white sandy beaches are stunning and are the third most important destination in the world for nesting loggerhead turtles. Humpback whales like Boavista too, as they have their young here and nurse them until they are strong enough to brave the Atlantic.