7 Day Cape Verde Tour Packages

Cape Verde itineraries for 7 days

Compiled by

NadineCape Verde travel expert at TourRadar

• 7 Day Cape Verde Itinerary, incl. Santo Antão and São Vicente

  A seven-day immersion in Cape Verde spans 9 destinations across Santo Antão and São Vicente islands. The 12km trail through Cova Natural Park reveals stunning landscapes, while Mindelo offers rich cultural encounters and Baía das Gatas enchants with pristine lagoons. Comfortable stays at Blue Marlin Hotel and Aldeia Manga complement the adventure, with expert guides and 6 breakfasts included.

  

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  • Day 1

    Mindelo, São Vicente

    Arrive at Cesária Évora International Airport and head to Mindelo. The city really comes to life in the evening, especially around the waterfront where you can listen to morna, Cape Verde's soulful traditional music. Keep in mind most restaurants don't open until 7:30 PM for dinner.

    
  • Day 2

    Cova Crater to Paúl Valley

    Take the early ferry from Mindelo to Porto Novo (1 hour). Your adventure starts at Cova Natural Park with a 4-5 hour hike from 1,100 meters elevation. The trail descends into Paúl Valley on a winding path that can get slippery in wet weather. Hiking poles are recommended. A recent visitor shared: "The moment you reach the crater's edge and see the green Paúl Valley below, with the ocean in the distance, makes every step worth it."

    
  • Day 3

    Cabo de Ribeira to Paúl Valley

    This moderate 7km hike takes you through the "bread basket" of Santo Antão. You'll walk past sugarcane fields and tropical fruit plantations. Bring some cash to buy fresh mangoes or coconuts from local farmers. Start by 9 AM to get the clearest views before the clouds roll in.

    
  • Day 4

    Coastal Trek from Ponta do Sol

    Take on the challenging 15km coastal path between Ponta do Sol and Cruzinha via Fontainhas. It's one of Cape Verde's most impressive hikes, but some sections are narrow with steep drops. Skip this one if heights make you nervous. Take lots of water since shops are scarce after Fontainhas. Stop for lunch at the black sand beach of Praia das Aranhas, but check if swimming is safe.

    
  • Day 5

    Return to São Vicente

    Catch the morning ferry back to São Vicente and spend time exploring Mindelo's colonial buildings and busy markets. Visit Monte Verde Natural Park for great island views before noon when visibility is best. Drive to Baía das Gatas to see the island's moon-like landscape and natural pools.

    
  • Day 6

    Beach Day in Mindelo

    Give your legs a break at Laginha Beach, just 15 minutes on foot from central Mindelo. Perfect for swimming with white sand and clear blue water. Beach chairs rent for about $5. Try the fresh seafood at one of the restaurants by the beach.

    
  • Day 7

    Departure

    Plan to leave after 11 AM to avoid morning traffic to the airport. Most international flights depart in the afternoon.

    

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• 6 Days in Cape Verde, incl. São Vicente and Santo Antão

  

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  • 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.

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• 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.

  

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  • 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.

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