Planning Your Trip to Boa Vista

Boa Vista is one of the Cape Verde islands, located in the Atlantic Ocean off the west coast of Africa. It is one of the eastern islands of the archipelago and is known for its wide beaches, desert landscapes, warm climate and relaxed island atmosphere.

The main town on Boa Vista is Sal Rei, on the northwest coast of the island. Many visitors stay around Sal Rei or nearby beach areas because they offer easier access to restaurants, local life, activities and the ocean.

For Boa Vista, you should fly to Aristides Pereira International Airport, also known as Boa Vista Airport. The airport code is BVC.

The airport is located on Boa Vista, close to Rabil and only a short drive from Sal Rei. From there, most hotels, guesthouses and apartments on the island can be reached by transfer or taxi.

The official currency in Cape Verde is the Cape Verdean escudo, usually written as CVE.

Euros are also widely accepted in many tourist areas, but change is often given in escudos. Cash is commonly preferred on Boa Vista, especially for taxis, small shops, cafés, local services and everyday payments. It is always useful to have some escudos with you.

In daily life, Cape Verdean Creole, also called Kriolu, is the main language spoken by Cape Verdeans. Portuguese is the official language and is used in administration, schools and official communication.

On Boa Vista, many people working in tourism speak English and Italian, and some also speak French or German. Still, learning a few simple Portuguese or Kriolu words is always appreciated and can make your stay feel more connected to the island.

The easiest way to get around Boa Vista is by taxi, organized transfer or local guide. Around Sal Rei, Praia de Cabral and Estoril Beach, many places can be reached on foot, including beaches, restaurants, cafés and local services.

For exploring other parts of the island, remote beaches or different coastlines, transport is usually needed. Boa Vista has many sandy tracks and natural areas where driving is not always simple. If you want to explore the island properly, it is often better to go with someone who knows the roads, the conditions and the places that are suitable for the day.

For most visitors, Sal Rei or the area around Praia de Cabral is one of the best places to stay on Boa Vista. You are close to local life, restaurants, cafés, the beach and many activities, while still having a relaxed island feeling.

Larger resorts around beach areas such as Praia de Chaves can be a good option if you want an all-inclusive holiday directly by the beach. If you want more flexibility, easier contact with local businesses and a more personal Boa Vista experience, staying closer to Sal Rei is usually a better choice.