As the days grow shorter and autumn takes hold, many are yearning for a dose of sunshine. Winter sun getaways are often associated with lengthy flights to distant locales, but there’s a rising star closer to home – just a six-hour journey from London.
Cape Verde, often referred to as the ‘new Canary Islands’ due to its consistent sunshine throughout the year, is gaining popularity as a winter escape in December and January, offering a refreshing alternative to the Spanish resorts.
The accessibility of Cape Verde for British travelers has improved, with easyJet commencing flights to the archipelago in March this year. This move marked the airline’s first foray into Sub-Saharan Africa and one of its lengthiest routes.
Although Cape Verde saw around 1.2 million visitors in 2024, a fraction of the tourist numbers in the Canary Islands, such as Tenerife with approximately seven million visitors, it boasts a more laid-back and less crowded atmosphere.
The primary allure of Cape Verde is its delightful weather. Even in January, the coolest month, temperatures can reach up to 27°C during the day with ample sunshine and minimal rainfall. In contrast, Tenerife typically ranges from 17 to 22°C in January, with fewer hours of sunshine, occasional cloud cover, and brief showers.
Arriving in Sal via easyJet, visitors encounter a volcanic desert landscape. Most opt to stay in Santa Maria in the island’s south, renowned for its expansive sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. The town exudes a relaxed ambiance, with palm-lined streets and vibrant nightlife options like live music and beachfront bars.
Travelers can engage in various activities on the islands, including windsurfing, shark spotting boat trips, and exploring the defunct Pedra Lume salt mine nestled within an extinct volcano. A tour of the historic mines, followed by a rejuvenating mud bath and a dip in the saline pools, is said to leave the skin feeling revitalized.
For a change of scenery, a three-hour ferry ride to Boa Vista unveils a less-visited paradise with stunning white sand beaches ideal for turtle sightings. Adventurers can embark on quad bike tours through the desert landscapes or set sail on a catamaran to discover pristine beaches. The northern region of Boa Vista features the shipwrecked MS Cabo Santa Maria, a captivating spot for photography enthusiasts.
Paul Bixby, Chief Commercial Officer at EasyJet holidays, lauded Cape Verde as a superb destination with year-round sun and idyllic sandy beaches. The airline now offers enticing package deals catering to families seeking kid-friendly resorts or couples in search of adult-only luxury, with a diverse selection of top-notch resorts across Sal Island.
Accommodation options range from basic comfort to luxurious all-inclusive resorts. The adults-only Meliá Llana Beach Resort & Spa stands out with rave reviews, offering swim-up rooms for poolside relaxation. Families may prefer the family-friendly Hilton Cabo Verde Sal Resort, located in a bustling kitesurfing hub, praised for its prime location, cleanliness, friendly staff, and spacious, comfortable rooms.
EasyJet currently provides flights from London Gatwick to Sal on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, with January fares starting at £111.99 each way. Package deals include a 7-night all-inclusive stay at Sol Dunas Family Fun departing on January 7, 2026, priced at £843 per person based on double occupancy.
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