As January weather continues to disappoint many in the UK, the idea of a winter sun holiday might just be the perfect escape. While warmer days are still distant, there are options closer to home to bask in the sun without embarking on a long-haul journey. The Canary Islands are a popular choice, but for a more secluded experience, another group of islands is gaining popularity.
Cape Verde offers year-round warm weather, with upcoming daytime highs reaching 24°C, surpassing Tenerife’s 20°C. With flight times around six hours, you can quickly reach this sunny destination and enjoy its extended daylight hours.
Consisting of islands like Sal and Boa Vista, Cape Verde has become a sought-after destination, especially since easyJet introduced flights to the archipelago in March 2025, marking the airline’s first venture into Sub-Saharan Africa. The island attracted around 1.2 million tourists in 2024, offering a less crowded alternative to the bustling Canary Islands.
One of Cape Verde’s main attractions is its delightful climate, with daytime temperatures in February often hitting 27°C, accompanied by ample sunshine and minimal rainfall. In comparison, Tenerife experiences temperatures between 17°C and 22°C during the same period, with intermittent cloud cover and showers.
Upon landing in Sal with easyJet, visitors are greeted by the island’s unique volcanic landscape. Santa Maria, located on the southern coast, is a favorite spot for tourists with its golden beaches and clear waters. The town boasts a relaxed ambiance, lined with palm trees swaying in the breeze.
After sunset, Santa Maria comes alive with lively nightlife, offering live entertainment and beachfront bars. Travelers can engage in activities like windsurfing, shark-spotting boat trips, or explore the historic salt mine within a dormant volcano, where they can enjoy mud treatments and float in salty pools known for their skin-softening properties.
For those looking to explore beyond Sal, a three-hour ferry ride connects to Boa Vista, known for its tranquil beaches where lucky visitors might catch a glimpse of sea turtles. Activities on Boa Vista include quad biking through the arid landscape and catamaran tours along the coast. Visitors can also visit the wreck of the MS Cabo Santa Maria, a ship stranded since 1968, providing a picturesque backdrop for photographs.
EasyJet’s Chief Commercial Officer, Paul Bixby, emphasized Cape Verde’s appeal, highlighting its year-round sunshine and pristine beaches, making it an ideal destination for families and couples seeking luxury or relaxation.
Accommodation options in Cape Verde cater to various budgets, from basic to luxurious all-inclusive resorts. The adult-only Meliá Llana Beach Resort and Spa, known for its exceptional reviews, offers swim-up rooms for a luxurious stay. Families can opt for the Hilton Cabo Verde Sal Resort, located in a prime spot for kitesurfing, praised for its cleanliness, friendly staff, and spacious rooms.
Flights from London Gatwick to Sal with easyJet operate three times a week, with February fares starting from £148.99 one-way. Holiday packages include a seven-night all-inclusive stay at Sol Dunas Family Fun departing from Manchester in February, priced from £737 per person for a double room shared by two adults using the code BIGSALE.
