How much does a vacation in Cape Verde cost: Planning a vacation in Cape Verde means facing a recurring question: how much does this African paradise really cost? The answer is not straightforward, as the archipelago offers very different experiences, with price ranges that vary significantly based on the islands chosen, the season, and the preferred travel style.
Some travelers return saying they spent modest amounts, while others describe Cape Verde as an expensive destination. Both are correct, as the archipelago can be welcoming to every type of traveler, from backpackers to luxury lovers.
In this guide, we will analyze in detail all the expense items: flights, accommodation, food, transportation, and activities. The goal is to provide a realistic budget to help you plan your vacation without unpleasant surprises, choosing the solution that best suits your needs. Visit ourComplete guide for your vacations in Cape Verde
The big picture: Is Cape Verde expensive or affordable?
To answer this question, we need to distinguish between the local cost of living and the cost of tourist travel. Daily life in Cape Verde costs about 25-30% less than in Western Europe. The average monthly salary of an employee is around 200-300 euros, which means that for those earning in euros, many local goods and services are accessible.
However, a vacation has specific expenses that can drive up the bill. International flights, hotels in tourist areas, and organized excursions have prices aligned with European standards. The perception of "cost" therefore depends on how one travels: those who adopt a local style will spend less, while those seeking comfort and tourist services will need to budget more.
A comforting fact: all beaches are public and free, and natural attractions like the trails of Fogo volcano or the valleys of Santo Antão can also be explored without spending a fortune.
How much does a flight to Cape Verde from Italy cost?
The airfare often represents the most significant expense. Prices vary greatly depending on the season, the chosen airline, and how far in advance you book.
Average round-trip prices
Low season (May-June, November): flights can be found around350-450 euros, especially with a layover.
Mid season: prices range between450 and 600 euros.
High season (December-January, August): prices rise up to700-900 euros, with peaks during the Christmas holidays.
The best deals are found by booking at least 2-3 months in advance. November is the cheapest month to fly, while August and December are the most expensive.
Departure and destination airports
Flights from Italy mainly depart from Rome Fiumicino, Milan Malpensa, and Bergamo Orio al Serio. The airlines operating the routes are Neos Air, Cabo Verde Airlines, and TAP Air Portugal with a stopover in Lisbon.
The main destinations are Sal Island (Amílcar Cabral Airport) and Boa Vista Island (Aristides Pereira Airport), which receive most of the international flights. To reach other islands like Santiago or São Vicente, it is usually necessary to take a domestic flight or a ferry after arriving in Sal.
Accommodation costs: hotels, guesthouses, and resorts
Accommodation is the second largest expense, and here too the range is wide. Prices change radically between tourist islands and lesser-known islands, and between high and low season.
Tourist islands: Sal and Boa Vista
This is where the international accommodation offer is concentrated, with resorts and tourist villages dominating the scene.
4-5 star resorts: prices range from100 to 250 euros per nightfor a double room with half board. Facilities like the Meliá Dunas Beach Resort or the Hotel Riu Touareg can exceed 200 euros per night in high season.
Mid-range hotels: solutions can be found between50 and 100 euros per night, often with breakfast included and a convenient location relative to the beaches.
Budget accommodations and guesthouses: in Espargos (Sal) or in less central areas, rooms can be found between40 and 60 euros per night. For example, Residencial Casa Ângela in Espargos has prices around 45-65 euros.
Less touristy islands: Santiago, São Vicente, Santo Antão, Fogo
In these islands, prices are definitely more affordable, as tourism is less developed and the offerings are more geared towards independent travelers.
Hotels and guesthouses: a double room can easily be found between30 and 70 euros per night .
In Praia, the capital of Santiago island, establishments like the Aparthotel Palace offer rooms around 60-65 euros, while in Mindelo (São Vicente) the Pombas Brancas Hotel is around 60-70 euros with a spectacular view of the bay.
Hostels and shared accommodations: in Santa Maria (Sal) there are hostels like Ah Xamedu Sal Hostel with beds starting from 15-20 euros per night.
Seasonal variations
Hotel prices follow tourism trends. December is the most expensive month, with increases that can reach 46% compared to the average. August represents the low season for hotels, with more affordable prices. Tuesday is often the cheapest day to book.
How much does it cost to eat in Cape Verde
Food is one of the areas where you can save the most by wisely choosing between tourist restaurants and local ones.
Restaurants and dining out
Tourist restaurant (Sal, Boa Vista): a full meal with a fish dish, side, and drink can cost between15 and 25 euros per person.
Local restaurant or "pensão": in the smaller islands or non-touristy neighborhoods, a full meal can be found between5 and 10 euros. The daily menu in simple restaurants costs between 5 and 7 euros.
Fast food and street food: a quick meal costs around6-7 euros .
Espresso coffee: a cup costs between 1 and 2.30 euros depending on the place.
Supermarkets and grocery shopping
Buying at the supermarket and preparing meals is the best strategy to save money. Grocery prices are generally lower than in Italy.
Milk (1 liter): 0.70-0.80 euros
Chicken (1 kg): about 3.20 euros
Pasta (500 g): 0.60 euros
Apples (1 kg): 1 euro
Loaf of bread: 0.35-0.50 euros
Bottled water (1.5 L): 0.70-1 euro
Local beer (33 cl): 1-1.50 euros in popular bars, more in tourist restaurants
The national specialty iscachupa, a stew of corn and beans with meat or fish, which can be found at very affordable prices in places frequented by locals.
Cost of internal transport
Getting around between the islands and within each island requires a specific budget, which varies based on distances and chosen means.
Traveling between the islands
To travel from one island to another, you can choose between plane and ferry.
Voli inter-isola: operati principalmente dalla compagnia di bandiera, collegano le isole principali con voli di breve durata. Un biglietto può costare tra i 60 e i 120 eurodepending on the distance and the season. The Sal-Santiago route is one of the most frequented.
Ferries: are the economical option, but they take more time. A crossing between the Sotavento islands (e.g. Fogo-Santiago) costs about10-15 euros. Sea connections are more frequent between islands of the same group, while between Barlavento and Sotavento, flying is more convenient.
Land transport
Taxi: the fare for a short urban ride is around2-3 euros, while for longer routes like from the airport to the city, you can spend between 10 and 20 euros. Taxis are often shareable and do not have a meter: it is advisable to agree on the price before departing.
Local buses (aluguer): are collective vans that run fixed routes at very low prices. A ticket costs between0.50 and 1 eurofor urban routes, and between 2 and 5 euros for intercity routes. They are the cheapest means of transport and also an authentic experience.
Car rental: the daily cost ranges between 30 and 50 euros for an economy car. Fuel costs about0.60 euros per liter. Renting a car is useful on larger islands like Santiago or for exploring Santo Antão, but on Sal and Boa Vista it is not strictly necessary because distances are short and taxis are inexpensive.
How much do activities and excursions cost
The experiences to be had in Cape Verde are numerous, and prices vary based on the type of activity and organization.
Free or low-cost activities
Beaches: all free and open, from Santa Maria to Sal to Santa Monica to Boa Vista.
Self-guided trekking: the trails of Santo Antão or the ascent to the Fogo volcano can be tackled independently, possibly paying for a mandatory guide only for certain areas of the crater.
Walks in historic centers: Cidade Velha in Santiago (UNESCO heritage) and Mindelo in São Vicente can be visited without entrance fees.
Organized excursions
Boat trip (half day): between40 and 80 eurosper person, often including lunch and stops for snorkeling.
Full-day guided tour: such as the excursion to the Fogo volcano or the tour of Santo Antão island, costs between80 and 110 euros .
Guided trekking (day): from15 to 30 eurosper person, guide included.
Snorkeling: organized excursion between20 and 40 euros .
Scuba diving: baptism or guided dive with equipment between60 and 100 euros .
Cultural visit to museums or historical sites: tickets between5 and 10 euros .
Examples of a realistic daily budget
Putting all the items together, we can outline three daily spending profiles per person (excluding international flight).
Low-cost budget (backpacking)
Accommodation: budget guesthouse or hostel (30-40 €)
Meal: local cuisine and supermarket (15-20 €)
Transport: aluguer and ferries (5-10 €)
Activities: beaches and independent trekking (0-10 €)
Total daily: 50-80 euros
Ideal for those visiting islands like Santo Antão, Fogo, or Santiago, traveling independently.
Medium budget (comfort and flexibility)
Accommodation: 3-star hotel or quality guesthouse (60-80 €)
Meal: local restaurants and some tourist dinners (25-35 €)
Transport: mix of taxis and some aluguer, ferry (15-20 €)
Activities: an organized excursion every 2-3 days (15-20 € per day on average)
Total daily: 115-155 euros
Suitable for those visiting Sal or Boa Vista without giving up some comfort, and who want to indulge in guided excursions.
High budget (luxury and relaxation)
Accommodation: 4-5 star resort (150-250 €)
Meal: dinners at hotel restaurants and quality local places (40-60 €)
Transport: private taxis and inter-island flights (30-40 €)
Activities: private excursions, water sports, car rental (30-50 €)
Total daily: 250-400 euros
For those seeking an all-inclusive experience or luxury resort stays in Sal and Boa Vista.
How much does a week in Cape Verde cost: practical simulations
Now let's look at the indicative total cost for one week (7 nights) per person, including flight.
Low-cost vacation in Santo Antão and São Vicente
Round-trip flight: €400
Accommodation for 7 nights in a guesthouse: €280 (€40 per night)
Meals and daily expenses: €140 (€20 per day)
Internal transport (ferries, aluguer): €80
Activities: self-guided trekking €30
Total: about €930
Average vacation in Sal with some excursions
Round-trip flight: €450
Accommodation for 7 nights in a 3-star hotel: €490 (€70 per night)
Meals and daily expenses: €210 (€30 per day)
Internal transport (taxi, transfer): €70
Activities: two organized excursions: €120
Total: about €1,340
Relaxing vacation in a resort in Boa Vista
Round-trip flight: €500
Accommodation for 7 nights in a 4-star resort: €1,050 (€150 per night)
Meals and drinks (half board already included, extra for lunches): €150
Internal transport: €50
Activities: boat excursion and water sports: €150
Total: about €1,900
Cost differences between the islands
As we have seen, the choice of island has a significant impact on the budget. Here is a summary of the differences.
Sal: the most expensive island, high prices for hotels and tourist restaurants, many paid activities.
Boa Vista: similar to Sal, with luxury resorts and high prices, but some more affordable options in the inland areas.
São Vicente: average costs, Mindelo offers a good selection of local restaurants at affordable prices.
Santiago: average prices, in Praia you can find budget restaurants and accommodations for all wallets.
Santo Antão: definitely budget-friendly, ideal for travelers on a limited budget.
Fogo: reasonable prices, except for guided tours on the volcano.
Maio and smaller islands: very affordable but with few accommodation facilities.
Tips for saving money in Cape Verde
Here are some strategies to keep costs down without sacrificing the quality of the experience.
Travel in the low season: May, June, and November offer the best balance between good weather and low prices.
Book flights in advance: monitor prices and buy when you find a good deal. Connecting flights are often cheaper.
Choose local accommodations: guesthouses and small family-run hotels cost less and offer a more authentic experience.
Eat where the locals eat: look for small restaurants outside tourist areas, especially at lunch when they offer budget menus.
Use public transport: aluguer are very cheap and let you travel with the locals.
Shop at the supermarket: for breakfasts and snacks, you'll save compared to tourist bars.
Avoid all-inclusive packages if you want to explore: they often tie you to hotel meals and do not allow you to discover local cuisine.
Rent a car only if necessary: on small islands like Sal, taxis and walking are sufficient.
FAQ - Frequently asked questions about the cost of a vacation in Cape Verde
Is Cape Verde an affordable destination?
It depends on your travel style. You can spend little by eating in local restaurants and using public transport, but resorts and tourist activities have European prices.
What is the cheapest time to go to Cape Verde?
November is the month with the cheapest flights. For hotels, August is the cheapest month.
How many euros do you need per day to eat in Cape Verde?
With 15-20 euros a day, you can eat well in local places. In tourist restaurants, you need at least 25-30 euros.
Is it better to exchange euros for escudos or pay with a card?
The local currency is the Cape Verdean escudo (CVE), with a fixed exchange rate of 1 euro = 110 CVE. It is advisable to exchange as needed or withdraw from ATMs, which are common in cities. Cards are accepted in hotels and tourist restaurants, but cash is needed for small purchases.
How much does a coffee cost in Cape Verde?
An espresso costs between 1 and 2.30 euros, depending on the place.
Are tips mandatory?
They are not mandatory but appreciated, especially if the service is good. In restaurants, a tip of usually 10% is left if not included.
What is the cheapest island to visit?
Santo Antão is considered the most affordable island, with modest accommodations and local restaurants at very low prices.
How much does a trip to the Fogo volcano cost?
A guided day trip costs between 80 and 110 euros, including a guide and lunch.
Holidays in Cape Verde
How much a vacation in Cape Verde costs is a question that can only be answered by matching your needs with the characteristics of the archipelago. The range is wide: it starts at around 900 euros for a low-cost week among the less touristy islands, to over 2,000 euros for a stay in a resort in Sal or Boa Vista with flight included.
The good news is that Cape Verde knows how to welcome every traveler with its authenticity. Whether you choose trekking in Santo Antão, culture in Mindelo, or relaxation on the beaches of Boa Vista, you will always find an option that fits your budget. The key is to plan mindfully: choose the right season, compare accommodation options, and prioritize local experiences when possible.
Ultimately, a vacation in Cape Verde can be as expensive or as affordable as you wish, but the value of the experience will always remain very high.
Review date:March 8, 2026