5 Enchanting Honeymoon Destinations in Cabo Verde
Image from Barcelo
After countless attempts to qualify for the World Cup, Cape Verde’s first ever appearance in the World Cup has led them into the Round of 32. Their well-deserved popularity has earned the country an influx of new travelers eager to find their next dream destination.
Cabo Verde is a small country off the coast of West Africa consisting of 10 small islands, and a land area of 1,557 square miles. Despite its small acreage, Cabo Verde has a bustling population of around 530,000 people and a rich Creole-Portuguese culture. This colorful country has a wide selection of views, fit for everyone. The hikers, the swimmers, the foodies, there’s something for every couple to enjoy. Choosing the perfect destination can elevate your honeymoon and make your stay truly magical and memorable.
Some things to keep in mind for all these locations:
Best months to travel are all year round
Temperatures reach lows of 60s to highs of 90
Cash is the preferred method of payment, so don’t depend on e-transfers too much
1. Ponta do Sol, Santo Antão
Image from TripAdvisor
Settled in the northern-most island of Cape Verde is Ponta do Sol, Santo Antão, a charming seaside village known for its fresh and locally harvested seafood and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. This small town has a small population of just under 3,000 but never fails to make visitors feel at home and comfortable. The various family owned businesses make travelers feel all the more welcome with delicious Creole-African dishes.
Despite being a fishing town, Ponta do Sol offers breathtaking views on its countless hiking trails. Couples who are a little more adventurous can hike alongside the coast to Fontainhas and enjoy the sea-breeze while watching the sunset to end the night. Because the hiking trails are slightly isolated, there are hotels to stay and rest at during hikes.
Some things to keep in mind:
Ponta do Sol is only accessible by ferry from São Vicente, so plan ahead!
Many residents can speak English, but learning basic phrases in Kriolu (Cape Verdean Creole)
Hotels that will elevate your stay:
Casa Larinha – A beautiful 2-bedroom coastside property with a 9.3 rating on Booking.com. Casa Larinha offers private views of the Atlantic Ocean, free parking and wifi.
Kasa Tambla – This enchanting stay is 0.1 miles from downtown Ponta do Sol and surrounded by lush gardens filled with native plants. It offers bed and breakfast services and is a top pick amongst visiting couples.
2. Santa Maria Beach, Sal Island
Image from Ihlo do Sal Official
Santa Maria Beach is for couples who want more of the classic, tropical vacation stay. This town is located on Sal Island’s southern coast and is renowned for its white sand and vibrant waters that reflect beautiful sunsets. Couples can enjoy long walks along the shoreline or sunbathe on the beach reading a book while listening to the waves.
Santa Maria has a variety of activities waiting for eager newlyweds to discover. From water activities like snorkeling and windsurfing, to enjoying fresh seafood and Cape Verdean cuisine on the coast after a day of shopping and sightseeing. Whether you want to be intrigued or spend the day relaxing, Santa Maria has something for everyone.
Some things to keep in mind:
A small city – travel by foot or bike
Bring cash, some places don’t take card
Lots of stray animals (mostly dogs) that locals will feed and allow to roam
Hotels that will elevate your stay:
Branco Suites – Located just 5 minutes away from Santa Maria Beach, these suites offer luxury amenities, such as Italian and Mediterranean-style cuisines in fine dining settings. Rooms have private balconies and terraces with stunning views of the coast and sunset.
Blue Ocean Escapes – This enchanting apartment offers direct access to their private beaches with vibrant gardens welcoming you onto the property. The property also offers pleasant amenities such as air conditioning, full kitchen, dining room, and washing and drying machines.
3. Mindelo, São Vicente
Image from Evendo
Mindelo, São Vicente, is known for being the cultural hotspot of Cabo Verde, with its strong Portuguese-Brazilian roots. Like Ponta do Sol, Mindelo is a port city but isn’t as focused on the fishing aspect as much compared to the nightlife aspect. This city is home to over 90% of Cabo Verde’s population and is even called the “cultural capital”. Mindelo’s Portuguese-Brazilian influences have led to the creation of Cabo Verde’s own rendition of carnivals, a week-long event featuring citywide celebrations with extravagant floats, Samba-styled dancers, and batucada music blasting.
Newlywed couples visiting Mindelo can expect to stay in beautiful colonial buildings rich with history and browse through busy nightmarkets selling handmade jewelry or detailed artwork. Mindelo’s nightlife, combined with the vast restaurants and attractions offer a large selection of sights for all kinds of couples looking to make their honeymoon memorable. Couples can also expect private tours of historical architecture and the famous names behind them.
Some things to keep in mind:
Best months: All year round
The Carnival takes place in February–March
Temperatures vary from lows of 60°F to highs of 85°F
Affordable city – lots of things to see and do for a great price
Hotels to elevate your stay:
Casa da Djedja – A picturesque hotel located in the heart of Mindelo, this location offers easy access to beaches, national parks and historical architecture perfect for a romantic day of sightseeing and exploring. Couples have rated this a 9.7 on Booking.com for its amenities like elevated dining, live music and spa services.
Santa Cruz Boutique Hotel – With an airport shuttle to the property and walking distance to Mindelo, this hotel has quite the variety of services to make anyone’s stay memorable. Couples can enjoy their private lodgings that come with hot tubs, outdoor seating, and a large selection of dining options such as buffets and à la carte.
4. Pico do Fogo, Fogo Island
Image from Cabo Verde Travel Guide
For couples seeking a less beachy experience, Pico do Fogo offers just that. This dream destination is located on Fogo Island, known for its active volcano and its breathtaking black lava fields created in previous, ancient eruptions. Fogo Island can make a honeymoon unforgettable with its panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean from the summit of Pico do Fogo.
Apart from the gigantic volcano, Fogo Island has large vineyards grown in volcanic soil that offer wine tastings. Paired with that are traditional Cape Verdean cuisines that can be enjoyed while watching the sunset behind the silhouette of the island’s rugged landscapes consisting of mountains and rolling hills.
Some things to keep in mind:
Hire a local guide for safe exploration
Bring closed toed shoes – this island has a more difficult walking terrain that isn’t too kind on exposed toes
Extremely hot during the day and cold during the night, bring appropriate clothes
Hotels to elevate your stay:
Ecofunco – Located 2.1 miles from Pico do Fogo, this B&B is a quaint, quiet stay with kind and welcoming hosts. Meals are delivered directly to the room, which is beautifully decorated and fitting for a tropical stay. Ecofunco also offers guided tours of the volcano to ensure an enjoyable experience. This location also maintains its sustainability, with solar panels fueling its electricity and little to no light pollution to give visitors breathtaking stargazing views.
Casa Alcindo – This small yet unforgettable stay is located at the foot of the volcano and owned by what visitors describe as a welcoming couple. The rooms offer a stunning view of the volcano as well as guided tours and hiking trails. Meals are made with locally sourced ingredients and deliciously filling, with dining being offered in an outdoor setting perfect for quiet, romantic dinners.
5. Parque Natural Monte Gordo, São Nicolau
Image from Cabo Verde Travel Guide
National parks can sometimes look the same, but Monte Gordo isn’t like other national parks. Monte Gordo offers a captivating mountain scenery with native plant species and peaceful hiking trails filled with the sound of native fauna. Couples who are looking for a little more green in their lives can expect to be satisfied by the forests of Monte Gordo, which offer romantic hikes that can be enjoyed at slow or fast paces. Some trails even cut through local villages, where the island’s hospitality and rich culture can be felt most.
Monte Gordo is where people go to escape the business of city life and enjoy nature at its peak. Romantic picnics, photoshoots, and sightseeing can be unforgettable experiences for exciting newlyweds.
Hotels to elevate your stay:
Edificio Magico – Translating to “Magical Building” in Spanish, this hotel lives up to its name. These guesthouses are located right next to the beach, offering gorgeous views of the sea while accessible to the nearby national parks. Meals are also provided and rated by travelers on TripAdvisor as “modest, but adequate”. Visitors won’t have to worry about making the bed or coming back to a messy room after a long day of exploring and hiking, as housekeeping services clean the room daily.
The Underdogs in Travel
With Cabo Verde’s recent exciting participation in the 2026 World Cup, there’s been a newfound interest in this small island nation and its rich history and culture. Beyond the new achievements this country has reached, Cabo Verde is a hidden gem in a chest of treasures. Couples have the luxury of choosing their romantic getaways, whether it be on a secluded beach with crystal waters or a hike past a rushing waterfall, Cabo Verde offers anything and everything to grant newlyweds their wildest dreams.
Contact Luxx Escapes to jump on this island escape today!