Which Cape Verde Airport will you be flying into this year?
When you touch down at a Cape Verde airport for the first time you can be sure that you’re going to find much to interest you on these islands. There’s a lot to explore and island hopping by air is a great way to begin. But first, you have to get there. Listed below are the international airports on the larger islands and the domestic airports located on the smaller islands.
What are the names of the airports in Cape Verde?
There are seven Cape Verde airports, some international and some domestic.
The airports in Cape Verde are:
- Amílcar Cabral International Airport (also known as Sal International Airport) (IATA: SID), in Sal, on the island of Espargos
- Nelson Mandela International Airport (also known as Santiago/Praia International Airport) (IATA: RAI), in Praia on the island of Santiago
- Aristides Pereira International Airport (also known as Boa Vista International Airport) (IATA: BVC), in Rabil on the island of Boa Vista
- Cesária Évora Airport (IATA: VXE), in São Pedro on the island of São Vicente
- São Filipe Airport (IATA: SFL), in São Filipe on the island of Fogo
- São Nicolau Airport, (IATA: SNE), in Preguiça on the island of São Nicolau
- Maio Airport (IATA: MMO), in Porto Inglês on the island of Maio
The busiest airports are the first three, Sal International Airport, Cabral International Airport, Boa Vista International Airport which service the international flights as well as some domestic flights. The others are mainly domestic airports servicing the other islands.
Where is Cape Verde?
Cape Verde is an island country located in the central Atlantic Ocean, about 600 miles off the coast of Senegal. The archipelago consists of 10 islands, 9 of which are inhabited. The largest and most populous island is Santiago, where the capital city of Praia is located. The other islands are; Santo Antão, Boa Vista, Fogo, São Nicolau, Maio, São Vicente, Sal, Brava and the only uninhabited island, Santa Luiza.
The islands are known for their year-round warm weather and beautiful sandy beaches. Tourism is a major industry, and Cape Verde is a popular destination for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
Amilcar Cabral International Airport
Amilcar Cabral International Airport is the main airport in Cape Verde, located on the island of Sal. The airport has two runway and can handle up to 2.5 million passengers per year. In recent years, the airport has undergone a number of renovations, including the construction of a new terminal (now a two storey building) and the expansion of the parking area. Once you’ve been through passport control it’s a short walk to the car rental services.
The airport is named after Amilcar Cabral, a Cape Verdean independence leader. Cabral was born on the island of Santiago and later became involved in the liberation movement against Portuguese colonial rule.
Nelson Mandela International Airport
Nelson Mandela International Airport is the second largest airport in Cape Verde, located on the island of Santiago. The airport has one terminal and one runway, and can handle up to 1 million passengers per year arriving and departing on internal flights and to other countries. It is named after Nelson Mandela, the first democratically elected president of South Africa and a global icon for human rights.
Abandoned Cape Verde Airports
Several of the domestic airports in Cape Verde have been abandoned, mainly due to dangerously high and unpredictable winds that are beyond the operating limits of the smaller aircraft that used them. International flights using the international airports with heavier aircraft are not so adversely affected.
- Agostinho Neto Airport (GVA)
- Mosteiros Airport (MTI)
- Esperadinha Airport (BVR)
What is the flight time to Cape Verde from the UK & USA?
The average flight time from the UK to Cape Verde is around 6 hours, making it a relatively easy trip to take. Flights from the UK depart from London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Bristol, though they are not frequent. You may find it easier to reach on the dates you require if you choose to stopover in one of the Portugese or European capitals first, e.g. Lisbon or Porto.
TUI Airways fly to Boa Vista and Sal airports from several UK international airports.
A direct flight to the Cape Verde islands from Miami, Florida would take under 8 hours (if you can find a direct flight). There are many other options if you’re prepare to stopover in Europe. Many passengers and travellers opt to fly to Europe, spend a night in a European capital, and fly out to the islands the next day, refreshed after their transatlantic trip.
Which airlines fly to Cape Verde?
Several airlines fly to Cape Verde, including TACV, TAP Air Portugal, and SATA. TACV is the national carrier of Cape Verde and offers direct flights from several destinations, including Lisbon, Madrid, and Boston. TAP Air Portugal also offers direct flights to Cape Verde from Lisbon, as well as indirect flights from some other cities.
SATA offers direct flights to Cape Verde from several cities in Europe, including Lisbon, Paris, and Frankfurt. In addition, many charter airlines offer seasonal services to Cape Verde. When planning your trip, be sure to check the schedules of all airlines to find the best flight options for your travel dates.
More than 3 flights, from 6h 30m
| Time and stops | Airline | Flight number | Schedule | Find tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
06:55 → 12:25 1 Stop |  TAP Portugal | TP 1939 | S M T W T F S | Select dates |
16:00 → 00:05+1 1 Stop | TAP Portugal | TP 1931 | S M T W T F S | Select dates |
Flights between the domestic airports
The main carrier is BestFly Cabo Verde which has a fleet of two ATR72-600‘s. These carry a maximum of 70 passengers in economy seating, linking the domestic airports with the international flights in the hubs of Sal International Airport, Amílcar Cabral International Airport, and Boa Vista.
What is there to do in Cape Verde?
The ten islands that make up an archipelago that has something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a place to relax on the beach, go hiking or explore history. The islands are volcanic and there are some great hiking trails with stunning views.
Cape Verde was a Portuguese colony for centuries and there are many colonial buildings and ruins to explore. And of course, no trip to Cape Verde would be complete without spending some time on the beach. There are beautiful sandy beaches all around the islands as well as plenty of good restaurants and bars.
What are the names of the islands that make up Cape Verde?
Cape Verde is an archipelago made up of 10 islands and 8 islets, located off the coast of Senegal in West Africa. The islands are volcanic in origin, and range in size from the largest, Santiago, at 930 square kilometers, to the smallest, Branco, at just 5 square kilometers.
The landscape is diverse, with sandy beaches, rocky cliffs, and dry scrubland. The climate is also variable, from the arid conditions of Santo Antão to the subtropical climate of São Vicente. Despite its small size, Cape Verde has a population of over half a million people, who speak a Portuguese-based creole language.
Watersports and Wildlife
The islands are known for their beautiful beaches, clear waters, and excellent surfing conditions. There are several popular spots for surfing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing, scuba, diving and snorkeling. The warm water and abundant marine life make the Cape Verde islands a paradise for watersports enthusiasts. Whether you’re an experienced surfer or just getting started, you’re sure to find the perfect waves here.
The waters around the Islands are home to a diverse array of marine life. You can find everything from whales and dolphins to a variety of fish, sharks, and turtles. There are also many different types of coral, providing a colorful home for a wide range of small creatures. The ocean there is truly a wildlife paradise. Whether you’re snorkeling or scuba diving, you’re sure to see something new and exciting.
What is the national air carrier of Cape Verde?
The national air carrier is Cabo Verde Airlines (formerly TACV). The airline was established in the late 1958 and has since become the country’s leading air transporter. The airline provides service to a handful of destinations within Africa and Europe, with a focus on connecting Cape Verde to its island neighbors.
At the time of writing, the airline currently operates a single Boeing 757. In addition to regular passenger service, the airline also offers charter flights and cargo services. The airline is headquartered at Sal Island International Airport, with a secondary hub at Praia International Airport.
What is the population of Cape Verde?
The total population of the country is just over 565,000 people, making it one of the smallest countries in Africa. The majority of Cape Verdeans are of African descent, with significant minorities of European and Middle Eastern descent. The official language is Portuguese, although Cape Verdean Creole is also widely spoken.
Cape Verde has a long history of immigration and emigration, and as a result, its culture is highly diverse. Cape Verdeans have traditionally been a very welcoming people, and the country is known for its hospitality.
What is the history of Cape Verde?
Cape Verde’s history dates back to the 15th century when it was first settled by the Portuguese. Until that point, it was believed to be uninhabited. The islands were used as a staging ground for the slave trade and during the 16th and 17th centuries it was frequented by many pirates, privateers, and merchants.
With the abolition of the Atlantic Slave Trade, Cape Verde’s economy went into decline until it recovered again when it became an important waypoint for ships traveling between Europe and the Americas.
Today, Cape Verde is a popular tourist destination, known for its sandy beaches, warm weather, and vibrant culture. Despite its small size, Cape Verde has a rich history that has shaped its present-day identity. With direct flights into its international airports and onward flights to the domestic airports in Cape Verde, it’s now easy to explore its many attractions.
