Boa Vista is best known for its endless white sand beaches, among the most beautiful in Cape Verde, if not Africa, including Santa Monica Beach (often compared to a Caribbean beach, but without the crowds. Wild, immense, lined with golden dunes, it is ideal for a peaceful swim or a solitary stroll at sunset), Chaves Beach (perfect for admiring the contrasts between the dunes and the ocean, often frequented by kite surfers) and Curralinho and Varandinha (secret, photogenic beaches, sometimes deserted, where you feel alone in the world). Here, there are no deckchairs crammed together, no deafening music—just the sound of the waves and the warm wind, inviting you to relax completely.

The island is a sanctuary for certain species: sea turtles (particularly loggerhead turtles) come to lay their eggs on the beaches between June and October. It is one of the best places in the world to observe them in a protected environment. Humpback whales can be seen offshore between March and May, on nature-friendly excursions. Migratory birds, lizards, and sometimes desert foxes can also be found here.

Although desert-like, Boa Vista offers a variety of fascinating landscapes, including the Dunes of Viana: hills of Saharan sand carried by the winds from Africa. Magical at sunrise or sunset. The Deserto de Viana desert: a lunar landscape, perfect for feeling timeless, or the Oasis of Rabil: a small patch of greenery in the heart of the arid landscape, with its date palms and calm atmosphere. Rock formations and coastal caves to explore in the north and west.

Boa Vista is not just an island of beaches: it lives to the rhythm of morna (melancholic Cape Verdean music) and the more lively funaná. The inhabitants are renowned for their warm welcome and relaxed attitude to life: here, people often say “no stress, tudo direito” (no stress, everything’s fine). The cuisine is simple but tasty: fresh fish, cachupa (a national dish made with corn, beans, vegetables, and sometimes meat or fish), and tropical fruits. Sal Rei, the small capital, has the feel of a quiet village, with its colorful streets, craft markets, and beach bars where time stands still. Here, it’s all about a “no stress” lifestyle.

Boa Vista is not for those looking for wild parties. It’s an island for disconnecting, recharging your batteries, feeling the wind, listening to the ocean, walking barefoot in the sand, and living to the rhythm of the sun.

Whether for a romantic getaway, a peaceful retreat, or simply a break from the noise of the world, Boa Vista offers the luxury of simplicity and authenticity.