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CAPE VERDE

The Field Briefing

  • Entry: Although visa-free, you must complete the online EASE registration. If you are traveling with a tour operator like TUI, they often pay the €31 security tax for you as part of your package, but you must still register your personal details on their specific portal at least 7 days before flying.

  • Currency: Euro (€) widely accepted

  • Flight Time: approx. 6 hours (to Sal or Boa Vista)

  • Climate: Tropical (Warm, arid, and sunny year-round)

  • Power: Type C and Type F (the standard European two-pin plug).

  • The Detail: Passport must be valid for 6 months from the arrival date. Be prepared for a local Tourist Tax (Imposto de Turismo) payable in cash at your accommodation. It is currently €2.50 (approx. 276 CVE) per person, per night, for anyone aged 16 or over (capped at 10 nights).

SAL
SAL

Location Base: Riu Funana - Sal

While marketed as a high-end destination, the Riu Funana leans more towards "Seasoned Original" than modern luxury.

  • The "Privacy" Detail: Rooms are functional but dated. Crucially, the bathrooms follow an open-plan layout; while the toilet and shower are separated by a door/curtain, the sink and dressing area are open to the main room.

  • The Family Verdict: Be mindful if traveling with older children or teenagers; the lack of a fully enclosed bathroom may feel a bit "naff" for a shared family space.

  • The Secret Perk: Guests at the Funana have full access to the water slides at the Riu Palace Santa Maria. It’s the perfect way to upgrade your day without the Palace price tag.

The Terrain & Atmosphere​

  • The Dune Trek: The hotel is technically beachfront, but the landscape is beautifully vast. Reaching the water involves a winding stroll through the dunes—it’s a proper walk that adds to the sense of "journey," but it's not a quick hop.

  • The Shoreline Paradox: You are met with an extraordinary beach of fine, powdery white sand that looks like a calm paradise. However, the water here is deceptively powerful and rough.

  • The "Swim" Verdict: The Atlantic currents and undertow are significant. While it’s perfect for a walk along the shoreline, it is not generally safe for swimming. You will notice the red or yellow flags are almost a permanent fixture—respect them. Stick to the Riu pools for your swim and keep the beach for the views.

The Local Exchange

  • The "Wristband" Reality: Locals in Santa Maria are experts at "bracelet spotting." They recognize the hotel colours instantly and will use this to strike up conversations for tours and selling.

  • The Center: Heading into Santa Maria is essential for a change of pace, but expect high energy and persistent pestering. A firm but polite "No, obrigado" (No, thank you) is your best tool here.

The Extraordinary List (Must-Dos)

Turtle Nesting: A profound, quiet experience. Witnessing loggerhead turtles under the stars is easily the highlight of any Sal journey.

Shark Bay: Not for the faint-hearted, but entirely safe. You’ll wade into the shallow, rocky waters to have baby lemon sharks weave around your ankles. The ground is very sharp and rocky; be sure to bring water shoes, or these can be rented from locals for a small fee.

The Blue Eye(Buracona): A natural volcanic pool where the sun hits the water at the perfect angle to create a glowing "eye." Go around midday for the best light.

Weedon & Co, Riu Funana hotel room
Weedon & Co, Wide shot of fine white sand beach in Sal, Cape Verde with Atlantic waves.
Weedon & Co, The Blue Eye at Buracona, Sal, showing glowing turquoise water in a volcanic cave.

BOA VISTA

Boa Vista

Location Base: Riu Touareg - Boa Vista

Much like its sister property on Sal, the Riu Touareg is a "Seasoned Original." It is a sprawling, sandcastle-like fortress that offers a sense of total isolation.

  • The "Character" Detail: The rooms carry that familiar, aged aesthetic. You will find the same Exposed-Plan Bathroom layout here—toilet and shower partitioned, but the vanity and dressing area open to the bedroom.

  • The Layout: It’s worth noting that the resort is vast. Depending on where your room is, you might find yourself doing quite a bit of walking to reach the main restaurants or lobby.

The Terrain & Atmosphere

  • The "Flop and Drop" Reality: Unlike Sal, there is very little to do outside the resort gates. If you aren't looking to lounge by the pool or walk the shoreline, the island can feel a bit quiet. It is the ultimate destination for those who want to disconnect completely.

  • The Beach Advantage: A major plus over the Riu Funana is the proximity to the water. Here, the hotel truly is right on the beach. You can step out of the resort and immediately find yourself on miles of stunning, untouched sand.

  • The Shoreline Paradox: The sand is fine, white, and extraordinary, but the Atlantic remains a powerful force. The water is often rough and unsafe for swimming; it’s a beach for the soul and the camera, but the pool is for the swim.

Wildlife Observations

  • The Ghost Crabs: Keep your eyes on the sand. The beaches here are famous for their Ghost Crabs—pale, skittering creatures that blend perfectly with the white sand. They are fascinating to document as they disappear into their burrows the moment they feel your shadow.

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Weedon & Co, view from the hotel Riu Touareg

Sal vs. Boa Vista: The Weedon Verdict

  • Choose Sal if you want a bit of "Streetwise" energy, shark encounters, and a town to explore.

  • Choose Boa Vista if you want the beach at your doorstep, absolute quiet, and a holiday that requires nothing more than a sun lounger and a book.

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