22 June 2015
| Last updated on 24 June 2015Boa Vista-The Next Irresistible Holiday Destination
Cast adrift in Atlantic Ocean, a stone’s throw from the western coast of Senegal, lies the laid-back archipelago of Cape Verde. Santiago is the largest of the ten islands; Sal is the most developed. Nestled snugly between the two, Boa Vista is (as the Cape Verde tourism board suggests) the “Cosy Island”. Santiago is larger; Sal can at times feel crowded—but Boa Vista is just right.
Sal Rei – the sleepy epicentre
The vibe of Boa Vista is an understated melting pot of cultures and customs, mixing Caribbean rhythms with African ancestry, and a smattering of Canary Island ambiance. Though you’ll find it’s not as developed as some of its Caribbean counterparts, Boa Vista offers a similarly irresistible year-round climate, and white sand beaches to rival any in the world.
Travelers to Boa Vista’s gorgeous shores will most likely arrive in the island’s capital, Sal Rei. Even though this diminutive town plays host to more than half of the island’s 4,000 residents, it retains the relaxed, rustic vibe of bygone eras. The quaint church of the Igreja de Santa Isabel overlooks the town’s principal square, the Praça de Santa Isabel, where you’ll find a hive of market-vendors selling all manner of tourist knick-knacks, accompanied by the deliciously contagious catchphrase of “No stress”. Stroll around the town’s idyllic alleys before enjoying the sunset in the quirky boat-shaped Wakan cafe, which affords the beautiful views of Boa Vista’s name.
Venturing further afield, the beach directly to the south of the hamlet is Praia do Estoril. This one-kilometre-long stretch of sandy sublimity is protected from the elements by the small island of Ilheu de Sal Rei, visible across the waters. As such, it offers unbeatable bathing conditions and is a perfect place to soak up some rays. If it gets too crowded, Praia Carlota and Praia de Chaves (both further south still) offer great alternatives.
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For those looking to venture off the beaten track, the Duque de Braganca Fort was built to protect the small island from pirates in years gone by and offers great opportunities for exploration. You can also make the short hike north to the Santa Maria beach north of Sal Rei, so named for the Spanish ship which ran aground in 1968 and whose rusted hull still adorns the coastline.
If water sports are more your thing, Boa Vista offers great opportunities for surfing, windsurfing, scuba diving and snorkeling. Indeed, the wildlife at hand is one of the principal attractions, with dolphins and whales within easy reach of the shore and loggerhead turtles laying their eggs on the island’s beaches at certain times of the year. Check tour vendors for rates and seasons.
Meanwhile, the picturesque sand dunes of Deserto de Viana are the perfect backdrop for adrenaline-fuelled quad biking. Further south, the near-deserted village of Rabil is located close by Praia de Santa Monica. This beach is considered by many to be the finest of all that Cape Verde has to offer, and surely merits a visit for any dedicated beach bum worth their salt.
Experience it while it lasts!
Make sure you soak up the insatiable vibe of this beautiful desert island getaway while it remains as pristine and unspoiled as it currently is. There are plenty of resources for planning your first trip to the island.
Though not yet as bustling as its neighbour Sal, Boa Vista’s growing popularity surely means that it’s only a matter of time before such development sets in. Make sure you have a “no stress” experience by getting there before the crowds do!
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Helena Smith Helena has become addicted to travel, and loves getting lost in new places she doesn’t know, getting under the skin of the local culture and traditions. She soon hopes to live the life of an expat woman!
