Not sure how to string the islands together? These sample itineraries show how to combine beaches, hiking and culture into a great trip — whether you have one week, ten days or a fortnight.
How long do you need?
With one week you can enjoy one or two islands well; ten days lets you comfortably combine a beach island with a green or cultural one; and two weeks opens up three islands and some proper island-hopping. Inter-island travel eats time, so it's usually better to see fewer islands properly than to rush all ten.
Choose your route
Pick the itinerary that matches your trip length: our 1 week in Cape Verde, 10 days in Cape Verde, or 2 weeks in Cape Verde. Each gives a day-by-day plan you can adapt.
Island-hopping basics
Islands are linked by short domestic flights and, on some routes, ferries (notably the quick São Vicente–Santo Antão crossing). Build in buffer time, as schedules change. See our island-hopping guide for the details.
Frequently asked questions
How many islands can you visit in a week in Cape Verde?
Realistically one or two. Inter-island flights and ferries take time, so most people enjoy a week more by settling into one or two islands than by rushing several.
What is the best Cape Verde itinerary?
It depends on your interests, but a popular route pairs a beach island (Sal or Boa Vista) with São Vicente and Santo Antão for hiking and culture. See our day-by-day plans.
Quick checklist
- See fewer islands properly rather than rushing all ten.
- Pair a beach island with a green or cultural one.
- Build buffer time around flights and ferries.
- Book inter-island transport early in high season.