Cape Verde is one of Africa's top travel destinations. The Cape Verde archipelago is made up of nine volcanic islands, with sandy beaches and turquoise lagoons. Due to its proximity to North America, the climate is moderate all year round, with temperatures rarely dipping below 10°C (50°F).
If you love swimming, you won't be disappointed. There are several perfect places to enjoy a refreshing swim. The best time to go is from May to September, when the water is warmest, but there are also some great spots all year round, such as at sunset or sunrise. Let's take a look at where to go swimming in Cape Verde.
Falesia Beach
This is the most visited beach in Cape Verde. The sand is white and the water is so clear you can see the bottom. It's a great place to snorkel and see many species of fish and coral. The beach is ideal for swimming, windsurfing and scuba diving. The water is warm, with a high seabed, so for those afraid of strong currents, this is not the place. The best time to go is from May to September, when the water is warmest, but there are also beautiful spots all year round, such as at sunset or sunrise.
Mainsquare biscuit
Situated in the middle of the island of Santo Antão, but easily accessible by car, is the village of Mainsquare. It is one of the most visited villages in Cape Verde because of the black sand beach in the middle of the island. The sand is black because of the volcanic rock. It's a beach with soft sand and clear water, ideal for snorkelling. The water is warm, but the sand is low, making it unsuitable for swimming. This is the ideal place if you want to explore the island and its natural environment, as there are no tourists here. The best time to go is from May to September, when the water is warmest, but there are also beautiful spots all year round, such as at sunset or sunrise.
Boqueirão Beach
Located in the middle of the island of Santiago, Boqueirão beach is the largest coral reef in Cape Verde and is a protected area. This beach is the ideal place for snorkelling. You can see coral reefs, tropical fish and even nurse sharks, which are very rare in Cape Verde. You can also find sea turtles, parrot fish and many other species. The water is warm and the sand is grey, so it's perfect for walking. It's a small beach, so it's ideal for swimming, but not too much. It's perfect if you want to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery. The best time to go is from May to September, when the water is warmest, but there are also beautiful spots all year round, such as at sunset or sunrise.
Feteira Beach
Located in the southern part of the island of Fogo, Feteira is a perfect spot for outdoor activities. It is a small beach bordered by a natural reef. The water is very calm, making it ideal for swimming and snorkelling. You can also find plenty of shells and rocks, so it's an ideal place for hiking. The beach is not very long, so it's perfect for sunbathing, but there are also rocks for fishing. It's an ideal place for families with children, as there are plenty of activities on offer. The best time to go is from May to September, when the water is warmest, but there are also beautiful spots all year round, such as at sunset or sunrise.
Santana Beach
One of the most visited beaches in Cape Verde, Santana is located in the capital, Praia, in the centre of the city. The sand is pure white and the water is very clear. It has a beautiful blue tint and is a very pleasant place to swim. The water is also warm, perfect for swimming and snorkelling. The beach is long and wide, making it ideal for sports such as surfing, kayaking and swimming. You can also enjoy other sports such as sailing and navigation. The best time to go is from May to September, when the water is warmest, but there are also beautiful spots all year round, such as at sunset or sunrise.
Arguim Beach
Located at the southern end of the island of Sal, Arguim is a small village with a small beach. The sand is black, as in Mainsquare, but the water is blue, as in other parts of the archipelago. It's a perfect place for swimming, but also for snorkelling, as the reef is close to the beach. The water is warm, but the sand is low, which makes it unsuitable for surfing or diving. It's a small beach, so it's ideal for families with children, as there's a park where you can play. The best time to go is from May to September, when the water is warmest, but there are also beautiful spots all year round, such as at sunset or sunrise.
Sagres Rock
Located in the southern part of the island of São Vicente, Sagres Rock is an old fishing village. It is a small town with a beautiful beach and a natural rock formation. The beach is long, making it ideal for sports such as surfing and swimming. It's a very clean beach with clear water, ideal for snorkelling. The water is warm, but the sand is low, making it unsuitable for surfing or diving. It's a small beach, so it's ideal for families with children, as there's a park where you can play. The best time to go is from May to September, when the water is warmest, but there are also beautiful spots all year round, such as at sunset or sunrise.
Santa Ines and Anfos beach by night
Located in the southern part of the island of São Vicente, Santa Ines is a small town with a beautiful natural beach. The sandy beach is surrounded by cliffs offering breathtaking views of the ocean. It's a very quiet beach, with few visitors, so you can enjoy it to the full. The water is calm and clear, ideal for swimming and snorkelling. The sand is low, making it unsuitable for surfing or diving. It's a small beach, ideal for families with children, as it has a park where you can play. The best time to go is from May to September, when the water is warmest, but there are also beautiful spots all year round, such as at sunset or sunrise.
Shubbies Beach by night
Located in the southern part of the island of São Vicente, Shubbies is a small fishing village. It's a small beach surrounded by cliffs with a breathtaking view over the ocean. The beach is small, so it's not crowded, ideal for swimming and romantic walks. The water is calm and clear, ideal for swimming and snorkelling. The sand is low, making it unsuitable for surfing or diving. It's a small beach, so it's ideal for families with children, as it has a park where you can play. The best time to go is from May to September, when the water is warmest, but there are also beautiful spots all year round, such as at sunset or sunrise.
Oasis beach and lagoon
Located near Boqueirão, Oasis beach is a small beach with a small island and a lagoon. The water is warm and clear, ideal for swimming and snorkelling. The sand is low,