The Best Villas and Holiday Rentals to Book in Cape Verde

The pool at Apartamento Aparthotel Tropical Resort has plenty of space to splash around
The pool at Apartamento Aparthotel Tropical Resort has plenty of space to splash around | Courtesy of Apartamento Aparthotel Tropical Resort / Expedia
Gabi Ancarola

Found off the coast of Senegal, in the mid-Atlantic Ocean, the volcanic islands of Cape Verde are famed for their warm tropical climate, unique landscapes and picturesque beaches. The archipelago is home to the striking Pico do Fogo volcano and awe-inspiring rocky lagoon of Buracona and has a beguiling mix of flavourful African cuisine, lively nightlife and captivating culture. If you’re planning a trip, we’ve found the best villas and holiday rentals in Cape Verde – bookable on Culture Trip – on some of the most popular islands, including Sal, Santiago and Boa Vista.

1. Casa Tud Dret, for seaside inspiration on Boa Vista island

Apartment

A furnished terrace overlooking the beach at Casa Tud Dret
Courtesy of Casa Tud Dret / Expedia

For a luxurious and modern beachside pad, book a spot at Casa Tud Dret. The complex of contemporary apartments faces the gorgeous beach on Boa Vista island and has modern kitchens and beautiful bathrooms. At night, you can fall asleep to the soothing sound of the waves, and in the morning, you can open your patio door and step directly on the warm sand of Praia da Chave. Praia de Santa Mónica, Praia do Estoril, Praia de Cruz and the romantic Morro Negro Lighthouse are also close by.

2. Apartamento Aparthotel Tropical Resort, for natural vistas of Sal island

Resort, Apartment

The outdoor pool, surrounded by greenery, at the Apartamento Aparthotel Tropical Resort
Courtesy of Apartamento Aparthotel Tropical Resort / Expedia

The naturally beautiful surroundings of these apartments based right on the beach in Sal are reflected in the interiors, with earthy tones and wooden furniture. Here, you’ll get a comfortable balcony with views or a patio, a well-designed kitchen with a dining table and a sitting area, and parking is provided free of charge. If you can tear yourself away from the beach, there’s a huge pool flanked by palm trees and gardens at the complex, and the Strip is a short walk away for dinners and drinks.

3. Meliã Dunas Beach Resort and Spa, for affordable luxury on Sal island

Resort

A villa with a private plunge pool at Meliã Dunas Beach Resort and Spa
Courtesy of Meliã Dunas Beach Resort and Spa / Expedia

Looking for a private luxury villa in Cape Verde that doesn’t break the bank? These private, self-catering homes on Sal island are just the ticket and would be perfect for a group getaway. Each comes with a living room (complete with a flat-screen TV), a dining area, a kitchen, three spacious bedrooms, two bathrooms and a private plunge pool for cooling off on hot days. There’s a lot of space, and you also get free wifi access. In the area, you can enjoy a day at the Viveiro Botanical Garden and Zoo or explore seaside gems, such as Ponta Preta and Shark Bay.

5. Cala da Lua Apartments, for a quiet retreat on Boa Vista island

Apartment

A shaded outdoor terrace with loungers at the Cala da Lua Apartments
Courtesy of Cala da Lua Apartments / Expedia

If space and privacy are what you’re after, then the Cala da Lua Apartments fits the bill perfectly. Beautiful balconies and patios adorned with palm trees, comfortable spaces and plenty of light are just some of the things you’ll find at this quiet aparthotel. Despite being close to the Bay of Estoril and the attractions in Sal Rei, it’s tranquil, making it a great option for families and couples. As a bonus, breakfast (as well as daily cocktails) are on the house.

6. Cabral Palace, for isolated wilderness on Boa Vista island

Apartment

A pared-back living room leading to a balcony with beach views at Cabral Palace
Courtesy of Cabral Palace / Expedia

Facing the barren seaside landscape of Praia Cabral in Boa Vista, Cabral Palace is a modern complex with gorgeous apartments and penthouses that cater perfectly for those who want to be a bit more isolated. The apartments have bedrooms with blackout curtains for a great night’s sleep, modern kitchens, furnished balconies and relaxing sitting areas; some also have sofa beds. As well as the stretch of sand over the road, the beautiful Praia do Estoril and Praia de Cruz are close by, but with in-room massages and other beauty treatments available, you might find it hard to tear yourself away from the apartment.

7. Villa ao Mar, for a natural ambience on Sal island

Apartment

The stone-clad facade of Villa ao Mar fronted by gardens
Courtesy of Villa ao Mar / Expedia

These elegant apartments are opposite Santa Maria Beach on Sal island, so you can stroll down to the sand whenever you feel like it. Units are light and bright, with wooden floors and earthy tones in the decor and furniture, while the modern kitchens make cooking a dream (though there are also coffee-making facilities if you just want a pick-me-up in the morning). Each one also has a balcony or terrace. You can take advantage of the on-site bicycle and car rental services to explore the magnificent gems on Sal.

8. Ca’ Mary, for a simple stay on Sal island

Apartment

The communal pool with wooden loungers at Ca’ Mary
Courtesy of Ca’ Mary / Expedia

Based on the southernmost tip of the island of Sal, Ca’ Mary is a kaleidoscopically coloured, sun-drenched apartment where you’ll have a private outdoor veranda, a kitchen (complete with laundry facilities), a bedroom and a dining area. The waterfront property is inside a holiday complex with a swimming pool surrounded by trees and flowers. The local market, the Viveiro Botanical Garden and Zoo and scenic Santa Maria Beach are a short distance away.

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