As the days grow shorter and autumn settles in, many are starting to yearn for a sunny escape. While traditional winter sun getaways often involve lengthy flights to far-off places, a new trending destination, just a six-hour flight from London, is gaining popularity.
Referred to as the ‘new Canary Islands’ due to its year-round sunshine, Cape Verde is emerging as a sought-after choice for holidaymakers seeking an alternative to the typical Spanish resorts during December and January.
Cape Verde has become more accessible to UK travelers, with easyJet commencing flights to the archipelago in March this year, offering a gateway to Sub-Saharan Africa with one of its longest routes. Despite welcoming approximately 1.2 million visitors in 2024, Cape Verde still sees fewer tourists compared to the Canary Islands, like Tenerife, which attracted around seven million visitors in the same year.
The primary allure of Cape Verde lies in its delightful weather. Even in January, the coldest month, temperatures can reach up to 27°C with ample sunshine and minimal rainfall, contrasting with Tenerife’s 17 to 22°C range, occasional clouds, and brief showers.
Arriving on the island of Sal via easyJet, visitors are greeted by a volcanic desert landscape. Most opt to stay in Santa Maria, renowned for its expansive sandy beaches and vibrant ocean waters. The town exudes a laid-back atmosphere, with tree-lined avenues and a lively nightlife scene featuring live music and beachfront bars.
Travelers can partake in various activities on Sal, such as windsurfing, shark-spotting boat trips, or exploring the abandoned Pedra Lume salt mine situated in an extinct volcano. Tourists can tour the historic mines, indulge in a mud bath, and float in saline pools, known for their skin-revitalizing properties.
For those looking to venture further, a three-hour ferry ride to Boa Vista unveils a quieter island with stunning white sand beaches, ideal for observing turtles nesting along the shores. Adventure seekers can embark on quad bike tours through the desert terrain or sail on a catamaran to discover pristine beaches. In the island’s north lies the shipwrecked MS Cabo Santa Maria, a captivating spot for photography enthusiasts, resting in the waters since 1968.
Paul Bixby, the Chief Commercial Officer of easyJet holidays, expressed enthusiasm for Cape Verde’s appeal, emphasizing its perpetual sunshine and sandy coastlines. The airline offers an array of package deals for various preferences, from family-friendly resorts to adult-only luxury accommodations across Sal.
Accommodation options in Cape Verde range from basic comfort to all-inclusive luxury resorts. The adults-only Meliá Llana Beach Resort & Spa garners praise for its tranquil setting and swim-up rooms, while the family-friendly Hilton Cabo Verde Sal Resort, located in a prime kitesurfing area, receives accolades for its convenient location, cleanliness, and excellent dining choices.
Interested travelers can book flights from London Gatwick to Sal with easyJet, operating on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, with January rates starting at £111.99 one way. Package deals, such as a 7-night all-inclusive stay at Sol Dunas Family Fun departing on January 7, 2026, are available from £843 per person based on double occupancy.
By selecting the Daily Mirror as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google News, readers can access timely news content that aligns with their interests.
