Viana Desert and beyond: top sights in Boa Vista, Cape Verde
Among Cape Verde’s most captivating islands, Boa Vista perfectly embodies the spirit of the tropical Atlantic. Here, endless dunes meet deserted beaches, volcanic landscapes, and a dazzling sea that shifts between turquoise and deep cobalt. Its name, meaning “beautiful view,” truly reflects the island’s pristine beauty. Unlike the busier, more touristy Sal, Boa Vista enchants visitors with its authenticity and laid-back rhythm. It’s the ideal destination for those craving tranquillity, adventure, and a deep connection with untouched nature.
Must-see places in Boa Vista: dunes, villages, and untamed nature
Anyone curious about what to see in Boa Vista will find an island balanced between ocean and desert. In the heart of Boa Vista lies the Viana Desert, a stunning expanse of white sand sculpted by winds, a landscape reminiscent of the Sahara. The desert stretches for kilometres, dotted with volcanic rocks and lone acacia trees, inviting exploration on foot or by quad bike. Nearby, the haunting remains of the Cabo Santa Maria shipwreck, a cargo vessel stranded in 1968, rise from the sand, offering a striking and evocative landmark.
But Boa Vista is more than just desert and sea. Rabil, the island’s former capital, preserves its artisanal spirit and is renowned for traditional ceramics. From Rabil, the road leads to Sal Rei, the lively port town known for its colonial architecture and bustling, colourful market, a favourite meeting point for locals and travellers alike. Not far away, villages like Fundo das Figueiras and João Galego offer glimpses of authentic Cape Verdean life, where time moves to the gentle rhythm of tradition.
Boa Vista’s beaches: relaxation and Ocean adventures
Boa Vista is a haven for sea lovers and water sports enthusiasts. Its beaches span more than 50 kilometres, each offering breathtaking and varied scenery. Praia de Chaves, with its golden dunes and crashing waves, is a hotspot for kitesurfers, thanks to the steady winds from November to March. For those seeking pure serenity, Praia de Santa Monica beckons—a stunning 18-kilometer stretch of powdery white sand, often deserted. With shimmering turquoise waters and silky sand, it’s considered one of West Africa’s most beautiful beaches.
From June to October, lucky visitors can witness sea turtles nesting, a rare and unforgettable spectacle. If you visit between December and May, you’ll enjoy Cape Verde’s ideal climate: dry, breezy days that are perfect for excursions, beach time, and taking in the fiery sunsets that paint the west coast.
Excursions and whale watching in Boa Vista
Boa Vista is also a top destination for marine wildlife enthusiasts. From March to May, humpback whales appear in the waters off Sal Rei to give birth and care for their young. Whale watching excursions, always respectful of the local ecosystem, bring you up close to these magnificent cetaceans, offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience in one of the Atlantic’s most important natural sanctuaries.
If you’re drawn to volcanic landscapes, Boa Vista’s interior promises fascinating trails that wind through craters and lava plains, where golden sand merges with black volcanic rock. The result is a surreal, almost lunar panorama—each excursion a journey into the island’s ancient geological past.
