Flights to Cape Verde and São Vicente

Getting to the islands

The ten islands of Cabo Verde lie more than 500 kilometres off the west coast of Africa, so you arrive by air or by sea. Most islands have an airport, but the small airports of Brava and Santo Antão have been closed for years. Four islands have an international airport.

The international airports of Cabo Verde

• Santiago, Nelson Mandela International Airport (RAI): near the capital Praia on the largest island, in the southern Sotavento group.
• Sal, Amílcar Cabral International Airport (SID): the oldest and largest international airport of the country, between Espargos and the resort town of Santa Maria.
• Boa Vista, Aristides Pereira International Airport (BVC): on the easternmost island, a few kilometres from the island capital Sal Rei.
• São Vicente, Cesária Évora International Airport (VXE): near São Pedro, about a 15 minute drive from Mindelo. It opened for international flights in 2009 after the old domestic airport was modernised.

Flying to São Vicente

TAP Air Portugal flies between Lisbon and São Vicente, which makes Lisbon the most practical hub from most of Europe and beyond. In addition there are seasonal direct flights to São Vicente from northern Europe, for example from the Netherlands. Routes and schedules change from season to season, so always check the current options when you plan your trip.

Flying into Sal, Boa Vista or Santiago instead? You can continue to São Vicente with a domestic flight. Allow enough time for your connection.

On to Santo Antão

Santo Antão has no operating airport, so you reach it by ferry from the port of Mindelo to Porto Novo. São Vicente is therefore the natural gateway to the green hiking island. Read more on our Santo Antão page.

Before you land

• Arrange a rental car to be waiting at the airport.
• Find a place to stay in Mindelo, Baía das Gatas or near the kite beach: see where to stay.
• Check the weather per month and plan your activities.