Rent a Car and Explore Cabo Verde: Your Atlantic Island Adventure Awaits!

Cabo Verde, a land of stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and rich history, offers a unique driving experience. While car rentals are available, independent travel is becoming more accessible. Here’s your guide to Cabo Verde’s key airports and unforgettable road trips.

Main Airports in Cabo Verde

Cabo Verde’s airports connect you to its diverse islands:

• Amílcar Cabral International Airport (SID): Located on Sal Island, this is Cabo Verde’s main international hub. It serves as a key gateway for tourists and handles flights from major European and African destinations3.
• Nelson Mandela International Airport (RAI): Situated in Praia, Santiago Island, this airport is a major hub for domestic and international flights, catering primarily to the Cabo Verdean diaspora1.
• Cesária Évora Airport (VXE): Located on São Vicente Island, this airport became an international hub in 2009 and serves as a cultural center for the archipelago1.
• Aristides Pereira International Airport (BVC): Situated on Boa Vista Island, this airport handles both domestic and international flights, focusing on tourism1.
• São Filipe Airport (SFL): Located on Fogo Island, it provides access to the island with limited international flights1.
• Maio Airport (MMO): Situated on Maio Island, this airport handles domestic flights1.
• São Nicolau Airport (SNE): Located on São Nicolau Island, it serves the island with limited domestic flights1.

Other Airports in Cabo Verde

• Brava Island: No operational airport; previously Esperadinha Airport was used but is now defunct1.
• Santo Antão Island: No operational airport; previously Agostinho Neto Airport was used but is now defunct1.

Top Road Trips in Cabo Verde

1. Sal Island Coastal Drive

• Route: Santa Maria → Espargos → Murdeira → Santa Maria (40 km)
• Highlights: Explore Sal Island’s stunning beaches, visit the town of Espargos, and enjoy the local culture. This route offers a mix of coastal scenery and vibrant markets2.

2. Fogo Island Volcano Road Trip

• Route: São Filipe → Chã das Caldeiras → Pico do Fogo → São Filipe (100 km)
• Highlights: Visit the active volcano Pico do Fogo, explore the scenic landscapes of Chã das Caldeiras, and enjoy the island’s unique volcanic scenery2.

3. São Vicente Island Tour

• Route: Mindelo → Baía das Gatas → Calhau → Mindelo (50 km)
• Highlights: Explore Mindelo’s cultural sites, visit the scenic Baía das Gatas beach, and enjoy the island’s vibrant music scene4.

Driving Essentials

• License: International Driving Permit (IDP) required alongside a valid home license.
• Traffic: Drive on the right. Be cautious of aggressive driving and pedestrians in urban areas.
• Hazards: Watch for potholes, especially during the rainy season, and occasional livestock on rural roads.
• Fuel: Available in major towns; stations accept cash (Cape Verdean Escudo) and credit cards.

Packing Tips

• Clothing: Lightweight, breathable fabrics for tropical heat; layers for cooler evenings. Include modest attire for cultural sites.
• Gear: Reusable water bottle, sunscreen, and a portable charger.
• Extras: Cash (CVE), offline maps (cellular coverage is generally good), and a basic Portuguese phrasebook. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for better connectivity.

Why Choose a Road Trip?

Driving in Cabo Verde lets you pause at hidden beaches like Praia de Santa Maria, detour to scenic viewpoints like Pico do Fogo, and explore vibrant cities like Mindelo. With routes like the Sal Island Coastal Drive or Fogo Island Volcano Road Trip, every journey blends natural beauty, cultural richness, and Atlantic island hospitality.

Book your car rental today at SID Airport—beaches, volcanoes, and music await!