Boa Vista is sundrenched (Image: Shutterstock / PietroEb)
As the clocks have turned back and autumn is in full swing, many Brits are yearning for a bit of sunshine. While winter sun holidays are often associated with long-haul flights to exotic locations, there’s a new hotspot that’s gaining popularity – and it’s just a six-hour flight from London.
Frequently referred to as ‘the new Canary Islands’ due to its year-round sunshine, Cape Verde is becoming a popular destination in December and January for those seeking an alternative to Spanish resorts. The archipelago has recently become more accessible for Brits, with easyJet launching flights to the islands in March this year. This marked the budget airline’s first venture into Sub-Saharan Africa and one of its longest flights so far.
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Santa Maria is the most popular place to stay on the islands (Image: Getty Images)
The islands, located off the west coast of Africa, welcomed an estimated 1.2 million visitors in 2024, a number significantly smaller than the tourist influx in the Canaries. Tenerife alone saw around seven million visitors in the same year, giving Cape Verde a less touristy feel.
The main attraction of the islands is undoubtedly the delightful weather. Even though January is the coldest month in Cape Verde, it still regularly reaches 27C during the day, with six to eight hours of sunshine and minimal chance of rain, reports the Mirror.
In contrast, Tenerife hovers around the 17 to 22C mark during this period, gets about six hours of sun, but can be cloudy and experience brief showers.
If you choose to jet off with easyJet, you’ll find yourself landing in Sal, an island renowned for its volcanic desert landscape. The majority of tourists opt to stay in Santa Maria, located in the southern part of the island, which is famed for its expansive sandy beaches and turquoise seas.
Santa Maria is a charming, laidback town (Image: Getty)
The town exudes a laid-back atmosphere, with streets lined with palm trees. As night falls, the town comes alive with vibrant nightlife, featuring live music and beach bars.
Holidaymakers can indulge in a variety of activities such as windsurfing, embark on a boat trip to spot sharks, or visit the abandoned Pedra Lume salt mine, nestled within an extinct volcano. Tourists can explore the historic mines before indulging in a rejuvenating mud bath and floating in the saline pools that are reputed to leave their skin feeling incredible.
Of course, you don’t need to spend your entire holiday on Sal. A three-hour ferry journey away lies Boa Vista, home to a selection of resorts.
This lesser-visited island boasts stunning white sand beaches where lucky visitors may catch sight of turtles coming ashore.
Embark on a quad bike tour to take in the desert landscapes, or set sail on a catamaran to discover the best beaches. In the northern part of the island, you can also visit the shipwrecked MS Cabo Santa Maria, which has been a fixture in the waters since 1968 and provides a unique backdrop for photographs.
Visit the old salt mines and float in a saline pool (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
EasyJet holidays’ Chief Commercial Officer Paul Bixby said: “Cape Verde is a fantastic destination, providing year-round sunshine and white sandy beaches. That’s why we’re thrilled to be offering our brilliant package holidays, whether it’s a family looking for a resort to enjoy with kids, or a couple looking for adults-only luxury, we have a great range of fantastic resorts across the island of Sal.”
When it comes to finding accommodation, travellers can choose from numerous options spanning basic comfort through to comprehensive all-inclusive establishments.
The Meliá Llana Beach Resort and Spa, an adults-only venue featuring all-inclusive deals, boasts outstanding reviews. One satisfied guest commented: “The resort itself is beautiful, a true oasis of tranquillity and style.”
The hotel also has the option of swim-up accommodation for those who adore relaxing poolside.
For families, the Hilton Cabo Verde Sal Resort presents an ideal choice, situated in an excellent spot on the vibrant Ponta Sino beach, renowned as a favoured kitesurfing destination.
A previous visitor remarked in their assessment: “A lovely stay at Hilton Sal Cabo Verde and would certainly return again. Great location and friendly staff. Extremely clean and good choice of food. Rooms are a great size with comfy beds.”
EasyJet currently operates services from London Gatwick to Sal on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, with January bookings beginning at £111.99 one way.
Their current holiday packages feature a 7-night all inclusive getaway at Sol Dunas Family Fun, departing January 7 2026, priced from £843 per person. This cost reflects two guests sharing a double room.