Cape Verde all-inclusive: is it worth it, and which island?

Last updated: November 13, 2026

Most holidays to Cape Verde are sold as all-inclusive packages to Sal or Boa Vista, and for many travellers it is the right call. It is not for everyone, though: what is included varies from hotel to hotel, some costs always come on top, and on Sal a room in town can be the better deal. This guide explains where the resorts are, what you usually get, the extras to budget for, the festive season and how to choose a resort.

Is all-inclusive worth it in Cape Verde?

On the beach islands, often yes. Cape Verde imports most of its food and drink, fresh water comes from desalination plants and the islands live largely from tourism, so restaurant and supermarket prices are close to those of southern Europe, sometimes higher. Most resorts on Boa Vista and many on Sal stand far from any town, which puts eating out a taxi ride away. For families, and for anyone who wants a week of sun without planning meals, an all-inclusive package fixes most of the cost in advance.

It is less of a bargain if you want to explore. On Sal, the town of Santa Maria has restaurants, bars and excursion desks within walking distance, and a room-only or half-board stay lets you eat where locals eat, at about €5-10 for a dish of the day. If you plan to visit other islands, all-inclusive also means paying for meals you will not eat. Our guide to holiday costs adds up both options.

Where the all-inclusive resorts are: Sal and Boa Vista

Nearly all the large resorts are on Sal and Boa Vista, the two flat beach islands with international airports. On Sal they line the coast on either side of Santa Maria, at the southern tip of the island. Chains such as RIU and Meliá run big complexes there, from the three connected RIU hotels beyond Ponta Preta to resorts within walking distance of the centre. The bay of Santa Maria is the most sheltered stretch of sand on the island, which matters in the windy months.

On Boa Vista the resorts are bigger and more isolated, spread along Praia de Chaves and the west and south-west coasts as far as Lacacão, where the RIU Touareg stands. Outside the hotel there is little within walking distance, so all-inclusive is the practical choice. On the other islands, from Santiago and São Vicente to Santo Antão and Fogo, accommodation means town hotels and guesthouses; see where to stay in Cape Verde.

What is usually included, and what is not

There is no standard definition, so read the hotel's own description of its plan before you book. A typical package includes buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner, snacks during the day and a selection of local and international drinks, from beer and house wine to soft drinks and cocktails made with house spirits. Larger resorts add à la carte restaurants, which may need a reservation or be limited to a number of dinners a week, plus entertainment and a kids' club.

Items that often cost extra are premium spirits and wines, some à la carte restaurants, room service, the spa, motorised water sports, kitesurf lessons and the excursions sold at the hotel desk. Some hotels serve all-inclusive drinks only until a set time at night. Check too whether the airport transfer is part of the package and whether drinks at the beach bar are covered.

Sal: all-inclusive or a room in Santa Maria?

Sal is the island where the choice is real. If your resort is on the edge of town, you can have the best of both: meals at the hotel, and an evening walk to the pier, the square and the bars of Santa Maria. From resorts further out the town is a taxi ride away; agree the fare before you get in. Read our Santa Maria guide if you are tempted to stay in town.

Couples and independent travellers who want to eat out, book excursions directly and see more of the island often spend less with a room-only or bed-and-breakfast stay in Santa Maria. Families with young children, and anyone who wants a pool, food on tap and no decisions, usually do better all-inclusive. The wind is the other factor: from about December to May it blows almost every day, so ask whether the pool and terraces are sheltered.

Boa Vista: why all-inclusive makes sense

Boa Vista has one small town, Sal Rei, and the big resorts lie several kilometres from it along empty beaches. There are no proper buses: taxis and shared aluguer minibuses run between the airport, Sal Rei and Rabil, and leaving the hotel otherwise means an excursion. In practice, guests eat and drink at the resort and go out on a 4x4 trip to the Viana desert, a boat trip or an afternoon in Sal Rei.

Choose the resort by its beach as well as its pool. Some resort beaches face big waves and strong currents and lifeguards are rare, and Santa Mónica, the longest beach, has a dangerous undertow. Loggerhead turtles nest on many of these beaches from about July to October, so hotels with low beach lighting, and guests who keep off the sand at night, help them. Our comparison of Sal and Boa Vista weighs up the two islands.

All-inclusive at Christmas and New Year

The festive weeks are the most expensive of the year, and the most popular resorts sell out months ahead. Many all-inclusive hotels hold special dinners on 24 and 31 December, often a gala evening with music, and some put on fireworks over the beach at midnight. Not all of them include these dinners in the package: some charge a supplement or ask guests to reserve a table in advance, so check the conditions before you pay.

If you want to see the New Year in the Cape Verdean way, at the free concerts that town councils organise, the Santa Maria party is within reach of the Sal resorts near town, while on Boa Vista the celebration is in Sal Rei. Our guide to Christmas and New Year in Cape Verde has the details and the weather.

The extras to budget for

Two compulsory costs are rarely in the package price. Every visitor must pre-register on the official EASE platform at least five days before arrival and pay the airport security fee of 3,400 escudos, about €31 per person; children aged one and under are exempt. Hotels also charge a tourist tax of about €2.50 per person per night for guests over 16, for up to ten nights; some operators include it, others ask you to pay at the hotel. The details are in safety, visa and the EASE fee.

On top come excursions, which typically cost about €30-60 per person for a half-day trip on Sal, plus a few drinks or meals outside the hotel and tips. On an all-inclusive holiday that usually adds up to €20-50 a day on average; compare excursion prices on our tours page. Tipping is appreciated but not compulsory, and around 10% for good service is usual.

How to choose an all-inclusive resort in Cape Verde

Start with the island and the beach: Sal's resorts near Santa Maria for calm swimming and a town nearby, Boa Vista's for space and empty sand. Then check the distance to town and to the airport, whether the pools and terraces are sheltered from the wind, how many à la carte dinners are included and until when the bars serve drinks. Families should look at the kids' club and the children's pools; couples may prefer an adults-only area, where there is one, or a smaller hotel.

Prices follow the European school calendar more than the weather: the best value is usually in May and June and from late September to November, while Christmas, the February half-term, Easter and August cost the most. Water is scarce and most of it comes from desalination, so short showers and reusing towels help, and booking at least one excursion with a local operator spreads your money beyond the resort. To compare the months, see the best time to visit Cape Verde.

Frequently asked questions

Is Cape Verde good for an all-inclusive holiday?

Yes, especially on Sal and Boa Vista, where most resorts are far from town and food and drink are not cheap. If you want to explore and eat locally, a room in Santa Maria on Sal can work out cheaper.

Which island is best for all-inclusive in Cape Verde?

Sal for the calmest swimming in the bay of Santa Maria and a town within reach, Boa Vista for bigger, emptier beaches and more isolated resorts. Nearly all the big all-inclusive hotels are on these two islands.

Are drinks included in all-inclusive hotels in Cape Verde?

Local and house-brand drinks usually are, including beer, house wine, soft drinks and cocktails made with house spirits. Premium brands, some à la carte restaurants and room service often cost extra, so check the hotel's plan.

Is the tourist tax included in an all-inclusive package?

Not always. The tax of about €2.50 per person per night, for guests over 16 and up to ten nights, is sometimes in the package and sometimes paid at the hotel; the EASE airport security fee of about €31 is rarely included.

Is the Christmas dinner included in all-inclusive in Cape Verde?

It depends on the hotel. Many resorts hold gala dinners on 24 and 31 December; some include them, while others charge a supplement or require a reservation.