Families
Cape Verde with children, without a car
Short answer
The tourism board recommends Sal, Boa Vista, Santiago and São Vicente for families with small children, because their beaches are close to towns and services. Sort the paperwork first: every child needs their own passport, and a child travelling without a parent or legal guardian needs a certified letter of authorisation.
Paperwork before you fly
The UK government says children aged 17 and under travelling alone, or with an adult who is not their parent or legal guardian, must carry a letter of authorisation in Portuguese, with the signature certified by a solicitor or notary. Children aged one and under do not need the traveller entry form and are exempt from the airport security fee.
The airport company says children must have their own ID or passport, and that every child, including a baby on a lap, needs a boarding pass.
Sources: UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development OfficeCape Verde travel advice: entry requirementsCabo Verde AirportsTraveling with children
Which islands suit small children
The tourism board recommends Sal, Boa Vista, Santiago and São Vicente for family holidays with small children, because they have more beaches directly accessible from towns, plus restaurants and shops nearby.
Sources: Turismo de Cabo VerdeSun and beach
Ferries and flights with children
On CV InterIlhas, pushchairs and other items for children under two travel free. The passenger tariff lists no child fare, so ask before you buy. Food is sold at the bars on board. CVsky accepts newborns from seven days old.
Sources: CV InterIlhasPassenger rules: check-in, luggage and assistancePassenger tariff (national and non-national)CVsky (LACV)Special assistance (Portuguese page)
On the beach
The tourism board says that although the sea is relatively calm, some currents can be strong, so children should always be with an adult in the water. The UK government is stricter: tides and currents are very strong, so use beaches with a lifeguard and follow the flags.
Sources: Turismo de Cabo VerdeSafety in Cabo VerdeUK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development OfficeCape Verde travel advice: safety and security
Health
Health care is basic and limited, the UK government says, and the European health card (GHIC) is not accepted, so travel insurance is essential. For an ambulance, call 130.
Sources: UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development OfficeCape Verde travel advice: health
Sponsored
Where the bus is not enough
Booking through these links supports this free guide at no extra cost to you.
Guided trips for places public transport does not reach. Book only what the answer above leaves uncovered.
Questions travellers ask
Do children pay less on Cape Verde’s ferries?
The published tariff has no child fare. Pushchairs and items for children under two travel free; ask CV InterIlhas about fares before you buy.
Sources: CV InterIlhasPassenger tariff (national and non-national)Passenger rules: check-in, luggage and assistance
Does a baby need the traveller entry form?
No. The UK government says children aged one and under do not need a completed form and are exempt from the airport security fee.
Sources: UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development OfficeCape Verde travel advice: entry requirements
Which Cape Verde island is best for young children?
The tourism board recommends Sal, Boa Vista, Santiago and São Vicente, because their beaches are close to towns, restaurants and shops.
Sources: Turismo de Cabo VerdeSun and beach