Weather lowdown
April is a very pleasant time to visit Boa Vista, Cape Verde, when the island experiences pleasantly warm and dry weather. At this time of the year, the average temperature is 23°C, made up of lows of 20°C and highs of 26°C. The average temperature creeps up as the month progresses it starts off at around 22°C at the beginning and ends at around 23°C at the end. With only 1mm of rainfall throughout the whole month, it's very unlikely you'll experience as much as a shower during your holiday. On the other hand, you'll get plenty of sun, with around ten hours of sunshine each day and an average sea temperature of 22°C.
Where to stay
If you're looking for a little bit of luxury during your stay, take a look at the Royal Decameron Boa Vista Beach Resort. One of the finest establishments in Boa Vista, this hotel provides guests with a wealth of facilities, including an all-inclusive option, kids' club, swimming pools, entertainment programme, bars, restaurants, spa and gym. There is a selection of standard rooms and suites to choose from, all of which are tastefully decorated.
Casa Velha Resort is another great choice when it comes to top-end accommodation. Here you'll find a small number of elegant apartments, each of which is comfortable and well-equipped. There is a handful of facilities and services available onsite, including reception, café and relaxing terrace.
Families and couples in search of a budget holiday in Boa Vista should check out Por do Sol. Located on the beach, this hotel offers a huge variety of accommodation, with everything from immense townhouses to modern studios. There are plenty of onsite facilities to enjoy, such as bar, restaurant, free parking, swimming pool and Jacuzzi.
Marine Club Beach Resort is ideal for holidaymakers who want to spend a lot of time at the beach. Found just a stone's throw away from the coast, this hotel provides accommodation in the form of standard rooms, superior rooms and luxury villas. The list of onsite amenities is extensive and covers swimming pools, Jacuzzi, massage centre, sports facilities, bar and restaurant.
When it comes to all-inclusive hotels, it doesn't get much better than ClubHotel Riu Karamboa. Here you can choose from double rooms, triple rooms, family rooms and suites, ensuring something to suit every budget, taste and group size. Onsite facilities are numerous and include WiFi access, sports facilities, spa, playground, kids' club, swimming pools, bars and restaurants.
Hit the beach
Lacacao Beach is a long, golden sandy beach which stretches on for miles. Although there are very few facilities available on the beach, there is a hotel currently being built in the area where you will soon find plenty of bars, restaurants, shops and services. The calm waters are perfect for swimming whilst the warm sand is ideal for sunbathing or sandcastle building.
One of the best beaches on the island, Curral Velho is sheltered from the wind, making it a top location for families with young children to spend the day. Just like Lacacao Beach, there are no amenities available at Curral Velho, although there are plans to build a beach bar in the near future. If you get bored sunbathing, head slightly inland where you'll find the abandoned village of Curral Velha and a dried up lake.
Where to eat & drink
Found in the centre of the square at Sal Rei, Blue Marlin is without a doubt one of the finest restaurants in Boa Vista. Due to its popularity and small size the restaurant only has four tables making a reservation beforehand is a must. The menu features a wonderful range of fresh fish, including lobster and tuna, as well as the local dish 'cachupa'.
Satisfy your craving for lobster at Maresias. Known for amazing quality and large portions, this restaurant offers great value for money. Make sure you confirm what's available before you have a look at the menu the best stuff sells out quickly. Wine lovers will be pleased with the selection of local and international bottles on offer.
The recently-opened A Lua Maluca is a fantastic place to enjoy a refreshing soft drink during the day or a relaxing cocktail on an evening. Run by Italian owners, this establishment is found close to the port and provides guests with the option of both indoor and outdoor seating.
If you like to indulge in people watching, Temanche is a great place to grab a drink. Situated on the pier close to the harbour, this bar is run by a local Cape Verde man who offers a small selection of drinks and food. There is plenty of outside seating available where you can enjoy a cold drink whilst watching the lively port action.
Things to do
Adrenaline junkies won't want to miss the chance to go quad biking with Quad Land. This company offers a huge range of itineraries which cover all different regions of the island, so you're bound to find the perfect day out for you. Most of the excursions incorporate a break at a local restaurant for the chance to try some Cape Verdean cuisine. You can choose to drive your own individual quad bike or partner up with someone and ride on a double quad.
If you'd prefer something a bit more relaxed, consider spending the day whale watching. The waters surrounding Cape Verde are one of the few breeding sites for humpback whales, so sightings are very likely. April falls within the peak of the breeding season so not only will you have a good chance of seeing the whales, but you also might be able to hear the males singing breeding songs.
