Weather lowdown
Although it's one of the coolest times of the year in Boa Vista, Cape Verde, December still has pleasantly warm weather. During this month, the average temperature is 24°C, made up of lows of 21°C and highs of 26°C. At the beginning of December, the average temperature starts off at 24°C and gradually cools down to 22°C toward the end of the month. Even though it's winter, the island only experiences 15mm of rainfall throughout the entire month. With seven hours of sunshine each day and an average sea temperature of 24°C December is an excellent time to enjoy a day at the beach during your holiday.
Where to stay
Families and couples searching for an all-inclusive hotel in Boa Vista should check out the Hotel Riu Touareg. Here accommodation is provided in the form of suites, family rooms and double rooms, ensuring something for all budgets and group sizes. The list of onsite facilities is extensive and covers swimming pools, fitness activities, entertainment, bars and restaurants.
ClubHotel Riu Karamboa is another great choice when it comes to all-inclusive accommodation in Boa Vista. This complex provides a wealth of facilities for guests to enjoy, including sports activities, spa, swimming pools, kids' club, WiFi access, bars and restaurants. There is also a great variety of accommodation to choose from, such as suites, family rooms, triple rooms and double rooms.
If you prefer to cook your own meals, consider going self-catering. Por do Sol offers a vast range of accommodation, with everything from compact studios to immense townhouses each of which comes with a fully-equipped kitchen. Guests are encouraged to take advantage of the facilities available onsite, including free parking, swimming pools, Jacuzzi, bar and restaurant.
When it comes to beachfront accommodation, Marine Club Beach Resort ticks all the boxes. Located on Praia da Cruz beach, this four-star hotel provides accommodation in the form of basic rooms, superior suites and luxury villas, so there is something to suit everyone. The list of onsite amenities is extensive and covers massage centre, fitness facilities, swimming pools, Jacuzzi, bar and restaurant.
Ca'Nicola is also a popular choice for holidaymakers who plan on spending a lot of time at the beach during their trip. Positioned only a stone's throw away from the beach, this complex provides guests with access to 24-hour reception, excursion booking and restaurant. There are 27 apartments to choose from, all of which feature a comfortable living room, well-equipped kitchen and one or two bedrooms.
Hit the beach
Water sport enthusiasts won't want to miss the chance to spend a day at Praia de Santa Maria. Found on the north of the island, this beach features almost constant winds which make it a top location for surfing, paddle boarding and kite surfing. Even if you don't fancy having a go yourself, the water sports are fantastic fun to watch and can provide hours of entertainment. Praia de Santa Maria is known for its super-soft sands which create the ideal conditions for adults to sunbathe whilst the little ones build sandcastles.
For something a bit more chilled out, while away a few hours at Santa Monica Beach. Named after the famous Californian beach, this bay is protected from the winds, so it's an excellent place to sunbathe without worrying about sand blowing all over the place. After you've had enough of the sun, you can cool off by splashing about in the warm and clear sea.
Where to eat & drink
If you find yourself craving Italian food during your holiday in Boa Vista, stop by the Unico Amor Café & Restaurante. Here you'll find a fantastic selection of Italian specialities, including grilled eggplant, seafood pasta and handmade pizzas. Thanks to its large portion sizes, this restaurant offers great value for money, making it popular with families and large groups.
One of the most popular restaurants in Boa Vista, Blue Marlin is located in the centre of the square at Sal Rei. This restaurant only has four tables, so booking in advance is a must if you don't want to be left disappointed. The varied menu offers something for all diners to enjoy, with everything from fresh fish and meat to the ever-loved local 'cachupa' available on the menu.
When it comes to evening entertainment, it doesn't get much better than Rosy's. On most nights you can walk into this bar and see a number of performances, including musicians, singers and dancers who put on family-friendly shows which attract great numbers of visitors and locals alike. There is a great selection of drinks available behind the bar, as well as a small snack menu if you're feeling hungry.
For something a bit more relaxing, stop by Alisios Bar/Restaurant. Boasting a prime beachfront location at Estoril Beach, this bar serves a fantastic range of alcoholic and soft drinks throughout the day which are perfect for cooling off after hours of sunbathing. If you're feeling peckish, there is also a varied menu to browse.
Things to do
If you'd like to get out and about for a bit of exploring, sign up for an excursion to Ilheu de Sal Rei. Located only a ten minute boat ride away from Sal Rei, this deserted islet offers a genuine Robinson Crusoe experience, with no facilities or services so you'll have to take your own supplies with you and only one attraction: a 19th century Duque de Branganca fort.
A ride onboard the Sea Turtle Catamaran is a wonderful opportunity to relax and unwind. This adults-only half-day cruise leaves from Sal Rei harbour and sails along the beach of Praia de Chaves. You can lie on the deck and work on your tan or take a refreshing dip in the sea when the boat drops anchor. A buffet lunch and unlimited drinks are included in the price of your ticket, making it an affordable day out.
