Weather lowdown
The weather begins to cool down in October in Boa Vista, Cape Verde as the autumn season starts to set in. At this time of year, the average temperature is 27°C, created by highs of up to 30°C and lows of 24°C. At the beginning of the month, the average temperature starts out at around 27°C, but falls to 26°C toward the end of the month. October falls within the wet season and although there is around 24mm of rainfall throughout the month, there is also eight hours of sunshine each day, so it won't spoil your holiday. With an average sea temperature of 26°C, October is a great time to enjoy a dip in the sea.
Where to stay
Families and couples looking for affordable accommodation during their holiday in Boa Vista should take a look at Hotel Estoril Beach. Just a stone's throw away from the coast, this hotel is made up of spacious and comfortable double rooms, each of which comes with a ceiling fan which you'll find incredibly useful in October. Guests are invited to take advantage of the numerous facilities which include WiFi access, evening entertainment, restaurant and 24-hour reception.
Another great choice for low-cost accommodation in Boa Vista, Hotel Dunas is a top pick. This complex offers all the comfort of a boutique hotel without the big price tag. Located a short walk away from the harbour, Hotel Dunas is made up of a selection of double rooms, many of which come with sea views. There is a handful of onsite amenities available for guests to enjoy, including reception, bar and restaurant, with the popular Tortuga Beach only a short distance away.
On the other hand, the Iberostar Club Boa Vista is ideal for holidaymakers who want to indulge in a bit of luxury during their holiday. This hotel boasts a beachfront location and provides guests with standard and superior rooms, most of which feature sea views. The list of onsite facilities is comprehensive and covers swimming pools, kids' club, games room, aqua gym, bars, restaurants and entertainment programme.
When it comes to beachside accommodation, it doesn't get much better than Royal Decameron Boa Vista Beach Resort. This complex provides accommodation in the form of basic rooms and suites, all of which are tastefully-decorated and very well equipped. Guests are encouraged to take advantage of the numerous facilities which include kids' club, entertainment programme, swimming pools, bars, restaurants, spa and gym.
Ca'Nicola is another great choice for families and couples who plan on spending a lot of time at the beach during their holiday in Boa Vista. Located only 50 metres from the ocean, this hotel provides guests with a wealth of facilities, including excursion booking, restaurant and 24-hour reception. There is a number of apartments to choose from, each of which comes complete with one or two bedrooms, a fully-equipped kitchen and a comfortable living room.
Hit the beach
Make the most of the great weather by whiling away a few hours at Verandinha Beach. Here you can relax under the sun and work on your tan or take to the water and try your hand at some water sports. Thanks to the almost constant winds, this beach is a top location for surfing, kite surfing and windsurfing. If you don't fancy a swim, you can wander around the huge rock formations and explore.
One of the most popular beaches in Boa Vista, Santa Monica Beach is named after the famous bay in California. This beach boasts powder-like white sands which stretch on for miles, washed by the warm aquamarine ocean which is ideal for swimming or paddling. Santa Monica Beach is protected by a number of rocks, which make it a great place to sunbathe without being bothered by winds.
Where to eat & drink
Fon'Banana is a must-visit for seafood lovers during their holiday in Boa Vista. Here you'll find some of the very best lobster in the whole of the island which is always freshly prepared. If there is someone in your group who isn't in the mood for seafood, there are plenty of other options available, such as chicken and goat. As well as the top quality food, nightly entertainment is provided at this restaurant by local artists, dancers and groups.
Satisfy your craving for fast food at Wakan Bar. Boasting a fabulous beachfront location, this casual restaurant is the ideal place to grab a burger whilst sipping on a cocktail and indulging in some people watching. There is plenty of seating available throughout the establishment, so you can opt to take it easy on the shaded terrace or work on your tan on the open terrace.
Located within Sal Rei, Ka Djinha is a small bar popular with residents and visitors alike. The best time to visit the local-run bar is on an evening when the atmosphere is as its best, thanks to the entertainment provided by locals. A haven for reggae lovers, Ka Djinha pays homage to Bob Marley and regularly plays the music he was so well-known for.
For even more live entertainment, be sure to stop by the Boavista Social Club. Found close to Estoril Beach, just outside Sal Rei, this bar offers a wide range of drinks, including beers, wines, spirits and soft drinks. Boavista Social Club is home to a number of resident acts which always get the party started with lively performances from local singers, dancers and musicians.
Things to do
Football is a huge part of the Cape Verdean culture in fact every village in Boa Vista has at least one full-size football pitch. The football season begins in late October, so if you're a football fan, now's your chance to watch the locals play. Games are played each weekend at the main stadium in Sal Rei and they're great fun to watch. The crowd is often just as fun to watch as the match, with local supporters becoming extremely animated and vocal during matches.
If you'd like to experience an authentic Cape Verdean night out, sign up for the Cape Verdean Night excursion. Great fun for the whole family, this night includes transfers to and from your hotel, live local music, traditional food and a drink. A great way to learn more about the local culture and lifestyle of the people, the Cape Verdean Night excursion is a must for everyone visiting Boa Vista.
