Family vacations: from Cascais to Cape Verde, sun and low prices

Family holidays in the sun at low prices: setting off from Cascais to Cape Verde is now more accessible than ever, thanks to new connections and all-inclusive packages. Between low-cost flights, child-friendly hotels and a mild winter climate, this tour combines practicality and fun for parents and children.

In this article we detail the practical steps, recent tourism figures for Cape Verde, family accommodation options and budget tips to prepare a successful stay, from Cascais to Sal or Boa Vista.

Why choose Cape Verde for family holidays

Cape Verde is showing a strong upturn in tourism: hotel establishments welcomed 1,177,467 guests in 2024, up +16.5% on 2023. This dynamic is also reflected in a presidential estimate of approximately 1.2 million visitors in 2024, a sign of a trend confirmed by the authorities.

The flagship islands for families are Sal and Boa Vista, which concentrate the bulk of the seaside offer: Sal accounts for around 58 to 60% of overnight stays and tourists, while Boa Vista represents between 24 and 36% depending on the indicators. These islands offer sandy beaches, resorts with kids’ clubs and a well-developed tourist infrastructure.

Cape Verde is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations

Cape Verde is also attractive for its climate: in January, average temperatures around 24°C and dry weather make the archipelago an ideal destination for seeking winter sun with the family.

From Cascais to Lisbon airport: logistics for families

Cascais is perfectly placed for a departure to Lisbon airport. By car or cab the journey takes around 25 to 30 minutes for the 32 km between the two points, which is convenient with children and luggage.

For families who prefer public transport, it’s possible to take the Cascais train to Cais do Sodré and then the metro to the airport: the connection can take around 1h15 depending on the connections, so be sure to plan ahead, especially if you’re traveling with a stroller or bulky suitcases.

Think about leaving early enough to manage boarding and formalities, and check child services on the flight; some all-inclusive packages include transfers and assistance, which greatly simplifies the airport journey.

Flights, airlines and low prices

Many airlines fly directly to Cape Verde from Lisbon: TAP Air Portugal, Cabo Verde Airlines and since 2025 easyJet, which has launched flights and packages to Sal with a maiden flight on March 31, 2025. Direct flight time Lisbon – Sal is around 4h20.

Competition and the development of packages have driven prices down: we’ve seen one-way tickets from Lisbon to Sal starting at around 75 euros during promotional periods (Dec. 2025 – Jan. 2026), and round-trips sometimes below 200 euros depending on promos and dates.

EasyJet Holidays offers all-inclusive packages (flight + hotel + luggage) from around £679 for certain periods, making Cape Verde attractive for families looking for comprehensive, economical solutions.

Where to stay as a family: resorts and budget options

Cape Verde has many family-friendly hotels to suit different budgets. Renowned chains such as Meliá (Melia Dunas, Melia Tortuga), RIU (Riu Palace Santa Maria, Riu Funana), Occidental Boa Vista or Hilton Cabo Verde a Sal offer kids’ clubs, children’s pools and all-inclusive packages that are very practical with young children.

All-inclusive resorts can often be cheaper for a family than booking separately, because meals, activities and sometimes transfers are included. Off-season special offers are worth keeping an eye on to find the best value for money.

All-inclusive resorts can often be less expensive for a family than a separate booking, thanks to the inclusion of meals, activities and sometimes transfers

For smaller budgets, there are also pensions and small family hotels in Sal and Boa Vista: above all, check for the presence of safe spaces for children, proximity to the beach and the possibility of preparing simple meals if required.

Family activities and climate

Sal and Boa Vista are known for their fine sandy beaches and calm waters, ideal for family play, swimming and children’s first snorkelling lessons. Excursions to the dunes, buggy rides or boat trips can be adapted to suit the age of the children.

The winter climate is dry and sunny: in January average temperatures are around 24°C and rainfall is rare, guaranteeing many beach days with no meteorological surprises.

Please remember to pack strong sun protection, caps and rehydration for children; even if the weather is pleasant, the equatorial sun can be intense. Also ask about the activities offered by your hotel: kids’ clubs and entertainment make it easier for parents to stay.

Formalities, health and currency

Before departure it is compulsory to pre-register on the ease.gov.cv platform at least 5 days before the flight and to pay the Airport Security Tax unless exempted. Visa requirements and the list of countries are available on the Cape Verde government’s consular portal.

Concerning health and safety, the US Travel Advisory of December 15, 2025 indicates a level 1: exercise normal precautions, with special attention for Praia against occasional petty crime. Travel insurance covering medical care and repatriation is recommended.

The local currency is the Escudo caboverdien (CVE). At the beginning of January 2026, the official rate was around 110.27 CVE to 1 euro. Carry cards and a little cash in euros for places where card acceptance is variable, especially outside resorts.

The local currency is Caboverdian Escudo (CVE)

Budget, average length of stay and booking trends

The average stay according to IGST/INE in 2024 was around 8.7 days, mostly in organized packages: around 87% of stays are packages. Average daily spending by tourists in 2024 was estimated at 9,014 CVE, or around 82 euros per day.

The rise in tourism is having a notable economic impact: tourism revenues are projected at over 500 million euros for 2024/2025, and the diversification of air links is helping to distribute flows to other islands.

For a family, choosing a flight+hotel+transfers package is often more economical and less stressful than booking separately, especially if you’re traveling out of high season or taking advantage of low-cost promotions.

Practical tips for organizing your stay

Book in advance during promotional periods to take advantage of low fares on flights from Lisbon or via easyJet. Compare package deals if you’re traveling with children: all-inclusive packages can include luggage, transfers and meals for better value.

Check availability of kids’ clubs, family rooms and amenities (cot, high chair). Also include travel insurance and administrative pre-registration on ease.gov.cv, an essential event to avoid any hiccups on arrival.

Finally, adapt your travel arrangements to your needs

Finally, adapt your suitcase to the dry, sunny climate: sun cream, hats, sunglasses and a first-aid kit are a must. Don’t forget to leave some quiet time for the children, and give priority to short excursions on the first day to limit travel fatigue.

Finally, pack your suitcase for a dry, sunny climate: sun cream, hats, sunglasses and a first-aid kit are a must

Taking a family vacation from Portugal to Cape Verde combines accessibility from Cascais, via Lisbon airport, with an abundant supply of family-friendly hotels in Sal and Boa Vista. With special offers on flights, all-inclusive packages and ideal winter weather, now is the perfect time to plan a sunny, budget-conscious holiday.

Respect the formalities (pre-registration on ease.gov.cv), adapt the program to the children’s pace and don’t forget to check the health and safety advice. With a little organization, this vacation can offer sand, sun and unforgettable memories for the whole family.