From field to paradise: football fever puts Cape Verde islands in the spotlight | News
Cape Verde’s growing visibility on the international football stage, including its recent success and qualification for the FIFA World Cup, is driving new interest in the Atlantic country as a year-round holiday destination, according to British specialist operator Cape Verde Experience.
With increased global attention on the islands, the operator says more and more travelers are looking beyond Cape Verde’s well-known beach offering and discovering its wider appeal, including volcanic landscapes, Creole culture, live music, walking tours and island hopping.
Cape Verde Experience Product Manager Suzanne Brown said the destination’s profile among British holidaymakers is shifting.
“Cape Verde has always had a unique identity, shaped by African, Brazilian and Portuguese influences, alongside warm hospitality and striking natural landscapes,” she said. “What we’re seeing now is a growing curiosity that goes beyond the beaches, with customers increasingly interested in the culture, music and island experiences.”
The increased attention is also reflected in local life during major football matches, where matches are widely shown in bars and cafes across the islands, creating a vibrant social atmosphere that brings communities and visitors together.
Resort manager Tracey Hall said match days at Sal often become a focal point for social interaction.
“When there’s a big game you can really feel the islands coming to life,” she said. “People come together in cafes and bars on the beach, sharing food, talking football and enjoying the atmosphere in a very relaxed, welcoming way. It’s easy for visitors to join in and feel part of it.”
On São Vicente, local representative Edson Oliveira said football goes hand in hand with a broader cultural identity that continues to define the islands.
“Football is part of everyday life here, but it is accompanied by music, festivals and tradition,” he said. “Visitors are often surprised by the depth of the culture, from morna music and carnival in Mindelo to hiking in Santiago, Santo Antão and the volcanic landscapes of Fogo.”
Interest in Cape Verde has increased in recent months, with increased demand for multi-island itineraries that combine beaches, culture and adventure. Holidays often revolve around island hopping experiences that showcase the diversity of the archipelago, from volcanic landscapes and mountain hiking trails to colorful towns and golden sandy beaches.
The operator offers ATOL protected holidays and tailor-made itineraries on eight of the ten islands.
Holiday features include:
Direct flights from the UK from London and regional airports
Carefully selected beachfront hotels, boutique properties, self-catering apartments, guest houses and eco-retreats
Private transfers are included as standard on package holidays
Multi-island itineraries and island hopping combinations
Specialized destination expertise from a team with more than 19 seasons of experience in Cape Verde
For more information, visit capeverde.co.uk or call 01489 866998.
