Cycling in Cape Verde
Including Boa Vista Island Desert Trails, Sal Island Coastal and Desert Tracks, and São Vicente Island Coast and Climbs. On the map.
The vibe
Cycling across these islands is a test of endurance against dramatic elevation changes and constant, gusty winds that define the local landscape. Winter and early spring are the best windows to ride, as the heat remains manageable for long days in the saddle. The roads are sparsely trafficked, allowing you to navigate the winding mountain passes at your own pace without the stress of heavy vehicle congestion.
Boa Vista Island Desert Trails
Boa Vista
Horst / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Boa Vista offers vast sandy tracks, coastal gravel roads, and lunar landscapes ideal for adventurous gravel and mountain biking. Riders traverse rolling dunes, secluded beaches, and historic villages across the island's interior.
Access. Fly into Rabil Airport (BVC) on Boa Vista. Guided bike tours and rentals are available in Sal Rei.
Notes. Off-road conditions require wide tires or mountain bikes. High temperatures and remote stretches require carrying ample water.
Sal Island Coastal and Desert Tracks
Sal
Cayambe / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0 lu)
Sal features rolling coastal roads and wide-open gravel tracks connecting sandy beaches, salt flats, and volcanic craters. Its flat-to-rolling terrain makes it ideal for mixed-surface exploration and relaxed coastal riding.
Access. Fly into Amílcar Cabral International Airport (SID) on Sal. Bike rentals and excursions are widely available in the main tourist hub of Santa Maria.
Notes. Strong trade winds are common year-round, adding resistance to coastal stretches. Sun protection and hydration are essential due to arid conditions.
São Vicente Island Coast and Climbs
São Vicente
Sentinel-2 cloudless 2016 by EOX IT Services GmbH is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Offering challenging paved ascents and sweeping ocean views, São Vicente delivers rugged volcanic road cycling. Riders can test their legs on the climbs rising from Mindelo toward Monte Verde while enjoying dramatic Atlantic backdrops.
Access. Fly into Cesária Évora Airport (VXE) near Mindelo. Bike rentals and local cycling guides can be arranged in Mindelo, which serves as the primary base.
Notes. Best from November to April when temperatures are milder. Winds can be extremely strong across exposed ridges; suitable for intermediate to advanced road cyclists.