Work, explore, and live the island life — No Stress style - Cape Verde (Cabo Verde) is a cluster of ten stunning volcanic islands scattered across the Atlantic Ocean, about 570 kilometers west of Africa's coastline. This vibrant island nation blends African roots with Portuguese traditions, set against a backdrop of rugged mountains, endless beaches, colorful colonial towns, and a constant soundtrack of local music and laid-back laughter.
With year-round sunshine, a welcoming culture, and a lifestyle centered around the motto "No Stress," Cape Verde invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and rediscover balance — all while staying productive.
Remote workers will find an emerging digital nomad scene, surprisingly affordable living costs, reliable internet in urban hubs, and a variety of landscapes to explore, from the golden sands of Sal to the lively streets of Mindelo to the lush green valleys of Santo Antão.
If you’re dreaming of a place where your mornings can start with a beach swim, your afternoons with focused work sessions in a coworking café, and your evenings with fresh seafood, live music, and sunsets over the Atlantic — Cape Verde could easily be your perfect next destination.
Why Cape Verde for Digital Nomads?
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Year-Round Sunshine: Average temperatures between 24°C–30°C.
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Affordability: Comfortable living for €800–€1,200/month.
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Location: Easy access from Europe (direct flights from Lisbon).
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Varied Landscapes: From desert beaches to lush volcanic mountains.
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Emerging Remote Work Scene: Mindelo and Sal are especially popular.
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Culture: A fascinating blend of African, Portuguese, and Brazilian influences.
Best Islands for Digital Nomads
Santiago – Culture and City Life
Praia: The capital and biggest city, with a mix of modern amenities and African vibrancy.
Coworking Spaces:
- Prime Coworking Praia – centrally located, offering modern desks and good Wi-Fi.
Recommended Places to Stay:
- Praia Confort Hotel – reliable internet, central location.
- Hotel Santa Maria – clean, affordable, and walkable to restaurants and cafés.
- Local Tip: Stay around Palmarejo or Plateau areas for safety and access to amenities.
Sal – Beach, Surf, Repeat
Santa Maria: The tourist hotspot, perfect for beach lovers and watersport enthusiasts.
Coworking Spaces:
- Work Sal Coworking Space – newly opened, good for hot desks and community events.
Recommended Places to Stay:
- Hotel Central Santa Maria – good value in the heart of Santa Maria.
- Ocean Suites – stylish apartments, fast Wi-Fi, and close to the beach.
- Highlight: Kitesurfing and diving are major activities here!
São Vicente – Creativity and Connection
Mindelo: Cape Verde’s cultural capital — colorful, artistic, and lively.
Coworking Spaces:
- Nomadico Coworking Mindelo – the top nomad-friendly coworking spot with a social vibe and strong internet.
Recommended Places to Stay:
- Kira’s Boutique Hotel – charming colonial-style guesthouse.
- Mindelo Residencial – budget-friendly with good Wi-Fi.
Top Tip: Don’t miss Mindelo Carnival (February) — second only to Rio’s!
Santo Antão – For Weekend Adventures
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Best known for breathtaking hiking trails, waterfalls, and dramatic valleys.
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Not ideal for full-time remote work — Wi-Fi is limited and often unreliable.
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Good for: Weekend trips if you're based in São Vicente (Mindelo).
Internet and SIM Cards
SIM Cards:
- CV Móvel – best national coverage.
- Unitel T+ – good alternative in urban areas.
Data Packages: €10–€20 for monthly plans with decent 4G.
Internet Speeds: Expect 10–30 Mbps in towns; slower outside major hubs.
Tip: Always double-check Wi-Fi speed with hosts before booking long-term stays & Buy a Saily eSim and get 10% Off
Visas and Entry Requirements
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Visa-Free for 30 Days: For EU, US, and many other nationalities.
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EASE Pre-Registration: Mandatory before arrival (€34 fee).
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Extending Stay: Apply for a visa extension or residency permit once in Cape Verde.
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No Dedicated Digital Nomad Visa: Yet — but processes are relatively simple compared to Europe or Asia.
Cost of Living
| Item | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Apartment (1-bedroom) | €300–€600/month |
| Local Meal | €3–€7 |
| Coffee | €1–€2 |
| Gym Membership | €20–€40/month |
| Coworking Day Pass | €5–€10 |
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Monthly Living Cost: Around €800–€1,200 depending on island and lifestyle.
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Pro Tip: Shop at local markets (especially for fresh seafood and fruit) to save a lot.
Getting There: Flights & Routes to Cape Verde
Cape Verde is more accessible than ever, with a growing number of direct and connecting flights from Europe, especially the UK and Portugal. Whether you're flying in for a short stay or planning a longer remote work stint, here's how to get there smoothly.
Main International Airports
Cape Verde has four international airports, each serving different islands:
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Amílcar Cabral International Airport (SID) – Sal Island: The busiest airport, ideal for beach lovers heading to Santa Maria.
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Nelson Mandela International Airport (RAI) – Santiago Island: Serves the capital, Praia; best for those seeking cultural immersion.
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Cesária Évora Airport (VXE) – São Vicente Island: Gateway to Mindelo, the cultural heart of Cape Verde.
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Aristides Pereira International Airport (BVC) – Boa Vista Island: Popular among tourists for its pristine beaches.
Direct Flights from the UK
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TUI Airways offers direct flights from London Gatwick to Boa Vista (BVC), catering to holidaymakers and remote workers alike.
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easyJet has initiated direct flights from London Gatwick to Sal (SID), providing budget-friendly options for travelers .
Flights from Portugal
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TAP Air Portugal operates regular flights from Lisbon and Porto to Sal (SID) and Praia (RAI), making it a convenient option for those connecting from other European cities.
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Cabo Verde Airlines also offers flights from Lisbon to various Cape Verdean islands, including Sal, Praia, and São Vicente
Other European Connections
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Luxair provides flights from Luxembourg to São Vicente (VXE).
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TUIfly Netherlands connects Amsterdam to São Vicente (VXE).
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Vueling and TAP Air Portugal offer flights via Paris and Lisbon, respectively, to multiple Cape Verdean destinations.
Domestic Flights
For inter-island travel:
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BestFly Cabo Verde operates domestic flights connecting major islands like Sal, Santiago, São Vicente, and Boa Vista.
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Cabo Verde Airlines also offers inter-island flights, though schedules may vary.
Tip: Flights between islands are limited and can be affected by weather conditions. It's advisable to book in advance and allow for flexible travel plans.
Ferries
Ferries are available between certain islands:
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São Vicente and Santo Antão have a reliable ferry connection, making it easy to explore both islands.
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Other routes exist but may be less frequent and more susceptible to cancellations due to sea conditions.
Note: Ferry schedules can change, and services may be canceled on short notice. Always check the latest information before planning your journey.
Getting Around
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Alugueres: Shared minibuses — cheap and popular.
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Taxis: Affordable for city travel (€2–€4 within towns).
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Car Rentals: Ideal if you're staying long-term, especially on Santiago and São Vicente.
Things to Do Beyond Work
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Hiking in Santo Antão: Some of the best trails in the Atlantic.
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Explore Cidade Velha: Colonial history on Santiago Island.
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Beach Time: Sal and Boa Vista offer postcard-perfect white sands.
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Local Music Nights: In Mindelo’s bars and cafes.
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Water Adventures: Kite surfing, snorkeling, diving around Sal and Boa Vista.
Challenges to Know About
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Bureaucracy Can Be Slow: Always allow extra time for visa extensions and admin tasks.
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Internet Is Good, But Not Everywhere: Stick to Praia, Santa Maria, and Mindelo for reliable connectivity.
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Language Barrier: Basic Portuguese or Creole helps; English is not always widely spoken outside tourist areas.
Quick Facts
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Currency: Cape Verdean Escudo (CVE)
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Language: Portuguese (official), Cape Verdean Creole (widely spoken)
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Time Zone: GMT-1
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Main Airport: Amílcar Cabral International Airport (SID) on Sal Island
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Best Season to Visit: November to June (dry season, less humid)
Cape Verde — A True "No Stress" Remote Work Destination
Cape Verde offers a rare combination: tropical scenery, vibrant culture, affordable living, and a growing digital nomad community — without the crowds. Whether you want to surf in Sal, dive into Mindelo's music scene, or hike the misty peaks of Santo Antão, this Atlantic gem gives you the freedom to work and explore at your own pace.
Take a Nomad In Progress for more detailed information on Cape Verde and also our other Digital Nomad Destinations in Africa - South Africa, Namibia, Morocco & Kenya
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To connect with other digital nomads and remote workers to cowork in different locations - Join the local FREE CoWorking Days community.
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