Finding the right tickets to Cape Verde is usually where the vacation stress starts, mostly because the archipelago is just far enough away to be confusing. You’ve got ten islands, but only four of them really take international flights. If you've been looking at the map and wondering why you can't find a direct flight to that tiny eco-lodge on Santo Antão, it's basically because you can't. You have to fly into a hub first.
Honestly, the biggest mistake travelers make is assuming all islands are created equal. They aren't.
🔗 Read more: Weather in Europe Map: What Most People Get Wrong
If you want the white sands and the all-inclusive resorts, you’re looking for Sal or Boa Vista. If you want the soul of the country—the music, the history, the bustling markets—you’re heading to Praia on the island of Santiago. These routes are handled by different airlines and, weirdly enough, have completely different pricing "sweet spots."
Getting to the Islands Without Breaking the Bank
Usually, if you're coming from Europe, you've got it easy. TUI and easyJet have been aggressively expanding their footprint here. In fact, as of early 2026, you can snag a seat from London Gatwick to Sal for as low as $184 if you're flexible. But here is the kicker: those cheap seats disappear fast because TUI often packages them with their hotel deals.
TAP Air Portugal is the other big player. They use Lisbon as a massive funnel. Most people coming from the US—say, flying out of Boston or JFK—will almost certainly stop in Lisbon. It’s a bit of a detour geographically, but it’s often the cheapest way to cross the Atlantic.
Expect to pay around $600 to $800 for a round trip from the East Coast if you book a few months out. If you see something under $550, just buy it. Seriously.
The New 2026 Visa Reality
Wait. Before you hit "confirm" on those tickets, there is a massive change you need to know about.
As of January 1, 2026, Cape Verde effectively ended its "visa on arrival" system for 96 countries. This is huge. For years, you could just show up, pay a fee at the airport, and get your stamp. Now, if you’re from one of the affected countries (which includes several non-EU nations that previously had it easy), you have to get a visa from an embassy or consulate before you board.
The EASE (Efficient Automatic and Safe Entry) portal is still a thing, though. You still have to register there and pay the Airport Security Tax (TSA), which is about 3,400 CVE (roughly $30).
If you show up without the right paperwork now, the airlines might not even let you on the plane. They’ve become really strict about it because the Cape Verdean government is cracking down on entry requirements to streamline security.
Best Time to Book Those Tickets to Cape Verde
Timing is everything. Travel experts and data from platforms like Skyscanner suggest that May is often the cheapest month to fly from Europe. If you're coming from the US, April tends to be the winner.
- Avoid the "Holiday Spike": December and January are brutal for prices. Everyone wants that winter sun.
- The Midweek Rule: It’s a cliché, but it’s true here. Flying on a Wednesday can save you $100 compared to a Friday departure.
- The Three-Month Window: For international routes, the sweet spot for booking is usually 90 to 120 days before departure.
Inter-Island Flights: The Hidden Budget Killer
This is where people get tripped up. You bought your tickets to Cape Verde landing in Sal, but you really want to see the volcanoes on Fogo.
Cape Verde Airlines (TACV) is the main carrier for these hops. There’s also a new player, CVSky (operating under LACV), which just got its certification to start domestic flights in late 2025. This is good news because, for a while, inter-island travel was... let's call it "unpredictable."
Expect to pay between $70 and $150 for a one-way hop between islands. These planes are small ATR turboprops. They fill up. If you're planning to island hop, book these at the same time you book your international flight. Don't wait until you land in Praia to figure out how to get to São Vicente.
A Quick Word on Reliability
TACV has had its ups and downs. In 2025, they dealt with some significant cancellation issues on inter-island routes. Things are looking up for 2026 with the government's new "Strategic and Business Plan," but you should still leave a "buffer day" between your inter-island flight and your international flight home.
Wind can also be a factor. The Harmattan winds from the Sahara sometimes kick up dust in the winter, which can ground the smaller planes. It’s rare, but it happens. Sorta like a snow day, but with sand.
Actionable Steps for Your Booking
- Check your visa status first. Since the rules changed on January 1, 2026, don't assume your passport gets you in for free. Visit the official EASE portal to see if you need to hit up an embassy.
- Use Lisbon as a pivot. If direct flights to Sal are too pricey, look for a cheap flight to Lisbon and then a separate ticket on TAP or easyJet to the islands.
- Book the TSA fee early. You can pay the Airport Security Tax online up to five days before you arrive. It saves you from standing in a massive, sweaty line at the airport.
- Validate your island choice. Don't buy a ticket to Praia if you just want to sit on a beach for seven days. You'll spend half your budget on a second flight to Sal or Boa Vista.
- Watch for the new CVSky routes. If you're traveling between islands in 2026, check their schedules; they're trying to undercut TACV on price to gain market share.
Getting your tickets to Cape Verde doesn't have to be a nightmare, but it does require more homework than a standard flight to Paris or Rome. Once you've got the visa and the TSA fee sorted, the rest is just about timing the market and making sure you’re landing on the right island for the vibe you want.