Updated on Jul 30, 2025 by Alastair McClymont
Blog > Top Cape Verde hotels for an activity holiday
Not one for simply relaxing on the beach? Consider staying in one of these activity-filled Cape Verde hotels.
The diversity of Cape Verde's archipelago ensures that across all of its islands, each and every type of holiday can be experienced, from relaxing beach breaks to adventurous activity holidays.
Certain islands are tailor-made for specific holiday experiences, for example, Sal is perfect for a beach escape or a water sports holiday, while Santo Antão is the place to head for those in search of superb hiking opportunities.
If you're the kind of holidaymaker who finds it difficult to simply laze on the sand during your break, you'll find Cape Verde's fantastic range of activities very appealing. So to help you decide on the perfect place to stay, we've listed some of our favourite hotels for an activity holiday.
Full to the brim with facilities, this adults-only, all inclusive hotel is a hive of activity on Sal's glorious Santa Maria beach.
Sailing, windsurfing and paddle-boarding are all available from the hotel’s water sports station, and two swimming pools, a well-equipped gym, WellFit spa and an array of fitness classes ensure you’re never short of things to do.
You can also get involved in outdoor games such as beach volleyball, tennis or water polo: the choice is yours.
Find out more about this hotel
A stunning Hilton resort sat beside the sands of Santa Maria Beach on Sal, this hotel doesn't just benefit from its superb beachfront location, but also its very own Atlantic Star nautical centre.
The centre offers the chance to partake in a range of water sports activities, including diving and kayaking. In addition to this, the Hilton boasts a well-equipped fitness centre, where guests can enjoy plenty of activity programmes, including yoga sessions.
Another fantastic hotel blessed by a location directly on the sands of Santa Maria Beach, Hotel Morabeza is a great base for water sports enthusiasts.
As well as the sports on offer at the hotel itself, including tennis, archery and mini-golf, the beach is a hive of water sports potential, with everything from kite-surfing to surfing ready to be enjoyed.
A small hotel with a minimalistic approach, yet providing a comfortable stay! Just a short stroll away from an impressive black sand beach, this hotel makes a wonderful base to explore the island. Its bright exterior welcomes you home after a day of sightseeing, with a great range of restaurants nearby.
A traditional Cape Verdean hotel boasting stunning scenery in Valley de Paúl, with walking trails on its doorstep. Enjoy local specialities at the on-site restaurant, accompanied by live music. We offer a panoramic transfer tour as standard on all package holidays that include Santo Antão, allowing you to enjoy the remarkable scenery en route to the hotel.
This small, family-run hotel is surrounded by mesmerising mountainous peaks, all inviting fans of walking to explore their striking terrain.
In fact, it's possible to walk from the hotel all the way to the top of Pico da Antónia, a six-hour hike which will take you to an altitude of 1,394m. In addition to this hike, there are plenty of other walking tours you can enjoy from Quinta da Montanha, giving you the chance to soak up the remarkable scenery that inland Santiago is renowned for.
A hotel that oozes tranquillity and peace, with a beautiful sandy beach on its doorstep. A unique feature is the sandy-bottom pool, a fantastic way to have the best of both worlds! The à la carte restaurant offers gourmet cuisine and impeccable service. Thanks to the hotel's central location, guests can enjoy the hustle and bustle of Santa Maria town and the water sports that are available along the beach, there are a myriad of options to choose from, so perfect for those who don't like to sit still!
Posted in Alastair McClymont, Beaches, Great Outdoors, Holidays | Tagged Excursions & tours, Holidays, Things to do, Water sports, Winter holidays
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