Chaves Beach

From Sal Rei, it's a straightforward 15-minute drive south to the beach, accessible daily by car. A legally enforced public access corridor runs along the waterline, so even the resort-fronted stretches are open to all visitors. Parking is free and informal — spacious areas sit near the resort access roads and the main beach entrance. There is no entry fee.

The beach itself is the main event — walk the full 10-kilometre crescent, swim in the shallows, or head to the north end for kitesurfing conditions. A short drive away, the Chaminé de Chaves is a striking geological landmark worth the detour. Further inland, the Viana Desert stretches out like a slice of the Sahara — the largest sand desert in Cape Verde — and Monte Santo António rewards the climb with panoramic island views.

Right at the resort complex, Spiaggia Restaurant and Palapa Bar (both at VOI Praia de Chaves Resort) cover everything from sit-down meals to beach-side drinks without leaving the bay. Perola de Chave is another option close to the beach. For more variety, Bar Restaurante Chaminé, Toscana for Italian, and Las Dunas for international dishes are all within 5 kilometres back towards Sal Rei.

The VOI Praia De Chaves Resort sits 2.4 km from the beach and holds a 4.5-star rating across over 2,500 reviews — the obvious anchor option for this stretch. The Occidental Boa Vista Beach is a comparable alternative at 2.9 km. For something smaller and more personal, B&B Villa Cristina carries a near-perfect 4.9-star score from guests and sits 3.4 km away.

Shoot the full crescent arc from the waterline at sunrise, when the golden sand catches low light and the turquoise water is glassy before the wind picks up. At dusk, the north end — with kitesurfers silhouetted against the sky — gives you a completely different, more dynamic frame.

The public access corridor along the waterline is legally enforced, so you're entitled to walk the full length regardless of resort fencing — use it. Strong currents and unpredictable waves are possible; always check lifeguard flags before entering the water and never ignore a warning. Jellyfish appear in summer months and occasional stones lurk beneath the surface, so water shoes are a smart call. Between June and October, respect the turtle nesting zones at night — stay back, keep lights off, and follow any posted guidance. No motorised vehicles are permitted on the beach.