Cape Verde might just be Africa’s best-kept secret – a place where golden beaches stretch for miles, the vibe is easygoing, and the sun shows up almost every day. But here’s the real treat: it’s not just paradise for the average tourist – it’s also starting to get surprisingly good for accessible travel. Whether you’re after poolside relaxation, exploring colourful towns, or dipping your toes into the Atlantic, Cape Verde makes it feel effortless. Here’s everything you need to know about making your Cape Verde adventure comfortable, convenient, and unforgettable.
Just off the coast of West Africa, Cape Verde (or Cabo Verde if you’re feeling fancy) is a group of 10 volcanic islands sitting in the Atlantic Ocean. Think Caribbean vibes without the jet lag – it’s only a 6-hour flight from the UK and no visa is required for UK citizens (you just need to register online before you fly).
Two of the most popular and accessible islands for holidays are Sal and Boa Vista. Both are flat, sandy, and home to some of the country’s best accessible resorts and beaches.
Why It Works for Accessible Travel
Flat terrain: Especially in Sal, where most resorts and beach areas are pretty level – no surprise hill ambushes here.
Modern hotels: Many are newer builds and often designed with accessibility in mind – think ramp access, adapted rooms, and roll-in showers.
TUI & Jet2 Holidays: These tour operators offer accessible room options in top resorts, and they’ll even help arrange assistance at the airport and transfers on arrival.
Short transfers: From Sal airport to Santa Maria (where most hotels are) takes about 20 minutes max. Boa Vista? Just as easy.
The Need-to-Know Bit
TUI Accessible Holidays to Cape Verde
Be sure to read the AccessAble Guides given by TUI to ensure the hotel meets your needs.
Hotels:
Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria
Riu Palace Santa Maria delivers beachfront bliss with waterslides, six pools, five restaurants, a spa, and water sports galore. Sun, sea, and swim-up bars – Cape Verde never looked so good. Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria with TUI
The resort offers 6 rooms with adaptions which include room for a person using a wheelchair to turn next to the bed, window controls and plug sockets at a recommended height and a fridge which can be used to store medication. All rooms have an ensuite, with drop down rails next to the toilet and a lateral transfer space. The ensuite has a wheel-in shower with a turning space, a flip down shower seat and a dropdown rail. 2 of the swimming pools have a hydraulic hoist, the other swimming pools have stepped access with a handrail. Disabled toilet facilities can be found around the resort and mobility scooters can be stored and charged around the hotel, the resort also offers wheelchairs for emergencies. Assistance dogs are allowed in most areas of the hotel, and are able to stay in the adapted rooms. RIU Palace Santa Maria | AccessAble
TUI BLUE Cabo Verde
TUI BLUE Cabo Verde is a stylish, adults-only escape with beachfront vibes, luxe dining, two pools, spa bliss, and zero kids. Pure peace, local flair, and sunsets steps from the sand .TUI BLUE Cabo Verde with TUI
The resort offers 3 rooms which have adaptions, all with step free access into the rooms, via a ramp. All rooms have ensuites, which have turning space for a person using a wheelchair. There is a grab rail next to the toilet, and the shower has a slight step down and has a shower seat. The beach has a walkway which gives access to some of the sun loungers and the beach. The “quiet pool” has a ramp for access into the swimming pool, or a choice of steps with a handrail. The hotel offers multiple disabled toilets, a medication fridge available on request, and mobility scooters can be charged and stored throughout the hotel. TUI BLUE Cabo Verde | AccessAble
Hotel Riu Touareg
Located in Boa Vista, this huge hotel is a great choice for both adults and families. Beachfront bliss, six saltwater pools, endless food, and 24/7 All Inclusive. Adults-only zones for peace, kids’ clubs for fun—Hotel Riu Touareg is your sun-soaked, stress-free Cape Verde escape! Hotel Riu Touareg with TUI
This hotel offers 6 rooms with adaptions, all with room for a person using a wheelchair to turn next to the bed, hard flooring and step-free level access to the room. Each room has an ensuite, although there is no turning space in the shower. It has a step-free shower, transfer space next to the toilet and grab rails. All rooms on the ground floor, the main restaurant and all of the activities have step-free level access. The access to the adapted rooms, swimming pool and the beach are via slight ramps. Access into the swimming pool is via 6 steps with a handrail and the beach has access via a walkway to the beach activities, some sun loungers and the water. There is a medication fridge at the reception, mobility scooters can be stored and charged near reception and the resort has a list of local suppliers to hire mobility equipment from. Hotel RIU Touareg | AccessAble
Airport Assistance:
Cape Verde airports and airlines offer help for travellers with mobility needs. Let your airline know 48 hours in advance, especially for electric wheelchairs, to ensure smooth, stress-free travel.
Mobility Equipment Hire:
On Sal island, you can rent mobility scooters, wheelchairs, walkers, and hoists from mobilityequipmenthiredirect.com. For other islands, check with a local travel agent for current rental options.
Transportation in Cape Verde
Local minibuses in Cape Verde aren’t ideal for wheelchair users – they’re crowded and not accessible. Taxis are better, especially in Mindelo, Praia and Santa Maria. Book ahead for accessible ones. Renting a car offers the most flexibility, but ask rental agencies about adapted vehicles. Roads vary widely, with cobbles and potholes common, so plan routes carefully.
Out & About Musts
Beach days: Sal’s Santa Maria Beach is long, flat, and stunning – with some hotels offering beach wheelchairs or wooden walkways.
Explore Santa Maria town: A compact, flat town centre with shops, restaurants, and markets. Easy to navigate and full of charm.
Catamaran cruises: Several tour providers offer adapted boarding ramps – so you can enjoy sea breezes without any drama.
Local culture: Take a guided tour in an adapted vehicle and learn about Cape Verde’s music, food, and volcanic landscapes.
Top Tips for Accessible Travel in Cape Verde
Book through a tour operator like TUI or Jet2 Holidays – they’ll support you with adapted rooms and assistance.
Let your airline know early if you need mobility support at the airport or onboard.
Transfers: Ask for an adapted transfer vehicle – both TUI and Jet2 can help arrange this.
Travel insurance: Always take out a policy that covers any specific medical needs or mobility equipment.
Cape Verdean Escudos (CVE) – bring Euros; they’re widely accepted and easier than exchanging currency on arrival.
Hydration station – it gets hot. Like, properly hot. Stay hydrated and always use sun protection.
Mobility equipment: Check with your hotel in advance – many will help store or charge your wheelchair or scooter.
Cape Verde delivers sunshine, soul, and simplicity – all wrapped up in a laid-back island vibe. And the best part? It’s doing a pretty decent job of making holidays more inclusive. So if you’re after a trip that’s easy, sunny, and stress-free, Cape Verde’s calling.
Grab your sunhat, pack that factor 50, and let the islands do the rest.
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