Anyone considering a property investment in Cape Verde sooner or later asks this question: Boa Vista or Sal? They are the two islands best known to European tourists and they have a lot in common. But they are not the same. An honest disclaimer: our group has been working on Boa Vista for over 25 years and this is where it develops its projects. Precisely for that reason, we try to give you a balanced comparison, without inventing figures about the other island.
What they have in common
Let us start with what they share:
- they are both islands geared towards tourism, with beaches and a climate that attract visitors from Europe;
- they both have an international airport;
- they are part of the same country, with the same general rules for anyone buying a property;
- they both share in the growth in tourism across the whole archipelago.
For an overview of the country, read is it worth investing in Cape Verde.
Where they differ
Character
Sal is a more established and very busy tourist destination. It already has a wide range of facilities and a well-known identity as a beach destination.
Boa Vista has a more natural, spacious character: over 55 km of beaches, dunes and stretches of coastline that are still unspoilt. It is an island that many visitors describe as more authentic and peaceful.
The market
A more mature market, as that of an established tourist island tends to be, may offer more points of reference, but also more competition between similar properties.
A market that is still developing, like Boa Vista’s, offers more room for growth and generally more affordable prices than markets that are already mature. At the same time, it requires you to choose the area, the project and the partner with greater care.
We do not quote average prices for Sal: we have no verified data to offer you, and we prefer not to invent it. On Boa Vista, prices range from €50,000 to over €500,000: you will find concrete examples in the guide on how much a home costs on Boa Vista.
The guest experience
On Sal, many visitors are looking for a holiday with a wide, well-organised tourist offer. On Boa Vista they are often looking for space, nature and tranquillity, as well as the sea. This difference matters if you are thinking of letting: the property needs to appeal to the type of guest who chooses that island.
The questions to ask yourself before choosing
Rather than “which island is better”, ask yourself which island is better for you:
- What kind of holiday do you want? If you will use the home, that is where you will spend your time.
- What type of guest do you want to attract, if you are thinking of letting?
- Do you prefer an established market or one with more room for development?
- Who will support you on the ground? On an island where you have no reliable contacts, even the best choice becomes hard to manage.
- Which format are you looking for? An apartment to manage yourself or an Apart-Hotel with professional management? The comparison between the two formats will help.
Why we chose Boa Vista
Our choice is not theoretical. On Boa Vista the group has built and sold over 350 properties and completed the White Hotel, an Apart-Hotel with 69 suites sold and now in operation. It is now building The View: 65 suites on the beach at Praia Cabral, in Sal Rei, with 98% of the suites facing the ocean.
For us, Boa Vista combines natural beauty, space and a market that is still growing. But the best way to decide is still to see it for yourself. You can get an idea of the areas from the pages on Sal Rei and Praia Cabral, and then arrange an exploratory trip.
A practical tip
If you really cannot decide, visit both islands before buying. Look at the areas, talk to people who live there, compare similar properties. And rely on people who know the island where you will buy inside out: to understand how to choose them, read how to choose who to rely on when buying in Cape Verde.
To discover Boa Vista as a tourist, from beaches and excursions to everyday life, read the guide beaches, excursions and what to see on Boa Vista on Boavista2000.com.
Let’s talk
If you are considering Boa Vista, we can tell you about the island with the experience of people who have worked there for years. Book a consultation or request the presentation of The View.
Frequently asked questions
Is it better to invest on Boa Vista or on Sal?
There is no answer that applies to everyone. Sal is a more established destination; Boa Vista has more natural space and a market that is still developing. What counts is your goal, the area you choose and who supports you on the ground.
Do Boa Vista and Sal both have an international airport?
Yes, both islands have an international airport with connections to Europe. Frequencies and routes change over time, so it is worth checking them when you plan your trip.
Are the rules for buying property different on the two islands?
The general rules are those of the same country, Cape Verde. Checks on an individual property must nevertheless be carried out case by case by a qualified professional.
Why do you focus on Boa Vista?
Because it is the island we know best: we have been working there for over 25 years and it is where we have carried out our projects. We prefer to give advice where we have direct experience and people on the ground.
Would you like to talk it through with a person?
Book a video call or message us on WhatsApp: we will answer your questions about Boa Vista and The View.
