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Ponta do Sol

Cabo Verde · Coast · CVE · 17.200000, -25.083300
Family friendly 5.3/10 · Rank 2001 of 2 709
Best season: November-June

Best for

Hiking, nature, quiet holiday and Cape Verdean culture lovers

Best season

November-June

Daily budget
$90.00 (≈ 7 553 ₽)
For 7 days
$630.00 (≈ 52 870 ₽)
Ponta do Sol is a small fishing village on the northern coast of Santo Antão Island, located at the foot of steep green mountains. It is one of the most picturesque places on the island, known for its breathtaking ocean views and traditional fishing boats. Here you can enjoy a quiet atmosphere, taste the freshest fish, and go hiking in the surrounding valleys. Ponta do Sol is the perfect retreat for lovers of peace and nature.
Summer
31.0°C
Winter
19.0°C
Sea
26.0°C
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Description and atmosphere

Energy

calm

Pace of life

slow

Local character

Friendly, hospitable, value traditions and community

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Scenic hiking trails
  • Authentic atmosphere
  • Calm life
  • Affordable prices
  • Close to nature

Cons

  • Few swimming beaches
  • Limited nightlife
  • Far from major cities
  • Few entertainments
Climate
Summer Temperature
Average air temperature in June–August
25.0°C
Summer Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in June-August
27.0°C
Summer Max Temp
Maximum daytime temperature in summer months
31.0°C
Winter Temperature
Average air temperature in December–February
21.0°C
Winter Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in December-February
24.0°C
Winter Min Temp
Minimum temperature in winter months
19.0°C
Summer Water Temperature
Average sea temperature in the warm season
24.0°C
Water Max Temp
Maximum water temperature in warm season
26.0°C
Rainy Season
Months with the heaviest rainfall
August-October
Sea and beach
Sand Type
Type of beach surface
sand
Sand Color
Colour of the beach sand
black
Water Entry
Type of water entry
moderate
Waves
Level of waves
moderate
Water Clarity
Clarity of the water
moderate
Best Beach
Name of the most popular beach
Praia das Aranhas
Beach
Availability of a beach
Yes
Tides
Whether tides are noticeable
Yes
Rip Currents
Presence of dangerous rip currents
Yes
Sunbeds
Availability of sunbeds
No
Beach Cafe
Availability of a cafe or bar
Yes
Toilet / Shower
Availability of toilets and showers
No
Lifeguards
Presence of lifeguards
No
Safe for Swimming
Whether swimming is safe
Yes
Sea hazards
Sea Urchins
Presence of sea urchins
Present
Corals / Reefs
Presence of corals or reefs
None
Jellyfish
Presence of jellyfish
Present
Sharks
Presence of sharks
Present
Overall Danger
Overall danger rating
moderate
Note

Rip currents and jellyfish possible, swim on guarded beaches and follow lifeguard instructions

Sea urchins — details

  • Sea urchin Diadema antillarum — found on rocky bottoms off Ponta do Sol, stings are painful, special swimming shoes recommended
  • Sea urchin Eucidaris tribuloides — inhabits rocky patches and the intertidal zone, requires caution

Corals and reefs — details

  • Coral reefs are absent off Ponta do Sol — the rocky coast of Santo Antão is unfavourable for reef-building corals. Isolated colonies of soft corals and gorgonians occur on rocky seabed areas
  • Santo Antão waters are characterised by moderate temperatures and the absence of extensive reef frameworks

Jellyfish — details

  • Portuguese man o' war (Physalia physalis) — found in Cape Verde waters, especially during the rainy season, stings are very dangerous and require immediate medical attention
  • Moon jellyfish (Aurelia aurita) — common species in coastal waters, stings are mild but can cause skin irritation

Sharks — details

  • At least 50 species of sharks and rays inhabit Cape Verde waters, including the tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier), whale shark (Rhincodon typus) and oceanic manta ray (Mobula birostris)
  • Sharks pose a potential danger, caution is recommended when swimming and diving
Attractions

Ponta do Sol — Fontainhas — Cruzinha Trek

One of the most scenic hiking routes in Cape Verde along the rocky coast with ocean views

Fontainhas Village

Picturesque village on a mountain ridge above the sea, considered one of the most beautiful in the world

Praia das Aranhas

Black sand beach where you can see nesting sea turtles

Fishing Port

Authentic fishing port with colourful boats and fresh fish

Best areas

Town Centre

Historic part with colourful houses, market and shops

Coastal Zone

Area along the coast with beaches and viewpoints

Must-try food

Cachupa

National dish of Cape Verde — hearty stew of corn, beans, vegetables and meat or fish

Grilled Fresh Fish

Local fishermen's catch, grilled with lemon and spices

Xerém

Traditional corn porridge, served with fish or meat

Grogue

Local sugarcane spirit, traditional to Cape Verde

Where to go next

Ribeira Grande

Town 4 km away with market and restaurants

Porto Novo

Port town 20 km away with ferry to São Vicente

Fontainhas

Scenic village 5 km away by hiking trail

Family Friendly
Suitable for families with children
Yes
Nightlife
Level of nightlife
low
Getting there
Nearest airports
Cesária Évora International Airport (VXE).
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Visa
Visa requirements
not required
Best Season
Months with the most comfortable weather
November-June
Accommodation
Hostel (Dorm Bed)
Average price for a hostel dorm bed
$20.00
≈ 1 678 ₽
3-Star Hotel
Average price for a 3-star hotel room
$65.00
≈ 5 455 ₽
4-Star Hotel
Average price for a 4-star hotel room
$100.00
≈ 8 392 ₽
5-Star Hotel
Average price for a 5-star hotel room
$160.00
≈ 13 427 ₽
Villa / House
Average nightly rate for a villa or house
$120.00
≈ 10 070 ₽
Apartment
Average nightly rate for an apartment
$50.00
≈ 4 196 ₽
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Food and drinks
Lunch at a Cafe
Average price for lunch at a casual cafe
$7.00
≈ 587 ₽
Dinner at a Restaurant
Average check for dinner at a nice restaurant
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽
Coffee (Cappuccino)
Average price for a cappuccino
$2.00
≈ 168 ₽
Beer (0.5L)
Average price for a 0.5L beer
$2.00
≈ 168 ₽
Water (1.5L)
Average price for a 1.5L bottle of water
$1.00
≈ 84 ₽
Pizza
Average price for a pizza
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽
Burger
Average price for a burger
$6.00
≈ 504 ₽
Dessert
Average price for a dessert
$3.50
≈ 294 ₽
Fast Food Combo
Average price for a fast food combo
$6.00
≈ 504 ₽
Transport
Airport Taxi
Average taxi fare from the airport to the city centre
$40.00
≈ 3 357 ₽
Public Transport
Average price for a single public transport ticket
$1.00
≈ 84 ₽
Short Taxi Ride
Average fare for a short taxi ride
$3.00
≈ 252 ₽
Car Rental (per day)
Average daily rate for an economy car rental
$45.00
≈ 3 776 ₽
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Activities and rentals
Bike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a bike or scooter
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽
Motorbike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a motorbike or scooter
$25.00
≈ 2 098 ₽
Excursion
Average price for an organised excursion
$30.00
≈ 2 518 ₽
Yacht / Boat Cruise
Average price for a boat cruise
$120.00
≈ 10 070 ₽
Tiqets — museums & landmarks Ponta do Sol Partner
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Shopping
Shopping
Average amount spent on shopping
$40.00
≈ 3 357 ₽
Souvenirs
Average amount spent on souvenirs
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽
Tourist SIM / Internet
Average price for a tourist SIM card
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽
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Frequently asked questions
Ponta do Sol: when is the best time to go?
The best season for a holiday is November-June. At this time of year the weather is the most comfortable: minimal chance of rain, moderate humidity and optimal air temperature. This is also when the tourist infrastructure runs at full capacity — all hotels, restaurants and entertainment are open. If you want to save money, consider the period right after the high season ends: accommodation prices are lower, and the weather is still pleasant. You can check the temperature by month in the match-by-month tool.
Ponta do Sol: what is the weather like in summer?
In summer, the air warms up to an average of +31.0°C, during the day — up to +27.0°C. This is a great time for beach holidays and long walks. Sunscreen is recommended during the peak hours from 11:00 to 16:00.
Ponta do Sol: what is the weather like in winter?
In winter, the air temperature stays around +19.0°C, during the day — up to +24.0°C. For the winter period these are very comfortable figures that allow swimming and sunbathing. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket will not go amiss.
Ponta do Sol: what is the sea temperature?
The sea near the resort warms up to an average of +26.0°C in the warm season. This water temperature is considered ideal for long swims — you can stay in the sea for hours without discomfort. The water is comfortable for both adults and children. If you want to know the exact temperature by month, use the match-by-month tool.
Ponta do Sol: when is the rainy season?
The rainy season falls on August-October. During this period rainfall is more frequent, but usually short — the rain lasts 1-2 hours, after which the sun comes out again. Humidity is higher, so being outside may be less comfortable. At the same time, accommodation and flight prices during the rainy season are significantly lower — an excellent option for a budget holiday.
Ponta do Sol: what are the beaches like?
The beaches here are with a "sand" surface, black sand, moderate water. The most popular beaches: Praia das Aranhas. The beaches have cafes and bars.
Ponta do Sol: is it safe to swim in the sea?
Swimming is allowed here, but standard precautions should be taken. The overall danger level in the sea is rated as high — swimming is only recommended in specially designated areas.
Ponta do Sol: what are the sea hazards?
The sea contains: sea urchins, jellyfish, sharks. Rip currents and jellyfish possible, swim on guarded beaches and follow lifeguard instructions. It is recommended to swim in special shoes and avoid contact with marine life.
Ponta do Sol: how much does a holiday cost?
A holiday for one person will cost around $90.00 (≈ 7 553 ₽) per day. The daily budget includes: a 3-star hotel, lunch at a cafe, dinner at a restaurant, drinking water, two public transport trips. Flights are not included in the calculation. You can calculate the cost of your holiday in more detail in the trip planning calculator across all 70 parameters.
Ponta do Sol: how much does accommodation cost?
Accommodation is available for every budget: a hostel dorm bed — $20.00 per night, a 3-star hotel room — $65.00 per night, a 4-star hotel — $100.00 per night, a five-star hotel — $160.00 per night, an apartment — $50.00 per night, a villa — $120.00 per night. In high season prices can be 20-30% higher, and in low season — lower.
Ponta do Sol: how much does food cost?
Food is one of the main expense items: lunch at an affordable cafe — $7.00, dinner at a restaurant — $15.00, a cup of cappuccino — $2.00, a 0.5L beer — $2.00, a 1.5L bottle of water — $1.00. You can eat significantly cheaper at markets and street cafes.
Ponta do Sol: how much does transport cost?
a taxi from the airport — $40.00, a single public transport ticket — $1.00, a short taxi ride — $3.00, car rental — $45.00 per day. Public transport is the most budget-friendly way to get around.
Ponta do Sol: what is there to see?
Among the main attractions are: Ponta do Sol — Fontainhas — Cruzinha Trek — One of the most scenic hiking routes in Cape Verde along the rocky coast with ocean views; Fontainhas Village — Picturesque village on a mountain ridge above the sea, considered one of the most beautiful in the world; Praia das Aranhas — Black sand beach where you can see nesting sea turtles; Fishing Port — Authentic fishing port with colourful boats and fresh fish. These places are worth visiting first to get a full impression of the destination.
Ponta do Sol: what local food should I try?
Be sure to try the local cuisine: Cachupa — National dish of Cape Verde — hearty stew of corn, beans, vegetables and meat or fish; Grilled Fresh Fish — Local fishermen's catch, grilled with lemon and spices; Xerém — Traditional corn porridge, served with fish or meat; Grogue — Local sugarcane spirit, traditional to Cape Verde. Local dishes are an important part of the travel experience.
Ponta do Sol: what are the best areas to stay?
For accommodation you can consider the following areas: Town Centre — Historic part with colourful houses, market and shops; Coastal Zone — Area along the coast with beaches and viewpoints. The choice of area depends on your preferences: active or relaxing holiday.
Ponta do Sol: is a visa required?
Visa: not required. Before your trip, be sure to check the current requirements with official sources, as the rules may change.
Ponta do Sol: how do I get from the airport?
The nearest airport — Cesária Évora International Airport (code VXE). You can get from the airport to the centre by taxi, the average cost is $40.00. Public transport is also available — a more budget-friendly option.
Ponta do Sol: what is the currency and how much money should I take?
Currency — CVE. It is recommended to have cash for small expenses and a bank card for larger purchases. The approximate daily budget is $90.00 (≈ 7 553 ₽). Check the current exchange rate before your trip.
Ponta do Sol: is it suitable for a holiday with children?
Yes, the destination is excellent for a family holiday with children. It has all the necessary infrastructure: well-maintained beaches, cafes and restaurants with children's menus, and entertainment for all ages.
Ponta do Sol: what is the nightlife like?
Nightlife is rated as low. There is not much nightlife, but the basics are available.
Ponta do Sol: where can I go nearby?
Nearby you can visit: Ribeira Grande — Town 4 km away with market and restaurants; Porto Novo — Port town 20 km away with ferry to São Vicente; Fontainhas — Scenic village 5 km away by hiking trail. These places are convenient to visit on a day trip.

Putivator rating

5.3/10
Overall rank: 2001 of 2 709
Rank among coastal: 1204

Best season

November-June

Useful information

Currency: CVE
Coordinates: 17.200000, -25.083300