Many people are tired of the cold January weather and are looking for a break in a warmer destination. While the UK is still far from experiencing warmer days, a winter sun holiday might just be the perfect escape.
Fortunately, you don’t have to travel long distances to find warm weather during this time of year. While the Canary Islands remain a popular choice, there are other lesser-known islands gaining popularity.
Cape Verde offers year-round warm weather, with daytime temperatures expected to reach 24C in the next few weeks, surpassing Tenerife at 20C. With flight times around six hours, you can quickly reach this sunny destination without spending an entire day on a plane.
The Cape Verde islands, including Sal and Boa Vista, are accessible through the main airport on Sal where most British tourists arrive. Budget airline easyJet introduced flights to the archipelago in March 2025, marking their first venture into Sub-Saharan Africa. The airline later expanded its routes to include Manchester and Bristol.
TUI also operates flights to Cape Verde from various UK airports, including Birmingham, Glasgow, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, and a seasonal service from the East Midlands.
Despite attracting around 1.2 million tourists in 2024, Cape Verde remains less crowded compared to the Canary Islands, with Tenerife alone welcoming approximately seven million visitors during the same period.
The main allure of Cape Verde lies in its delightful climate. While February is considered winter on the islands, temperatures often soar to 27°C during the day, accompanied by six to eight hours of sunshine and minimal rainfall. In contrast, Tenerife experiences temperatures between 17C and 22C during this time, with shorter sunny periods and occasional overcast conditions.
easyJet flights to Sal provide access to the island’s volcanic desert landscape, with most visitors choosing to stay in Santa Maria, known for its expansive golden beaches and clear waters. The town offers a relaxed vibe, lined with palm trees and vibrant nightlife options after sunset.
Aside from Sal, a three-hour ferry ride connects visitors to Boa Vista, a quieter island with pristine beaches where lucky tourists may spot turtles emerging from the ocean. Activities on Boa Vista include quad biking through the arid terrain, catamaran excursions along the coast, and exploring the wreck of MS Cabo Santa Maria.
Paul Bixby, Chief Commercial Officer of easyJet Holidays, expressed excitement about Cape Verde as a destination known for year-round sunshine and sandy beaches. The company offers various resort options catering to families and couples seeking luxury experiences.
Accommodation choices range from budget-friendly to luxurious all-inclusive properties. The Meliá Llana Beach Resort and Spa, an adults-only resort with positive reviews, features swim-up rooms for a luxurious stay. Families can opt for the Hilton Cabo Verde Sal Resort, situated in a prime location popular among kitesurfers.
Flights from London Gatwick to Sal by easyJet operate three times a week, with February fares starting at £148.99 one-way. Holiday packages include a seven-night all-inclusive stay at Sol Dunas Family Fun departing from Manchester in February.
For those looking to share their travel experiences, email webtravel@reachplc.com.
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