Africa > 🇨🇻 The Cape Verde Islands
The city by city Car or no Car advice for The Cape Verde Islands can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in The Cape Verde Islands; is it worth it (based on costs), and ultimately - should you rent one? (a balance of the two).🚆 🚌⛴️ Do we need to rent a car in The Cape Verde Islands?
These scores are based on the quality of public transport and other travel options. If these are good enough to see the main points of interest, then you don’t need to rent a car.
💰💶💳 Is it worth hiring a car in The Cape Verde Islands?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.🏙️ Main Cities in The Cape Verde Islands
| CITY | IATA | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Boa Vista | BVC | |
| Praia | RAI | |
| Sal Island | SID | |
| São Vicente | VXE |
Should You Rent a Car in Cabo Verde / The Cape Verde Islands? 🚗🌊
Cabo Verde is an Atlantic island nation made up of 10 unique islands, each offering its own vibe—some are volcanic and rugged, while others are flat, sandy, and perfect for beach holidays. Because the islands are spread out and vary in infrastructure, many travellers ask: should you rent a car in Cabo Verde? The answer depends entirely on which island you plan to visit.
🏝 Islands Where You Don’t Need a Car
Some islands are compact, walkable, or mainly focused on relaxing in one resort area. If you’re visiting Sal or Boa Vista, you can easily get around without renting a car.
✅ No-Car Islands & Situations
| Island | Why a Car Isn’t Needed | Best Transport Options |
|---|---|---|
| Sal | Resorts, beaches, and town are close together | Taxi, walking, tours |
| Boa Vista | Most people stay in resorts | Taxi or 4×4 tour |
| São Vicente (Mindelo town) | Compact and walkable | Taxi, walking |
➡ On these islands, taxis are affordable and tours cover all major attractions.
🚗 Islands Where Renting a Car Makes a Big Difference
Other islands have mountainous terrain, scenic drives, and spread-out villages, which are best explored by car.
✅ Best Islands for Renting a Car
| Island | Highlight Experience | Why a Car Helps |
|---|---|---|
| Santiago | Capital city + mountains | Visit multiple towns and beaches |
| Fogo | Active volcano and villages | Access crater and vineyards |
| Santo Antão | Hiking paradise | Scenic coastal drives |
| São Nicolau | Rural and untouristed | Freedom to explore |
➡ A car gives you access to spectacular viewpoints, local restaurants, and untouched landscapes.
🚦 Driving in Cabo Verde – What to Expect
-
You drive on the right-hand side
-
Roads on major islands are paved and scenic
-
Mountain roads can be winding but safe
-
Fuel stations exist in towns, but not in remote villages
-
Renting a car is straightforward, with both international and local agencies available
🚕 Alternatives to Renting a Car
| Transport Type | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Taxi | Short trips | Affordable and reliable |
| Aluguer (shared minibus) | Budget travellers | Local transport between towns |
| Guided tours | Volcanoes, mountains | Transport included |
| Scooter or quad bike | Beach areas | Fun in Sal or Boa Vista |
🏁 Final Recommendation
| Type of Traveller | Car Needed? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Resort guest on Sal | ❌ No | Everything nearby |
| Volcano explorer on Fogo | ✅ Yes | Independence and access |
| Culture seeker on Santiago | ✅ Yes | Towns and mountains spread out |
| Short break visitor | ❌ No | Taxis are enough |
| Hiking and nature traveller (Santo Antão) | ✅ Yes | Scenic drives enhance the trip |
🚢 Do Car Ferries Operate Between the Islands in Cabo Verde?
No — there are no regular car ferries that allow you to take a rental car from one island to another.
While there are passenger ferries between some islands, they do not transport vehicles.
🔍 How Inter-Island Transport Works Instead:
| Mode | Carries Cars? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Passenger ferries | ❌ No | Operate between islands like São Vicente ↔ Santo Antão, Santiago ↔ Fogo |
| Cargo ferries | ✅ Rarely | Used only for commercial goods, not rental cars |
| Inter-island flights | ❌ No | Fastest way for travellers |
| Local rental per island | ✅ Yes | Most visitors rent a separate car on each island if needed |
🚫 Why You Can’t Take a Rental Car Between Islands:
-
Ferries are mostly passenger-only
-
Insurance and rental agreements prohibit inter-island travel
-
Infrastructure for loading vehicles is limited or unavailable
✅ What Travellers Usually Do:
-
Fly or take a ferry to the next island
-
Rent a new car (or scooter or 4×4) on that island separately
✨ Final Tip:
If you’re planning a multi-island trip, it’s usually best to:
-
Book rentals per island
-
Use ferries or planes for transit
-
Coordinate pick-up and drop-off with local providers
✨ Final Takeaway
So, should you rent a car in Cabo Verde?
👉 Yes, if your trip includes islands like Santiago, Fogo, or Santo Antão—driving will give you the freedom to experience local life and nature at your own pace.
👉 No, if you’re staying on Sal or Boa Vista for a relaxed beach holiday—taxis and tours already cover everything you need.