The first easyJet flight to the island of Sal, Cape Verde, took off yesterday (March 31) and marked the first time the airline has offered a route to a Sub-Saharan African destination
The first easyJet flight to a new island destination took off on Sunday, marking the longest route offered so far by the budget airline.
The flights from London Gatwick to the island of Sal, Cape Verde, clock in at just over six hours, and mark the first time the airline has offered a route to a Sub-Saharan African destination. Passengers on the inaugural flight were treated to goodie bags full of travel essentials and enjoyed a welcome ceremony with music from local performers.
Located off the west coast of Africa, the Cape Verde archipelago is becoming increasingly popular with tourists, especially those looking for winter sun. In 2023, the islands hit one million visitors, the majority of which were British. However, this is still small in comparison to tourism in the Canary Islands, which had 16 million visitors in the same year.
One reason for its popularity is the weather. Cape Verde boasts an average temperature of 23c in January and little rainfall, with six hours of sunshine a day, reports the Liverpool Echo. By comparison, the average temperature in classic winter sun destination Tenerife is 17c in the new year, and the island gets an average of five rainy days in January, which could put a dampener on your holiday.
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Sal might still be on the rise as a tourist hotspot, but it’s already an exciting out-of-the-box destination. The island offers more than just stunning beach lounging; you can take up windsurfing or sailing, embark on a boat safari to see sharks, or explore Pedra Lume salt mine in the crater of an extinct volcano for a touch of history.
Speaking about the draw of the location, easyJet holidays’ CCO Paul Bixby commented, “Cape Verde is a fantastic destination, providing year-round sunshine and white sandy beaches. That’s why we’re thrilled to be offering our brilliant package holidays, whether it’s a family looking for a resort to enjoy with kids, or a couple looking for adults-only luxury, we have a great range of fantastic resorts across the island of Sal.”
For those bitten by the travel bug, there’s even a chance to discover neighbouring islands. The ferry link from Sal to Boa Vista runs twice weekly and offers a scenic three-hour journey.
With a plethora of hotels to choose from, particularly around the southern side where the sandy stretches are a major draw, accommodation isn’t an issue. The Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria gets glowing reports for its prime beach spot, numerous swimming spots and diverse eating choices – as one happy holidaymaker put it: “Couldn’t recommend enough! Perfect location, 15 mins walk from Santa Maria, but everything you need is in the hotel.”
For those looking for a more intimate stay, the Hotel LIVVO Budha Beach is a gem with its infinity pool that boasts sea views. A satisfied guest shared their experience: “Love this hotel. Quiet and peaceful. 10 minutes walk to the center. Great rooms, pool and good food.”
Adventurous souls keen on independent travel have the option to pick from various holiday homes, including beach houses and villas. However, it’s worth noting that Sal’s burgeoning tourism sector means the selection isn’t vast just yet.
For Brits itching to explore Sal, easyJet has got you covered with flights departing from London Gatwick to Sal three times weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, starting at £131.99 one way. Plus, easyJet Holidays is jumping on board, offering package deals to Sal, now up for grabs for trips extending all the way to October 2026.
