What is TACV's carry-on limit on inter-island flights?

TACV Cabo Verde Airlines operates inter-island flights on small turboprop aircraft with a cabin bag allowance of approximately 7 kg. On smaller aircraft, bags may be placed in the hold even if within the size and weight limit due to overhead bin constraints. A soft, compressible bag is strongly preferred over a rigid roller on inter-island hops.

Which Cape Verde islands are best for hiking versus beaches?

Sal and Boa Vista are flat, resort-style islands suited to beach holidays and watersports. São Antão is the standout hiking island — dramatic volcanic calderas, cloud forest, and coastal paths. São Vicente (Mindelo) is the cultural capital with music, restaurants, and a good base for day-trips to São Antão by ferry. Fogo has an active volcano you can hike to the crater rim.

Does my easyJet carry-on work on TACV inter-island flights?

Not automatically. An easyJet large cabin bag (56 × 45 × 25 cm) exceeds the dimensions that fit comfortably on TACV's smaller turboprops. Your carry-on from the international flight may need to be checked into the hold for the inter-island hop, or you must reduce to a bag that meets the 7 kg cabin limit. Plan for this before you travel — do not assume your international bag carries through.

Is Cape Verde windy all year round?

Yes. Cape Verde's trade winds blow consistently, and on islands like Sal and Boa Vista the breeze is constant. This keeps temperatures pleasant (25–30°C year round) but means a windproof outer layer is useful even in summer. The wind also makes Cape Verde one of the world's top windsurfing and kitesurfing destinations.

What currency does Cape Verde use?

Cape Verde uses the Cape Verdean Escudo (CVE), which is pegged to the Euro. ATMs are available in Sal (Santa Maria), Santiago (Praia), and São Vicente (Mindelo). Resort areas on Sal and Boa Vista accept Euros widely, but smaller restaurants, market stalls, and inter-island transport will expect Escudos.

Carry-On Only for Cape Verde: easyJet, TACV & Island Hop Tips

Cape Verde — or Cabo Verde — is a volcanic archipelago of 10 islands in the Atlantic off West Africa. It offers reliable sunshine, consistent trade winds, beaches that rival the Caribbean, dramatic hiking on São Antão and Fogo, and a distinct Creole culture centred on Mindelo. As a carry-on destination, Cape Verde presents one specific challenge: the inter-island turboprop network operates different rules from your international flight, and the two must be planned together.

Airline Quick Reference

Airline	Route	Free cabin bag	Size limit	Weight
easyJet	UK/Europe to SID, RAI	45 × 36 × 20 cm (small, free)	56 × 45 × 25 cm with add-on	varies
TUI	UK to SID	1 bag included	55 × 40 × 20 cm	varies by booking
TACV (inter-island)	Between Cape Verde islands	1 cabin bag	~55 × 40 × 20 cm	7 kg
Binter CV (inter-island)	Between Cape Verde islands	1 cabin bag	~55 × 40 × 20 cm	7 kg

easyJet Flights to Sal and Santiago

easyJet operates from several UK and European airports to Sal (SID) and Santiago (RAI). Standard fares include one small cabin bag (45 × 36 × 20 cm) in the cabin for free. A large cabin bag (56 × 45 × 25 cm) requires either the Hands Free service, an upfront seat, or a bundle fare.

For carry-on only travel to Cape Verde on easyJet, the decision point is whether you plan inter-island hops. If you are staying on Sal or Boa Vista for the whole trip, your large easyJet cabin bag is fine. If you plan to fly internally to São Antão, São Vicente, Fogo, or Santos, read the section below.

TUI and Charter Operators

TUI and other UK charter operators fly from regional airports to Sal, Boa Vista, and Santiago. Their cabin bag policies are generally 1 bag up to 55 × 40 × 20 cm — confirm on your booking. Charter operators serving beach resorts are typically pragmatic about cabin bags if they are within reasonable size.

The Inter-Island Turboprop Problem

TACV Cabo Verde Airlines and Binter CV operate inter-island routes on ATR 72 and smaller turboprop aircraft. These planes have limited overhead bin space and a 7 kg cabin bag allowance. In practice:

Your large easyJet cabin bag (56 × 45 × 25 cm) is likely too large for the turboprop overhead bin
TACV may check it into the hold even if it meets the 7 kg weight limit — no extra charge but you will need to collect it at your destination
The inter-island total luggage allowance is often 15 kg combined — meaning your international carry-on plus any other bag counts against this limit

Practical strategy if island-hopping:

Travel with a main bag of 7 kg or under that genuinely fits the turboprop cabin (a 35-40 litre soft pack)
Pack a collapsible holdall inside your main bag — use it to carry beach items, souvenirs, or overflow on the international leg, and either check it or compress it on the turboprop
Accept that your bag may go in the hold on inter-island flights and pack valuables (electronics, medications) in a personal item that fits under the seat

Islands and What to Pack for Each

Sal and Boa Vista (beach focus):

Swimwear, reef-safe sun cream, sandals, light evening clothing
Snorkelling mask — no fins needed (calm, shallow lagoons)
Wind layer — the trade winds on Sal and Boa Vista are constant even in summer

São Antão (hiking):

Sturdy walking shoes or trail runners — paths are rocky and steep
A thin waterproof jacket — the northern slopes are often in cloud
Layering is key: the coast is hot, the caldera is cool

São Vicente / Mindelo (culture):

Smart-casual clothes for restaurants and the Mindelo carnival scenes
Camera or good smartphone — the bay at Mindelo is photogenic

The Windproof Layer: Non-Negotiable

Cape Verde's trade winds are a defining feature of the islands. Even on the hottest beach days, a breeze is almost always present, and on sea crossings and hilltops it can be significantly stronger. A lightweight windproof shell — packable into a fist-sized bag — is the single most useful garment for a multi-island Cape Verde trip. It keeps you warm on ferry crossings, protects against windburn, and doubles as sun protection.

Ferries Between Islands

Ferry services connect São Vicente and São Antão (45 minutes) and several other island pairs. Ferries are cheaper than flying but the Atlantic swells can be rough. Seasickness medication is worth including in your personal item.

Getting Around on Sal and Santiago

Aluguers (shared minibuses) connect towns within each island cheaply. Rental cars are available on Sal and Santiago. On Sal, the main tourist area (Santa Maria) is compact and walkable.

Bottom Line

Cape Verde works well as a carry-on destination for single-island beach trips. For multi-island itineraries, plan your bag size around the 7 kg TACV inter-island allowance, use a soft compressible pack rather than a rigid roller, and accept that your bag may be placed in the hold on the turboprop hops — that is normal and free of charge. A windproof layer is essential on every island.