Year-round sunshine, wide sandy beaches and lemon sharks in the shallows off West Africa. Here's what Cape Verde is like with the family, when to go and how long to stay.
You register online before you travel and pay an airport fee. Check entry rules on GOV.UK before you book.
Cape Verde is warm and sunny all year, which makes it popular for winter sun. December to February can be very windy, which suits kitesurfers more than young children. Late summer is hottest and most humid, and September can bring short tropical downpours. Euros are widely accepted.
A long sandy beach with shallow areas, beach bars and a busy pier where fishermen land their catch.
Float in super-salty pools inside an old volcanic crater.
Wade into warm, shallow water to watch young lemon sharks swim around your legs.
Natural rock pools by the sea and a cave where sunlight turns the water bright blue.
Guided night walks from July to October to see loggerhead turtles nesting.
Lessons on Kite Beach for older children and teens when the wind is right.
Yes, for easy beach holidays with guaranteed sun. Sal and Boa Vista have big all-inclusive resorts with pools and kids' clubs. There is less to do away from the beach than in the Canaries.
A week is right for most families. Ten days allows time for an island hop or more day trips.
There are direct flights to Sal and Boa Vista from several UK airports, about six hours. British passport holders don't need a visa but must register online and pay an airport fee before travel.
Santa Maria bay on Sal is usually calm. Other beaches can have strong waves and currents, so swim near lifeguards or in the hotel pool on windy days.
Put Cape Verde on standby with everyone's other ideas. You each spread your points in secret, get one veto, and the draw picks where you go.