Flights to Rabil

Arriving on Boa Vista

Aristides Pereira International Airport (BVC) sits next to Rabil, a few kilometres south-east of Sal Rei, the island's main town, which is around 10 minutes away by taxi. Most hotels are spread along the beaches to the south and west, and many include transfers, as roads beyond the main routes are often unpaved. UK visitors don't need a visa for short stays, but must pre-register online and pay the airport security fee before travel. Boa Vista is one hour behind the UK in winter, and driving is on the right.

Rabil village and its pottery

Rabil is a small, quiet village with a rural feel. Local potters work clay from the island in a pottery workshop, where you can watch pieces being shaped and buy bowls and figures. The Church of São Roque, built in the early 19th century, stands in the village. Nearby, the Rabil lagoon fills after rain and attracts wading birds, and the long sweep of Praia de Chaves begins just to the west.

Desert, dunes and shipwrecks

Inland from Rabil, the Viana Desert is an area of pale sand dunes blown across from the Sahara, often visited on quad bike or 4x4 tours. On the north coast, the rusting hull of the Cabo Santa Maria, wrecked in 1968, lies just offshore. Praia de Santa Mónica, on the south-west coast, is a long and often empty beach reached by rough tracks. Sal Rei has a small harbour, a central square and boat trips to the islet just offshore.

Turtles, whales and weather

Boa Vista is an important Atlantic nesting site for loggerhead turtles, which come ashore from June to October, and approved guides run night walks to watch them without disturbing the nests. Humpback whales pass the island from around March to May. The weather is warm and dry, with highs of around 25 to 30°C, and the wind is steady for much of the year.

Thinking of combining Boa Vista with Sal? Call 020 7871 4545 and we'll look at domestic flights.