Last Updated on July 24, 2023 by Suzy McCullough
Cape Verde is a group of islands located in the Atlantic Ocean just off the coast of West Africa. Cape Verde’s warm weather, sparkling turquoise water and reasonable proximity to the UK make it a superb holiday destination for families. Cape Verde Islands provide plenty of opportunities for exploration and adventure.
There may not be any huge waterparks or theme parks within the islands but there is an abundance of activities for younger ones to enjoy. Glorious beaches, and incredible activities like horse riding, turtle spotting and volcano exploring are sure to prove to be the perfect way for the whole family to make unforgettable memories.
The Cape Verde Islands are a place of great contrasts and diversity, with each of the ten islands offering a different experience. Quite a few hotels are adult only so we are highlighting family-friendly hotels to help you decide which great place you want to visit. If you click on a link in this piece, we may earn affiliate revenue.
#1 TOP PICK
- 2 Bedrooms Family Rooms
- Access to nearby Water Park
- Kid’s Pool
1. Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria
Address: Cabocan Lote E 2, Santa Maria, Ilha do Sal 4111 Cape Verde
Hotel Information – The Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria lounges on a stunning strip of white sandy beach, with the vast blue ocean sparkling, just steps away. It is certainly one of the best family hotels with plenty of facilities for everyone. There is a mini waterpark complete with brightly coloured slides of varying thrill levels.
There are six outdoor swimming pools here, each with a different speciality. For example, one has a very civilised swim-up bar serving all your favourite drinks and refreshments, while one is just for kids, and one hosts daily exercise classes.
It is a 24-hour All-Inclusive resort where food and drinks are concerned. This includes buffet-style meals three times a day. You have the option of a poolside grill meal at lunch and also the option to have dinner at the Japanese, fusion, Italian and steakhouse restaurants. Snacks are available throughout the day and night as are alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
➥ Beachfront Hotel
➥ 6 Outdoor Pools
2. Riu Palace Boavista
Address: Lote HO-1, Urb. Morrinho De Baguincho Praia de Boca Salina, Rabil, Cape Verde
Hotel Information – The Riu Palace Boavista is as regal in style as the name suggests with a wonderful beachfront location. The hotel is surrounded by impressive sand dunes and white powder beaches this hotel features luxury interiors and polished floors. There are three swimming pools, two of which feature swim-up bars and one that has super cool in-water loungers.
Down on the beach, there is a water sports centre that offers a whole array of fun activities. Kids will love hanging out and making friends at the on-site Kids’ Club while grown-ups can enjoy some well-earned me time at the luxury spa. 1 bedroom family rooms are available at this hotel with a balcony or a terrace.
The Riu Palace Boavista operates on an All-Inclusive board basis and this includes a buffet-style breakfast, lunch and dinner with live cooking stations. Plus, there are themed buffets organised three times a week. Guests have the option to have meals at the à la carte restaurants of Krystal Fusion, the Japanese restaurant, and the steakhouse. Snacks and drinks are available 24 hours a day.
➥ 2 Bedroom Family Rooms
➥ Kid’s Pool – Access to Waterpark nearby
3. Melia Dunas Resort
Address: Santa Maria 4110, Cape Verde
Hotel Information – The Melia Dunas Hotel is a stunning property that enjoys far-reaching ocean views and offers some superb family-friendly facilities. The hotel is surrounded by beautifully kept tropical gardens and is just a short walk from the glistening white sands of Algodoeiro Beach.
There are three outdoor swimming pool areas, one of which is dedicated just to the adult guests ensuring they can enjoy complete relaxation whilst taking a dip.
The kids have their own outdoor swimming pool too, where they can splash around to their heart’s content. For those who like to keep active while on holiday, there is a well-equipped, air-conditioned gym.
The Melia Dunes operates on an All-Inclusive board basis. This includes a buffet-style breakfast, lunch and dinner. Guests can also enjoy one visit to each à la carte restaurant per week. Snacks are provided at set times throughout the day and select local alcoholic and soft drinks are served at the bars and restaurants.
➥ 2 Swimming Pools
➥ Close to the Beach
4. Hotel Riu Touareg
Address: Urbanização Lacacão Lote 13, Praia Lacacão, Santa Monica (Curral Velho), Cape Verde
Hotel Information – Offering some top family-friendly facilities and a generous 24-hour All Inclusive package the Hotel Riu Touareg is a great option for families looking for somewhere to stay in Cape Verde. It is a beachfront hotel situated on a gorgeous sandy beach. It is one of the more popular hotels for those wanting to enjoy some water sports.
There is an adult-only area in the hotel while the main part of the property is great for families and features a Kid’s Club and daily mini discos. The hotel has six swimming pools and just as many restaurants.
There are two dedicated children’s pools including fun slides and a fountain. This large beachfront hotel is a great choice for the entire family Family suites can be booked at this hotel with a balcony or a terrace.
The board basis here is 24-hour All Inclusive and this includes buffet-style breakfast, late breakfast, lunch and dinner. There are live cooking stations, plus two themed buffets a week. Guests have the option to have à la carte dinner at Boavista Cape Verdian restaurant, or buffet dinner at Kabuki Asian restaurant and Da Marcello Italian restaurant. Snacks and drinks are available 24 hours a day.
➥ Beachfront Location
➥ 6 Pools
5. Sol Dunas Resort
Address: ZDTI Algodoeiro, Santa Maria, Ilha do Sal 4111 Cape Verde
Hotel Information – The Sol Dunas Resort is a really popular hotel in the Sal region of Cape Verde, it is regarded as one of the best hotels for families with many returning year after year. It is located within walking distance of a stunning stretch of white sandy beach where you can try your hand at an array of water sports.
There are three swimming pools too, one of which is dedicated to the younger guests and features mini slides and a splash park. The hotel has 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom family rooms with a balcony or a terrace.
Adults aren’t forgotten either and will love spending time at the luxury spa and the air-conditioned gym. The whole family can enjoy a movie at the on-site cinema or enjoy a snack at one of the five bars. The board basis at the Sol Dunas Resort is All Inclusive.
This includes buffet-style breakfast, lunch and dinner. Snacks are available at set times throughout the day and selected local-brand alcohol, soft drinks, tea and coffee are served all day and into the evening.
➥ Waterslides for Kids
➥ 2 Bedroom Family Rooms
6. Melia Tortuga Beach Resort & Spa
Address: Urbanização da Cabocan, ZDTI de Ponta Preta, Santa Maria 4111, Cape Verde
Hotel Information – Located with direct access to a fabulous sandy beach the Melia Tortuga Beach Resort and Spa is the ideal base for families travelling to Sal, Cape Verde. There are two main pools, one of which features a cool swim-up pool bar. There are also two smaller pools especially for the younger guests to enjoy.
Grown-ups should take some time for themselves to visit the award-winning spa where they can choose from a good selection of treatments and massages. The varied and exciting evening entertainment programme here is extensive and a real hit with guests of all ages. Rooms at the hotel include 2 bedroom family rooms with a balcony or a terrace.
The Melia Tortuga Beach Resort and Spa is exclusively All Inclusive. This includes two themed buffet meals a week, as well as set menu meals for all three meals each day. Snacks and ice cream at available at set times throughout the day as are local and selected alcohol, soft drinks, tea and coffee.
➥ On the Beach
➥ 2 Large Pools
7. Riu Funana
Address: Cabocan Lote A2, A3 Santa Maria Isla de, Cape Verde
Hotel Information – If you are looking for one of the best luxury hotels in Cape Verde then the Riu Funana is for you. With turrets and towers the castle-like hotel enjoys a perfect spot right by a powder-soft beach.
The main outdoor swimming pool is huge and children have plenty of space to splash around in. You can relax close to your children on one of their in-water sunbeds. You also have access to the neighbouring water park at Rui Palace Santa Maria.
There is daily entertainment for children with two kid’s clubs, one for younger and one for older kids. They also run an evening entertainment programme which can include live music, live shows and more. Sports activities include a playground, beach volleyball, RuiArt and more.
Board at the hotel is all-inclusive which includes 3 buffet meals a day, plus selected drinks and 24-hour snacks. There is the option to have dinner at the Mandalay Asian Buffet restaurant, Mambana grille buffet and the Kulinarium a la carte restaurant.
➥ Close to the Beach
➥ 2 Large Pools
8. Hotel Morabeza
Address: CP33 Santa Maria Santa Maria, Cape Verde
Hotel Information – Guests of the Hotel Morabeza will love being just across the seafront promenade from a blonde-sandy beach. The hotel blends modern rooms with traditional architecture and what once started life as a family home is now run by the same values today. It is also just a short walk to Santa Maria’s tiny town centre.
You can choose from bed and breakfast, half board or full board at the hotel. All rooms have Wi-Fi, a balcony or enclosed terrace and air conditioning. Family-friendly amenities include three swimming pools, one of which has a shallow section for little ones and there is a poolside bar. Local singers perform on Thursdays and Saturdays and sports activities include tennis courts, a games room, minigolf, a pool table and more.
➥ 3 Pools
➥ Beachfront Location
Please conduct your own research through reviews and the company’s websites with regard to the facilities, the rooms and the upkeep of the above hotels. The above information is for reference only. Please also check their cancellation policies with regard to any current travel restrictions.
