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Praia de Chaves

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Praia de Chaves (Cape Verde)

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Praia de Chaves is a wide-open beach situated on the western coast of Boa Vista Island in Cape Verde. It is renowned for its massive, shifting sand dunes that spill directly into the turquoise Atlantic Ocean, creating a surreal desert-meets-sea landscape. Stretching over 5 kilometers, the beach has ample space for tranquility and solitude, far removed from the bustle of mass tourism. A notable historical landmark at the northern end of the beach is the solitary chimney of a former brick factory, which now serves as a prominent navigational point. The area is often windy, making it an excellent spot for long walks and nature observation in a pristine environment. Geologically, much of the sand here is composed of fine Saharan dust carried across the ocean by trade winds over thousands of years. While strong surf can make swimming hazardous on certain days, the raw beauty of the location remains unparalleled. During the winter months, lucky visitors may even spot humpback whales breaching in the distance as they migrate to Cape Verde's warm waters. Praia de Chaves is widely regarded as one of the most remarkable and naturally preserved beaches in the archipelago.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Feb–Apr.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C222222222323252627272524
Rain mm2121854383858333127

📋 Practical info

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Getting there
Usually reached by taxi or rental vehicle from the main town of Sal Rei, with the journey often taking you near the impressive coastal dune landscapes of Boa Vista.
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Best season
Generally accessible throughout the year, with the dry months typically offering consistent sunshine and convenient conditions for enjoying the pristine coastal environment.
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Terrain & paths
Characterized by extensive stretches of soft sand and towering dunes, providing a natural and uneven surface that shifts constantly with the ocean breeze.
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What to bring
Essential items include high-SPF sun protection, wide-brimmed hats, plenty of drinking water, and appropriate beachwear for the typically warm and sunny climate.
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Parking
Parking is normally available near the main access points or at nearby coastal resorts, though spaces can be somewhat informal along the edge of the sandy areas.
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Safety
Visitors should remain cautious of potentially strong ocean currents and waves, and it is usually advisable to swim only where conditions appear calm and safe.
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Time needed
A typical visit ranges from a few hours to a full day, depending on whether one prefers a quick walk among the dunes or a prolonged relaxation by the vast ocean.

Geography

Coordinates
16.13000, -22.91000

Facts

  • Stretches for more than 5 kilometers along the coast.
  • Features a historic brick factory chimney as a landmark.
  • Characterized by massive dunes meeting the ocean.
  • Sand composition includes fine Saharan wind-blown dust.
  • Prime location for spotting humpback whales in winter.
  • Located just a few kilometers south of Sal Rei town.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

RabilRabil1 km · NExplore →
Rabil Lagoon Bird Watching AreaRabil Lagoon Bird Watching Area3 km · NEExplore →
Boa Vista Whale Watching StationBoa Vista Whale Watching Station5 km · EExplore →
Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate ConceptionChurch of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception5 km · NExplore →
Morro de AreiaMorro de Areia7 km · SWExplore →
Fort of the Duke of BragançaFort of the Duke of Bragança10 km · EExplore →
Boa VistaBoa Vista10 km · NExplore →
Povoação VelhaPovoação Velha11 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Praia de Chaves (5)

Fábrica da Chave

Ruins of an old factory on Chaves beach, remnants of the region's industrial past.

Splash Water World

Water park with slides and pools, located near Praia de Chaves.

🕒 Mo-Sa 10:00-17:00

Praia da Boca de Salina

Sandy beach at the mouth of a salt pan, calm water and gentle slope.

Artesanato Olaria de Rabil

Craft shop for pottery in Rabil, showcasing traditional local ceramics.

Quad Zone

Area for quad biking, with tracks and rental vehicles near Praia de Chaves.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How do you get to Praia de Chaves?
Best by taxi from Sal Rei or on foot during a long beach walk.
Is the beach very windy?
Yes, as almost everywhere on Boa Vista, a strong breeze often blows here.
What are the prominent dunes at Chaves?
Huge shifting dunes that merge directly into the ocean, forming a desert landscape.
Is there shade available?
There is hardly any natural shade; it's best to rent an umbrella from the beach clubs.
Can you see the shipwreck from there?
No, the famous shipwreck is located further north at Cabo Santa Maria.
Praia de Chaves: where is it located?
Praia de Chaves is located in Cape Verde.
Praia de Chaves: what is there to see?
Highlights include Fábrica da Chave, Splash Water World, Praia da Boca de Salina.
Praia de Chaves: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Apr.
Praia de Chaves: why is it worth visiting?
Praia de Chaves is a wide-open beach situated on the western coast of Boa Vista Island in Cape Verde.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Sal Rei — Praia de Chaves (Cape Verde)
Sal Rei
Sal Rei is the capital of Boa Vista island and a growing tourist center.
Rabil — Praia de Chaves (Cape Verde)
Rabil
Rabil is the former capital of Boa Vista and a center of handicrafts.
Estância de Baixo — Praia de Chaves (Cape Verde)
Estância de Baixo
Estância de Baixo is a quiet village in the interior of Boa Vista.
Povoação Velha — Praia de Chaves (Cape Verde)
Povoação Velha
Povoação Velha is the oldest settlement on Boa Vista island.
Bofareira — Praia de Chaves (Cape Verde)
Bofareira
Bofareira is a small, authentic village in the north of Boa Vista.
João Galego — Praia de Chaves (Cape Verde)
João Galego
João Galego is one of the villages in the northern region of Boa Vista.
Fundo das Figueiras — Praia de Chaves (Cape Verde)
Fundo das Figueiras
Fundo das Figueiras is a picturesque village in the eastern part of Boa Vista.
Cabeça dos Tarrafes — Praia de Chaves (Cape Verde)
Cabeça dos Tarrafes
Cabeça dos Tarrafes is the easternmost village on Boa Vista island.
Santa Mónica Beach — Praia de Chaves (Cape Verde)
Santa Mónica Beach
A 15-kilometer-long, almost untouched white sand beach on the southwestern coast of Boa Vista.
Curral Velho — Praia de Chaves (Cape Verde)
Curral Velho
An abandoned settlement on the southern coast of Boa Vista, featuring stone ruins and a nearby small islet.

More places

Rabil Lagoon Bird Watching Area — Praia de Chaves (Cape Verde)
Rabil Lagoon Bird Watching Area
An important wetland area on Boa Vista that serves as a resting place for numerous migratory bird species.
Boa Vista Whale Watching Station — Praia de Chaves (Cape Verde)
Boa Vista Whale Watching Station
A significant site for observing humpback whales, which calve in the waters off Boa Vista.
Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception — Praia de Chaves (Cape Verde)
Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception
One of the oldest churches on the island of Boa Vista, located near the village of Povoação Velha.
Port of Sal Rei — Praia de Chaves (Cape Verde)
Port of Sal Rei
A modern port on Boa Vista island supporting the growth of local tourism and trade.
Date Palm Groves of Sal Rei — Praia de Chaves (Cape Verde)
Date Palm Groves of Sal Rei
Picturesque palm groves near Sal Rei, providing shade and dates for the region.
Morro de Areia — Praia de Chaves (Cape Verde)
Morro de Areia
An extensive area of shifting dunes on the west coast of Boa Vista, forming an impressive desert landscape right on the Atlantic.
Fort of the Duke of Bragança — Praia de Chaves (Cape Verde)
Fort of the Duke of Bragança
The ruins of a fortress on the small Sal Rei islet, built for protection against pirates.
Boa Vista — Praia de Chaves (Cape Verde)
Boa Vista
The third largest island, characterized by desert-like landscapes and endless dunes.