Cape Verde in $690s-$720s RT

You'll be landing on the island of Santiago, Cape Verde's cultural and political hub. But if Portuguese-era history isn't really your thing, you might want to do a little island-hopping.

For beaches, your top choices are Sal, with its resorts and easy access to watersports, or Boa Vista, which offers wilder, less-crowded shores (and year-round sea turtles). But don't sleep on Maio either, an increasingly popular option for anyone looking for peace and quiet.

If you prefer to stay on the land, look towards the more mountainous islands, like volcanic Fogo or the hiker's paradise of Santo Antão. And while São Nicolau has less dramatic scenery, its quiet trails offer a more tranquil experience than the others.

To explore Cape Verde's culture, you can stay in Praia on Santiago or head over to hip, artsy São Vicente instead. Our recommendation? Try to hit at least two islands on your trip - there are plenty of ferries and short domestic flights to be found.