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Chaves Beach: Where Desert Sands Meet the Atlantic

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Escape to Boa Vista's tranquil Chaves Beach: golden sands, turquoise waters, and stunning desert landscapes await your discovery.

Chaves Beach, located on the western coast of Boa Vista, Cape Verde, is a stunning 5km stretch of golden sand where the desert meets the turquoise Atlantic. Backed by rolling dunes and dramatic cliffs, it's a tranquil escape offering relaxation and natural beauty. The beach is also part of the Morro de Areia Nature Reserve, an important nesting site for sea turtles.

A brief summary to Chaves Beach

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Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning for a quieter experience and stunning sunrise views.
  • Bring your own beach umbrella or shade, as shaded areas are limited.
  • Try local seafood dishes at nearby beachside restaurants for a taste of Cape Verdean cuisine.
  • Pack plenty of water and snacks, as amenities may be limited on the beach.
  • Be mindful of currents when swimming.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    If you are staying in accommodations near Chaves Beach, walking is a straightforward option. Head towards the coastline, following local paths or roads leading directly to the beach. From the center of Praia de Chaves, it's approximately a 20-minute walk. Stay on marked paths for safety and enjoy the scenic views.

  • Public Transport

    To reach Chaves Beach via public transport from other parts of Boa Vista, take a local minibus ( Aluguer ) heading towards the beach. These minibuses can be found near the main square in Sal Rei. The fare is around 50 CVE (Cape Verdean Escudos). Confirm with the driver that they stop at Chaves Beach before boarding. The journey takes approximately 10-15 minutes.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available from Boa Vista International Airport (Rabil Airport) to Chaves Beach. The journey takes about 15 minutes. A taxi to Sal Rei (the main town) costs approximately 7-10 euros. Expect to pay a similar fare, or slightly less, for a taxi to Chaves Beach, depending on the exact location of your accommodation near the beach.

  • Car

    If driving from Rabil, head southwest. Follow the road for about 1.5 km, and you'll see signs directing you to Chaves Beach. Parking is available near the beach and is usually free.

Discover more about Chaves Beach

Chaves Beach, or Praia de Chaves, is a captivating destination on the island of Boa Vista, Cape Verde, where the stark beauty of the desert seamlessly blends with the inviting waters of the Atlantic Ocean. This expansive beach stretches for approximately 5 kilometers along the island's western coast, offering visitors a serene escape from the more crowded tourist spots. The beach's most striking feature is the backdrop of rolling golden sand dunes that seem to spill onto the shore from the nearby Viana Desert. These dunes, shaped by the constant trade winds, create a unique coastal desert landscape, providing excellent photo opportunities, especially at sunrise or sunset. The crystal-clear turquoise waters invite visitors for a swim, though caution is advised due to potential currents. Chaves Beach is also known for water sports such as windsurfing and kitesurfing due to consistent winds. Praia de Chaves is part of the Morro de Areia Nature Reserve, a protected ecosystem that extends to Praia de Santa Mónica. This area is a crucial nesting site for loggerhead sea turtles, which arrive between June and October to lay their eggs. While Chaves Beach offers a tranquil and natural setting, it's worth noting that amenities are somewhat limited. Visitors are advised to bring their own shade, water, and snacks. However, several hotels and resorts are located near the beach, providing convenient access to dining and other facilities.

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