Island with ‘pristine’ beaches ideal for winter getaway with direct East Midlands Airport flights

It feels as though temperatures have suddenly plummeted, and those lovely autumnal days are rapidly becoming grey and miserable.

For Britons who are eager to flee for some sunshine, there are numerous destinations where you can discover hot and sunny weather – and the excellent news is that you don’t need to journey to the opposite side of the globe.

Cape Verde has emerged as a firm favourite amongst winter sun-seekers, offering pleasant temperatures of approximately 25C throughout the winter months, thanks to its year-round sunshine (it receives about 8-10 hours of sunshine daily).

Indeed, the optimal times to visit are between December and June if you wish to experience the finest of its climate.

TUI is offering direct flights from East Midlands Airport to Boa Vista right through the winter and early spring seasons from December to April 2026. The flights depart the Castle Donington airport at 8.20am each Wednesday morning.

Travel experts have been endorsing it as essential too; the Post Office travel insurance team has identified it as one of their premier holiday destinations for January, whilst easyJet recently highlighted it as one of its top summer destinations for next year thanks to its “pristine beaches, lively towns and turquoise waters the lend themselves to snorkelling and diving”, reports the Express.

Cape Verde itself comprises 10 principal islands, but Boa Vista and Sal tend to be the magnets where holidaymakers congregate because of those Instagram-worthy beaches.

On Sal you’ll discover Santa Maria Beach with its immaculate golden sands and turquoise waters.

Meanwhile Boa Vista is celebrated for stunning beaches including Santa Monica and Praia de Chaves, where you’ll encounter long expanses of clean white sands and crystal-clear waters that are perfect for swimming. There are numerous picturesque towns and villages to explore, offering delightful local cuisine, shopping experiences, and breathtaking views.

Not to mention the intriguing landmarks such as salt mines that are waiting to be discovered.

For those who enjoy a packed schedule, there’s no chance of boredom setting in. The beaches are famous for their windy stretches, perfect for thrilling watersports.

There are endless verdant jungles for memorable hikes, and you can even tackle the ascent of the Pico do Fogo volcano on Fogo Island. And let’s not forget the crystal-clear ocean waters, ideal for snorkellers and scuba divers keen to discover vibrant marine life and colourful reefs.

While the six-hour flight time isn’t exactly a short trip, the flights are direct and it’s worth noting that entry requirements are straightforward; there’s no need for a visa if your stay is up to 30 days, and you can enter Cape Verde as long as your passport’s ‘expiry date’ is at least six months after your arrival date.