For years, Cabo Verde flew largely under the radar as a holiday destination. Now, travel searches are soaring following the island nation's remarkable FIFA World Cup debut, prompting questions over whether it could become tourism's next rising star.
US searches for "Cabo Verde vacation" jumped by more than 5,000% compared with the previous year following the tournament, while Expedia recorded an increase of more than 800% in searches during the competition. European travel operator TUI also reported that searches doubled compared with June 2025, with demand from Japan rising by 110%.
The surge follows one of football's biggest underdog stories. Home to around 550,000 people, Cabo Verde became the smallest country by population ever to reach the FIFA World Cup knockout stage during its first appearance at the tournament. The team, which featured players balancing football with everyday careers, including a 40-year-old former bus driver, held their own against some of the world's biggest footballing nations before bowing out 3–2 to Argentina in the Round of 32.
The renewed global attention is also shining a spotlight on the Atlantic archipelago, located about 400 miles off the West African coast. Comprising 10 volcanic islands, nine of which are inhabited, Cabo Verde is known for its warm, dry climate, beaches, hiking trails and water sports.
According to the country's National Statistics Institute, Cabo Verde welcomed 1.25 million visitors in 2025, up 6% year on year. Most visitors came from the UK, followed by Portugal, Germany and France.
Among its best-known islands are Sal, popular for beach resorts and watersports such as kite surfing and diving, and the quieter Boa Vista, which is known for its long stretches of sand and relaxed atmosphere.