Sunday, March 9, 2025
EasyJet launches its longest-ever flight from London Gatwick to Cape Verde, offering budget-friendly access to stunning beaches, warm weather, and rich culture.
EasyJet is set to break new ground with its longest-ever flight, connecting London Gatwick to the breathtaking island of Sal in Cape Verde. This exciting route, launching later this month, offers British travelers a budget-friendly gateway to an Atlantic paradise that boasts Caribbean-like beaches, a rich cultural heritage, and consistently warm temperatures, even in March.
Cape Verde, an archipelago off the coast of West Africa, has long been a well-kept secret among travelers seeking unspoiled beaches and year-round sunshine. The island nation consists of ten volcanic islands scattered across approximately 1,550 square miles in the central Atlantic Ocean. Positioned about 400 nautical miles west of Senegal, Cape Verde is part of the same Atlantic ecoregion as the Azores, Madeira, the Canary Islands, and the Savage Isles.
While UK travelers have previously relied on TUI for direct flights from select cities—including London Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, and Newcastle—EasyJet’s entry into this market marks a significant expansion of options for budget-conscious holidaymakers.
The new EasyJet service from London Gatwick to Sal will commence on March 31, operating three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. With a flight duration of approximately six hours, it ranks as one of the longest routes in the airline’s network, rivaling its Belfast-Hurghada service to Egypt.
Flights will depart Gatwick at 11:30 AM, arriving in Sal at 3:40 PM local time—thanks to Cape Verde being just one hour behind the UK. Return flights will take off from Sal at 4:35 PM, landing back in the UK just after midnight.
Travelers can still snag affordable fares, with round-trip prices starting at £230.98, making this an attractive alternative to pricier long-haul tropical destinations.
Sal, the most popular tourist island in Cape Verde, is renowned for its powdery white beaches and laid-back vibe. Visitors are greeted by turquoise waters, golden sands, and a warm climate that hovers around 25°C in March—making it a perfect getaway from the UK’s lingering winter chill.
From the colorful fishing boats lining Santa Maria Beach to the dramatic salt flats and lunar-like landscapes, Sal offers an array of activities. Watersports enthusiasts can enjoy world-class windsurfing and kitesurfing, while those looking for relaxation can bask in the sun on Boa Vista’s secluded Santa Monica Beach, which stretches for six uninterrupted miles.
Beyond the beaches, Cape Verde’s blend of African and Portuguese cultures creates a unique atmosphere. Local markets in the capital, Praia (on the island of Santiago), offer a taste of the country’s vibrant traditions, from Cape Verdean music to its delicious seafood cuisine.
Cape Verde has been gaining popularity as a quieter, more affordable alternative to the Canary Islands, which see heavy tourist traffic. With a subtropical climate and dry season running from November to May, the archipelago offers sunny, comfortable weather without the high humidity of other tropical destinations.
EasyJet’s new service makes it easier than ever for UK travelers to explore this hidden gem, bringing increased accessibility to a destination that combines exotic beauty, affordability, and rich cultural experiences.
Whether it’s a quick escape from the cold or an adventure-filled beach holiday, Cape Verde is set to become a favorite among British tourists. And with EasyJet’s expansion, this island paradise is now just a budget-friendly flight away.
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