01 · THE LOCATION
Where is Praia de Chaves?
Praia de Chaves stretches along the western coast of Boa Vista, south of Sal Rei and close to the village of Rabil. It is one of the island’s best-known beaches, combining a wide sandy shoreline with rolling dunes and open views across the Atlantic.
Around five kilometres long, the beach includes areas close to resorts as well as quieter stretches where the landscape feels much more open and untouched. The dunes behind the beach are one of its most distinctive features.
Located on Boa Vista’s western coast
Around 5 km of sandy shoreline
Known for its beach, dunes and Atlantic scenery
How to reach Praia de Chaves
Praia de Chaves is relatively easy to reach compared with some of Boa Vista’s more remote beaches. The main resort areas can be reached by road, while a 4×4 gives you more freedom to explore the dunes and quieter sections of the coast.
From Sal Rei, the journey usually takes around 15 minutes depending on your destination along the beach.
01
By taxi or transfer
One of the easiest ways to reach the main beach and resort areas from Sal Rei, Rabil or the airport.
02
By rental 4×4
Explore Praia de Chaves and its surrounding dunes at your own pace, with the freedom to continue towards other beaches and inland landscapes.
03
With a guided 4×4 tour
Discover Chaves as part of a wider island experience, combining panoramic stops with Sal Rei, beaches and other landmarks.
What to do at Praia de Chaves
Praia de Chaves combines relaxation and adventure. Walk along the vast shoreline, explore the dunes, discover a piece of local history or enjoy the Atlantic winds that make this coast popular for water sports.
04 · CURIOSITIES
What makes Praia de Chaves unique?
Beyond its long sandy coastline, Praia de Chaves combines wind-shaped dunes, island history and one of Boa Vista’s most distinctive Atlantic landscapes.
Shaped by the trade winds
The winds that cross Boa Vista continually shape the dunes and also make this stretch of coastline popular for activities such as kitesurfing.
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Dunes beside the ocean
The dunes of Chaves rise directly behind the beach, creating a striking transition between desert sand and the Atlantic coastline.
A chimney lost in the dunes
An old chimney still rises from the Chaves dunes, the surviving landmark of a ceramics factory that operated here between the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
05 · WHEN TO VISIT
The best time to visit
Praia de Chaves can be enjoyed throughout the year. Early morning and late afternoon are particularly pleasant for walking, photography and relaxing on the beach, when the temperatures and light are softer.
Wind and sea conditions can vary considerably throughout the year. Travellers interested in kitesurfing generally find the most consistent trade winds between roughly November and May.
Time of day
Morning or late afternoon
Enjoy softer temperatures, quieter stretches of beach and beautiful coastal light.
Recommended duration
Half day to full day
Spend a few hours walking and relaxing, or make Chaves the setting for a complete beach day.
What to bring
Sun & wind protection
Bring sunscreen, water, sunglasses and a hat. A light layer can also be useful on windy days.
Wind sports
November — May
The windier months generally provide the most consistent conditions for kitesurfing and other wind sports.
06 · FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Before you go