Boa Vista Island is the easternmost island of Cape Verde and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the archipelago. Covering approximately 631 km², it is the third-largest island in the country and is often known as the “Island of the Dunes” because of its vast sandy landscapes and desert-like terrain. The island is generally flat, with Monte Estância as its highest point at 387 metres above sea level. Boa Vista is famous for its extensive white-sand beaches, rolling dunes, and the Deserto de Viana, a striking desert influenced by winds from the Sahara.

Boa Vista has a population of around 14,000 to 15,000 residents, with Sal Rei serving as the island’s main town and administrative centre. Located on the north-west coast, Sal Rei is the commercial and social hub of the island and the main gateway for visitors.

The island’s economy is driven primarily by tourism, which has experienced significant growth due to Boa Vista’s beaches, resorts, and year-round warm climate. Other economic activities include fishing, small-scale agriculture, livestock rearing, and services. Historically, salt production played an important role in the island's development, but tourism is now the dominant sector.

For visitors, Boa Vista offers some of the finest beaches in Cape Verde, including Santa Mónica Beach, Praia de Chaves, Praia de Cabral, and Varandinha Beach. The island is also renowned for its wildlife, particularly as one of the most important nesting sites in the Atlantic for loggerhead sea turtles. Other attractions include the Deserto de Viana, traditional villages such as Povoação Velha, dune excursions, whale watching (seasonal), and water sports such as kitesurfing and windsurfing. With its combination of spectacular beaches, unique desert scenery, and relaxed atmosphere, Boa Vista is one of Cape Verde’s premier holiday destinations.