Nonstop Cabo Verde service is now taking off from Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport

Cabo Verde is now closer than ever for Rhode Islanders, as PVD launches new nonstop service via Cabo Verde Airlines as the only direct connection in North America. Photo courtesy of T.F. Green International Airport

For travelers in the Ocean State and surrounding region, getting to Cabo Verde is about to become far more direct. Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport is introducing a new partnership with Cabo Verde Airlines, bringing nonstop service to the island nation off the coast of West Africa.

The airline has launched flights to Praia, the capital city, with additional service to the island of Sal coming in June. The route marks a significant milestone for the airport, which will become the only nonstop connection between North America and Cabo Verde.

While the new service expands international travel options, the focus is equally on the destinations themselves. Praia and Sal each offer a distinct window into Cabo Verde’s culture, landscape and pace of life.

Discovering culture and history in Praia

Praia sits on the southern coast of Santiago, the largest island in Cabo Verde, and serves as the country’s political and cultural center. The city blends colonial history with a modern, lived-in rhythm, where markets, music and coastal views shape daily life.

Visitors can spend time exploring the Plateau district, the historic core perched above the harbor. Streets here are lined with government buildings, small shops and cafes, offering a walkable introduction to the city’s past and present. Local markets provide another entry point, where fresh produce, seafood and handmade goods reflect the island’s traditions.

Beyond the city center, nearby beaches and coastal areas offer a quieter setting. Praia is less about resort-style travel and more about immersion, giving travelers a chance to experience Cabo Verdean culture through food, music and community spaces.

For those interested in history, Santiago Island also holds sites tied to the early Atlantic trade routes, adding depth to a visit that goes beyond the shoreline.

Praia, the capital of Cabo Verde, blends coastal scenery, historic neighborhoods and everyday island life along the shores of Santiago Island. Photo courtesy of T.F. Green International Airport

Why Sal draws beach-focused travelers

While Praia offers a cultural anchor, Sal provides a contrasting experience centered on relaxation and coastal scenery. Known for its expansive beaches and clear waters, Sal has become one of Cabo Verde’s most popular destinations for visitors seeking sun and ocean activities.

The island’s landscape is defined by long stretches of sand and a steady Atlantic breeze, making it a prime location for water sports such as windsurfing and kiteboarding. Towns like Santa Maria serve as hubs for both visitors and locals, with restaurants, small shops and waterfront spaces that create an easygoing atmosphere.

Sal’s appeal lies in its simplicity. Days are often spent by the water, whether swimming, walking the shoreline or taking part in guided excursions. The island also offers unique natural features, including salt flats that reflect its name and history.

Together, Praia and Sal provide travelers with options — one leans into culture and history, while the other emphasizes rest and recreation, allowing visitors to tailor their experience within a single country.

Known for its wide beaches and turquoise waters, Sal offers a relaxed island atmosphere shaped by ocean views, coastal towns and year-round sunshine. Photo courtesy of T.F. Green International Airport

Expanding international access from Rhode Island

The addition of Cabo Verde Airlines reflects a broader effort to grow international connectivity at Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport. By offering the only nonstop route from North America to Cabo Verde, the airport positions itself as a key gateway for both leisure travelers and those visiting family across the Atlantic.

Cabo Verde Airlines traces its roots to domestic operations before expanding internationally in the 1980s, when increased migration opened new travel corridors. The airline’s continued growth now brings it to Rhode Island, connecting communities and creating new travel opportunities.

The introduction of nonstop service means less time navigating airports and more time spent exploring. Whether the draw is cultural discovery, ocean views or a combination of both, the journey now begins closer to home.

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Tara Jones is a nationally award-winning journalist with experience in multiple editorial leadership roles. Her work in digital journalism and start ups has earned her national recognition by both the Local Media Association and Editor & Publisher. Now, Tara specializes in Search Engine Optimization and creating original and engaging branded content stories, working with brands to share their stories.