Praia flights from London take 5-6 hours (seasonal) on direct seasonal services or 7-10 hours with a connection. The city is served by Nelson Mandela International Airport (RAI), just about 3km from the city centre.
TUI and easyJet operate seasonal direct flights from Gatwick. Year-round, TAP Air Portugal flies via Lisbon with good connections and typically the most competitive fares. The Lisbon routing adds about 4-5 hours to total travel time.
Return fares range from £300-450 in low season to £600-850 during winter sun peak periods. Direct flights cost more but save significant time.
Praia is the capital of Cape Verde with a population of 160,000. The airport is conveniently close to the city, with taxis costing around 500-800 CVE for the short trip.
Cheap flight deals to Praia from the UK
Royal Air Maroc
Royal Air Maroc
Royal Air Maroc
Royal Air Maroc
Royal Air Maroc
Royal Air Maroc
Tap Portugal
Tap Portugal
Price Patterns
Prices typically drop Tuesday/Wednesday for bookings
Last-minute deals are rare due to limited flight availability
Peak periods see fares rise 20-40%
Sweet spot
6-8 weeks before travel for best combination of availability and price.
Avoid Booking
Less than 2 weeks out (premium pricing)
Christmas and Easter periods (surge pricing)
School holiday dates if travelling with families
Beach Time
Relax at Quebra Canela Beach, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and seaside cafés.
City Plateau
Explore the Plateau district to see colonial buildings, government landmarks, and city views.
Cultural Museum
Visit the Ethnographic Museum to learn about Cape Verdean traditions and island life.
Local Markets
Browse Praia’s colourful markets for fresh produce, crafts, and everyday local culture.
Music Scene
Enjoy live morna and funaná music that reflects Cape Verde’s rich musical heritage.