Complete travel information for your October journey
October is a shoulder-month for Lisbon departures to Sal: demand is lower than winter high season but still steady due to pleasant Cape Verde weather and shoulder-season discounts. If you’re flying from Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) to Amílcar Cabral International Airport (SID) in October, monitor fares 6–8 weeks in advance and consider midweek departures for lower prices. Lisbon is a convenient hub—use flexible multi-city tickets to add Porto or Faro before your island hop. Pack light, bring sun protection, and purchase refundable or changeable tickets if your plans are flexible. CTA: Compare Lisbon to Sal flights now and subscribe to price alerts for October deals.
To find the best Lisbon to Sal deals in October, book 6–8 weeks in advance, monitor fare alerts, and compare Cabo Verde Airlines and TAP Air Portugal prices. Use flexible date search (weekday departures are often cheaper), check nearby airports for outbound/inbound legs, and sign up for airline newsletters for flash sales. Consider connecting flights via Lisbon or seasonal direct services for savings; always confirm baggage fees before purchase.
Direct flights from Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) to Amílcar Cabral International Airport (SID) usually take about 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours depending on route and winds. Connecting itineraries (for example via mainland Portugal or Canarias) can increase total travel time to 6–12 hours with layovers. Check scheduled durations when booking and allow extra time for arrival procedures.
Yes — direct Lisbon to Sal flights commonly operate in October, often served by Cabo Verde Airlines and seasonal schedules from Portuguese carriers. Frequency can vary week-to-week in shoulder season, so check current schedules and book early for specific travel dates. If a direct option isn't available on your date, one-stop options via Lisbon hub or Canary Islands are frequent.
Baggage allowances vary by airline and fare class: low-cost or basic economy fares may include only one small carry-on, while standard economy typically includes a 20–23 kg checked bag plus a cabin bag. Cabo Verde Airlines and TAP have different policies, so verify your ticket for exact weight and size limits and prepay checked baggage to save. Pack light for island travel—soft bags are easier for tight taxis and small planes.
Arrive at Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) at least 2–3 hours before your international departure to SID—this allows time for check-in, security, and potential October seasonal crowds. Weekends and holiday weeks may be busier, so add extra time if traveling with sports gear or large groups. Use online check-in where possible to speed up the process.
Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) is a major European hub with connections to Porto, Faro, Madrid, Barcelona, and Funchal (Madeira), which passengers often combine with Lisbon–Sal itineraries. Travelers may book multi-city trips (e.g., Porto → Lisbon → Sal) or add stopovers in Madrid/Barcelona to explore Iberia. Use hub connections to find more flight options and potentially lower fares.
Arriving at Amílcar Cabral International Airport (SID) in October offers warm weather and fewer crowds compared with winter high season. Plan quick transfers to Santa Maria (20–30 minutes) and prebook popular excursions like salt pans and kitesurf lessons, as weekends can fill up. If you need cash, ATMs are available in Espargos and Santa Maria, but carry some Euros for smaller vendors. CTA: Book your airport transfer and reserve watersport sessions for October now to guarantee availability.
October in Sal (Amílcar Cabral International Airport (SID)) is generally warm and pleasant with average temperatures between 25°C and 29°C (77°F–84°F). October is a transitional month with decreasing rainfall compared to late summer; trade winds make it excellent for kitesurfing and beach activities. Pack light clothing, sun protection, and a light windbreaker for evenings.
Santa Maria is approximately 15–20 km from Amílcar Cabral International Airport (SID) and the journey typically takes 20–30 minutes by taxi or private transfer. Fixed-price airport taxis and hotel shuttles operate year-round; book transfers in advance during October if arriving during weekend events. Car rental and local bus services are available, but taxis are fastest and most convenient after an international flight.
Entry requirements vary by nationality. Many travelers can use Cape Verde's e-visa system or obtain a visa/tourist card on arrival; however, some European citizens—including Portuguese—may have simplified entry depending on bilateral agreements. Always verify current requirements with the Cape Verde consulate or official immigration website before travel and allow time to complete e-visa steps prior to your October departure.
Top nearby attractions include Santa Maria Beach (renowned for soft sand and watersports), the salt pans and historic Saline of Pedra de Lume, Buracona’s natural pools and the ‘Blue Eye’, and the island’s windsurf/kite centers. Many visitors base themselves in Santa Maria and take day trips to Espargos and local fishing villages. Book tours and watersport lessons in advance—October is a great month for outdoor activities with comfortable temperatures.
October on Sal tends to be quieter than the high season, but local cultural events, live music nights in Santa Maria, and community seafood festivals may take place—dates vary by year. Water-sports competitions and sailing regattas occasionally occur in the shoulder season; check local tourism calendars and hotel noticeboards before traveling. If attending events, book accommodation and transfers early to secure the best options.
From Amílcar Cabral International Airport (SID) you can easily reach Santa Maria and Espargos on Sal island; inter-island connections provide access to Mindelo (São Vicente), Praia (Santiago), and Boa Vista. Sal is also a gateway for travelers looking to combine Cape Verde islands on multi-stop itineraries and connect to West Africa or Europe with seasonal carriers. Check inter-island flight schedules for island-hopping options.
October in Lisbon often includes autumn cultural programming such as music concerts, marathons (date-dependent) and food festivals showcasing Portuguese wine and cuisine, offering a pleasant pre- or post-island stopover. On Sal island, October tends to feature local live-music nights in Santa Maria, small seafood or fishing festivals, and island sports gatherings—perfect for travelers seeking a quieter cultural taste of Cape Verde. Always check official event calendars for precise dates and book accommodation early if your trip overlaps a major local event. CTA: Explore local event calendars for Lisbon and Sal to align your October travel dates with cultural highlights.
The ideal time to fly from Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) to Amílcar Cabral International Airport (SID) depends on your priorities: November–March is peak season with the driest weather and most events, while October is a favorable shoulder month with warm temperatures and fewer crowds. If you want lower fares and comfortable weather, October is a great choice—expect pleasant sea temperatures and reliable winds for watersports. For best flight prices, book several weeks ahead and avoid major holiday weekends.
Direct flights from Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) to Amílcar Cabral International Airport (SID) save time and reduce the risk of missed connections, making them ideal for shorter trips or travelers with limited time. Connecting flights can be cheaper and offer more schedule flexibility, especially if you’re combining Lisbon with other cities like Porto or Madrid. In October, when direct frequency can be lower, consider whether a one-stop itinerary with a short layover is acceptable for potential cost savings. CTA: Compare nonstop and connecting itineraries for your October travel dates to find the best balance of price and convenience.
Cabo Verde Airlines often offers direct services between Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) and Amílcar Cabral International Airport (SID) with island-focused schedules and straightforward check-in for beach travel. TAP Air Portugal provides reliable service and strong connectivity across Europe with competitive fares and frequent schedules, though direct frequency can vary. When comparing airlines for October travel, evaluate total price including baggage, seat selection, and change fees. Frequent flyers may prefer carriers with loyalty benefits; budget travelers should confirm all ancillary fees. CTA: Compare carrier options and read the fine print on baggage and change policies before booking October travel.
Pack breathable clothing, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and a lightweight windbreaker for Sal in October; evenings can be breezy. Bring copies of travel documents, any prescription medication, and consider travel insurance covering weather disruptions during the tail end of hurricane season. Currency on Sal is the Cape Verde Escudo (CVE) — carry some cash in Euros or CVE for markets and small vendors, and use ATMs in Santa Maria for local withdrawals. Stay hydrated, use mosquito repellent in early evenings, and confirm power plug compatibility (230V typical). CTA: Prepare your October packing list and purchase travel insurance before booking your Lisbon to Sal flight.
Direct flights from Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) to Amílcar Cabral International Airport (SID) commonly take around 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours. Typical departure windows from Lisbon are early morning and late afternoon for transatlantic/Atlantic island services; schedules can be reduced midweek in October. Connecting itineraries may route through Lisbon hub (for passengers originating elsewhere), or via Canary Islands on some carriers, adding 2–8 hours depending on the stopover. CTA: Check live timetables and sign up for schedule alerts to stay informed of any October changes.
To find cheap Lisbon (Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS)) to Sal (Amílcar Cabral International Airport (SID)) flights in October, compare fares across multiple OTAs and airline websites, enable price alerts, and remain flexible with travel dates. Shoulder-season discounts are common—target midweek travel and check connecting flights through Lisbon or Canary Islands for savings. Look out for flash sales from Cabo Verde Airlines or TAP Air Portugal and consider bundling flights with hotels for additional discounts. CTA: Activate price alerts for LIS to SID October routes and book when you see a dip.