If you want to spend a "tourist" holiday in Cape Verde, you should go to either the island of Sal or Boavista. These locations will provide a similar experience to what you might find in the Caribbean islands. However, in Boavista, there is nothing to do outside of the all-inclusive hotels. Sal has a very exciting selection of activities outside the hotels.

If you're looking for an experience that is off the beaten path:
if you live entertainment and parties, go to São Vicente;
if you like hiking, go to Santo Antão or São Nicolau;
if you want to experience a volcano where grapes and other fruits are grown, go to Fogo;
if you want to cycle though kilometers of mountains and valleys, go to Praia;
if you want a quiet time in a floral garden away from all life, go to Brava;
if you want a beach vacation with out the hordes of tourists, go to Maio.