Cape Verde Islands Cape Verde is new to the holiday market, rivalling the Caribbean
for pristine white sands that lay undiscovered until now. The Cape Verde Islands lie 500km off the coast of Senegal - have
varying landscapes and are a perfect setting for that holiday escape. In fact - despite being tiny in area, you'll find
arid flatlands in Maio and lush valleys in Santa Antao. Elsewhere, Fogo is a volcanic slope lined with rivers of frozen lava.
In terms of lifestyle, expect a similar vibe to rural Portugal and Africa - football's very popular, while socialising
around the town's squares often forms the basis of everyday life. With awesome beaches and a fantastic mix of African,
Brazilian and Portuguese culture, Cape Verde's already being dubbed the African Caribbean - and rightly so.
Santa
Maria Fall in love with Sal before its popularity as a hot-to-trot destination for holidaymakers skyrockets.
One of the ten idyllic islands scattered off the west coast of Africa, which make up the Cape Verde Islands, Sals all about
rustic saltwater cliche's, its white, sand waterfronts are spotted with fishing boats, is a vital nesting ground for loggerhead
turtles and perfect sunbathing spots. The locals fish the waters and the sea gives tourists fine dining, windsurfing, diving
and whale watching. Sal's main town is Santa Maria and it's here - between the gelato-coloured house's and surf
shops - Cape Verdian music and dance rules the evenings. Nighttime in this former Portuguese colony, which has African and
Brazilian influences, promises impromptu song and dance sessions as well as local flavours like the fish and bean stew known
as "cachupa".
Boa Vista Boa Vista's big on beaches, it's got small, rocky
bays and big, empty stretches of white sand that looks like it has been taken straight from the Caribbean. In fact, they're
so good looking, it's what has put this place on the map. On top of that, there's also a perfect surf for kite and
windsurfers. Dive under the waves and there's a rainbow of marine life just waiting to be discovered. Inland, Boa Vista's
main hubbub's around Sal Rei with its pastel coloured cottages, cobbled streets and rickety old shops. It's hardly
surprising then, that evenings tend to be low key - a quiet meal, a few drinks and a moonlit walk along the beach is a pretty
good bet. For something different, the island's a haven for wildlife with whale, turtle and bird watching. A top spot
for the latter is at Curral Velho beach where sea eagles and albatrosses may well swoop across your binoculars. For those
of you who prefer a more lively time "dune bashing" is a must. Also known as a desert safari, dune bashing is big
business in Cape Verde. The islands are packed full of remote coves and unexplored beaches that can only be reached by going
off-road and heading for the sand dunes.
