The Cape Verde islands are located off the coast of Senegal, there are 10 islands in all. Perfect for a winter break as temperatures rarely dip below 22 degrees and only 6 hours flight from the UK. You can stay on one island throughout or do some island hopping to experience more. Below are some ideas of what to expect on the main islands:
Santiago is the biggest island and is the location of the nation’s capital, Praia. It’s more of a commercial and cultural centre than the other islands, but you’ll still find mountains and green valleys here. The old capital, Cidade Velha, is now an UNESCO World Heritage Site and was the first city built by Europeans in West Africa, mainly as it was a key slave trading point.
Sal was the first of the islands to welcome tourists and it’s easy to see why. Sandy beaches everywhere! The capital has a good range of restaurants and local culture. The island is perfect for watersports, especially kite-surfing.
Boa Vista is dramatic! The island has an arid red rocky desert landscape but with golden beaches. Good place for those who like diving as the waters are crystal clear with tropical fish, bright coral and shipwrecks. More active than Sal, as here you can go quad biking, deep-sea fishing and windsurfing.
If your sports activities favour hiking, then the island of Santo Antao is where you should head. Here you’ll find pine tree forests on the hilltops as well as tropical banana, cassava and coffee plants in the valleys. The village of Fontainhas clings to the cliff edge and seems like a fairy-tale village. Your hotel will be able to help you with routes for hiking or trail running.
I can put together an island hopping itinerary so you can visit 2 or 3 islands during your stay. For example – explore Santiago and Sal before heading to Fogo to explore the volcanic crater. Depending on the island, you will either fly or get a ferry between islands.
Want to know more? Just send me a message or call me on 01252519669 (Thanks to the Cape Verde Experience – one of my trusted tour operators, for the words)
