Islands in the Sun

Located about 300 miles off the coast of Senegal in West Africa, the islands of Cape Verde lie on the same latitude as the Caribbean and are approximately 5 ½ hours flying time from the UK, with direct routes now available from Gatwick, Birmingham and Manchester airports.

A tropical, dry climate, temperatures are constantly 3 degrees warmer than the Canaries, and sunshine levels boast 10-12 hours per day and an average temperature of 25C, with a high of 27C and a low of 22C. There is very little rainfall and what does fall usually hits between August and October. Even during this small window it never exceeds about 260mm in total.

Offering a year-round sunny and temperate climate, white sandy beaches and clean blue water, as well as panoramic mountain ranges that conceal enchanting lush valleys and tropical plantations it’s as much an adventure holiday as it is a retreat to get away and simply soak up some sun.

Within the craggy mountain ranges there are huge plantations of corn and sugar cane, as well as a surprisingly wide variation of vegetables. Added to this are plantations filled with banana, papaya, mango, date and coconut palms which have all led to the island being known as the bread basked of the archipelago.

The region also features a botanical garden full of indigenous species and is surrounded by a forest of eucalyptus trees and contains the world’s biggest baobab tree.

And its appeal doesn’t quite stop there. Because of its unique history (it was discovered by Portuguese sailors back in the 15th century) there are plenty of historical monuments to investigate and the enthusiasm of the wonderfully hospitable people makes it a pleasure to explore, with anyone and everyone keen to help.

Unspoilt and currently very much the haven of only those fortunate few who are aware of its existence, most of the visitors to Cape Verde insist on returning for a second time. Whilst 98% of the world’s travelling population don’t even know the islands exist, the same could have been said less than half a century ago about the Canary Islands.

Because of the level of investment involved with Cape Verde I get the sense that it is set to be a major player as a travel destination of choice for those who want a little bit of the Caribbean without that unspoilt or over-developed feel.   

George R Vaughan

Posted Tue, 07/20/2010 - 12:36 by George Vaughan