The Cape Verde islands are situated approximately 450km west of the African country of Senegal.
The islands have become a popular holiday destination in recent years - visitors tend to return year after year to soak up the sun, enjoy the wonderful beaches and Afro Portuguese culture.
According to Afrol news, "The latest statistics show that tourist arrivals continue to grow at a rate of 22 percent and it is projected that Cape Verde will reach the benchmark of 1 million tourists annually by 2015”.
Cape Verde property sales have boomed in recent years as many visitors are so mesmerized with its beauty that many decide to return each year for vacations or even buy property in order to retire here.
Cape Verde Tourist Attractions
- Relatively close to Europe (about a six hour flight from London, England)
- Wonderful, clear turquoise ocean
- Vast stretches of white, sandy beaches
- Rich history, culture and music
- Diversity of the islands with cheerful, friendly people
- Deep sea fishing opportunities
- Mild temperatures all year round
- Endemic species of sea birds, turtles, whale spotting and exotic vegetation for the nature lover to watch.
Cape Verde Island Santiago - What to See and Do
Santiago is the largest island in the Cape Verde Archipelago. Its capital is called Praia and is a lovely town with fascinating local markets and delightful beaches.
A suggested itinerary to explore the island is to take a drive from Praia north to the town of Tarrafal which is found at the opposite end of the island:
- Take time to enjoy the scenic drive on the way, passing through the pretty town Assomada which is at the highest point of this Cape Verde island.
- Ribeira da Barca, a small town en route to Tarrafal, has a deep canyon nearby worth seeing.
- On arrival at Tarrafal, spend some time at the wonderful sandy beach and sample the local dish 'Cachupa', which is a typical Cape Verde dish, made from fresh fish and spices.
- Driving back to Praia from Tarrafal, try the route on the east side of the island, which will take one past Pedra Badejo with its rich tropical vegetation and blue lagoons.
Cape Verde Island Fogo – Places of Interest
- The Cape Verde island of Fogo has historical places of interest at the town of Sao Filipe which has pleasantly arranged plazas and squares and buildings which testify to its past as an old-slave based society.
- North of Sao Filipe is a magnificent black sand beach with a number of beautiful grottoes and reefs.
- The main tourist attraction of Fogo is the inactive volcano which reaches a height of 2 829 meters. The crater is 500 meters in diameter and 180 meters deep. The road to Cha das Caldeiras will take one half way up the volcano, from which point a hike up to the peak is well worth the effort with spectacular views all around.
- In Cha das Caldeiras there is a magnificent natural park called Monte Velho where one can see enormous trees and green vegetation, which is in great contrast to the general aridness of the rest of the island..
With the melodious beauty of its music, variety of delicious seafood and gorgeous scenery it is no wonder that the Cape Verde islands have become an exciting tourist destination.
Sources:
Afrol African News, Article "Cape Verde Tourism Keeps Booming"
Cabo Verde - Official Tourist Guide
Fleur Hupston - Fleur Hupston is a professional freelance writer based in Botswana, Southern Africa. From this unique perspective, she writes travel ...
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