Sao Vicente © www.caboverde.com
Only six hours flying time from the major airports of Europe,
the volcanic Cape Verde archipelago, lying in the Atlantic Ocean
off the bulge of Africa, is rapidly emerging as an inspiring
holiday destination for those seeking something different.
The nine inhabited islands are bristling with their own
individual character and melodious, unique musical culture, besides
offering plenty of opportunities for relaxation or active
pursuits.
The rapidly developing island of Sal, in particular, with its
long white sandy beaches, has been discovered by European beach
buffs and water sports enthusiasts. The main tourist town, Santa
Maria, near the international airport, is earning its place on the
map as being the world's latest surfing Mecca, also a major draw
for windsurfers and kite surfers, with its trade winds and winter
swells.
A former Portuguese colony, Cape Verde is now a struggling
Republic, scourged by drought in the last century, which prompted
heavy emigration. Exploiting the natural assets of the islands by
encouraging tourism has now become a valuable injection for the
economy.
Apart from beaches, the islands also offer impressive mountains,
volcanoes, delicious seafood and an interesting African/Portuguese
cultural mix. The distinctive music of the islands, carried abroad
by renowned artist, Cesara Evora, 'the barefoot diva', also adds to
Cape Verde's character.
Most visitors utilise the inter-island ferries or domestic
airline to explore more than just one of these somewhat barren and
rugged islands, each of which has unique sights or experiences to
offer. In a frenetic world Cape Verde remains slow, unsophisticated
and secure with a stable democratic government, ready to welcome
those seeking a simple holiday far from the madding crowd.
