SAL
As yet the most developed and tourist friendly of the Cape Verde islands, Sal is currently the most appealing for those in search of the all round holiday experience. Miles and miles of white sandy beaches, combined with culture, friendly locals, glorious seafood and nightlife make it an ideal holiday destination. With a cooling breeze and tropical reefs Sal is a paradise for water sports including kite surfing, wind surfing, scuba diving, snorkelling and sailing. Hiking and cycling are also popular here. Contact us regarding properties in Sal
SAO VICENTE
Party island with the capital and port, Mindelo, the focal point. Life revolves around the town square and the labyrinth of streets leading off it. Ash Wednesday marks the biggest carnival on Cape Verde or you could try the Baia das Gatas music event in August that lasts for 3 days and nights. .San Pedro beach is great for bathers and surfers and the Monte Verde peak at 774 metres provides superb views. There is a strong British legacy here, the island is even known for it’s cricket team!
SANTIAGO
Home to Praia, the Cape Verde capital, with a bustling maze of streets full of bars and restaurants. Music provides the vibrant beat for the nightlife, which includes many clubs and a cultural centre where local artists perform. The heart of the island is like a rain forest with a wide selection of plants and trees and even wild monkeys in some quiet areas. Ten miles from Praia is Ciadade Velhe, an old historical city. On the coast, just outside Praia is the Eco friendly Sambala development. Contact us regarding our properties in Santiago.
BOA VISTA
Boa Vista means good view and you can certainly see how it got its name as soon as you arrive. Surrounded by 55 kms of white sandy beaches including the 16km Santa Monica beach. With less infrastructure development than Sal, Boa Vista is an outstanding longer term investment opportunity or a quiet retreat in which to relax. Contact us regarding our properties in Boa Vista
FOGO
The volcanic peak of Pico de Fogo is one of the most distinctive landmarks in Cape Verde. Chas das Caldeiras dwells in the crater and includes a vineyard and a French restaurant. If you are feeling active, set aside a day to climb up the peak and into the crater, although hiring a horse is probably a better way to enjoy this journey. The views from 3,000 metres is a well worth reward for your efforts. The capital, Sao Filipe, is built on a cliff and boasts old colonial architecture. Also worth sampling are the local coffee, wine and grapes, you can bathe in the natural pool at Salina de Sao Jorge.
SAO NICOLAU
A quiet Cape Verdian island with dramatic steep rocky peaks and black sand with therapeutic minerals reflecting it’s volcanic origins. San Nicolau offers more exploration than the other islands. A haven for fishermen and hikers. Extensive farming in banana’s, coffee and corn. Mount Gordo is the highest on Cape Verde at 1,304 metres. For years the island lay empty until discovery in 1461 but it took another 300 years before the first settlement, Porto de Lapa was built on the coast. Tarrafal, located on the South west coastline has seen much recent development. Contact us regarding our properties in Sao Nicolau
MAIO
A quieter and more isolated island and very flat. The white sand beaches are virtually deserted apart from sea turtles that lay their eggs there. Only 6,000 people live on this island but you will find them friendly once you slow to their pace of life. The capital, Vila de Maio is just a small town but has a traditional church and 3 miles away, Morro is a real outpost of serenity. The scenery is impressive and hiring a vehicle will help you to appreciate it fully.
SANTA ANTAO
One of the greenest of the islands but with no real beach. The scenery is the star and that coupled with the rugged coastline makes it a magnet for walkers and hikers. A huge mountain range divides the island in 2 and there are stark contrasts between forested hills and old overgrown volcanic craters. Ponto do Sol is the capital and home to the small airport. Ribeira Grande is a popular base for explorers. Janela is famed for a huge rock covered in fifteenth century inscriptions.
BRAVA
The smallest island tends to get most of what little rainfall there is in Cape Verde and it’s slightly humid climate and abundant greenery has earned it the label ‘Island of the flowers’. Look out for lots of bougainvillea, jasmine, lobelia and hibiscus. Fishing and agriculture are mainstays of the island and the landscape varies from high peaks to deep valleys. A series of small bays feature along the coast such as Furna, Anciao, Faja d’Agua and Sorno.
SANTA LUCIA
This is an uninhabited island at present. Click here to view property for sale in Cape Verde |