Flight, Hotel & Package Holiday Bargains in the Cape Verde Islands
Summary
The Cape Verde Islands are formed by 10 main islands and about 8 islets that are situated off the west coast of Africa in the North Atlantic Ocean. The main islands are Santo Antao, Sao Vicente, Santa Luzia, Sao Nicolau, Sal, Boa Vista, Maio, Santiago, Fogo and Brava. Whether you're seeking a peaceful relaxaing holiday or high adventure, there's something here for everyone. With unspoilt white beaches, translucent waters and tropical green scenery the Cape Verde Islands should all be visited. In spite of having been devastated by drought over the last century, Cape Verde has gradually developed over the recent decades to become an attractive holiday destination resort that will have you digging out your passport. With continual sunshine and very little rain, this is one new find that you won't want to miss.
Getting there and getting around
Flights to Cape Verde islands will take you to one of the most beautiful, untapped holiday destinations today. Amílcar Cabral International Airport is located 2 km (1.3 miles) west southwest from Espargos on the Cape Verde island of Sal and lies close to the main tourist area of Santa Maria. Taxis are available for transport to hotels and towns throughout the island, but can be quite pricey. Shared taxis (alugers) are also available. Car rental is available and the airport has a post office, bank, auto exchange machine, restaurants, cafeterias, bars, VIP lounge, duty-free shopping and tourist help desks. A ferry system links the Cape Verde islands together, so you can get the chance to experience all that the islands. Accommodation ranges from cosy family pensions to villas and luxury hotels.
Things to do
Depending on what kind of holiday you’re looking for Cape Verde holidays have a range of options to suit everyone. Santa Maria is the best-known beach on Sal, and has an enjoyable mix of hotels, cafes, bars, surf shops and local market stalls and the island is blessed with stretches of long white sandy beaches. Holidays on the the island of Fogo will appeal to those with an adventurous spirit, as large parts of Fogo still feel off-the-beaten-track, this welcoming island offers some of the most striking scenery in the entire group. Fogo Island is an extraordinarily beautiful volcanic island, dominated by Mount Fogo, an active volcano with a 5 mile wide crater, rising to an amazing 2,829 meters. Or maybe you fancy a trek or horse riding trip through lush mountainous islands like Santo Antao. The Cape Verde Island also has the trade winds that create some excellent surfing and windsurfing conditions.
Food and drink
Cape Verde holiday nightlife is also largely dependent on the choice of island. For the present, Sal and Sao Vicente are the liveliest islands for a night out. Santa Maria on Sal has an excellent selection of places to eat, from restaurants serving traditional dishes and tapas bars to pizzerias and Italian eateries. You can find traditional-style places serving up lip smacking Cape Verde specialties such as 'bife de atum', tuna marinated in spices and vinegar or 'bacalhau', dried cod. Other Cape Verdian specials include the national dish 'catchupa', a stew-like dish. And if you're a fan of seafood, you're in luck, tuck into grilled lobster, mouth-watering giant prawns, tasty octopus, and of course, the fresh fish catches of the day. Not only is it delicious - it's extremely reasonable too.