Just off the coast of Africa, these islands give the Canaries a run for their money
WORDS: HELENA CARTWRIGHT. PHOTOS: SHUTTERSTOCK. DETAILS CORRECT AT TIME OF WRITING
Why go?
With incredible wildlife and stunning landscapes, this cluster of islands in the Atlantic has so much to offer. Located off the west coast of Africa, the Cape Verde islands are still relatively unknown in the mainstream holiday market. Yet the archipelago boasts a year-long average temperature of 26C with very little rainfall, long stretches of beautiful, unspoilt beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters, making it the ultimate sun-seekers’ destination to get away from it all without the long-haul flight, which is always welcome. Sal – the most well-known of the islands – has a vibrant Creole Portuguese-African culture and should be high up on your list of places to visit.
Island life
Stay at Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria with TUI, which has a prime beachfront spot and is just 16km from Sal airport. Rooms are modern and spacious, and all have a balcony or terrace. Splashing out? Opt for a Swim-Up Deluxe double room with terrace. It’s an adults-only option, but it’s well worth it for ultimate pool-side relaxation.
The hotel offers a 24-hour, all-inclusive package and you’re spoilt for choice, with five different restaurants to choose from. You’ll find a buffet with live cooking stations, Italian specialities, Japanese and fusion dishes, as well as a steakhouse restaurant. You’ll need to make reservations each night to secure a spot, but you won’t pay any extra. You can also tuck into snacks and sweets at the hotel bars and patisserie throughout the day. You’ll find drinks aplenty with seven bars to choose from, including a sports bar, two swim-ups and a quiet retreat in the lobby.
Family fun
While adults are well taken care of, this hotel offers an incredible experience for families, too. There are six outdoor pools, a waterpark and a children’s pool with slides, while watersports take place on the beach right by the hotel. Think coastal kayaking, windsurfing and body boarding.
Once you’ve had your activity fix, you can snap up a lounger and parasol for free. Amazing beaches are what originally put Cape Verde on the map for tourists, and the island has a coastline peppered with Caribbean-style bays with gorgeous golden sand. You can’t go wrong with family beach days.
Animal adventures
For a truly magical experience, head to Sal between June and October. It’s home to some of the m
