Cape Verde Islands

The Atlantic's best kept secret

A word in your shell-like...

Unspoilt castaway islands. Bone-white beaches all to yourself. A relatively unknown culture. And a barefoot paradise without footing a whopping great price tag. Does such a place still exist? Thomson is about to let
you in on one big secret…

Probably the hottest buzzword in travel right now, the Cape Verde islands are the Atlantic’s hidden holiday hotspots. Marooned off the west coast of Africa, they sit serenely and modestly - almost as if they’re hoping to shirk the limelight. And if you’ve not heard these glittering gems yet, it’s because this isn’t a mass tourism destination. It’s certainly far-flung enough not to have gained a following from most of the UK operators. So come and get it while you can. Just keep it under your sunhat.

You’d think you’d be hard stretched to find an unspoilt destination that does exactly what it says on the tin these days. But
if you’re seeking the untouched Caribbean or Canaries of yesteryear, you’ll be on time-warp cloud nine here. This is a
seriously striking place. An archipelago of ten exotic isles floating in the wilds of the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Verde is made
up of Santo Antao, Sao Vicente, Santa Luzia, Sao Nicolau, Sal, Boavista, Maio, Santiago, Fogo and Brava. Each one is dramatically different - from non-stop chalk-white beaches and tropical greenery to desert-like landscapes with soaring volcanoes. It’s wild. It’s wondrous. And it’s waiting to take your breath away.

We’ll jet you off to Sal, a lunar-like island that greets you like a spaghetti western film set. On its sparkling southerly shores
is laid-back resort of Santa Maria, a charismatic blend of brightly painted Portuguese-style houses, cobbled streets and
colourful market stalls. From the minute you set eyes on this seaside town, it’s mismatched charm weaves its magic spell.
An eclectic mix of the old and the modern - you’re often not sure whether you’ve stumbled on a boutique or a bar until you
poke your head in to find a friendly smile welcoming you in. It’s true, you won’t quite be alone here. Pad along its sweep of silvery sands and there are a handful of plush beach hotels dotted along its 8km coast. Where you are though, is somewhere very out of the ordinary, very secluded and right at the cutting-edge of chic getaways.

Surfer It’s not just its good looks that’ll charm the socks off you, though. The locals will win you over, too. Meeting in the middle of three continents, Cape Verde brings a rich blend of cultures from Africa, Portugal and Brazil that makes for a cosmopolitan yet chilled out vibe that’ll have you smiling from the word go. After all, holidays are as much about soaking up the way of life, as they are the sun. So whether you want to simply flop on your own pristine piece of Robinson Crusoe-style beach, can’t wait to dive headfirst into water sports galore, or you’re on your own cultural quest - this is one holiday hotspot you won’t want to miss. Just remember, you read it here first.

Beach it Cape Verde-style

Cape Verde’s shores are laced with utterly deserted, jaw dropping, beaches. Bounty-like ones that instantly grab your attention, sliding seductively into glittering turquoise seas. It’s a scene that could easily have fallen from the pages of a desert-island storybook. Tread softly along Santa Maria’s sprawling stretch, and either plonk yourself down by the action of the water sports or seek out the solitude of the secluded sand dunes. You’ll most definitely feel like you’re in on something special here.

Eat it Cape Verde-style

An exotic mixture of African, Portuguese and Brazilian cuisine, your taste buds will be tingling here in no time. Foodies are
in for a real treat, especially when it comes to seafood. Not only is it mouth wateringly delicious - it’s extremely reasonably
too. Tuck into charcoal grilled lobster, juicy giant prawns and tasty octopus, or road test some of the local specialities such
as catchupa, the stew-like national dish made from corn, beans and chorizo. Santa Maria has an excellent selection of
eateries from traditional restaurants to tapas bars to Italian joints.

Shop it Cape Verde-style

Cape Verde Okay, so this isn’t exactly the place to shop ‘til you drop, but step out on to the cobbled streets, and you’ll find a buzzing atmosphere and a delightful mixed bag of shops from surf places selling beach gear to rustic makeshift shops painted in every colour of the rainbow where you can buy intricately carved wooden masks and brightly coloured canvas’ by local artists. Have a browse, and maybe barter at Santa Maria’s indoor market which is bursting with jewellery, clothing and fresh produce stalls.

Experience it Cape Verde-style

Although much of Cape Verde’s nightlife is low-key the lively spirit of the locals comes out to play after dark. A sensational
mix of salsa, samba and African tribal music fills the air and the philosophy here is ‘the more the merrier’ so whether you
join them shimmying to live music at a bustling bar or sip ponche, firewater laced with honey, at a lively café, their energy
and love of life is contagious. And don’t leave without experiencing the unique Cape Verdian morna music that unravels seductive, upbeat Latin rhythms.

See it Cape Verde-style

For a real slice of Cape Verdian life, head for the bustling capital of Espargos at the heart of Sal. From friendly stall vendors to gaggles of smiling children to card games in full swing, this is a taste of traditional island life up close and personal. Or swing on by the rickety abandoned mine that looks like it belongs in the old Wild West in Pedra de Lume and walk through the hole-in-the-wall tunnel to the salt mines. Set out in a grid-style formation you can bathe in these Dead Sea like waters - and due to their incredible buoyancy, can even sit up right in them with the latest bestseller.