Cape Verde: Africa’s Answer to the Caribbean

Cape Verde has been heralded as one of the best tourist destinations of 2014 by National Geographic and there’s no doubt that the popularity of this group of Atlantic islands is on the rise.

If you’re looking for sun-drenched islands with spectacular beaches then Cape Verde should be on your destination list.

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The African Caribbean

Cape Verde may be one of the best kept secrets in the travel world. A relative new-comer on the vacation scene, the islands have everything a beach lover could want, which may why they have been called Africa’s answer to the Caribbean. Islands such as Sal and Boa Vista offer coastlines that are fringed by pristine, white sand beaches, lapped by the warm, turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The beaches are one of the major reasons why travel companies such as FirstChoice are now offering this destination as a Caribbean competitor.

Immense, unspoilt beaches

Whether you’ve come to surf or simply relax on the powder soft sands you won’t fail to be impressed with the Cape Verde beaches. Sal’s Santa Maria beach is an excellent example of the idyllic beauty spots on offer; Santa Maria stretches for over four and half kilometres and if you’re looking for seclusion this is the place to come. The island of Boa Vista offers 55km of beaches and some of the very best powder soft sands can be found at the huge white-sand dunes Praia de Chaves. The sheer size of these beaches means it’s easy to find your own stretch of sand but there are plenty of water sports to enjoy as well as nearby resort hotels and restaurants.

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Island activities

Outdoor activities are a part of daily life, as you would expect from a group of islands with high temperatures and beautiful beaches. Water sports include windsurfing, deep sea fishing and diving while boat excursions can include whale watching and island hopping trips. A visit to the island of Fogo to view the amazing volcanic landscape and the 160 metre Pico de Fogo volcano is an unforgettable experience. Nightlife on the islands is low key and relaxed but there are nightclubs available such as the popular Disco Bambu in Boa Vista where dancing continues until dawn.

With so many beautiful and unspoilt beaches on offer there’s no doubt that Cape Verde won’t be a secret for much longer. Choose your island, pick your favourite beach and return as often as possible.

This is a guest post.

Images by Snapshooter46, used under the Creative Commons license.