 |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Resort Guide
Isla de Sal
Cape Verde is made up of 10 islands. They are 400 miles off the west coast of Africa and 5 and a half hours flying time from the UK. The average temperature year round is 25C with very low rainfall. Frequent and reliable ferries and internal flights make island hopping relatively easy. The area is tipped to be a major rival to the Canary islands within the next 5-10 years so development is taking place in most areas, with many of the larger hotel chains opening luxury hotels here in the next few years.
The main island of Sal is very flat and dry with its interior is barren and desert-like and its coastline an endless string of white sand beaches. The main attractions to the island are the beaches and water sports facilities. There is also an old salt mine and lagoon which are very beautiful. The people here are very friendly and laid back, and most people fall in love with the atmosphere and stunning landscape.
Santa Maria, the main tourist resort, has an 8km long white sand beach and clear turquoise waters. It is excellent for many water sports including scuba diving, snorkelling, windsurfing and kite-surfing. There are plenty of bars, some with live music and a handful of clubs. The restaurants here offer excellent local cuisine including fresh fish and seafood which is caught daily in the area. Many of the local buildings are pretty and pastel coloured, adding to the charm of the town.
Weather in Cape Verde
|
|
Average Temperature:
Beaches
Cape Verde has fantastic long, golden white beaches with beautiful turquoise waters. 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.
Santa Maria has an 8km long white sand beach, which is very popular for water sports including kite surfing and wind surfing. Reel in the Blue Marlin or the Yellow fin tuna or simply sit under the shade of a parasol and watch a game of volleyball. There is a beach where turtles come up to lay eggs, and in the north of the island there is a natural rocky pool where you can swim in clear water with colourful fish around your feet.
Shopping
Cape Verde isn't a place that you could go to shop until you drop. There is a mix of shops; all the shops are painted in all colours, on the charming cobbled streets which are buzzing with atmosphere. There is also an indoor market which is full with clothing, jewellery and plenty of fresh produce.
Santa Maria's charm lies in its cobbled streets, which are always buzzing with atmosphere. There are two banks, a supermarket and a variety of shops selling beach gear to brightly coloured canvas' by local artists.
There are daily markets, the Santa Catarina market is held Wednesday and Saturday. Coconut shells are carved by local craftspeople; there is also pottery, lacework and basketry.
Don't miss the Centro de Artesanato, an arts and crafts store full with ceramic pieces and leather goods.
Getting Around
By Plane
There internal flights between the islands; between Praia, Mindelo and Sal there are flights at least once daily.
However these can be quite expensive.
By Bus
Travelling by bus is cheap and the standards are quite high. The buses can sometimes be crowded and the ride could be a bit bumpy.
By Taxi
Taxis are called Aluguers; they can be cars, vans or mini buses. You should always fix a price with the driver before you start your journey.
By Car
Cars can be rented in Isla de Sal, Fogo and Sao Tiago. You will need an international driving licence. You must drive on the right. Some roads are unsafe as they are rocky, main roads are a lot safer.
By Boat
Boats can be used to travel between islands, however planes are more convenient.
Nightlife
The nightlife in Cape Verde is based around the hotels, many hotels have large reception areas and local musicians host 'theme nights', these are very popular and the audience are always invited to join in. Although after dark it can get quite lively. The locals are very friendly, full of energy and love to interact with the tourists. You can spend the night watching the sunset over a romantic meal or drink and dance at one of the bars. There are quite a lot of bars and restaurants, some of the restaurants have live music. The Santa Maria nights can be long and full of life; there is a cinema and a few clubs which close in the early hours of the morning. There is a Latin and African feel to a lot of the entertainment including decor and shows.
Experiencing the Cape Verdian morna music is a must, the upbeat Latin rhythms that will have your toes tapping and heels clicking in no time.
Eating Out
If you like seafood then you're in for a treat. The most popular seafood is grilled lobster, giant prawns, fresh fish and octopus. The seafood mouth watering delicious and very reasonably priced too. On the other hand, if seafood really isn't your thing, then there is a great mixture of African, Portuguese and Brazilian cuisine. In Santa Maria there are plenty of restaurants selling traditional dishes along with pizzerias, tapas bars and Italian restaurants. There is something for everyone.
Sports
The Cape Verde Islands are surrounded by reefs, and therefore are a diver's paradise. It has huge possibilities for exploring wrecks, is rich with tropical underwater flora and has a massive array of fish including dolphins, turtles and sharks as well as shoals of rockfish and bream. There are also numerous water sports that are available from windsurfing to kite surfing. Other than water related activities, trekking is very popular with a wide range of locations and levels of difficulty, combining spectacular views and diverse flora. All islands offer guides to take you through the best routes and there are walks to suit all levels of fitness. Other sports available in Cape Verde include fishing and horse riding. One of the best activities to do is go diving or snorkelling. Cape Verde is popular for fishing as there are a number of exotic species.
|
|
|
| |
