Edition 35: Summer 2006
The Cape Verde Islands top the list of
up-and-coming destinations in West Africa ‐ and you’ll soon be able to
fly there direct from Manchester and London Gatwick.
The islands are relatively untouched at present, but their white
sands, green mountains, melodious music and mild tropical climate have
begun to catch the imagination of European holiday makers and property
investors alike. With the first direct flights from the UK due to
commence in November, provided by Astraeus, this island nation is a hot
prospect for winter sunseekers.
The archipelago of ten islands
plus five islets lies four hundred miles off the coast of Mauritania
and northern Senegal, on the same latitude as Barbados. John Perriss of
Destination Portugal, summing up the islands’ appeal, says: “Cape Verde
is like a combination of the Caribbean the wrong side of the Atlantic,
and Lanzarote about 30 years ago.”
West Africa specialists
Serenity Holidays, owners of The Gambia Experience, are gearing up to
launch a new sister tour operator, The Cape Verde Experience, which
will provide tailored packages designed to appeal to British
travellers. Activity holiday operators are promoting the islands, too:
Dive Worldwide and Active Adventures both recommend Cape Verde for
wreck-diving and for watching manta rays, dolphins and migrating whales.
As
well as beautiful beaches, great watersports and tremendous scenery for
hiking, the islands boast a warm, welcoming and vibrant community.
Serenity Holidays describes the culture as “a wonderful fusion of
Africa and Brazil, where tribal drumming meets the rhythmic samba.”
|
