The Cape Verde archipelago is located off the western coast of Africa, opposite Mauritania and Senegal. The previously uninhabited islands were discovered and colonized by the Portuguese in the 15th century and gained independence from Portugal in 1975.
The islands have a growing tourist trade, with many returning year after year to visit or to purchase retirement property after enjoying its natural beauty and laid back atmosphere.
Discovering Cape Verde’s Isle of Boa Vista
The most eastern island of the Cape Verde archipelago, Boa Vista provides the perfect place to relax and wind down to the rhythm of the island’s laid back tempo. Known as the island of beaches and dunes with an ocean that is clear and warm, the island is also known for its marine life, traditional music and hand crafts.
Boa Vista attracts both casual holiday makers and those who stay on a long-term basis. There is a variety of accommodation from all inclusive hotel packages to self-catering apartments.
Bed and breakfast accommodation starts at around $40 per person per night in relatively upmarket accommodation.
All Inclusive packages to Boa Vista start at around $1500 (900 UK Sterling) per person, based on two adults sharing.
Operators offer sports activities such as scuba-diving, windsurfing and fishing for the more active visitor.
The island has a capital which is little more than a village, called Sal-Rei. Approximately 1km from Sal Rei is the Braganca Fort which was built to withstand pirate attacks in the 1800’s. There are a few other sights, such as a ceramics factory and the church of S. Roque which was built in 1801 as well as the shipwrecked Spanish freighter which ran aground in 1968.
There are a variety of cultural festivals (mostly religious) which take place throughout the year.
San Antao Tourist Attractions
San Antao is the second largest island in the Cape Verde archipelago and has, arguably, the islands’ best scenery. Volcanic in origin,San Antao is slightly different to the other islands as there are green rolling hills and wild vegetation in contrast to the more arid look of some of the other islands.
The island boasts stunning sandy beaches and beautiful clear waters, with plenty of sheltered coves and bays.
Economically the island is rich in agriculture, producing varied crops such as sweet potatoes, bananas, coconuts, mango and almonds.
Activities include bicycle riding, hang gliding, swimming and simply enjoying the island’s beaches and scenery.
Accommodation starts at approximately $20 per person per night for basic bed and breakfast accommodation.
Local food consists of mostly seafood and fresh local produce, some of the specialties include dishes such as shrimp soup and shrimp dishes soaked in wine and slowly cooked until tender.
Cape Verde enjoys a stable political and economic system which is boosted by the tourism industry. The islands enjoy one of West Africa’s highest standard of living. The Afro-Portuguese population are hospitable and visitors to the islands are typically welcomed with warmth and exuberance.
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