Pictured left to right outside the new store are: Paul Hardwick, Fred. Olsen Travel Agents Director of Retail; Emma Bailey, Fred. Olsen Travel Agents; Tutti Taylor, Fred. Olsen Travel Agents; Councillor Candy Vaughan, Mayor of Eastbourne; Trevor Ridler, Fred. Olsen Travel Agents Business Development Manager; and Shirley Waters, Fred. Olsen Travel Agents..
Cape Verde has been described as Africa’s answer to the Caribbean and this archipelago country consists of 10 volcanic islands dotted in the Atlantic Ocean, a few hundred miles off the west coast of Africa. Offering white-sandy beaches, sculptural dunes, lunar-like volcanic landscapes and lush tropical mountains, with a biodiversity that likens them to a mini Galapagos, Cape Verde has not been tainted by mass tourism and can be an idyllic escape. After just six-hours’ flight you can arrive somewhere that feels decidedly other-worldly and totally tropical, and with only an hour’s time difference to the UK, there’s no jet lag too.
The islands are a melting pot of cultures – discovered by the Portuguese, with African and Brazilian influences, the food, music and fashion are fusions of tastes, sounds and colour. The best time to visit is between November to June, during the dry season, making it an ideal winter sun destination, perfect for beach holidays and enjoying the host of outdoor activities available. Helen from our Westbourne shop visited Sal, one of the most popular islands, courtesy of easyJet holidays, to find out just what visitors can enjoy on this tropical paradise.
Transfer times are short to any resort on Sal, as the island is only 30 miles long and 12 miles wide, with white-sand beaches interspersed with colourful towns throughout. Helen’s first stay was at the four star Hotel Morabeza, just a few minutes stroll from the heart of Santa Maria – the island’s main town. The word ‘morabeza’ means ‘welcome’ locally, and this farmhouse started life as a family home before becoming the island’s first hotel. With 88 rooms, 33 Suites, three pools, three restaurants, plenty of sports facilities and the beach situated just the other side of the promenade, Helen confirms, “This hotel was one of my favourites as it is small and elegant, with a calm and relaxing atmosphere.”
The second hotel of Helen’s stay was Hilton Cabo Verde Sal Resort. This modern five-star hotel has a stunning beach front location and beautiful grounds, offering 240 bedrooms and a variety of board options from B&B to full board. Relax in the spa and then dine in style at one of three restaurants, and its just 15 minutes’ walk into vibrant Santa Maria town.
Sal offers a variety of activities, from water sports and exploring unique landscapes to experiencing local culture and nightlife. Sal is famous for its beautiful beaches, like Praia de Santa Maria and Kite Beach, which are perfect for swimming and sunbathing, but also with great waves and a prevailing wind perfect for water sports, such as windsurfing, kite surfing and sailing. Out on the water you can take catamaran and boat trips to Shark Bay to see lemon sharks in their natural habitat, or go dolphin watching, or simply explore the beautiful coastline.
Back on land the Pedra de Lume Salt Crater is a great day trip. From the 1700s through to 1985, Pedra de Lume was an established salt producer and today the mines and lunar-like landscape are a major attraction. The crater in which you’ll find the pink and white salt pans is an extinct volcano and situated below sea level. You can swim and float in a shallow lake, due to the high concentration of salt in the water, and the minerals are said to have health and skin benefits. There are some spa treatments available, as well as cafes and changing rooms with showers.
Visiting Buracona Lagoon, you can see the volcanic Blue Eye - a large opening in a cave where, if the sunlight shines at the right place, you can see a beautiful ‘eye’. You can take a 4x4 tour through the desert landscapes to enjoy the island’s natural beauty, or visit Viveiro Botanical Garden to enjoy a wide range of plants and animals.
Helen summarises her impressions, “Cape Verde offers sun, sea, beach and lovely weather in just 6 hours!” With a variety of accommodation, beautiful natural landscapes, and some great excursions to enjoy, Cape Verde is a fantastic option for winter sun that has not yet been discovered by the masses – why not visit these islands gems before everyone else hears about them?!
Top tip: visitors to Cape Verde need to register their details and pay an airport tax (Ease) at least 7 days before travelling, costing around €31 per person.
You can speak to Helen at Westbourne or visit your local shop.
