Discovering The Cape Verde Islands

The Cape Verde islands have for many years been the Atlantic’s best kept secret. The islands are Situated East of Africa, some 400 miles west of Senegal and to the west of Brazil in the Atlantic Ocean. The flying times are only three hours from brazil, four hours from mainland Europe and under six hours from the UK.

Discovered by the Portuguese in 1460 by Antonio Da Noli, a Genoan merchant, working as a Portuguese explorer. Inhabited by Europeans and Africans, there are ten islands that make up the Cape Verde Archipelago all of which vary in terms of size, landscape and activities. The islands all have their own characters, some volcanic and mountainous, others flat and sandy. The northern group includes Santo Antao, Sao Vicente, Santa Lucia and San Nicolao. To the west are the sandy islands of Sal and Boa Vista, and to the south is Brava with its abundance of flora, the volcanic Fogo, beautiful white sandy beaches of Maio
and finally the largest island of Santiago with its white sandy coves and mountainous interior. The capital Praia can be found on the south coast of Santiago.

The Cape Verdean population is a mixture of different cultures and races with the main language spoken being Creole (a variety of the Portuguese language). The Islands have about 450,000 inhabitants with 236,000 of these living on the main island Santiago. The Cape Verdean people are a mixture of many different ethnic groups and in the past the colonial government had tried again and again to avoid the formation of a mixed population. Nevertheless there were always big landowners with influence, organs of the state and even priests in high positions who lived together with female slaves which showed their opposition and at the same time created a Creole culture. Also the Jesuits committed themselves strongly to the concept of equality, by opening schools for free people and slaves, for white and colored people at
the same time. They also allowed the slaves to attend the masses.

Even today you can see the genetic mixture resulting from the migration of the people for many centuries: more than once you will meet people with dark skin, blond hair and blue eyes or children with fair skin and black hair. Racist discrimination is unknown to the Cape Verdean people.

Now with new ease of travel from low cost airlines to Cape Verde, the previously undiscovered islands are an exciting new destination for the European market. With the islands glorious sandy beaches, warm seas and temperate annual climate, the islands are being dubbed as the new Seychelles or Caribbean and recommended as one of the best places to buy in the sun.

Development is continuing across the islands with international airports already operational on the islands of Sal, Boa Vista and Santiago plus one built and ready to open on Sao Vicente.

Tourism has been growing at 25% annually in Cape Verde for the last 4 years, and growth is expected to continue well into the future. Sal and Boa Vista are both extremely popular with Italian tourists who account for a large percentage of all tourists visiting Cape and many of the businesses and developments at the moment are run by Italians. The German tourists are increasing rapidly due to the expansion of the Riu Hotels and the British and Irish market is due to grow extensively because of the direct flights.

These beautiful, unspoiled islands provide a new and exciting investment opportunity for property buyers who wish to maximize both capital growth and rental yields. Excellent all year weather, political stability, easy access to Europe with no jet lag, warm clear seas, stunning scenery and beautiful white sandy beaches make Cape Verde property an opportunity not to be missed.

Some of the islands:
Sal, mainly a beach resort with long white sandy beaches, turquoise seas and an abundance of water sports. Sal is really an island for beach lovers as most of the island’s sights and attractions can be seen in half a day. Until now this island has seen most of the islands tourism as the international airport has been open for some while. Santa Maria is the main tourist area in Sal and boasts a lively atmosphere at night with a good choice of bars, restaurants and hotels. It has a very barren Luna landscape and available trips
include a visit to the salt mine, quad biking and more.

Sao Vicente is the most eastern of all the Cape Verde Islands and measures 24km from east to west and 16km from north to south. It is considered to be the cultural centre of the islands and is proud of its rich tradition in music and art. Mindelo is the capital - offering pretty cobbled streets and colourful buildings it has retained its old charm and is reminiscent of the colonial times gone by. Sao Vicente also has many fabulous beaches which are home to a variety of water sports and regularly hosts surfing and windsurfing championships.

Santo Antao is a beautiful lush green island with rugged peaks and deep valleys and is the second largest island in the archipelago. Many people are attracted to this island for its hiking. For those who prefer the less energetic option, you can still appreciate the stunning views with spectacular drives along coastal roads which provide access to the ravines and gorges that nurture impressive and lush vegetation. From here you can also vist the uninhabited island of St Luzia.

Santiago is the most African of all the islands and is also the largest in the archipelago. It was the first to be populated after its discovery by the Portuguese in 1462 and is the most densely populated today, with most of its inhabitants living in Praia, the capital of Cape Verde.

This island has a spectacular mountainous interior with two large mountain chains, the highest point being
Pico d’Antonia at 1392m. The coastline has numerous sandy beaches, the best being at Sao Francisco, where the Sambala Village development is being built another is Tarrafal, 80 kilometers to the north. The island is a mixture of beautiful landscapes, rural villages, lively markets and palm fringed beaches. The capital city of Praia is a small but rather sophisticated community just coming into its own offering lively nightlife.

Sao Nicolau is one of the Barlavento islands of Cape Verde. It is located between the major islands of San Vicente and Sal. Its population is 13,536 and the land area is 388 km/sq. The mountainous island is mostly agricultural but has been subject to droughts in the past. The flat areas and hills dominate most of the coastline and the central part. A peninsula covers the eastern area of the island and the highest point is Monte Gordo rising to 1312 m. Sao Nicolau is renowned for its Blue Marlin fishing, which is some of the best in the world and obviously its great weather.

Timeshare & Fractional Ownership Opportunities in the Cape Verde Islands.

Clube Cabo Verde Vacations Lda
The owners of Clube Cabo Verde Vacations Lda have over fifty years combined experience in the development of quality resorts, both in the UK and overseas and are the first company to bring fractional
/ holiday ownership to the Cape Verde islands.

Clube Cabo Verde’s latest Italian designed resort is ‘Blu Marine’ on the island of Sao Vicente. A first of its kind this desired resort allows the discerning traveller the opportunity to own a piece of paradise. The prestigious development is beautifully positioned in an idyllic front line setting with breathtaking panoramic views and a communal pool. The 1, 2, 3 and 4 bedroom apartments and penthouses are designed with large sun-trap balconies or patio gardens encouraging the most to be made of the wonderful year round Cape Verde climate. Boasting uncompromised sea views, all the apartments are tastefully furnished to ensure a memorable stay.

The resort is affiliated to the leading quality exchange organisation Interval International. As a member of
Interval International clients are able to exchange some or all of their holiday time into more than 2200
other luxurious resorts worldwide.

Club Cabo Verde Vacations currently have an off site sales office situated on the island of Sal in Santa Maria, with an on site operation to open early next year in conjunction with the opening of the international new airport.

With investment continuing across the islands … It has never been a better time to purchase in Cape Verde. For more information call UK 01926 844 233 or email: info@clubecaboverde.co.uk