Every now and again a new experience or discovery will remind even the most foot-sore traveler that they may not know a region as well as they had thought. Take islands off the Atlantic coast of Africa, for instance: there’s the Canaries, Madeira, and then… what?

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Holiday in Cape Verde 
A Cape Verde Holiday is ideal for those who want a little rest and relaxation in a tropical island setting. Temperatures rarely drop below 20°C or exceed 29°C, making the climate comfortably hot without being crazy, and the rain very sensibly restricts itself to a few months and largely stays up in the mountains. Landscapes that vary from semi-desert to rainforest mean the islands cram a lot of variety into a small package. Cape Verde’s wildlife includes species found nowhere else, and humpback whales and loggerhead turtles are frequent visitors.

Cape Verde: Africa’s other Atlantic Secret 
Nearly four hundred miles west from the westernmost tip of the African mainland, there is an archipelago of tropical islands where the climate is so even it’s almost like it’s summer all year round. Add some captivating scenery, uncrowded beaches and a warm, relaxed population, and pretty soon a new magnet for travelers comes into focus.

What to See in Cape Verde
First settled by the Portuguese in the 15th century, Cape Verde can actually boast the oldest European settlement in the tropical region. Cidade Velha on the island of Santiago is now a World Heritage Site. Portuguese remains the official language, although the islands have been independent since 1975. Facilities for visitors include the largest hotel in the whole of West Africa and establishments of every size down to pensions. Currently, the islands of Sal and Boa Vista are favoured by tourists, but there are places to stay on most of the islands. The overwhelming presence of the Atlantic ocean makes the islands a fantastic venue for water sports like kiteboarding, and the harbour at Mindelo on São Vicente provides a popular anchorage for touring yachts. Deep-sea fishing, boat hire, and diving are all available on São Vicente, too.

Getting There 
All the inhabited islands have airports, so if you don’t have time to cruise down by yacht it’s not too difficult to find a flight instead.

*This post brought to you in collaboration with Fiona Collins.  The words in the introduction are all my own opinions.