Cape Verde Area Profile
The Cape Verde Islands, situated in the
Atlantic Ocean 450kms off the coast of Senegal, are ranked
amongst the 20 best places to buy property for those looking for great beaches, fantastic
surf and wonderful weather.
Because the Cape Verde Islands are located off the coast of
Africa, they enjoy a temperate climate typically classified as "dry
tropical" with low humidity. The average temperature is between
22-26C and there is an average of 12 hours of sunshine between
November and July and 7 hours from August to October – the humid
season - when the majority of the average 10 inches of rain falls
per year. Much like the canaries, the islands are also graced by a
pleasant cooling breeze. Water temperatures range from 22-27C making
swimming a year-round option, and the area is classified as low-risk
from natural disasters as it is naturally protected from hurricanes,
unlike other Caribbean islands.
The islands are divided into two groups:
- Barlavento in the north comprising of Santo Antao (754 sq
km), Boa Vista (622 sq km), Sao Nicolau (342 sq km), Sao Vicente
(246 sq km), The Island of Sal (298 sq km), and Santa Luzia (34
sq km)
- Sotavento in the south, consisting of Sao Tiago (Santiago)
(992 sq km), Fogo (477 sq km), Maio (267 sq km), and Brava (65
sq km).
| The highest point above sea level is Mount Fogo at 2829m
and the lowest is 0m with the Atlantic Ocean Sal is the
most developed of all the islands and has the largest number
of tourists who come mainly for the watersports: scuba
diving in particular is popular given the colourful sea life
in the area. With its long white sandy beaches (the longest
at Santa Maria is 8km) and an abundance of bars,
restaurants, shops and markets, Sal is well placed to become
a ‘hot’ tourist destination and is currently the most
developed centre of tourism. The Cape Verde Government is
investing heavily to promote the region and with the planned
growth of tourism a number of high quality developments are
already underway. Current plans include a 150 room 5-star
hotel in the centre of Praia, as well as a smaller 135 room
hotel, and a commercial hotel. Many existing hotels are
upgrading and expanding to meet the demand that the new air
infrastructure is expected to bring to the Islands. |
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As the closest tropical islands to Europe, featuring not only
classic crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches but also
stunning mountain views and some tropical plantations, Cape Verde
gives travellers the chance to combine an adventure and beach
holiday. |
