A GUIDE TO CAPE VERDE
In the what's hot travel polls, one place is most definitely stealing the limelight - Cape Verde. It's the destination for those in the know. Floating off the west coast of Africa, ten barefoot island paradises wait to whip your breath away. Each one is dramatically different, from bounty-like blonde sands backed by jungle-like scenery to volcanic monochrome landscapes peppered with pastel-painted towns. Yes, the beaches are mind-bogglingly gorgeous. And the colourful blend of cultures from Africa, Portugal and Brazil will have you charmed from the moment you arrive. But there's more. This far-flung holiday hotspot has yet to have gained a mass tourism following. Think the untouched Caribbean. The Canaries of yesteryear. More importantly, think long leisurely beach days on your own slice of secluded sand. How could anyone resist these castaway isles? Holidays just don't come any more cutting-edge than this.
Beaches
Cape Verde's bounty-like beaches instantly grab your attention. Miles of utterly breathtaking porcelain-white sands stretch as far as the eye can see, seductively sliding into glass-like seas. Santa Maria's unspoilt seashore curves around the coastline for over 7km, so whether you want to stay close to the action near the water sports centres and beach bars or crave the solitude of the sand dunes, you can always find your own piece of paradise. Stroll along the sands and spot the island of Boavista on the horizon. Reel in a Blue Marlin or Yellowfin Tuna. Learn to windsurf across the waves. Or simply sit under the shade of a raffia-style parasol and watch an energetic game of volleyball. However you choose to unwind here - it's most definitely a desert island dream.
Eating out
The food in Cape Verde will have your taste buds tingling in no time, with an exotic mixture of African, Portuguese and Brazilian cuisine. A continental feast you could say. And if you're a fan of seafood, you're in for a real treat. Not only is it mouth wateringly delicious - it's extremely reasonably too. Tuck into charcoal grilled lobster, juicy giant prawns, tasty octopus, and of course, the fresh fish catches of the day. If you're up for giving some local specialities a go, try bife de atum, tuna marinated in spices and vinegar or bacalhau, dried cod. Other Cape Verdian specials include the national dish catchupa, a stew-like dish made from corn, beans and chorizo, particularly good with a bottle of locally produced Manecome wine. Santa Maria has an excellent selection of places to eat, from restaurants serving traditional dishes and tapas bars to pizzerias and Italian eateries.
Nightlife
Although much of Cape Verde's nightlife is low-key and often hotel based, the local's lively spirit comes out to play after dark. Their philosophy is 'the more the merrier' so whether you join them shimmying to live music at a bustling bar or sip ponche, firewater laced with honey, at a lively cafe, their energy and love of life is contagious. Infact, the more locals you talk you, the more invitations come flooding your way. Whatever you do, don't leave without experiencing what has often been dubbed the most beautiful music on earth. The unique Cape Verdian morna music unravels seductive, upbeat Latin rhythms that will have your toes tapping and heels clicking in no time. In Santa Maria, you'll find a serene beach bar or two where you can sit listening to the waves crash in, a good handful of vibrant pubs filled with animated tourists and locals alike or if you want to be where it's at, head for local night hotspot 'The Pirata'.
Shopping
Cape Verde certainly isn't the place to shop 'til you drop, but if peeking your head around colourful doorways to see what you find sounds like your kind of retail therapy, then you'll love shopping here. Santa Maria's charm lies in its cobbled streets, which are buzzing with atmosphere, whether it's children playing an impromptu game of football or upbeat music drifting from a paveside cafe. In addition to the two banks and supermarket, a delightful mixed bag of shops await you, from surf places selling beach gear to rustic makeshift shops painted in every colour of the rainbow where you can buy intricately carved wooden masks and brightly coloured canvas' by local artists. Have a browse, and maybe a barter, at the indoor market which is bursting with jewellery, clothing and fresh produce stalls, and don't miss the Centro de Artesanato, an arts and crafts store with shelves full of elegant ceramic pieces and leather goods.
