Sal
Sal belongs to the northern group of islands and is one of the
three sandy eastern islands. The island was officially named Llana
when it was first discovered but then salt deposits were found and
it became known as Sal. Vila dos Esargos is the island's main city
and home to one of Cape Verde's international airports which has
provoked population growth and an economic boost. Tourists are
particularly attracted to the beaches in Sal so holiday makers take
themselves to the city, Santa Maria where the best beach on the
island can be found. Sal has become the most popular tourist
destination in Cape Verde and offers the best night life and water
sport opportunities.
Santiago
Santiago is the biggest island in Cape Verde. It has been
described as the most cosmopolitan island out of the archipelago
and is estimated to house around half the population of Cape Verde.
Santiago is home to Praia, the country's capital and one of two
international airports. One of Cape Verde's main shipping ports is
also found on this island and regularly exports food products such
as sugar cane, coffee and fruit.
Investing in Santiago is a wise move; with vast stunning
forests, beautiful landscapes and beaches and property prices still
low, it should provide strong returns. What is more, Santiago is
predicted to become a key tourist destination thanks to its
untouched beaches and landscapes.
Fogo
Fogo is a volcanic island in the Satavento group of the Cape
Verde archipelago. The volcano on the island has been active in
past years and last erupted in 1995 so precautions have to be
taken. There is a small village at the base of the volcano called
Cha das Caldeiras which is periodically evacuated during eruptions
although the volcano is still the islands main attraction for
tourists.
Fogo is mainly an agricultural island and the economy of
the island is largely based on agriculture and fishing. Two of the
main products produced and exported from Fogo are coffee and
wine.
Boa Vista
Boa Vista, which means 'good view' is the third largest island
out of the archipelago and with a population of 3,353 people it is
the least populated out of all the habited islands. Boa Vista is
one of the three desert islands and the easternmost island in Cape
Verde. There are plans to extend the airport in Boa Vista to allow
it to welcome international flights and in turn, boost tourist
potential. To purchase a studio apartment in Sal Rei, the islands
main town, would cost from £48,965.
San Vincent
San Vicente offers interesting investment opportunities. It has
long been the island of culture and history but is now formulating
plans which should transform it into an elite holiday destination
and thriving business centre. The west side will become the
island's business hub whilst the completion of the grand marina
will mean the island has the capacity to welcome a host of flotilla
and light craft. Development of a new golf resort should also
augment the island's tourist appeal. An extension to the airport's
main runway near San Pedro will allow smaller international charter
flights to access San Vicente and should help encourage and cater
for the growing visitor arrivals. The island has also signed an
agreement with Spain's Canary Islands and the Portuguese
archipelago of Madeira to promote and operate cruises in the
mid-Atlantic which should again deliver an increased number of
tourists to San Vicente's shores. Units in a new development on the
west coast will be available from £80,000.
Santo Antao
Santo Antao is the most western and largest of the Barlavento
islands that belong to Cape Verde. With its amazing landscape and
stunning views the island is completely made up of volcanic
material making the hiking and walking routes a mountaineer's
paradise. The island is also known as 'Island of the mountains'
because of the natural attraction it offers its tourists.
Along the north coast of the island is Ribeira Grande, the
island's main town which consists of a small airport welcoming
limited flights. Santo Antao receives most of its tourists from a
ferry that runs from San Vincent's Mindelo port. Another town which
is worth a visit is Ponta do Sol; this little town offers great
sightseeing opportunities with significant historic interest.
Maio
The main town on Maio is Vila do Maio, situated on one of the
most beautiful beaches on the island. Maio doesn't have much to
offer apart from its natural beauty so isn't very popular with
tourists. The island has some spectacular architecture which has a
decidedly English influence to it; one building in particular is a
small church in Vila do Maio called 'Nostra Senora da Luz' where
all the local community still meet.
The second most populated place is Calheta, a small village
where the local people live off the agriculture and fishing of the
island. Maio is especially well known for its vast amounts of white
sandy beaches, making this island a perfect holiday destination for
those who enjoy relaxing and mixing with the culture of a humble
island.
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