It certainly isn’t the hugest of destinations for someone to visit, nor is it the most obvious choice, but Cape Verde has more than enough to entice anyone looking for an interesting and unique visit. The government are making strides in solidifying the tourist industry and are doing their utmost to provide a strong infrastructure to accommodate the ever-increasing numbers of foreigners arriving on the islands.

The island of Santiago, home of the capital Praia, is the largest and most heavily populated of the Cape Verdean islands, home to a number of attractions and some wonderful stretches of beach. The island of Sal proves the most popular with package holiday operators and this shows with the number of diving and watersports schools on the isle – there are a plethora of other attractions for those not wanting an active holiday as well. Sao Vicente sees the most vibrant of all the Cape Verdean carnivals and the island is the home of many famous musicians from the country. Boa Vista, Sao Nicolau, Maio, Brava, Fogo and Santo Antao all enjoy much more relaxed attractions, ideal for nature lovers or those just wanting to do nothing for a while. The island of Santa Luzia, however, is home only to a meteorology station.

Those looking for a destination with a difference – one with something unique over anywhere else – could do a lot worse than Cape Verde. The islands are beautiful, the people are friendly and the opportunities for both highly active and totally inactive vacations present themselves to anyone who visits. No, it isn’t the most obvious choice – but it’s certainly a good one. Get there before the crowds do.