If you are in surfing or windsurfing and looking for somewhere different for your next vacation why not consider taking a trip to the Cape Verde Islands. In fact, Cape Verde holidays have become extremely popular with all those involved in the above mentioned water sports because of the trade winds that blow in on to the Islands shores.

It is these trade winds, which provide perfect conditions for all forms of surfing and of all the Islands in this group Sal is one which has gained the best reputation of all within the surfing community. But as well as this island offering great surfing facilities it also has some of the most beautiful white sand beaches that anywhere in the world can offer today.

As for getting to the Cape Verde Islands there is an airport situated on Sal Island and which is located close to the Santa Maria. This is the main tourist part of the island and so after only arriving a short time ago you could soon be settling in to your accommodation and enjoying a great vacation.

But if you are someone who would like to see a little, more of what the Cape Verde Islands have to offer then all you need to do is make your way down to the port on Sal and catch a ferry. These run regular journeys to all its neighboring islands and within minutes you can be exploring and viewing some of the most spectacular and beautiful scenery that these volcanic islands have to offer. However as well as some of the most beautiful scenery in the world today there are other things that you will want to try. Certainly, the food is something that you are unlikely to taste anywhere else as it is made up of both African and Portuguese elements.

Remember for a long time although the islands are located off of the West Coast of Africa for many years they were a Portuguese colony. It is because of this as you wander around the islands you will see clear evidence showing how Portugal influenced the way in which the islands look. But as well as influences on the designs of their buildings the Portuguese also have a played a major role in the culture of the people of these islands. For example, the people of the Cape Verde Islands have their own form of music known as Morna, but when listened to you can hear the influences coming through of the Portuguese as it sounds very similar to their music known as Fado.

So if you are someone who is looking for a vacation that not only offers you a great climate, some superb activities as well as food, then the Cape Verde Islands may be your next choice. Certainly, as you will soon discover Cape Verde holidays are becoming more and more popular each year and especially those who enjoy surfing. So why not go online and see what great offers for a Cape Verde holiday you can find today.

Sal Island is very close to the West African coast of Senegal and is the most developed of all the Cape Verde (or Cabo Verde) islands. It is about 30km long and the widest width is 12km. The island of Sal is the flattest island of the Cape Verde archipelago and takes it’s name from the now inactive salt mines.

Home to the first international airport in Cape Verde, the scenery when landing on the island of Sal does not create a love at first sight impression. The landscape is somewhat moon like, arid and grey. But do not be mistaken as Sal is an up and coming tourist destination by excellence. The amazing white sands and many colours of the sea form a delightful backdrop for the beach orientated activities which are the main reasons for visiting the island and it is this combined that creates a wonderful contrast.

Being the most developed island where tourism is concerned, Sal has one of the best beaches in the world. The town of Santa Maria boasts 8km of golden sands with warm sea temperatures all year round. As a result of this, a significant portion of visitors already come here for water sports, offering perfect conditions for surfing, sailing, fishing, snorkelling, windsurfing and kite surfing. . Scuba Diving is also becoming a big attraction in Cape Verde because of the oceans fabulous and varied sea life. In Santa Maria, there are ample instructors and equipment for all water sports. There is also mini golf, basketball and tennis courts, volleyball and football pitches as well as excellent swimming pools.

There are several new luxury hotels planned, together with many villas, apartments, shops, spas and restaurants, so for the next few years one might expect some disruption from building works. The big plus is, however, that all the new and projected buildings are low rise. Due to the development of the tourism industry, there are new venues and facilities opening up regularly.

Whilst visiting Sal, it is worth while taking a trip around the island. In particular you should see the salt lake at Pedra de Lume and the port of Palmeira is a wonderful little place, with lobster farms and salt purifying stations providing and insight into daily life on the island. To see the ‘real’ Sal, pay a visit to Espargos with its picturesque main square. It takes its name from its main crop, asparagus. Other places to visit include Buracona (‘large hole’), a natural tidal pool. There are excellent cruises available following the pretty Sal coastline, or catamaran day trips to other Cape Verde Islands.

In a nutshell, Cape Verde is very much, ‘on the up’ and is preparing to be discovered by international tourists and increasing numbers are flocking to the island of Sal to see what the fuss is about.

Author Rebbeca Anne, a Cape Verde enthusiast and property owner in Santa Maria, Sal – http://www.cape-verde-holiday.com

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