An oasis for windsurfers and kiters, Cabo Verde – the Cape Verde Islands – are a group of  islands, 450kms from the west coast of Africa. The islands lie directly in the path of the Northeast Trade winds, making Cabo Verde a fast growing resort, with guests travelling from all over Europe. The Cape Verde archipelago consists of 11 volcanic islands, the flattest of these being Sal where vast expanses of white sand form the stark landscape.

With the introduction of direct flights from UK, Cabo Verde is now transforming a previously barren land, covered only in salt flats, into a fast growing watersports paradise. Only a 20 minute journey from the airport, is the little town of Santa Maria, the main focus for all activities on Sal, those not windsurfing, can enjoy kitesurfing or diving. An abundance of bars, restaurants and most of the islands hotel accommodation, are centred around Santa Maria where the local people are friendly, having a very ‘laid back’ Creole attitude to life.The beautiful beaches are blessed with a wide range of sailing conditions, offering anything from flat water, windchop with a shore break or full on waves at either end of the long beach.

Cape Verde Islands fact file