The Paradise Isle of Cabo Verde:
Cabo Verde, (the traditional Italian spelling of this resort) is to many people the very epitome of paradise. Cabo Verde itself is an archipelago of islands – ten in total, nestled in the equatorial waters of the Atlantic ocean, just 500 kilometres off the coast of mainland Africa.
Although very close to continental Africa, Cabo Verde is actually independent politically, having gained its independence from Portugal over thirty years ago. In 1999, Cabo Verde converted its local currency to the euro.
The ten idyllic islands which make up Cabo Verde, Sal, Maio, Fogo, Brava, Boavista, Sao Vicente, Santo Antao, Santiago, Sao Nicolau and Sao Vicente, make up a treasure trove of places to explore, see and relax. With a history of sugar plantations, and salt mines in Sal, the climate has never been very favourable to agriculture and, as a consequence, the main industry which drives the economy of Cabo Verde is the service industry. the inhabitants of Cabo Verde seek to make your stay a pleasurable and memorable one.
Most people who visit Cabo Verde stay on the island of Sal as, although still very unspoilt, it is the most developed of the islands, and has its own airport for easier access to the mainland. Wispy white desert islands await the explorer, and the beautiful, unspoilt white beaches line up along the beautiful blue waters of the Atlantic, where an abundance of water based sports awaits, from water skiing to sailing, diving to windsurfing, almost certainly somewhere within Cabo Verde will be the activity for you.
One of the aspects of Cabo Verde which visitors notice and delight in especially is the unique mix of cultures and backgrounds which makes it such a vibrant and sensual experience. The islands were originally discovered in 1460 by the Portuguese, who went on to integrate African slaves into the development of the mining, farming and building programme. Brazilian and European influxes meant that the mix of cultures in such an isolated environment helped to create a culture which is well worth going to Cabo Verde to see just for itself. A wonderful mix of African and Portuguese cultures have produced music,dance and arts which are all their own.
One of the islands, originally called Llana but renamed to Sal after the discovery of its salt mines has a charming capital which must not be missed. Espargos, amongst the myriad of cobbled streets and beautiful stone houses lies a wealth of art shops and music shops which will easily help to carry you away. There is almost certainly something for everyone in this charming town. When you've finished shopping in Espargos, Sal also offers two further, astonishing experiences – the Blue Eye Lagoon and an intriguing and breath taking underground lagoon.
The name 'Espargos' actually comes from the word 'asparagus' and refers to the wild asparagus plants which can be found nestling in around the sandy glades. With only 6000 residents in Espargos, and just 15,000 in the whole of the island of Sal, you'll certainly have the space to explore the wildlife that exists in this paradise.