Stunning tropical island with golden sand and 28C temperatures in autumn
The Cape Verde islands are a paradise of beaches, volcanoes and wonderful culture - and it's about to get even easier to get there on holiday. Here's everything you need to know about Cape Verde
Cape Verde, a volcanic island nestled in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of West Africa, epitomises the idyllic island life. With year-round warm temperatures, minimal rainfall, low humidity and refreshing sea breezes, it's a paradise for holidaymakers.
This particular holiday hotspot is perfect for sun seekers, especially during early autumn when the heat peaks. In September, typically the warmest month, the mercury can soar up to around 35C. By October, you can expect temperatures to hover between 26 and 28C, with daily highs reaching up to 30C.
Even in the cooler months of January and February, temperatures rarely dip below 21C. Plus, with new flight routes from the UK to Cape Verde now available, it's never been easier to plan a visit to this winter-sun favourite.
This cluster of 10 islands lies hidden in the eastern Atlantic, opposite the small African nation of Senegal. Unlike many countries, Cape Verde was uninhabited until colonial times.
Portuguese and Genoese sailors discovered it in 1456. In 1462, Portugal established the first settlement in what is now the town of Cidade Velha on Santiago's south coast.
Praia became the capital of Cape Verde in 1770. Even though the archipelago gained independence from Portugal in 1975, echoes of its colonial past are still present. The Monumento de Diogo Gomes - commemorating the Portuguese explorer who discovered Santiago - and the stately Presidential Palace built in the 19th century for the Portuguese governor remain in the island's capital.
Cape Verdeans are very proud of their unique musical tradition called morna. Mornas most famous singer from the island Cesaria Evora, who was nicknamed the 'Barefoot Diva', is so beloved by the islanders that following her death in 2011, the airport was named in her honour. It is now also on the UNESCO World Heritage List for Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Fogo (which means 'fire' in Portuguese) Island stands as a stark reminder of Cape Verde's fiery volcanic beginnings. Dominating the landscape is Pico do Fogo, which last erupted in 2015 and reaches a dizzying height of 2,829 metres. Undeterred by the potential dangers, approximately 36,000 residents call this place home, including some 700 in the village of Cha das Caldeiras, nestled within the crater itself.
For people intrigued by the past, you can visit the desolate Esperadinha Airport on Brava Island. You can walk along the tarmac and explore its deserted derelict buildings. The airport, located on the western coast, is nestled on the only flat piece of land, a precarious spot on a narrow promontory near the water's edge.
It opened its doors in 1992 but had to cease operations in 2004 due to strong winds making landing planes a risky affair. The archipelago also houses two other defunct airports - Agostinho Neto Airport in Santo Antao and Mosteiros in Fogo.
Despite the flight from London taking just over six hours, which is two hours more than jetting off to the Canary Islands, this archipelago is much more accessible than you might initially think. The capital of Cape Verde, Praia, is approximately 2,837 miles away from London, with the route taking you almost all the way to the Equator.
TUI provides direct flights to the island of Sal from several UK locations including Birmingham, Bristol, East Midlands, Glasgow, Gatwick, Manchester and Newcastle. The travel giant also has plans to introduce another route from the neighbouring island of Boa Vista from the East Midlands in May 2025, which already has connections to many of the cities listed above.
Portugal's national airline, TAP, offers an alternative indirect option, serving Sal and Boa Vista, as well as the islands of Santiago and Sao Vicente from Lisbon. It also operates flights to the UK from Lisbon, landing at Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester.For those willing to embark on the journey, they will be rewarded with sun, sand, friendly locals and stunning views.