If you’re dreaming of sunshine while the UK shivers in November, there’s a place just six hours away which offers incredible golden beaches and crystal clear waters, local cuisine and breathtaking volcanic landscapes. Most flights from the UK touch down in Espargos, the capital of Sal, one of Cape Verde’s islands in this stunning Atlantic archipelago.
According to the Met Office, the island nation and archipelagic state of Cape Verde enjoys an average temperature of 28.3C in November, making it an ideal escape from the winter chill. The islands bask off the west coast of Africa, about 500 kilometres from Senegal, and are made up of ten main islands plus a scattering of smaller islets.
On Sal Island, flights may land in Espargos, the island’s capital, but the most popular spot is Santa Maria on the southern coast known for its pastel-colored buildings, al fresco restaurants, and lively bars where traditional morna music drifts into the night air.
Santa Maria is also famous for its powdery white-sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean that are perfect for swimming and sunbathing, even in November.
Beyond Sal, the Cape Verde archipelago offers a variety of islands to explore and each with its own unique charm and sights. The islands include São Vicente, São Nicolau, Santo Antão, Santa Luzia, Maio, Sal, Boa Vista, Santiago, Fogo, and Brava.
Santiago is the largest island and its capital, Praia is known for its colourful buildings, local markets, and restaurants serving local food like cachupa, as well as beautiful beaches like Quebra Canela and Praínha. To find out more about the history of the island, visitors should go to Cidade Velha, the oldest settlement in Cape Verde and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. First colonised by the Portuguese in 1462, Cidade Velha holds a dark history as a slave trade hub connecting Africa, Europe, and the Americas. It was also an important centre for the export of fruits, vegetables, and other goods to various parts of the world.
According to The Cape Verde Experience, the average cost of a pint in Cape Verde is about €4 (£3.48), making it a budget-friendly destination for travellers.
One TripAdvisor user said that Santa Maria beach is “a dream.”
Another person, from Manchester, wrote: “We have been around the world, but Santa Maria will forever be in our hearts, one of the best places we have ever visited and went back 3 times already, there’s nothing else I can say!
“EXCELENTE, the most friendly people we ever met, delicious and fresh food, stunning sandy beaches…No stress is the moto on the island and you can find it written all over the place including on their National football team shirt. Simply the best.”
Sophie from Morden added: “Santa Maria is one of the nicest beaches I have visited. Its sand is perfect for a day at the beach and the beach is extremely clean.
“The pier is a great place to see the fisherman at 11 when the boats come in. There are also a couple of really cool beach gyms which we used a few times!
“There are also a number of restaurants along the main strip – would recommend walking a bit further away to experience he real culture!”