Cape Verde is a relatively new holiday location in particular for the British although it has been recognised as tourist destination since the 1970’s.
It is a subtropical dry climate with temperatures over 20°C all year round, and it’s a place that guarantees sunshine all year round with only a few rainy days in summer. The trade wind cools the islands making the temperature very pleasant event when at 25 to 30°C. Very popular for windsurfers in January and February particularly. On average the water temperature is around 24°C.
Here are some interesting facts you may or may not know:
• People out number goat’s 2 to 1!
• The temperature is very stable, the winter months averaging 23°C and the summer months reaching around 27°C
• The currency used in Cape Verde is the Cape Verde Escudo (CVE) – it is illegal to bring CVE in or out of Cape Verde although you can easily change Euros or Pounds at the local bank. In Sal there is a cash point, I never used it but understand the machine does not have a lot of money per day so you need to get your change early in the day. Also Visa is better than other cards. There is a commission to pay as well.
• It is advisable to take cash with although credit cards accepted in most hotels.
• The long-eared bat is the only native animal to the island.
• The official language is Portuguese however the locals speak some kind of Creole.
This time our company owner Maria Mills takes time out to talk about her recent trip to Cape Verde.
There’s not lot we know and understand about Cape Verde and we ask some questions to find out more.
TLG: 6 ½ hours flight time from the UK that is a very long time, why did you choose Cape Verde?
MM: We are used to long haul so 6 hours is no problem and well worth it for guaranteed sunshine.
TLG: You are a very experienced traveller and been around the world, how does Cape Verde rate.
MM: 4 out of 5 for us as we do not mind a quiet holiday. Our passion is the beach and the sea and we get it all there and no rain, that is a MUST!
TLG: What time of the year did you travel, how was the weather?
MM: We travel in winter when Travel & Leisure Group business is slower, October, November, December.
October is a very nice month not so cool, less wind and the sea calmer and warmer.
TLG: Where did you stay and why that particular location?
MM: We always fly to Santa Maria the capital of Sal Island because it has a nice beach and a lively atmosphere.
Also the well know Morabeza Hotel is on the beach with the front door just to the main street of Sal where all the restaurants and little shops are located.
With its traditional architecture and modern interiors and superb location, definitely welcomes you.
And that is what “morabeza” means in the local language.
It was a private farmhouse 40 years ago which the owners extended over the years into a first class hotel. The ownership is to my knowledge still in the family.
There are many other hotels in other islands which I will be visiting this year and let you all know my feelings about.
TLG: Would you recommend Cape Verde as a travel destination?
MM: Definitely. If you are not looking for a party holiday and enjoy a slower pace.
TLG: Do you have any funny stories or best memories of this trip?
MM: In November 2018 I took a day out trip in a little yacht to snorkel in the deep sea and “see the dolphins and turtles” which not always we a lucky to see at great distance.
However in this occasion not only we saw many turtles close by but we swam with the dolphins and I mean many of them not one or two.
In my experience of many travels and boating the ocean this is a Once in a lifetime experience.
It was more exciting than Galapos!!
TLG: Did you travel with your husband as a family?
MM: Yes, although it is kind of destination where even a lady of advanced age can go alone! Well looked after by the hotel staff and the tour operators if you use a package deal.
TLG: You travel a great deal and have previously spent many years at your villa at Kololi Beach Club in Gambia, I am sure you will be back there soon, but do you have travel plans for 2019?
MM: We will be going to Cape Verde in October this time for business as the islands have Fractional Ownership Melia Dunas Beach Resort & Spa, Tortuga Beach Resort & Spa and White Sands Hotel & Spa we intend to visit and establish business with. Offering our services a timeshare estate agents for their owners if they so require. Until now TLG have not expanded our business into Cape Verde islands, but the time has come and our MD will be establishing new business with the various timeshare and fractional ownership companies. It will be fun and I’m looking forward to it.
Cape Verde: It’s About Making A Memory
TLG: What were the best moments of this vacation?
MM: For us is the clean sea with waves, the fish, the mixture of age of the holidaymakers and the different countries of origin and above all in this day and age, Cape Verde is a Save Destination.
