You may not have heard of the Cape Verde Islands, or just may not know too much about them but they are one of the best kept seacrets and a new destination for the UK this year. Many people have not heard of these glittering Islands yet because this isn't a mass tourism destination.

The Islands are a captivating blend of African, Brazilian and Portuguese cultures, Cape Verde is already being dubbed the African Caribbean. Crammed full of character and blessed with endless snow-white sands, it's easy to see why these unspoilt isles are the increasingly popular new destination.

Cape Verde is summarised by “no stress'” this is a local saying that certainly rings true on these tranquil isles, which are floating off the coast of West Africa. An archipelago of ten deliciously different islands floating in the Atlantic Ocean, Cabo Verde, as it's known locally, is made up of Santo Antao, Sao Vicente, Santa Luzia, Sao Nicolau, Sal, Boavista, Maio, Santiago, Fogo and Brava. An unspoilt vista of sweeping scenery, unspoilt shores and translucent turquoise seas, these largely undiscovered islands offer a truly unique getaway.

Cape Verde the most north-easterly island of Sal, with its striking, lunar-like landscape that greets you like a spaghetti western film set. The colourful resort of Santa Maria sits on the sparkling southerly shores and is a charismatic mixture of brightly painted Portuguese-style houses, cobbled streets and smiles as warm as the sun. Whether you're seeking blissful relaxation, high adventure or hosts of water sports, there's something here for everyone. And with year round sunshine and rain a real rarity - this is one holiday hotspot you won't want to miss.

You will be delighted to have the option of such a destination paradise a high price. The feel of the Islands is similar to the untouched Caribbean or Canaries before they became mass market destinations.

We have flights from Gatwick on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday and Manchester on Thursday. The flights are in to the Island of Sal, apart from the Tuesday flight which operates via the Isalnd of Boa Vista on its outward flight. Flight time is 6 hours.

Each island is dramatically different – from non-stop chalk-white beaches and tropical greenery to desert-like landscapes with soaring volcanoes.

Flights to Sal From:

Summer: Gatwick - Monday / Birmingham - Tuesday / Manchester - Thursday
Winter: Gatwick - Monday / Birmingham - Tuesday / Manchester - Wednesday

Essential Entry Information:  On entry into Cape Verde, you must obtain a visitors visa at the port of entry, the fee is approx £28/42 Euros (subject to change).

Please note: For travel to most countries, a British passport must remain valid for at least 6 months after your scheduled return to the UK