Informations
Discovered by accident in the middle of the XV Centry, the Cape Verde islands became of primary importance as a landing and supplying point for the Portuguese, who pushed on to explore the West coast of Africa. Subsequently, Cape Verde came to represent an ideal strategic point in the New World. From then on, however, the islands seem to have disappeared from history, therefore it is easy to understand how they were also ignored by the tourist industry. But this very neglect has resulted in a natural, unspoilt world, marvelous and fascinating.
The sea is crystal clear, in contrast with the white sun-kissed sands, and the ocean depths are rich with life and fish. Bathed in sun for much of the year, the climate remains the same with an average temperature of 22- 28o. The people are hospitable and friendly, and the melting pot of races lends the islands a certain cosmopolitanism.
After the transition to democracy in 1975, The IMF has contributed significantly to the development of the archipelado, and the result of the fund’s contributions are visible in the development of infrastructure, such as the presence of good hospitals, schools, roads, airports.
The political stability and the absence of serious crime, social, ethnic or religious conflict, are an excellent incentive for the development of tourism through foreign investment. The government is very aware of this fact, and is conscious of the preciousness of such a natural environment, so close to Europe, in the development of tourism.
Currently, air connections to Cape Verde are directed to the international airport Amilcar Cabral, on Sal island, which receives flights from Europe, the USA, South America, Africa and Russia. The international airport on Praia, inaugurated in October 2005 also receives flights from Lisbon, Porto, Madrid, Amsertdam, Paris, Munich, Fortaleza and Boston.
In 2007 Sao Vicente and Boa Vista international airports will be ready.
There will be connections to Italy, principally from Milan, Bergamo, Verona, Venice, Rome and Bologna.
Domestic flights are provided by the company TACV, which provides connections between the different islands. Air travel is the quickest way of moving between the islands taking from 15 to 50 minutes. There is also a private company, CABO VERDE EXPRESS, with small aircraft, with is available for private and charter hire.
Travel by ferry boat is undoubtedly slower and less comfortable, but fascinating and much cheaper, it is provided by COMPANIA DE NAVIGACO ARCA VERDE.
Travelling is also possible in green or black taxis with signs, or those provided by the council. Avoid bogus taxis, and always ask the price in advance. There are also mini-bus taxis, which are cheaper but only depart when full.
Geography
The Cape Verde archipelago is situated in the Atlantic Ocean, 450 km from the coast of Senegal, two hours to the south of the Canary Islands. There are 10 islands, divided into the northeast or barlavento (windward) islands, and the southeast, sotavento (leeward) islands.
All of the islands are of volcanic origin, and owe their bright white beaches to the desert sands blown by the Alisei winds from the Sahara.
Some island are montainous and some others are flat.
The climate is generally dry, with sporadic rainfall. The winds provide a moderate and pleasant climate all year round.
Each of the islands on the archipelado have unique and interesting characteristics, from white sandy deserted beaches, perfect for surfng, kitesurfing or diving, to rich green vegetation, which provides for splendid trecking.
Sport
Cape Verde is the perfect spot for aquatic sports, sea conditions, good wind and climatic stability make the Cape an extraordinary destination for windsurf, kite-surf, sailing.
Sailors are well aware of the fact that Cape Verde (Mindelo or Praia in particular) is the last port facing the Atlantic Ocean before crossing straight to the Caribbean or South America.Off the caperverdian coasts shoals of marlins and tunas intercross for the joy of passionate fishermen, counting on the richest tropical marine fauna. May to October is the best period for high sea fishing. For the lovers of rock-fishing, there is no end of suprises, thanks to the transparent waters teeming with fish. There is also the possibility of visiting some interesting shipwrecks.
Wind and kitesuring deserve special mention, as Cape Verde provides the perfect conditions for both. It is not by mistake that the islands are host to world champion wind and kite surfers. The particular position of Cape Verde make for favourable wind and water conditions for all surf-lovers.
The period between November and May is marked with the Aliseao from the North East, one of the most important winds. Although the sea is the central element in the Cape Verdean sporting scene, there is also trekking and mountain biking along the ribeiras of some islands. By following tracks through canyons and craters you can take in an extraordinary variety of Cape Verdean landscapes.
