Located in the Atlantic off the coast of Senegal, western Africa, Cape Verde comprises a total 10 islands and eight islets. As a former Portuguese colony, independent since 1975, the country is heavily influenced by Western culture, and has stable political history. These are the closest tropical islands to Europe, heralded as the “New Canaries” but with the advantage of 99% guaranteed year-round temperatures of 25 to 30C (77 to 86F), tempered by cooling sea breezes.

As a tropical island destination, Cape Verde cannot be beaten, offering beautiful waters, Blue Flag-awarded fine sandy beaches, dramatic mountains and a picture postcard landscape. The warm African waters are host to miles of spectacular coral reefs and present fantastic opportunities for shipwreck diving, swimming with dolphins and turtles and whale watching as well as the more usual array of water sport activities. But it is after dark that the islands really come alive, with a variety of great entertainment including good quality restaurants, bars, nightclubs, live musical events, festivals and carnivals to suit every taste and pocket.

Having recognised the importance of foreign investment and tourism the government has allocated vast sums of money for improvements to the infrastructure and amenities, with a further €2.5m allocated for the development of a top international golf tourism destination