Africa’s ‘affordable answer to the Caribbean’ has all-inclusive holidays from £700pp

CAPE Verde has been gaining popularity in the last few years – and with good reason.

Known as ‘Africa’s affordable answer to the Caribbean’, the country guarantees sunny days and almost zero chance of rain, with temperatures hitting highs of 29C.

Cape Verde is an island nation off the west coast of Africa in the centre of the Atlantic Ocean.

Sal, Praia, and Boa Vista are the islands with the most tourists.

All the islands have crystal clear waters, which are perfect for diving and snorkelling.

One of the most well-known islands in the nation is Sal, which has endless miles of sandy beaches, a vibrant nightlife, and cheap food and drinks.

Meanwhile, Boa Vista has its extension of the Sahara, the Viana desert, with massive white sand dunes and small oases, where you’ll find palm trees and coconuts.

When you’re there, you can explore the island’s must-see sand dunes on 4x4s.

When it comes to nightlife, traditional live music and dancing are typically the best options.

Clubs and bars play the country’s Creole music, which blends African sounds with instruments and influences from Europe and Latin America.

Cocktails at Ola Brasil, a beach bar next to Sal’s pier, start at £2.50 if you’re searching for an inexpensive night out.

The other islands in Cape Verde are:

• Sao Vicente – town of Mindelo is known as the cultural centre of the islands
• Santo Antao – the second largest island known for its mountains
• Sao Nicolau – features a two-towered blue church in Ribeira Brava
• Brava – the smallest inhabited island, has the “most beautiful town”, Vila Nova Sintra, in the group
• Santa Luzia – uninhabited but accessible via boat ride from Sao Vincente
• Maio

Flights to Sal, where the main International airport is, will take around six hours from Birmingham, Bristol, Gatwick and Manchester.

TUI has launched a new sale with up to £900 off per couple on Cape Verde on bookings this winter.

The cheapest all-inclusive deal we’ve found is at Sol Dunas Resort in Sal, with seven nights costing from £684pp.

Here are a few more of the best deals we’ve found in the sale:

• 7 nights all-inclusive at Riu Funana in Sal, Cape Verde – from £899pp
• 7 nights all-inclusive at Hotel Riu Touareg in Boa Vista, Cape Verde – from £799pp

The price includes your return flights, accommodation, luggage allowance and resort transfers.

We also rounded up everything you need to know before your holiday to Cape Verde, including the currency, how safe it is and what adaptor you’ll have to bring.

According to official guidance, it is a safe place to travel to, with the number of crimes involving Brits being “usually low.”

All of TUI’s holidays are ABTA and ATOL protected.

We’ve also found the budget Portuguese alternative to the Amalfi Coast, with £35 flights and holidays under £400pp.

You could also swap Tenerife for its less popular neighbouring island, with warmer temperatures, fewer crowds and cheaper deals.

Or head to the Portuguese islands similar to Hawaii but with no jet lag and 44 Blue Flag beaches.

_{Prices correct at the time of publication.}

Prices are based on two adults travelling together and sharing accommodation.

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