Santa Maria town and beaches - Cape Verde

goverdean from unknown location

Last updated at 11:10 16 February 2005


'Where the heck is Cape Verde?' is the standard reply from friends when I recall my recent trip to these islands, the closest tropical paradise to the UK.

The secret promises of warm blue sea, powdery sand and hot winter sun have so far only been discovered by Germans and Italians on a small scale. I was determined to betray our grey British winter and gatecrash their exclusive club.

The small town of Santa Maria on the island of Sal, the only island currently geared up for tourism, is a quiet oasis of multicoloured houses, shops, beach shacks and restaurants on the fringe of a desert outlined by pristine white beaches.

Cooling my feet with a lingering stroll along the warm water's edge prepared my appetite for what was an amazing seafood lunch under a thatched umbrella at the Morabeza Beach Club.

The laid back attitude of the locals and distinct lack of crowds planted smug thoughts in my head of the many paradise seekers who have not yet discovered this gem. My hotel pool was hugged by palms and colourful exotic plants, perfect to laze under for the afternoon.

'Another Tequila, sir?' That'll do nicely. The amazing standard of food continued with dinner at a seafood restaurant in town. The succulent local Wahoo fish was grilled to perfection and made me want to shout 'Wahoo!'

Just six more lazy days like this to follow. Maybe some spells of snorkelling and windsurfing will ensure my appetite grows between meals.

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