Altinkum, the Family Friendly Resort

Altinkum is a very family friendly resort located in a beautiful area along the Aegean Coast. It is renowned for having three extremely nice beaches that are perfect for families with small children as the beach shelves away very gently. 
 
The beaches are super clean, and there is always plenty of space for sunbathing, and it is easy to rent a sun lounger and umbrella for the day at a very reasonable cost. In fact it would be very easy to spend the entire holiday on the beach, as everything you need is nearby, including numerous bars and restaurants.

Although it isn’t an enormous resort, it does have sufficient shops selling everything you are likely to need, as well as a weekly market selling plenty of fresh produce, and locally made crafts that are perfect for souvenirs. In spite of the fact that it has developed quite rapidly over the last ten years or so, Altinkum has managed to retain its unspoiled air. 
 
Altinkum is easily accessible from either Bodrum International airport, or from Izmir International Airport, and is a good choice for a family location as there is such a diverse range of activities available. There are plenty of water sports, and a water park in Altinkum, or it’s a great area for hiking in, especially in nearby Lake Bafa. The area is particularly well known for its abundance of historical sites that would keep even the most avid history buff occupied for a couple of weeks at least.

Attractions and Activities in Cape Verde

Cape Verde is increasingly becoming known as a top holiday destination, especially amongst those seeking just about guaranteed winter sun. It is easy to see why, as this archipelago consists of ten different islands, each with their own distinct personality, and each has something different to offer.

However one of the major attractions of the Cape Verdean islands are the beautiful beaches and the abundance of water sports that can be found on all of the islands. The waters surrounding Cape Verde are perfect for surfing, windsurfing and body surfing, and if you have never tried any of these sports then it’s a great place to learn, particularly on the island of Sal where there is plenty of opportunity to rent equipment and take lessons.

Another popular activity is diving, and again the clear waters are ideal for both beginners and more experienced divers, and there are a number of good quality dive schools. Hiking and mountaineering are becoming increasingly popular, and there are numerous excellent treks to do, including exploring the volcanic craters on Fogo, and hiking across the dry river valleys on Santo Antao. 

If you are keen on fishing the Cape Verde would be a great destination, as it offers plenty of scope for going both deep seas diving, or even joining local fishermen on their trips. The two best islands are Sal and Sao Vicente, but there is plenty of expert advice available. Other activities include turtle watching, quad-biking, and bird-watching. If you are visiting Cape Verde for the first time then it can be nice to plan a bit of island hopping to experience a little of everything offered by this archipelago.

Quietly Beautiful Akbuk Makes an Ideal Investment Location

The name Akbuk means white bay, and it is in a beautiful area surrounded by mountains, pine forests and olive groves while the bay itself has clear, calm waters. As yet, it's not a very well-known resort and has a tranquil atmosphere while still having a decent number of shops, bars and restaurants.

Its nearest neighbour is the lively resort of Altinkum which is just 20 minutes away and it's easy to catch a bus to both Altinkum and Didim. The nearest airport is at Bodrum which is about an hours drive away.

This former fishing village also has a reputation for being one of the healthiest locations in Turkey due to the low humidity and high oxygen ratio. If you combine this with the fact that it's possible to buy fish caught that day in the harbour, and that there is a wonderful fresh fruit and vegetable market then this area becomes very appealing for those looking for a healthy, laid-back lifestyle.

As yet property prices here are still quite low, but it has drawn the attention of overseas investors and developers who see its potential to become a prime holiday resort.

Building restrictions in the area means that only low rise properties can be built and there is still a number of seafront building lots available as well as a small apartment complexes near the beach, or detached villas. Owning a property here means being able to experience the best of both worlds as it's an easy trip to more lively resorts while Akbuk offers a peaceful and beautiful retreat.

Japan Gives Grant to Cape Verde to Modernise Electricity Grids

Japan has granted a loan of €60 million to Cape Verde in order to help modernise the power distribution grids. The project will increase the capacity, transmission and distribution for six of the islands which are Sao Vicente, Fogo, Santo Antao, Sal, and Maio. The project should increase access to electricity on these islands, as well as modernising the electricity grids.

The project is also being co-funded by the African Development Bank and the Cape Verdean government. It is the second such agreement between Cape Verde and Japan, as the first was signed in 2008 to increase the capacity of the Palmarejo power plant, and to complete a transmission line to the interior of Santiago Island. Japan gives development aid to Cape Verde annually, and has done so since its independence.

Although Cape Verde only has limited resources, it does have considerable capacity for producing renewable energy, and is pursuing this aim with some vigour. Recently a new solar photovoltaic micro-grid was commissioned for the island of Santo Antao which is being financed by a local private water company and the ACP-EU Energy Facility programme.

It will provide energy for 60 homes in a community that is only accessible by boat. The community is totally dependent on fishing, and needs ice to help preserve the fish. At the moment it's a five-hour boat trip to get the ice, which is a highly inefficient process. The solar plant will give power to a school, a health centre, a church, and a kindergarten, as well as three general stores and 22 streetlights. As Cape Verde becomes more modernised, such schemes are likely to become more frequent

Visiting Fogo in Cape Verde

Most of the tourist developments in Cape Verde are on the islands of Sal and Boa Vista, and it would be easy to spend your whole holiday on these beautiful islands, but several of the other islands are well worth a look, and offer unique travel experiences. One such island is Fogo which is the fourth largest island in the archipelago; it is remarkable for having the only active volcano, and its name is the Portuguese word for fire.

Fogo has the highest peak in Cape Verde, and the volcano has seen several small eruptions since 1785 although the last eruption took place in 1995, with the last major eruption being in 1680. These smaller eruptions have all taken place within the crater, and have created smaller craters in the floor of the original crater which is 10 km long and 7 km wide.

Not surprisingly the soil around the crater is extremely fertile, and coffee is grown on the slopes, while grapevines are actually growing inside the crater and produce Fogo wine. The scenery on the island is quite dramatic and almost lunar as it consists of black sand and rocks.

The main town on the island is called Sao Filipe, and it's easy to see the Portuguese influence amongst the cobbled streets and pastel coloured houses, many of which are decorated with tiles and woods from Portugal. It's worthwhile taking a hike up the volcano, as there's even a restaurant at the top and the views are breathtaking. Fogo is also remarkable for being one of the few Cape Verdean islands to receive any significant amounts of rainfall, although it's still a very dry island.

The Cayman Islands Has Plenty of Activities for Visitors to Enjoy

The Cayman Islands is an idyllic holiday destination in the Caribbean which has so much more to offer than merely world-class beaches. It offers fantastic opportunities for scuba-diving and snorkelling, for both beginners and the more experienced.

There's also the chance to feed stingrays, or to take a trip to the Turtle Farm to see the conservation efforts firsthand. However there's lots to do on land as well. It's a great place to go hiking, and the three islands are easily explored on foot.

The Cayman Islands is remarkable for having some of the most diverse flora and fauna anywhere in the world, and it's also home to the largest colony of red footed boobies in the Western Hemisphere. The Mastic Trail on Grand Cayman is an interesting two-mile hike which takes you through dry, subtropical forests.

More adventurous hikers may want to visit Cayman Brac, as it has some pretty spectacular walks along the cliff, and is also home to numerous caves which are suitable for first-time cavers or the more experienced. Little Cayman has lots of pristine coastline and secluded beaches, as well as mangrove forests, lagoons and wetlands to explore.

The Cayman Islands are very beautiful, and the National Trust for the Cayman Islands helps to protect local natural resources and wildlife, as well as some of the cultural and traditional sites which are of historical interest. These include Fort George, East End Light House Park, and Walter Cemetery.

One of the most interesting historical sites is owned by the government. Pedro St James is a reconstruction of a 1780 Great House which took seven years to complete, and is a great way of finding out more about the Cayman Islands history.

Sightseeing in and around Altinkum

Altinkum is a perfect place to pick if you love to sunbathe, as it is renowned for having three fantastic beaches, but there is a lot more to see and do nearby, and even if you aren’t particularly interested in history, it would be a shame not to get out and about as the countryside is very beautiful.

Lake Bafa is nearby, and is wonderfully unspoiled as strict planning regulations have limited the amount of development that can take place. It is a great spot for keen bird watchers, but it’s also pleasant to take a stroll around the edge of the lake, or to take a picnic and just relax in the peaceful surroundings.

Pammukale is another natural phenomenon, and the hot springs of this spa resort are believed to have healing powers. It was once the centre of a pagan cult, and although this has changed, it is still an important textile centre.

Kusadasi is around an hour’s drive away, and is one of the most attractive cities in the Aegean. It is very close to several very important historical sites, including Ephesus, Priene and Miletus, but is also a great place for families as you’ll find the largest waterpark in Europe here.

Ephesus is one of the best preserved classical cities in the Mediterranean, and gives an interesting insight into how life might have been in Roman times. Miletus theatre is capable of seating 25,000 people, and during Roman times was famous for being used for lion fighting. History is everywhere in this region, and you might be surprised to find out how interesting it can be when experienced first hand.

Why is Akbuk such a Great Choice for a Holiday?

Akbuk is a small, former fishing village right on the Aegean coast which is becoming increasingly popular as a holiday destination, but what makes it so great, and why do so many people return year after year? For a start the resort is situated in an incredibly beautiful part of the world, and is surrounded by forests and mountains.

This helps explain some if its charms, as the air is renowned for its high oxygen content, and is very healthy for anyone suffering from asthma or associated conditions. The fact that it is surrounded by mountains is very beneficial during the height of the summer, when temperatures can hit the forties, as there tends to be a cooling breeze coming off the mountains, keeping the temperatures bearable.

There is no denying it is a quiet resort that may not suit everyone, but it does make a great escape from everyday life, and the local shops can provide everything necessary for day to day life. The larger resort of Altinkum is just up the road, and this does have a larger choice of shops, restaurants and bars.

Akbuk benefits from having beautiful, clean beaches, and even has its own small marina where you can book boat trips during the summer months. It would be easy to spend the whole holiday simply relaxing in this enchanting resort, but the surrounding countryside is packed full of things to see and do.

This region is rich in historical sites such as the Temple of Apollo, but if that isn’t your thing then there are lots of other activities, including a wide variety of watersports that are available from the local beaches or you can take part in more traditional past times such as indulging in a Turkish bath, just in case you’re not relaxed enough already.

Discovering the Rejuvenating Qualities of Akbuk

Akbuk is a picturesque little resort whose name means White Bay. This former fishing village is right on the edge of the Aegean Sea, and is surrounded by olive groves and mountain forests. It's the perfect place in which to have a relaxing holiday, and to completely escape from the hassle of everyday life. Lots of people are attracted to its laid-back lifestyle, and over the last few years is becoming an increasingly popular location for people looking to buy holiday homes.

As well as enjoying a relaxing lifestyle, people in Akbuk also benefit from having one of the healthiest climates in the country. This is because the air quality is very good, as it has an extremely high oxygen content and very low humidity, and this kind of atmosphere is perfect for anyone who has breathing problems, or who suffers from asthma. Luckily the unique nature of Akbuk has been recognised, and the area is subject to strict preservation orders. The beaches have been awarded the Blue Flag for cleanliness, and there's a very peaceful little harbour offering numerous boat trips in the summer months.

Although it is a quiet little resort, it has a number of very good shops offering everything you could possibly want, but if you need a wider choice then the larger resort of Altinkum is only a few minutes’ drive away. However it would be easy to spend all your time in Akbuk, as there's also a good choice of restaurants and bars dotted along the beachfront and harbour where you can sit and enjoy a drink and a good meal while watching the sun go down.

Things to do in and around Altinkum

Altinkum is a beautiful resort right on the Aegean coast, and is popular amongst families as it has three beautiful sandy beaches with waters that are relatively shallow for a long way out. Each of the beaches offers a good variety of watersports, and it's easy to spend all your days just sunbathing and relaxing, as there are plenty of bars and restaurants willing to serve drinks and snacks all day long.

But what happens if you get bored of spending all your time on the beach? This is when you'll be glad you chose Altinkum, as its perfectly located to explore this interesting area.

There are a number of great places to see nearby, including Pamakkule which is renowned for being one of the natural wonders of the world. This unique geological phenomenon was formed more than 14,000 years ago by carbonate mineral deposits, and the area is well known for its hot springs that are reputed to have therapeutic qualities.

Ephesus is a beautifully preserved ancient city which dates back to the 12th century BC. It used to be an important religious and trading centre, and St Paul is said to have lived here for two years. The Temple of Apollo is incredibly famous, and is very close to Altinkum. This ancient site is well worth seeing even if you aren't particularly keen on history.

Altinkum is a great place to have a Turkish bath, and the experience is extremely relaxing and cleansing. One of the nicest things about going on holiday is experiencing new cuisine, and there are a number of good restaurants in Altinkum that offer traditional Turkish food. Not surprisingly seafood is a speciality, and is always beautifully fresh.

Akbuk Is the Place to Go for a Peaceful and Relaxing Holiday

Akbuk is situated in a beautiful part of Turkey, and is a small and relaxing resort which used to be a fishing village. Although peaceful, it's not remote as it's just a few minutes’ drive from Altinkum, and is conveniently close to both Bodrum and Izmir international airports.

It's popular with Turkish people seeking a quiet retreat from the big cities, and many who holiday in the resort year after year eventually choose to retire here. This might make it sound very sleepy, but there is still plenty to see and do which would keep the average holidaymaker occupied for a couple of weeks or more.

There are lots of gorgeous beaches which are perfect for a few days hard sunbathing, or there are boat trips available from the local marina. However the area is well known for its numerous historical sites such as the Temple of Apollo which is only a short distance away.

It's a must see for everyone who visits the area, even for those who aren't particularly interested in history as it's quite spectacular. There is also a good waterpark at Altinkum, or a much larger one at the resort of Kusadasi, which is only 73 km away.

For an authentic Turkish experience, first-time visitors should definitely make time to go to a Turkish bath, an experience which is both relaxing and invigorating. Back in Akbuk, there are plenty of bars and restaurants to explore in the evenings, many of whom offer authentic Turkish food, although there is still plenty of more familiar food available for the less adventurous

Choosing Altinkum Just about Guarantees You a Great Holiday

If you are looking for a great place to holiday, or are even thinking about buying a holiday home in Turkey, then Altinkum is definitely worth investigating. It's located in a gorgeous part of the country, right on the Aegean coast, and is surrounded by spectacular scenery.

In spite of this it's very easy to reach, as it's just 110 km away from Bodrum, and just 200 km from Izmir, both of which have international airports that are well served with charter flights from the UK. Altinkum is also just 73 km away from Kusadasi, which is one of the most important tourist resorts in Turkey, and is well worth at least a day trip. It's also a good place to visit if you have children, as it is home to one of the largest water parks in Europe.

However you can have a great holiday without ever leaving Altinkum. This family friendly resort has three gorgeous beaches, and in fact its name means "Golden Sand," and with shallow waters these beaches are perfect for young children who are just learning to swim.

There's plenty going on at the beach, as there are numerous bars and restaurants nearby, so it's easy to get a cold drink or a snack without taking too much time off from sunbathing. If you want to do something slightly more active then there are plenty of water sports to try, including windsurfing, banana boat rides and jet skis, or if you simply want to potter about then you can always rent a pedalo.

With plenty of shops and restaurants, and friendly people, it's easy to see the charms of Altinkum, and if you get talking to other tourists you'll frequently find they have come here before, which is always a great recommendation.

Affordable Homes in Cayman Brac Nearly Completed

Eight affordable homes being built for the Sister Island Affordable Housing Development Corporate are nearly completed. The eight contracts were awarded last December to construct four homes on the site in West End, while another four homes are currently being built at a location in the Watering Place.

All eight are around 75% completed, and they should be completely finished by the end of April. In spite of the high-speed construction, the homes have been built to a high standard, with sizes ranging between one and four bedrooms. The homes come with full kitchens and include all the appliances, but there is no central air conditioning. However they have been built so central air conditioning can be added at a later date.

These houses are seen as being an investment into the community, as they not only provide homes for working families, but have also created jobs within the local workforce. Eligibility for the homes is based on household income, employment, personal references and residency.

Cayman Brac is located to the north-east of Grand Cayman, and is only around 12 miles long and 1 mile wide, and its most prominent feature is The Bluff, which is a large limestone outcrop which rises along the length of the island, reaching 140 feet high at the eastern end. The island is named after this feature as Brac is the Gaelic name for bluff. It's perhaps best known as providing the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island. Most tourists visit the island to explore the many caves, and it's also great for scuba divers as there are plenty of wrecks just off shore.

São Vicente Is All about Music, Culture and Art

São Vicente is a Cape Verdean island which is very much about music, culture, and art, and is where many of Cape Verde’s musicians and writers have grown up. It's the perfect island for anyone looking for a cultural experience, and the town of Mindelo is a delight. It's easy to see British influences in the architecture and monuments which date back to colonial times, and the town has a lively nightlife with numerous pubs, nightclubs and restaurants.

São Vicente is also a great choice for keen windsurfers, and some people think Sao Pedro is one of the best beaches for speed windsurfing. If you want to go swimming then Baia das Gatas in the north of the island is ideal as it is a natural lagoon. As always the beaches on this island are absolutely beautiful, as they are on all the islands in Cape Verde. São Vicente has two major festivals, one of which is a beach music Festival which is held during the full moon in August, while the second festival is held in mid-February, and is Brazilian influenced.

São Vicente is close to the beautiful island of Santo Antao, which is the greenest island in this archipelago. This is quite remarkable as Cape Verde is known for being extremely dry and arid. The island is just an hour’s ferry crossing away, and is popular with hikers as there are plenty of rugged mountains and green valleys to explore, and the ferry departs every day from Mindelo, which gives visitors plenty of time to explore the island before heading back to São Vicente in the afternoon.

Akbuk is Perfect for Anyone Looking for Peace and Quiet

Akbuk is one of the most perfect holiday locations for anyone looking for a little peace and quiet in beautiful surroundings. The scenery here is absolutely breathtaking as the resort is set against a beautiful mountain backdrop and is surrounded by pine forests. The blue waters of the Aegean are beautifully clear, and the environment is renowned for being extremely healthy due to its low humidity and high oxygen levels.

Although it is a peaceful little resort, it still has all the amenities to offer holiday makers a trouble-free and enjoyable break. There is a good selection of local shops selling everything you need for day-to-day living, as well as a weekly market which is held every Friday, and which is great for purchasing super fresh and super cheap fruit and vegetables.

If you feel the need to visit larger shops then the resort of Altinkum is just 15 minutes’ drive up the road. Akbuk enjoys around 300 sunny days a year, and although temperatures can reach into the 40s during the summer months there is almost always a cooling breeze from the surrounding mountains.

Although it might be tempting to spend your whole time relaxing on one of the lovely beaches, it would be a shame not to explore the surrounding area as it is pretty interesting. There are numerous historical sites nearby including the Temple of Apollo at Didyma, Ephesus and The House of the Virgin Mary.

There are also lots of boat tours available from the harbour during the summer months so you will never be bored. In fact many people choose to return year after year, or even buy property here because they love it so much.

Why visit Altinkum?

There are such a huge number of resorts in Turkey to choose from, so why pick Altinkum? In fact there are many valid reasons for picking this resort. Firstly it is set in one of the most beautiful parts of the world but is conveniently close to Bodrum and Izmir international airports both of which have numerous budget priced flights from the UK.

The weather in Altinkum is extremely pleasant and it’s renowned for its high oxygen content making it perfect for anyone with asthma or other respiratory disorders. If you translate its name then you'll find it actually means Golden Sand which is a clue to the superb beaches here.

The resort has three main beaches and they are perfect for families and children as the beach gently shelves into the water. The beaches are also ideal for anyone who just wants to relax and take it easy, and there are always plenty of sun loungers and umbrellas available to rent for a reasonable price.

If you are easily bored by lying on a beach all day, then you'll also find a great selection of watersports which include banana boat rides, jet skis, windsurfing and the more sedate pedalos. It's one of those places where you can choose to do a lot or very little, so it's ideal for families or groups where everyone is looking for something different. There are plenty of bars and lively restaurants, but at the same time it's easy to find quieter spots where you can simply get away from it all and recharge your batteries.

Attractions on the Cayman Islands

The Cayman Islands is a luxury upmarket destination which is renowned for its beautiful beaches and good year-round weather. It's fair to say many of the attractions on the islands are beach centred, but there are also a good choice of activities for those times when you feel like seeing a little more of the scenery.

One of the best-known beaches is Seven Mile Beach on Grand Cayman which is frequently named as one of the best beaches in the Caribbean. There are numerous beach bars and restaurants located here, and you'll find most of the resort hotels on the island are situated on this beach.

Perhaps the best-known attraction on Grand Cayman is Stingray City which is renowned for being one of the top places in the world for shallow dives and snorkelling. If you visit the spot then you'll have the chance to hand feed these amazing creatures as they are incredibly tame.

If you are looking for some of the best snorkelling and diving in the Caribbean then Bloody Bay Wall on Little Cayman is one of the best sites around. Cayman Brac also has some great dive sites and the opportunity to visit wrecks. It's also the least visited of the Cayman Islands, but has the most dramatic scenery and is great for anyone who likes walking, bird watching and of course diving.

Back on dry land another very popular attraction is Queen Elizabeth the second Botanic Park which is on Grand Cayman and displays the islands native flora and fauna and includes a lake area which is a natural habitat for the Cayman Blue Iguana.

Millennium Challenge Corporation Signs Five-Year, $66.2 Million Aid Agreement with Cape Verde

The Millennium Challenge Corporation has just signed a five-year agreement with Cape Verde which is worth $66.2 million. The money will be used to help reform the nation's sanitation, water and land management sectors, and will also be used to aid economic growth.

Some $41.1 million of the money will be used to help Cape Verde’s national regulatory institutions to become more financially sound and transparent. In addition money will be used to help utilities become commercial organisations and will improve the reach of sanitation and water services to households and businesses.

One of the problems faced by Cape Verde is the scarcity of water, and this latest project is expected to benefit around 278,000 people.

Another $17.3 million of the agreement is to be used to help improve the investment climate in the country for small investors. This will be achieved through strengthening the protection of land rights, decreasing land registration time and costs and refining the legal and institutional environment to make the process more transparent.

This isn't the first Millennium Challenge Corporation agreement, as the first $100 million agreement was signed in 2005 and completed in October 2010, and was extremely successful. The aim of that agreement was to help transform the economy into one led by private sector growth, and it focused on improving infrastructure so citizens had better access to jobs, social services and ports and airports.

The agreement also saw substantial improvements in Cape Verde’s agricultural sector, as well as reforms in its financial sector. There is no reason to think this latest agreement will not be just as successful.

Cape Verde, a Well-Kept Secret amongst Those in the Know

As yet not many people have heard about Cape Verde, but that is all set to change. It's an archipelago formed of 10 different islands in the Atlantic Ocean just a few hundred miles off the coast of West Africa. The islands origins are volcanic, but each has its own very different personality.

You'll find Sal, Boa Vista and Maio to be flat, sandy and dry. In contrast most of the remaining islands have far more vegetation and are much rockier. The islands are quite dry, so there isn't that much green vegetation, but this does mean that holidaymakers are almost assured of a nice sunny break.

Cape Verde was originally discovered and colonised by the Portuguese in the 15th century but achieved independence in 1975. The population is around half a million with a quarter living in the capital city of Praia. The country is very stable and democratic and is often held up as being a good example amongst African nations; it enjoyed substantial economic growth between 2000 and 2009.

Its economy is very much service oriented and increasingly focused on tourism and this industry is one of the fastest growing in the world. It is being hailed as the new Caribbean or Canary Islands but is much more affordable.

Cape Verde also has the advantage of being just a few hours flight away so it's perfect for long weekends or week long breaks. It's beaches are utterly stunning, especially on the island of Sal where there are miles of white sandy beaches, perfect for anyone dreaming of a desert island getaway, but be sure to get here fast before everyone finds out.

The Peaceful Attractions of Akbuk

Akbuk was originally a small fishing village and is in a beautiful location as it is surrounded by mountains and pine forests, giving the village its enviably healthy air with a high oxygen content. Anyone choosing to live or holiday here is assured of a peaceful and relaxing time as it is not somewhere to come if you are after a lively nightlife.

The small town centre has a good selection of shops where you can buy everything you need for day-to-day living, and there is also a good weekly market which is well worth a visit for its super fresh fruit and vegetables. If you want a bigger selection of shops then Altinkum is just a short drive away.

It's the kind of place where people return year after year, and many have retired here from much larger cities. Tourism has become much more important to Akbuk in recent years, and former fishing boats now take holidaymakers on trips along the coast during the summer months. However it's not in any danger of being overdeveloped as planning laws are quite strict so it should remain a tranquil and relaxing destination.

If you feel like having a break from relaxing then Lake Bafa is only a few miles away. It's a great spot for keen birdwatchers as it is one of Europe's biggest bird refuges. It's a beautiful place to explore and is great for hikes. Akbuk is also an excellent location from which to explore historic sites, visit local villages and learn a little more about the rich culture of Turkey.

EU Grants GSP+ Status to Cape Verde

Last month the EU granted Cape Verde Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) + status. This is a trade scheme which gives the archipelago preferential access to the EU market provided certain conditions of good governance are fulfilled.

Any country benefiting from GSP+ must adhere to 27 core international conventions that implement good governance, which respect human and labour rights, as well as conventions which respect the environment. Cape Verde has fulfilled all these provisions to benefit from the enhanced access to the EU. In addition Cape Verde can continue to enjoy this preferential access after its graduation from the "Everything But Arms" (EBA) initiative.

Cape Verde is the first African nation to sign up to this scheme which should help the country continue on its path to sustainable development. GSP+ and EBA currently give preference for exports from 176 developing countries into the EU. Until 2008 Cape Verde was classified as being a "Least Developed Country" and after graduating from this status was given a three-year transition period, which expired at the end of last year in order to allow market operators to adjust to a different tariff regime.

Cape Verde is involved in negotiations for a comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between West Africa and the EU. This agreement would give West African countries much greater development prospects as it not only allows goods to be traded more freely but also services and investments which are quickly becoming a major part of Cape Verde’s economy.

The GSP scheme is due to expire on the 31 December 2013 and the present system is already being discussed by the European Parliament to enhance the attractiveness of the scheme and ensure better compliance to the 27 conventions. At the moment the EU is Cape Verde's main export and import partner, as in 2010 Cape Verde exported €36 million worth of goods, most of which were foods and textiles.

The Rugged Attractions of Cayman Brac

Cayman Brac is the most dramatic of the three Cayman Islands and is fantastic for anyone who loves birdwatching and exploring local flora in the woodlands. It's possible to spot peregrine falcons, Frigate birds, brown boobies and sometimes it's even possible to see the Cayman Brac parrot.

The island is just 14 miles square and has a population of less than 1800, and the peaceful seafaring community enjoys welcoming visitors to their beautiful home. Brac is a Gaelic word which when translated means bluff as Cayman Brac has a dramatic limestone ridge which rises up to 140 feet high creating a dramatic landscape.

While the scenery on land is stunning, most visitors are attracted to Cayman Brac for its diving. Just off the island lies the wreck of the M/V Captain Keith Tibbitts which is a Russian built Cuban naval frigate that was sunk off the north-west coast in 1996 and its already home to a considerable variety of colourful marine life. In addition there are two other small wrecks lying off the island's coast.

Back on dry land Cayman Brac boasts a number of attractions including several caves. These include the Great Cave which has a number of interesting stalactites and stalagmites, the Bat Cave which is home to a number of small bats and Rebecca's Cave which is a historic site that once provided shelter for residents during a hurricane.

Peters Cave is also well worth a visit as it gives spectacular views across the south side of the island. The Cayman Brac Museum is the oldest museum in the Cayman Islands and provides a fascinating insight into life in the past. It's easy to dismiss the Cayman Islands as merely being a sunshine destination when in fact they have far much more to offer visitors who take the time to explore.