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.