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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Cape Verde is a Great Choice for a Winter Holiday

Cape Verde is a great choice for a winter holiday; situated just 300 miles off the coast of Senegal it has already been called the European Caribbean and is just a five and a half hour flight from the UK.

It's perfect for sun lovers as the islands are gently cooled by trade winds and remain pleasantly warm rather than stifling.

There are 10 different islands and each has its own character, with plenty of deserted beaches, dunes and volcanic peaks to explore. Cape Verde was originally part of the Portuguese empire and its language remains a mix of Portuguese and Creole.

The main island is Santiago, and this is the business centre for all the islands. The scenery here is dramatic and mountainous and ideal for keen walkers. Fogo lies to the south and is home to an active volcano crater and is the wine and coffee producer for the country.

Saint Vincent is one of the more northerly islands and is widely recognised as being the artistic and cultural centre. However the two most visited islands are Sal and Boa Vista, and both have regular charter flights from the UK.

Boa Vista is the island closest to Africa and is perfect for water activities. It's also the third most important site in the world for nesting turtles. Sal has starkly beautiful but barren scenery, but is very much the watersport capital of the islands and is renowned as being one of the top five windsurfing locations in the world.

A holiday on Cape Verde definitely offers something a little different from the normal winter destinations, and is a perfect, stress free escape.

Discovering Cape Verde’s Third Largest Island

Cape Verde is an archipelago of 10 islands 300 miles off the coast of Senegal and thanks to year-round temperatures which average 24°C it is fast becoming a sought-after holiday destination and tourism numbers are increasing rapidly.

It's been predicted that the number of visitors to the islands will exceed 1 million annually by 2015, and it had the distinction of making Lonely Planet’s list of top 10 countries last year. It is being likened to the Canary Islands but in fact is quite different, and at just a five-hour flight from the UK it’s eminently accessible.

The most obvious attraction of the archipelago is its beaches, and Boa Vista, the third largest island has no less than 55 km of pristine sandy beaches, and as tourism is only just beginning to take off most are beautifully quiet. The landscape on the Boa Vista is almost lunar and it's generally necessary to take a 4x4 vehicle to get around.

The main town on Boa Vista is laid-back Sal Rei, and it's easy to see the Portuguese influence as the islands only gained independence in 1975, and the official language is Portuguese. It's very much a fishing town as this is still quite a thriving industry, but there are already a number of craft shops and souvenir shops to cater for the tourism market.

Although there are a number of sites worth seeing on this island one of the major attractions are the nighttime tours to see the loggerhead turtles which nest in their thousands on the eastern and southern beaches each year. Boa Vista is a charming island, and as it becomes more widely known it's easy to imagine visitors flocking here.

Cape Verde Economy Predicted to Enjoy GDP Growth of 6.8% in 2012

While the rest of the world continues to struggle with the global crisis, Cape Verde continues to buck the trend. This archipelago is located in the mid-Atlantic between Brazil and Senegal and is just five hours away from the UK. Although its economy did suffer during the global crisis with GDP growth dropping from 8.6% in 2007 to just 3.6% in 2009, government policy has ensured it is back on track, with growth predicted to be more than 5% this year by the World Bank.

Cape Verde is increasingly attracting investors as it is one of the most stable countries in Africa. It enjoys low inflation and low crime and has been granted special partnership status by the EU. It's a great place in which to buy property, as the property laws are easy to understand, dating back to the time when the country was under Portuguese rule, and property rights are strongly protected.

The country has few natural resources and energy and fuel costs can be quite high, but the government is planning a huge renewable energy project which includes Africa's first large-scale wind project. The intention is that renewable energy will provide 50% of the country’s requirements by 2050.

Most of the development is taking place on the island of Sal which was originally known for its salt mines. Nowadays the island is undergoing substantial infrastructure improvements which include a marina plaza and new roads. Luxury developments can be found at Tortuga and Dunas, and some properties can be bought through SIPPS although they have to be commercially leased.

Former Cape Verdean President, Pedro Pires Nominated 2011 African Personality of the Year

The former president of Cape Verde, Pedro Pires has been shortlisted by Forbes magazine for the African Personality of the Year award for 2011. His name is one of five being put forward, and the nominee will be announced at the end of the month.

The award is given to the individual who has had most influence on events during the year, and this latest nomination comes shortly after Pedro Pires was awarded the prestigious Mo Ibrahim prize for good governance, having served his country for 16 years.

Pires was instrumental in helping to achieve independence for Cape Verde from Portugal and served as prime minister between 1975 and 1991, and was president between 2001 and 2011.

His second term expired earlier this year and he decided not to run for office again. Another of his major achievements was to transform the political system from being a single party autocracy into a multi-party democracy.

Cape Verde has achieved a tremendous amount in just a few short years, and although it is a small country it is notable for its democracy, stability and growing prosperity. The economy has been growing steadily over the past few years, and this is expected to continue in spite of the international crisis, although at a more moderate rate.

Travel companies have already reported an increase in winter holiday bookings to Cape Verde this year as the archipelago becomes better known. It's fast becoming a popular alternative to the Canaries, especially amongst clients looking to try somewhere a little different, as it still offers pretty much guaranteed sunshine without the need to fly long-haul.

China Provides $4.7 Million Interest-Free Loan to Cape Verde

China has agreed to provide an interest-free loan of $4.7 million to Cape Verde which will be used for projects which are considered a priority. These include infrastructure and economic and social facilities such as the National Stadium and the new maternity ward at the Agostinho Neto Hospital. The money will also be used to fund building work at the Santa Maria technical school on Sal Island as well as projects which will improve water and energy efficiency.

There is also likely to be additional funding available for social housing. This isn't the first time China has provided loans to the country which is still very much an emerging economy.

It's definitely a country which is well worth investing in, as it has a very stable democracy and until the recent economic downturn, enjoyed good economic growth of around 7% annually.

The economy is mainly service oriented and is focused upon the rapidly growing tourism sector.

The islands are perfect for tourists as they enjoy a warm climate year-round and are close enough to Europe to be enticing enough for a short winter break. The islands are extremely interesting as each has a diverse landscape while the people are warm and welcoming and celebrate their culture through music.

Although the islands have a lack of natural resources, and have to import much of their food, major efforts are being made to build renewable energy sources such as wind farms, which is essential as the country has one of the fastest-growing tourism industries in the world.

Cape Verde Named As Top Winter Destination for Surfers

Thomas Cook has named Cape Verde as one of its top five surfing destinations for winter, and points out that this archipelago is ideal for keen wind surfers and surfers as the trade winds blow across the islands between December and May.

There's no doubt this collection of islands is becoming far more popular as a tourist destination, and while many might come here for the surfing there are plenty of other activities to enjoy. It's the ideal spot for anyone who enjoys walking along long sandy beaches, or who wants to spend their days sunbathing and generally enjoying the peacefulness here.

Some of the most spectacular beaches can be found on Boa Vista as it has no less than 55 km of gorgeous white sand. Praia de Chaves is particularly amazing as the sand dunes have been sculpted by the winds, creating incredible patterns.

Deep sea fishing is a popular activity, and there are plenty of opportunities to join local fishermen, and the islands of Sal and Sau Vincente are considered to be amongst the best for fishing.

While there are lots of water sports above the water, the region is also ideal for anyone who enjoys diving as the clear waters make it easy to see the massive rock formations and shipwrecks. Trekking is also a popular activity, especially as the islands have a vast variety of landscapes. Other activities include quad biking, turtle watching and bird watching and horse riding. Island hopping is also a popular day trip.

Escaping the Winter in Cape Verde

The nights are drawing in, the weather forecasters are making dire predictions of another severe winter and the prospect of getting away somewhere hot for a week or so is becoming increasingly appealing.

While traditional holiday hotspots such as Egypt and the Canaries are always a good option, there is another choice which is still only a five-hour flight away. Cape Verde is an archipelago of 10 islands that offer a Caribbean environment within a short haul flight of Europe.

The tourism industry is still very young, but there has been substantial investment by the government into infrastructure, including international airports on the islands of Boa Vista and Sal, as well as all the usual amenities travellers expect. It's an excellent holiday destination, and all the islands have a unique personality. One of the most popular is Boa Vista, and with its fabulous beaches which extend for miles it is easy to see why.

The main town of Boa Vista is Sal Rei, whose buildings betray its colonial past. However one of the nicest things to do on this island is visit Santa Monica beach, which is 11 miles of glorious white sand on the sheltered south of the island – its waters are ideal for swimming.

Boa Vista is ideal for a week or two of relaxation in the tropical sunshine, and it's not difficult to see why so many new resorts and developments are springing up. During the boom Cape Verde was rapidly growing into one of the world’s top tourist destinations, and now it is on the re-burn.

Cape Verde Will Meet Millennium Development Goals

A new report published recently by the World Bank in Washington, says Cape Verde is well on track to meet its Millennium Development Goals, and is one of only four African countries set to do so. Alongside Ethiopia, Ghana and Malawi, Cape Verde is expected to achieve most of its goals by 2015, or possibly even sooner thanks to acceleration in growth and progress of social indicators.

In order to do this Cape Verde has made considerable improvements in areas such as education, health and infant mortality, and has also improved various economic aspects such as its business climate.

Cape Verde is amongst the top 10 countries in the world to have introduced the most reforms in 2010, and the report fully expects to continue seeing the country in this list due to the various reforms which are still underway.

According to the World Bank, the significant improvement in the business climate in Cape Verde was largely due to the government applying robust reforms.

This is all good news for the tropical archipelago which is becoming increasingly sought-after by property investors. Property is still relatively cheap, and the government’s investment in infrastructure has greatly improved amenities over the past few years.

This has led to a huge increase in tourism numbers as more people become aware of Cape Verde's existence and its close proximity to Europe. The country has an ever expanding number of international flights and an increasing number of international airports to cope with the surge in popularity.

The Rising Popularity of Cape Verde Holidays

Cape Verde is rapidly increasing in popularity, and is beginning to feature in many top 10 destination lists, and it's little wonder. This island is just a few hours flight away from the UK, and has good international connections with many European cities. It's ideal for a short break and there is no jetlag. The archipelago enjoys good year-round weather, and is becoming known as a winter holiday destination.

One of the most popular islands is Boa Vista, and it is also one of the warmest as it is closest to the African mainland and receives hot winds from the Sahara. The capital city of Sal Rei is laid-back. There are a number of good restaurants and cafes just off the main square, but it really comes to life in the evenings with live music being played in many bars.

Away from the main city, the white beaches are absolutely beautiful, and the Estoril dunes are well worth a visit especially on a quad bike tour.

There are also a few volcanic formations and date palms peppering an otherwise barren landscape.

Boa Vista is the third most important nesting site for loggerhead turtles in the world. This endangered species visit the island between May and September to lay their eggs on the beach. Research is being done to track their migratory routes by logging and tagging the turtles.

Obviously the main attraction of this island has to be the beaches. The island is a perfect spot for windsurfers, as the water is just 1 to 2 m deep with terrific swell and no currents.

Sal and Boa Vista Top Choices Among Overseas Property Buyers

The islands of Sal and Boa Vista are proving to be particularly popular with overseas buyers, especially Sal, as it has the reputation of being a very cosmopolitan island which is home to around 15 different nationalities. It has the advantage of having the main airport nearby, and of course the gorgeous beaches and many bars and restaurants are a huge attraction.

Sal also has a great relaxed atmosphere, and the infrastructure here is constantly being upgraded to improve utilities and roads. While some people are buying property here as an investment to rent out, others are seeing it as an attractive place for a holiday home, as it certainly a great alternative to the Canaries or other more traditional European hotspots, and is a relatively short flight away. Not surprisingly, beachfront properties are proving to be the most popular.

Cape Verde is attracting more and more attention, as a recent report from TheMoveChannel.com showed it had entered the top 10 destinations of overseas enquiries, and is now more highly rated than Barbados, Cyprus and Malta.

Although this may come as a surprise to many people, those who have visited the archipelago will find it easy to see why, as it still represents excellent value, has reliable weather and its rapidly improving infrastructure can easily support substantial increases in tourism numbers.

During the first six months of the year Cape Verde received 219,000 tourists, which is an increase of 47,000 tourists and growth of 27.5% compared to the same period in 2010. Most of these tourists came from the UK, but the archipelago is also popular with visitors from France, Italy, Germany and Portugal.

European Buyers Snapping Up Property in Cape Verde

According to local property experts, increasing numbers of European buyers are purchasing homes in this tiny archipelago, especially in the resorts of Sal and Boa Vista. At the moment there is the opportunity to pick up a bargain as there is a choice of distressed sales available due to the global economic downturn.

However potential buyers are advised to pick their property carefully, with the most desirable homes being those which are nearest to the sea. Property investors are also advised to ask for a complete breakdown of all maintenance charges, especially if they are buying a property in a managed development.

Buying in a managed development is certainly a desirable option, as it does offer a relatively hassle free investment as all the trouble of renting out the property is taken care of.

The archipelago is growing in popularity due to its close proximity to Europe, and the good availability of flights. Its excellent year round climate and cheap property makes it a viable choice for a second home or investment, and it is often compared to the Canaries, even though it is somewhat more exotic.

Sal is one of the most developed resorts in Cape Verde, and has long stretches of white sand and is a watersport lover’s dream. Boa Vista also has some stunning beaches, and is renowned for its marine life. It is a little lower key than Sal, and if you travel here between December and February you may even be lucky enough to spot humpbacked whales.

Liberal Opposition Candidate Wins Cape Verdean Presidency

The Presidency for Cape Verde has finally been settled and was won by the liberal opposition candidate, Jorge Carlos Fonseca who beat is socialist rival Manuel Inocencio Sousa with 54.9% of the vote compared to 45.91%.

He won the campaign by promising to modernise the economy, reduce unemployment rates and keep economic growth steady. The outcome of the election means that the Prime Minister and the President are from two different parties, as the Prime Minister José Maria Neves stands for the African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde, which has a Parliamentary majority of 37 out of 72 seats.

It is a Parliamentary democracy, and the Presidency is very much a ceremonial role. The election was calm and peaceful, and was monitored by the Economic Community of West African States who reported no major irregularities. However the observers did note that there was a need for greater voter participation. Although 305,000 people were registered to vote, only around 60% actually bothered to do so.

Cape Verde is one of the most stable and prosperous nations in Africa, and it has a burgeoning tourism and service industry as the country has few natural resources. The service sector represents around 75% of GDP, while tourism accounts for around 25%. The country had 400,000 visitors in 2010, but this number is increasing rapidly due to ongoing construction of a number of resorts and developments.

In 2008 Cape Verde was only the second African country after Botswana to be promoted by the United Nations from the list of the 50 least developed countries. It is also likely to be one of the few African countries who will meet the Millennium Development Goals by 2015.

Exploring the Cape Verdean Island of Santo Antao

Cape Verde consists of several different islands, and not all of them are inhabited, however all of them offer breathtaking scenery. The island of Santo Antao is particularly good for sightseers, as it is the most northern island in the archipelago and is also one of the most rugged. It makes a great break for a couple of days from the livelier island of Sao Vicente, and while the ferry takes just under an hour from Mindelo, it could be a world away.

It is a collection of volcanic mountains which is ideal for keen hiker's as the peaks rise to more than 1,500 m in several places, and the very highest peak, Top de Coroa is an impressive 1,979 m high. The terrain here is perhaps some of the most beautiful in the world, as there are lush tropical green valleys and sheer mountainsides. One of the valleys is called Janela, and there are inscriptions on the ancient rock dating back to the 1400s which strongly suggest that the island was inhabited by a civilisation before the Portuguese arrived.

If you choose to visit this island you'll also enjoy a spectacular car journey over the spine of the island to the town of Ribeira Grande. The road is 26 km long and was built from volcanic stones lifted from the mountains and laid by hand. The mountains dominate the landscape either side of the road, and the road is lined with eucalyptus and pine forests.

Santo Antao is the second largest of the Cape Verdean islands, and has the third largest population with just over 47,000 people living here permanently. It may not have the exclusive resorts which attract so many people to these islands, but it does make a nice escape for a couple of days at least.