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.

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.

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.

Altinkum Is Enviably Located in One of the Nicest Parts of Turkey

Altinkum enjoys an enviable location in one of the nicest parts of Turkey, and it is also in one of the most interesting regions. It is 200 km south from Izmir, the third largest city in Turkey, and just 110 km from Bodrum and 73 km from Kusadasi, both of which are important tourist resorts.

Even though it is relatively close to these major resorts, property prices are still very reasonable, especially considering the fact that it is a very family oriented resort with gently sloping golden beaches that are perfect for families. It's also just as good for anyone who just wants to unwind and soak up the sun for a few hours each day.

There are plenty of umbrellas and sunbeds for hire at reasonable daily rates, and you can either choose to just swim in the beautifully clear seas, or to try out one of the huge range of watersports available from the beach. This includes jet skis, banana boat rides, windsurfing and pedalos.

The locals in Altinkum are friendly, and most speak good English. It's nice to take an evening stroll along the promenade, although it does get pretty busy and noisy at times. There is an excellent choice of restaurants, and you can choose to eat cheaply or indulge in something a little more lavish.

The region has a considerable history, and one of the most important sites is the temple of Apollo in Didim. This amazing structure was created 700 years before Christ, and is considered to be one of the most important temples in the ancient world.

It is the architectural twin of the Artemision which was considered to be one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Even if you don't normally like to spend your holiday traipsing round ancient sites, this one is well worth a look.

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.

Altinkum Is a Resort with Golden Sands

Altinkum is a relatively small resort on the Aegean coast, and is in the centre of Didim. Its name means golden sands, and it certainly lives up to it, with three gorgeous sandy beaches to choose from.

The resort is popular with families, as the seas here are quite shallow. It is easy to see why this resort is becoming more and more popular with second home buyers and investors, as it has a very wide appeal.

During the day it is very much a family oriented resort, and is perfect for those looking for a quiet, relaxing holiday, but in the evening the place comes to life, as there are a number of bars which have live music and nightclubs.

The resort also has a considerable number of restaurants, and the wide choice of menus means that even the pickiest of eaters will find something to satisfy them. The Turkish people here are very friendly, and most speak fluent English.

One of the nicest things to do whilst staying here is to take a boat trip, as there are lots of beautiful bays and islands surrounding the resort. These trips can be as active or relaxing as you choose, as most will stop at regular intervals to allow you to swim in the cooling waters of the Aegean.

Those people who love to spend at least part of their holidays visiting ancient sites will be in heaven here, as there are a number of important sites close to Altinkum, with the most famous being the Temple of Apollo.

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.

The Quiet Charms of Akbuk

Akbuk is perfectly situated as it is only 40 minutes drive from Bodrum airport, and is just 15 km from Altinkum, and it is fast becoming a sought-after location. The small town has a real sense of history as it used to be primarily a fishing village, but is rapidly growing into a well-developed tourist resort which has its own harbour, villas and hotels.

The area around Akbuk is protected forest and olive trees, and it has a beautifully peaceful feel to it. Activities here include hiking, fishing, water sports, or you can simply choose to relax around the pretty little bay or on one of the gorgeous beaches. Lake Bafa is just a 10 minute drive away, or if you feel like enjoying a little nightlife then Altinkum is easily within reach.

Akbuk has one of the highest oxygen ratios and lowest humidity in the heart of Turkey, and this makes it an extremely healthy place in which to live or holiday. It is often recommended by doctors to those suffering from asthma. The beaches and bays here are very clean, and although not terribly big, they have a lovely family oriented atmosphere.

Akbuk appeals to people looking for a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere, and it is extremely popular amongst retired people and families. It gets even better when you consider that high density housing isn't allowed here, and no buildings over two and a half storeys high are allowed.

Akbuk truly feels like little piece of paradise, but has sufficient amenities to allow for day-to-day living with lots of mini supermarkets selling groceries, and of course Altkinkum is just a short drive away, if you happen to feel the need to visit a large and busy supermarket.

Exciting and Vibrant Hurghada

Hurghada attracts thousands of visitors each year and is one of the top resorts in Egypt, but it has only undergone this transformation during the last few years, as it used to be a small fishing village. Although it has grown substantially over the last decade or so it has still managed to retain much of its historic charm, and it still feels authentically Egyptian.

It is perfect for anyone looking to completely relax on holiday, and is a great year round destination, packed full of amenities designed to appeal to international tourists from around the globe. Demand for accommodation here has increased substantially over the last few years, and there have been many new luxury developments designed to cater for second home buyers and buyers looking for investment property, and as such there is plenty of rental accommodation to choose from.

Egypt is just five hours away from the UK, and there are numerous charter flights and flights with low-cost airlines from most UK airports. The international airport at Hurghada is just a short transfer away from the main resort. Average temperatures here are well over 30°C, and it remains warm all year round.

While the excellent weather and beautiful beaches are part of a major attraction here, there is still plenty to do and see inland. You don't have to travel far from the resort before you are in the desert, and there are lots of exciting trips which allow you to explore this beautiful but hostile landscape. You can also choose to book longer trips to see some of the major historical sites in Egypt, or of course you could choose to just relax, which is of course the whole point of going on holiday.

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.

Buying Property in Didim Altinkum

Didim Altinkum is one of the most popular holiday resorts in Turkey, and it's easy to see why as it enjoys a mild climate all year round, it has excellent beaches and crystal clear waters, and enjoys a huge amount of sunshine, so it's no wonder the people here are so friendly and cheerful.

The area has excellent amenities and a number of important archaeological sites including the Temple of Apollo which isn't to be missed. There are a number of daily tours from the resort which include boat trips and sightseeing excursions. If you love snorkelling there are some great secluded bays which are only accessible by boat, and there are also some great spots for scuba divers to enjoy.

The international airport has good connections with all major European airports, and this has made it one of the most popular resorts in which to buy property during the last decade or so. There is a huge range to choose from here, which ranges from apartments to detached villas, and the prices can vary according to each resort.

Anyone thinking of buying property here is advised to take their time and explore all the options. It's also a good idea to talk to foreigners who live here for much of the year or even year-round, and to ask their opinion of the different areas. It's also worth checking to see how close a property is to local amenities and public transport, and something which is often neglected is to check which way the property faces to see how much sun it will receive.

Cape Verde Voting in New President

Cape Verde is currently voting to decide who will be the next president of this tiny Archipelago which consists of 10 main islands and eight islets. It is considered to be a politically and economically stable country, in spite of having little natural resources.

The current president Pedro Pires, who is a member of the ruling African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde (PAICV)was first elected in 2001 and is stepping down after two terms. During these terms he has seen a decade of growth averaging 6% annually, the construction of three international airports and a huge improvement in infrastructure.

A vote on the Sunday saw the former Foreign Minister and law professor, Jorge Carlos Fonseca from the opposition Movement for Democracy (MFD) pull slightly ahead of his rival Manuel Inocencio Sousa for the PAICV. Fonseca gained 37% of the votes while Sousa gained 33.9%.

The second round of voting takes place on August 21 and Sousa is confident of gaining more votes while Fonseca is equally confident of winning the presidency for the opposition party. These two parties have dominated politics in the Archipelago since multi-party elections were first held in 1991, and both have ruled for around 10 years.

The whole voting process was overseen by an 80 member observer mission from the Economic Community of West African States, and was proclaimed to be calm and orderly with no irregularities recorded. In February the PAICV won a majority in parliament, and legislative polls saw the current Prime Minister Jose Maria Neves re-elected as head of government.

Things to do near Fethiye

Fethiye makes an excellent base for holidays or longer stays as there is plenty to see and do nearby. The area is rich in archaeological sites and on the most impressive is at nearby Patara. At the moment archaeologists are busy working at the site which contains the world’s first democratic parliamentary building, and it's even easy to recognise the ruins as such.

The ruins show that the first Parliament, which was where the Lycian League met, had semicircular seating. The earliest evidence of this League dates back to around 205 BC, but it's thought to have been operational a long time before this date. The League continued to rule well in to the first millennium, as it was even allowed to continue governing after the Romans moved into the area.

As well as containing the first democratic parliamentary building it seems likely that this area also has the oldest lighthouse in the world. Restoration work is currently ongoing, but it's likely to date back to around 60 A.D. and was dedicated to Emperor Nero. Although ancient ruins might not be everyone's cup of tea, it does make a pleasant trip out before returning back to Fethiye to enjoy one of the spectacular sunsets.

You'll find that many people congregate around the newly extended promenade and it does make a lovely spot to have a drink or a meal, or simply to enjoy a stroll. In fact there are many spots along this particular stretch of coastline which are pretty beautiful in the early evening sun, and it's easy to see why so many people choose to buy property here, or simply return here year after year for their annual summer holidays.

Cape Verde Attracted $111 Million in Foreign Investment during 2010

According to a World Investment Report from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, Cape Verde received around $111 million in foreign direct investment during 2010, and although this is $8 million less than the previous year it is extremely respectable considering the world financial crisis. The African Development Bank has issued a report called "Economic Outlooks in Africa," and this noted that Cape Verde's focus on public investments had enabled it to buck the trend which has seen foreign direct investment fall in many countries over the last year or so.

According to the report the economy in Cape Verde cannot generate sufficient funds to enable its continuing development, as the Archipelago has a lack of natural resources and a balance of trade deficit. The report goes on to say that foreign direct investment is key for the development of Cape Verde, and helps to compensate for some of the deficiencies within the economy.

Although tourism remains the sector which generates the most investment, there are clear signs that this investment is diversifying, and there are now far more investors from northern Europe in comparison to southern Europe. Prior to 2006 the majority of investment came from Portugal, Italy and Spain, but during the last few years investments from the United Kingdom, Sweden, Belgium and Ireland have become far more important.

A recent report from Rightmove Overseas sound that searches for property in Cape Verde have increased by a massive 46% over the last month or so, which may be partially due to the availability of low-cost direct flights.

Why choose Cape Verde?

Cape Verde could still be considered a developing country. Although this may be a little unfair as substantial investment has entered the country over the last few years, and considerable improvements have been made to the standard of living, health care and education for its citizens. However in some ways it is still very much a developing nation, and there are substantial opportunities for investors choosing to get in at the start of the action.

Tourism is becoming far more established, and although the Archipelago has been popular with Italian and Portuguese tour operators for a number of years, it is also being discovered by other European countries, especially the UK. This has led to substantial plans for property development, and there are numerous hotels and holiday homes under construction as the current number of hotel beds will not meet predicted demand.

One of the most popular islands for both visitors and investors is Sal, which is a true beach resort with gorgeous white sandy beaches and turquoise sea. Sight-seeing on this island is relatively limited, but there is a salt lake in an extinct volcano crater in the north of the island, and this is well worth a visit.

The main attraction is the sea, which is full of Marine life including dolphins and turtles, and the majority of people come to this island for water sports, especially diving. It has an excellent reputation with windsurfers, and is considered one of the top five locations in the world. The largest town is Santa Maria which has a lively atmosphere and a comprehensive choice of restaurants and bars.

The island itself is quite barren, and for this reason many locals have chosen to move to other parts of the Archipelago, making this the ideal location for holiday resorts.

Just a few of the things I love about Altinkum

Altinkum is, in my opinion perfectly located as it is on a peninsula on the Aegean coast of Turkey. It is in an area called Didim, a very laid-back and friendly environment. You'll find the locals here extremely welcoming and willing to pass the time of day with you over a glass of apple tea. Many people return here year after year as it's such a great place to stay. The name Altinkum translates as golden sand, and when you see the beautiful beaches you'll understand how perfectly suited to this name is to this gorgeous little resort.

Until recently this town used to be quite a small and sleepy place, but around 15 years ago people from larger cities began to realise the attractions of living here and started to build holiday homes and second homes, and a lot of them have chosen to retire here. Obviously the beaches here are a huge lure, and there is a wide range of watersports available to those who wish for an active holiday. Those of us who prefer lying on the beach while pretending to read are well catered for as there are numerous sunbeds and umbrellas available to rent.

I might be giving the impression that this is a very sleepy little town, but there is still plenty to do and see, especially for those who are interested in ancient history as this area is certainly rich in ruins. You can discover the numerous beaches and coves by taking one of the organised daily boat trips from the harbour during the summer season, and there are also fishing trips available. I really believe this is the perfect location for a second home, or for anyone looking to buy a holiday property with the view to earning rental income.

Cape Verde Population Increases to Nearly Half a Million

The latest census of Cape Verde has shown that the population has increased to 492,000 people. When the first population census was carried out in 1960, the population was just 201,000.

July 11 was a World Population Day, and the chairman of the National Statistics Institute, Antonio Duarte pointed out that the population of this tiny archipelago is extremely young with an average age of just 26.8 years. A massive 54% of the population is less than 25 years old, and the majority of people live in urban areas. The average Cape Verdean woman has 4.2 children, and the life expectancy at birth is now a very respectable 74 years.

The illiteracy rate on the island was 25.2% in 2000, and that has dropped considerably to just 17%. Maternal and child mortality rates have also shown significant improvement during the last few years. In short, the country is well on its way to achieving the majority of the Millennium Development Goals. The population of Cape Verde is forecast to increase to 630,000 people by 2020 which represents an average annual increase of nearly 3%.

The Millennium Development goals include important issues such as eradicating extreme poverty and hunger, ensuring every child has access to good primary education and improving maternal health and reducing child mortality. Other important issues include ensuring sustainable developments and making sure that everyone has access to clean drinking water.

Cape Verde has already achieved its aims of ensuring good primary education, gender equality, a reduction in child mortality and an improvement in maternal health. Other goals remain well on track to be achieved.