The idyllic islands of Cape Verde

11/08/2010

The mid-1950s saw the emergence of an independence movement led by Amilcar Cabral, a native son and internationally acclaimed writer and revolutionary. Refusal by Portugal to relinquish control resulted in a long struggle. Independence came in 1975.

This emerging market is nowadays democratic, politically stable and has one of the highest literacy rates in Africa. Rises in capital spending, tourism revenue and inflows of foreign direct investment over the past decade have strengthened the economy. The islands are peaceful and welcoming, with a population proud of its rich musical heritage.

The archipelago’s fledgling property market is in the throes of discovery, and the desert island of Sal gets top billing for buying a holiday property or permanent home.

SAL - SANTA MARIA

A haven for water sports, where the town Santa Maria – with cobbled streets and colourful colonial architecture – has five miles of golden sandy beaches. A two-bedroom/bathroom apartment at the seafront Leme Bedje development costs €149,950.

SAL - PUNTA PRETA

North-west of Santa Maria is a favourite surfing spot where shimmering sands stretch as far as the eye can see. Dunas Beach Resort is set to be the island’s first five-star development, with more than 1,000 furnished properties. Studios start at €159,950, but there are also five-bedroom beachfront villas.

SANTIAGO

Cape Verde’s capital city Praia on the island of Santiago features bustling markets and a lively music scene. Rugged coastlines with small beaches are complemented by interior mountain ranges sprinkled with terraces and lush valleys. On the east coast, a secluded, modern eight-bedroom house with its own desalination system and unrestricted sea frontage is €895,000. 

SANTO ANTÃO

A verdant island with dramatic cliffs and terraced mountainsides. No airport but an hour’s ferry ride from São Vincente. About to be launched is Sinagoga Resort on the north-west corner, where villas will start at €143,000 (www.noscasacv.com).

SÃO VINCENTE

Low volcanic mountains with white-sand bays and a well-known music festival. The picture-postcard colonial town of Mindelo is a magnet for artists and musicians. Overlooking the port is a spacious two-bedroom apartment for €85,000 (www.noscasacv.com).

This piece was originally published in the Telegraph weekly world edition 

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/expatproperty/7935256/The-idyllic-islands-of-Cape-Verde.html