Want to escape the winter cold? An island paradise is emerging as a sunny, affordable alternative to more popular Caribbean destinations.
As the end-of-year holidays and the start of 2025 approach, many people dream of swapping the gray and cold for sunnier horizons. The winter period, conducive to a desire for escape and warmth, pushes travelers to turn to distant lands to recharge their batteries. If the Canary Islands, Zanzibar or even the Caribbean are among the key destinations of the season, an economical and equally exotic alternative is looming on the horizon.
Despite slightly cooler temperatures in winter, it has consistently high averages throughout the year, with very little precipitation. This makes it a great choice for sun worshipers, whatever the season. In December, for example, vacationers can enjoy mild heat averaging around 26°C. Located less than a six-hour flight from France, this archipelago made up of ten islands, including Sal and Boa Vista, offers a clever mix of island life and breathtaking volcanic landscapes.
This destination dear to Cesaria Evora fans is of course Cape Verde! One of the archipelago’s main attractions is its idyllic white sand beaches, several of which have won Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice award for 2024. These include Santa Monica Beach in Boa Vista, Chaves, also in Boa Vista, and Shark Bay on the island of Sal. But the crème de la crème of coastlines can be found on the island of Sal, in Praia de Santa Maria. With its breathtaking turquoise waters, this beach has won over many tourism experts and earned a place of choice in the rankings of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
Want a change of scenery, not just lazing around on the beaches? Thrill-seekers can try their hand at climbing Pico Do Fogo, an active volcano, or discover the spectacular Pedra Lume salt crater. There you will discover salt lakes with striking contrasts, oscillating between white and pink, standing out against a backdrop of steep mountains and azure skies. Unmissable! Each Cape Verde island has its own distinct atmosphere, offering a wide variety of experiences for visitors.
Nature enthusiasts will be sure to make a detour to the Project Biodiversity turtle conservation center. Between August and December, visitors can observe loggerhead turtle nests and, with a bit of luck, spot baby turtles making their way across the sand… The islands are also dotted with impressive hiking trails, thanks to their magnificent mountains and majestic volcanoes – Santo Antão, São Nicolau and Fogo standing out to most walkers. With so many attractions, it’s no wonder that Cape Verde is one of the trendy destinations of the moment!